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This Bible

Sep 202010

My Bible is falling apart. This burgundy, thinline, bonded leather New International Version Bible is more than 15 years old. Bonded leather is worthless in my opinion. Recently I considered replacing it with a genuine leather version that wouldn’t fall apart.

Searching my office bookcases for Bibles, I hunted for the one I had in mind. I found it. A burgundy, genuine leather, New American Standard Bible lay in my hands. But it’s thicker and heavier than my NIV and not the version I’m accustomed to.

I began to contemplate what it might take to repair my old NIV where a piece of the binding tore off; where worn edges, a bent cover, and loose pages reveal years of use; where smudged pen notations betray tearful reading sessions; and where the shiny gold edging, now dulled from handling, faintly glistens as I flip the pages. What would a Bible repairman have to do to fix my beloved but tattered Text?

As I considered more carefully the prospect of using a different Bible, I felt a hot tension squeeze my heart. What about all the markings I put in it? Carefully drawn underlines, dates indicating significant events in my life, notations made while listening to life-changing sermons. How would I replace those?

Tears trickled down my face as I recalled the moments that this worn NIV had provided comfort, strength, and encouragement. Gazing at it with tenderness, I gently picked it up and held it to my chest. This Bible is historical. It carries my life and breath and tears within its pages. I know exactly where to turn for every verse I seek.

This Bible is the one . . .
I use for every PWOC Bible study;

This Bible is the one . . .
I have carried to every church and chapel service in the last 15-plus years;

This Bible is the one . . .
My silly beagles lick when I’m sitting on the bed reading it;

This Bible is the one . . .
I reach for when I need a Psalm to calm my heart;

This Bible is the one . . .
I hold in my hands while sitting on the edge of the bed sobbing;

This Bible is the one . . .
I held open to Romans 12:1-2 while pacing the floor begging God to transform me;

And, this Bible is the one . . .
I read every day as I sit with the Lord eagerly anticipating a timely word of wisdom.

This Bible is my source of Truth, Light, and Life.
______________________________________
Today I was struck by an image on the cover of the September 2010 issue of The Voice of the Martyrs. A young Christian woman named Somchi, from the communist nation Laos and the people group Khmu, holds a charred Bible in her hands. The Laotian villagers said the Bible was responsible for her mother’s illness, so they burned it along with other Christian literature they found. Fortunately, Somchi got a new Bible at the house church she attends.

After seeing the burned Bible, I thought of my precious, well-worn and well-loved thinline NIV. It has never been confiscated. It has never been shredded. It has never been burned. And, it doesn’t need to be replaced.

Here in America I don’t need to fear someone coming into my home to destroy the Word of God. At least, not now. So while I still have my religious freedom intact — and I hope that I do until I die or until Christ returns — I intend to cherish my ragged Bible with gratitude and remember God’s faithfulness as I read every page.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . In Him was life, and that life was the light of men (John 1:1 and 4).

Beholding the Beauty of the Lord

Devotions

May 312010

Since January the Lord has directed me to change the way I study the Bible each day. I learned that the goal of reading God’s word is to behold the beauty of the Lord. What I learned came from a study I participated in at PWOC a couple of years ago by Tim Keller; which is a series of studies on prayer.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the deeper truths and as you listen to God’s word write down the answers to the following five questions. The first three ask questions of the text.

1. What does the passage say about God/Christ?
2. What does it say about yourself/mankind?
3. What is the most compelling truth you learned?

The last 2 questions are the reflection portion of God’s word where you allow the verses to ask questions of you. This helps what you learned drop down from your mind into your heart.

4. How would you be different if this truth were explosively alive in your inmost being?
5. Why is God showing you these things today?

The key to reading scripture and meditating properly on God’s word is to keep Christ central. When you read a verse such as “the Lord watches over the way of the righteous” it can be very discouraging because realistically who is righteous enough for God? Constantly pointing to Christ and saying “He did it!” brings the fire of God’s love to bear on every word. Jesus made it so our sins are credited to His account and His perfect righteousness lived for us is credited to ours. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

As time goes by, I have seen God’s beauty and I praise Him for the lessons I learned about Him during my prayer time. As you get used to studying the Bible this way, the amount of time it takes to do this process can be decreased by 5 or 10 minutes. Try it out on Psalm 1. You’ll be amazed at how the Holy Spirit can make even one verse explode truth and God’s beauty before you. Especially in light of what He’s done for you in Christ.

Journey of Transformation, Part 22

Jesus Answers, Life Happens, Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies

May 132010

The God of All Comfort

On the heels of the Halloween caper were more joy-filled moments. Judy and I got to spend a lot of time together which wouldn’t have happened under different circumstances. We listened to my Matthew Ward CD for a dose of encouragement and inspiration, and we heard good Bible teaching from the likes of Dr. Charles Stanley, Chuck Swindoll, and others. We clung to the words of hope spoken by these godly men as if clinging to life itself.

God will often give me a message from a sound preacher or teacher at just the right time to affirm something He’s taught me, or to encourage my heart. Back in November 2001 He did that through Chuck Swindoll. Chuck described trials other people had endured as he worked through 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, a passage titled The God of All Comfort.

At that time I was miserable, thin and weak, had calcifications developing on my knuckles and toes, and burning fingers that had to be covered with band aids every day. Although this wasn’t anywhere near how bad my condition would get, it was bad enough and it was all I knew.

As I listened to Chuck speak Paul’s words to the Corinthian church I was able to relate. He described much suffering including physical and emotional anguish. In verse 8 Paul mentioned the hardships he and his cohorts endured while in Asia and he even said, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.” I had those moments. I despaired of life itself.

But I had hope. I knew without a doubt that God had plans to use my tribulation to comfort and encourage other people. Eventually He would turn this ordeal into something purposeful, worthwhile, and life changing. When? I had no idea. How? That was an even greater mystery. The answers to those questions would be revealed at a later time, but there was an immediate purpose for me and my sister made clear in verse 9: “Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” Despite the urgency of our trials, God wanted us to rely on Him, not on the obvious earthly sources. Namely, doctors, ourselves, or other people. He is the source of all.

The pain we endure always has a purpose. Wrenching our brains to figure it out is futile as I have learned. But I’m desperate for purpose and meaning. I need to know that every bit of misery, loss, heartache, anguish, illness, weakness, hardship, and agony will produce something useful not only for me but for others. Isn’t that why we’re here?

First and foremost we’re here to be in relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but we are the tools He uses to minister to others. Quite often it’s our mutual suffering that lends us credibility with those who need His touch. He has invited us to partner with Him in His grand scheme of salvation and redemption. Through this partnership He uses our suffering.

I felt a call, a purpose, back then. As my body grew weaker my heart grew stronger with the expectation that God would use me one day to make a difference in the lives of others. In the meantime, I had a rocky road ahead of me and I don’t mean ice cream. The clash of the specialists was next.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES:

2 Corinthians 1:10-11, “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

____________________________

Life Happens – Jesus Answers is a weekly column addressing the challenges we face in life, coupled with the presence and grace of Jesus, our One True Source of hope and peace. The column’s author, Laura Firtko, can be reached by email here: LifeHappens@pwoc.org

Journey of Transformation, Part 12

Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies

Feb 252010

Sovereign Comfort

Once the hospital admission process was complete, I was escorted to a private room for final surgery prep. My friend never left my side from the moment she arrived late that morning. While I changed into a lovely hospital gown her husband went to find out if Steve had received the Red Cross message.

Across the room I noticed a table covered with a variety of reading materials including a Bible. I went over to pick up the Bible and underneath was a stack of small booklets. I thumbed through them and one in particular caught my eye. The title was How Can I Deal with My Loss? — A very appropriate title indeed. However, something else jumped out at me from the lower half of the cover. A white Avery label about one inch wide and four inches long displayed the following:

Compliments of:

CH (CPT) Steven Firtko and the 7-101 AVN BN UMT (Unit Ministry Team)

My heart nearly stopped. All I could think was, “No way!” Apparently my husband had been in that same hospital room ministering to a woman who also had lost a baby. Holding that booklet in my hands was like having Steve’s spirit in the room.

This sweet little gift from God proved His sovereignty and omniscience. It was all part of His grand plan for me to be in that particular room. Knowing exactly what I would need, He prompted my husband to plant a booklet with his name on it in the right place at the right time. My God shows up. When He brings or allows something difficult, He also provides a soothing balm to ease the pain.

While my friend and I marveled at God’s handiwork her husband returned with news. Steve had finally received the Red Cross message, but only after it floated around Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for a while before reaching him at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Overwhelmed by the blatant stupidity of this, I felt the anger phase of grief rising up.

My emotions were getting a little more unpredictable. Along with the emotional upheaval came hormonal upheaval. I had a good attitude one minute and anger the next. Clearly I was no longer operating on autopilot. Reality came out to bite me once again. But when my friend’s husband got Steve on the phone my fury had to wait. Our conversation went something like this:

S: How are you? Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant? What a shock.

L: I wanted to tell you in person and I fully expected to have an opportunity. This was too significant to share over the phone.

S: You know how I found out? I was sitting in class and the class leader gave me a note that said Your wife is in the hospital due to complications of pregnancy. He told me to go see the Chaplain teacher. So I went to his office, he asked me to sit down, and he closed the door. Then he spoke, “I’m sorry I have bad news. Your wife had a miscarriage.” My mouth dropped open and I exclaimed, “What? I didn’t even know she was pregnant.” Then he excused me from class to get a plane ticket. I’m in Nashville now waiting for my ride. I’ll get there as soon as I can. Love you.

L: I’m going into surgery soon. I’ll see you when it’s over. Love you too.

So he finally knew. What a horrendous shock . . . for both of us. After the surgery I would be glad I persuaded the doctor to make arrangements for me to stay overnight. And God would show up again.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES:

Dear women of PWOC, I pray and trust that the Lord is using this story to encourage and perhaps challenge you. This isn’t for me or just about me. It’s for Christ and all about how He wants to use it. Please stay connected for more. As always, you may access previous entries in Life Happens – Jesus Answers under “Categories.” Have a Christ-filled week.

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Mt. Fuji: Just a Snow Covered Mountain?

Devotions

Feb 082010

On a clear winter day I can see Mount Fuji from Yokota Air Force Base. The snow covered mountain juts high above all the surrounding mountains. It is a beautiful sight of God’s creation! I know what lies beneath the snow because I climbed Mt. Fuji last summer. Mt. Fuji is classified as an active volcano and there is a big hole or crater at the top. The mountain is covered with volcanic rock and residue that gets stuck in the shoes when trekking down the ash-covered paths. These small pieces of hardened cinder cause your feet to hurt and you have to remove them from your shoes to be able to walk comfortably. The mountain is barren; few signs of life along the path.

Buddhists named the mountain after the fire goddess, Fuchi. Located at the top of the mountain is a Shinto shrine dedicated to another goddess. Living in Japan opened my eyes to false religions. God warns His people in the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me”. Deut 4:39 says, “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.”

Mt. Fuji inspires me to reflect upon some truths: There is only one God. Our hearts have big holes or craters that only Jesus can fill. No other religion or false goddess can do that. God makes us a new beautiful creation when we trust in the shed blood of Jesus and His work on the cross. Jesus removes the sin (cinders) from our hearts and makes us white as snow. God gives us His Word that is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path to show us how to live (Psalm 119:105). He warns us to stay on the narrow path that leads to life, and not trek down ash-covered paths that will lead us astray.

Do you have a crater in your heart and need Jesus to fill it? Have you asked and trusted Jesus to forgive you and remove the cinders and give you life? As a believer, are you trekking down an ash-covered path or are you on the narrow path?

Dear God, open the eyes of people deceived by false religions to see and know the Truth. Impress upon the hearts of PWOC to arise and share the good news. Thank you for the Bible, your Word. Help us to obey your Word and live righteously, in Jesus name, Amen.

Submitted by Laura Miller, President Yokota Air Force Base, Japan

Laura Miller and her husband Mark of 20 years are stationed in Japan at Yokota Air Force base. They have 3 children, 19, 16, and 14 years old, as well as a Rat Terrier named Riley.

Bring the Word to life in a Fresh Way

Devotions, Testimonies

Jan 042010

Submitted by Diane Hall, Southeast President

The holiday season is closing and for most of us life is returning to normal. For me, it is time to sit down with a big cup of coffee and begin to evaluate, pray and discover what God would like me to accomplish in the year ahead. I am a person that loves disciplines, schedules and lists; therefore this is an exhilarating experience. Yet, it is simply a tool. The key to success is effectively using the tools!

One of my favorite spiritual tools is studying the Bible. Diving into God’s word and dissecting its meaning brings delight as I learn precepts and gain wisdom. But, like the tools used to accomplish goals in my life, I have to actually use it. Repeatedly I have every intention to simply read scripture, not even dive into it. Despite that, the book is often not opened and I neglect to use the tool God has given me.

While it is important to study God’s word, using it as a tool for learning is not sufficient. Attaining knowledge without application is merely an intellectual pursuit. Satan used his knowledge of God words to tempt Eve in the garden. (Gen 3:1-7) He even went as far as to misquote scripture while attempting to lure Christ from God’s plan in the wilderness. (Matt 4:1-11) God’s word needs to be hidden in our hearts but it also must change our lives. (Ps 119:11)

I challenge you to make a list of goals for the coming year. That list should include daily time in God’s word. Ultimately, when this is accompanied with meditation and prayer, God changes us with His word. (Heb 4:12)

The key to success is effectively using the tools! Specifically, God’s tools!

Comfort

Real life stories

Nov 182009

Submitted by Mary Crow

Today, we had Praise Team practice to prepare for the next two weeks of PWOC. I had just enjoyed a wonderful time with a handful of some of my favorite ladies while praising the Lord. I don’t think it gets much better than that! Anyway, I was driving, and had to drop a friend off at her house before rushing home to grab a late lunch. Suddenly, something in my back was tweaked and it hurt to even breathe. I had been putting off getting a check-up on an old injury, and it now had escalated beyond being ignored.

I dropped her off and came home. After feeding my three year old something, I changed while hoping that it would dissipate. It didn’t. I chose super-comfortable clothes and grabbed a sandwich, then sat still. Still, it did not stop. I had no choice but to go and wait at my friend’s house for kids from the bus (our daily ritual). The pain was unrelenting. Luckily, I recalled that I had pizza in the freezer. Thank the Lord that I didn’t have to cook dinner.

Hours later, after adding hefty pain killers, heating pad treatments, and sitting still as much as I could despite the strong drive I’ve had lately to clean and purge due to an upcoming PCS, I prayed. Why didn’t I do that first? Because life got in the way. I used Facebook as the wonderful tool that it is to ask for prayer. It’s still hurting, though, even through everything.

I finally cracked open my bible and began to read. The most interesting thing happened when I started turning the pages of the Word of God. Verses started jumping out at me like nothing as I flipped around through my bible.
Then I would still have this consolation—my joy in unrelenting pain—that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.(Job 6:10) Yet if I speak, my pain is not relieved; and if I refrain, it does not go away.(Job 16:6) Night pierces my bones; my gnawing pains never rest.(Job 30:17) Job has been where I am now. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. (Psalm 38:7) For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. (Psalm 38:17) I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. (Psalm 69:29) David has, too. So has Jesus, as we all have been taught.

While my head knows that there is nothing new under the sun, sometimes my heart doesn’t want to believe it or cannot fathom the idea. Sometimes, it takes something as out-of-control as an agonizing pain, or a small annoyance to make us do what we were meant to do. I should know this from those scripture examples. Job and David didn’t have the Holy Spirit leading them the way I do, nor did they have a bible to turn to in times of trouble. Where did they turn? Directly to God.

The next time that I have a problem, I won’t turn to worldly things. I won’t run to a friend, lean on my spouse, or rely on medicine to fix me. I’ll go directly to my Daddy, my Heavenly Father. I’ll curl up in His lap. I’ll beg for His comfort. I’ll request His healing. He should be the one who I turn to first, just like my daughter turns to her parents when she is in need. After all, didn’t Jesus say to come as a child?

Reformation Day

Devotions

Oct 262009

Most people see October 31 as Halloween. But there is another celebration that many Christians are not aware of, and that is Reformation Day. A monk by the name of Martin Luther started the Reformation on this day in 1517 by nailing the 95 theses (points to consider) to the Wittenburg door in Germany. The 95 theses started a debate that continues to reverberate to this day and will continue to do so through the ages.

The main point of those 95 theses was that our righteousness before God comes by faith and not by our works or good deeds. You cannot make what you’ve done wrong right by doing something else like penance/more good works/ paying money. Luther was converted on Romans 1:17 “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” No wonder, then, that when he read and believed this portion of scripture he said “Here I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates…”

Luther learned from the Bible that the holy and righteous God demanded righteousness and he (Luther) was not righteous enough to satisfy His requirement. Luther would confess for three hours and still feel unworthy. He learned from looking through the Scriptures that we are not merely sinners because we sin,we are sinners at the very root of our being. Sin is not what we do it is a matter of who we are. Nothing we can do can overcome that. He learned that it was futile to look to any mediator besides Jesus (1Timothy 2:5). We come to God only through Christ, and we come to Christ on the cross, for He bears the penalty of our sin and suffers in our place (Galatians 3:10-14). The resurrection is our victory over sin and death. We are not justified before God by our works or merits but by faith alone through grace alone. When God looks at us He sees the perfect work of His Son, not one spot of our sin. Christ paid for it in full. We are righteous because our Savior was righteous for us. Our great God is a merciful God who gives us the gift of faith through His Son Jesus Christ. He loves us with a love that is beyond the bounds of human imagination. This is the fuel behind everything we do to the glory of God. And when we live life – all of it – for the glory of God, we are engaged in the most profound of activities. We are doing something that matters truly and ultimately. In the service of the glory of God there is nothing little at all. Consider this October 31st be one more day of the year to celebrate what Jesus did for you.

Quotes from“The Reformation, How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World.”

PWOC Writers Wanted!

News & Announcements

Jul 312009

PWOC International Blog

This Bible

Beholding the Beauty of the Lord

Journey of Transformation, Part 22

The God of All Comfort

Journey of Transformation, Part 12

Sovereign Comfort

Mt. Fuji: Just a Snow Covered Mountain?

Bring the Word to life in a Fresh Way

Comfort

Reformation Day

PWOC Writers Wanted!

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