BJU Press Blog

Devotions

REMISSION

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cover image of Wonderful Words

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). “Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43). “Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:25). “Without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22).

Golden thought: Whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (September 16 reading).]

REFUGE

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cover image of Wonderful Words

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27). “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee” (Psalm 9:9–10). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). “Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge” (Psalm 57:1). “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust” (Psalm 91:2). “But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge” (Psalm 94:22). “Refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living” (Psalm 142:4–5).

Golden thought: The eternal God is your refuge.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (September 9 reading).]

REAP

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[Wisdom that is ”from above,” writes James, is “peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated” (James 3:17). This kind of wisdom truly nourishes us with its simplicity and depth. I am pleased to bring to you regular excerpts from Dr. Stewart Custer’s book of daily devotionals—Wonderful Words. Whether you’re “meeting” him for the first time or are already acquainted with his devotional writings, I trust you will enjoy the rare spiritual delights to be gleaned in these posts.]

cover image of Wonderful Words
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5). “And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth” (John 4:37). “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:7–9).

Golden thought: In due season we shall reap if we faint not.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (September 2 reading).]

Easter Word-Art Cross

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text from Romans 5:12, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10, John 3:16, Isaiah 53:7, Mark 15:37-38, Romans 5:6, Romans 5:8, John 3:17, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 2 Corinthians 5:21

This Easter, I wanted to share a printable with you that would be different from the normal Easter activities/crafts. With a little help, I  created this word-art cross. The words come directly from the Bible, telling the true story of our sin, our need of a Savior, God’s loving provision, and Christ’s sacrifice that allows us to stand righteous before God.

Most of the passages are probably familiar, but in case they aren’t, I’ve also included the Scripture references. You can view the PDF version by selecting the image. Please print it out, read the verses, and remember this action of God’s love.

I hope this word-art cross is a blessing to you and your children. May you have a blessed Easter remembering Him.

We Are God’s Pottery

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A few years ago, I got to experience a different kind of classroom. I sat in a large sun-filled studio for my first-ever lesson in pottery making. After throwing my clay into the center of the wheel and molding it into a cone shape, I waited with my hands poised, listening to the instructor explain how to start the wheel. “You’re going to find that the clay wants to spin off the wheel,” she said, “but it has to stay right there in the center.”

clay pots on shelvesSure enough. Only a few seconds after I started my wheel, I realized my clay had a mind of its own. I was trying to focus on pressing the cone tip down to become the base of my pot, but my lump of clay seemed intent on sliding out from under my hands. Two or three times in the process of forming the pot, I felt that obstinate clay go slightly airborne, inching its way off the wheel, and I had to exert extra pressure to bring it back. Why does clay act that way?

Granted, I lacked skill as a potter and really had no idea what I was doing, so the fault was probably mine. But I couldn’t help noting the spiritual analogy and pondering it for days after I left the pottery classroom. Why do I act like that clay when I’m on God’s wheel? Why do I try to maneuver myself out of the “molding” situations His providence puts me in for my own good? Why do I inch away from His hands when He points out a sin I need to confess? Why do I often try to “slide out from under” His loving work of making me more like Christ?

I guess the process of pottery making is anything but comfortable for the clay. But if only that recalcitrant lump could see the beautiful vision of what the Potter has for it, the last thing it would want to do is “spin off the wheel.” It would draw a figurative breath of joyful wonder and say, “Have Thine own way, Lord! . . . Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.”

Reference

Adelaide A. Pollard, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” Rejoice Hymns (Greenville, SC: Majesty Music, 2011), 494 (emphasis added).