Bible Reading: Psalm 63:2-3.

In this day of the "virtual church", some people believe that you can stay home, surf the net, and be a Christian. Is there any reason to physically attend worship in a church building when you seem to have everything you need online?

When David was spiritually weary and thirsty, he declared in Psalm 63: How I wish I could go into your sanctuary to see your strength and glory, for your love and kindness are better to me than life itself." Today it is still true - there is something special about meeting in God's sanctuary with fellow believers that cannot be received by merely chatting on the internet.

Moment of Meditation: People need human contact.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:22-25.

Even in the early church, some Christians had began staying away from worship and fellowship services with other Christians. Perhaps they felt they could "go it alone". In the "Me Generation" of the 1990's, people are even more inclined to be "lone wolves".

It is important to remember that even though Jesus certainly was strong enough to "go it alone", He chose to continually fellowship with 12 men, and with countless others who followed Him. If He felt the need for fellowship with other believers, who are we to try to "go it alone"?

Moment of Meditation: A lone sheep is vulnerable to attack.

Bible Reading: Mtt. 6:5, 24:48-51, 26:23, 25; Acts 1:16-17.

"The reason I don't go to church is because of all the hypocrites there." have you ever used this excuse for not attending church? It's true! There are hypocrites in every church - people who profess to believe one thing, but their lives contradict what they profess.

Jesus left us an example to follow. He not only lived and fellowshipped with hypocrites, but one of them eventually betrayed Him to the enemy. That man, of course, was Judas Iscariot. Will Jesus accept your excuse for not associating with His children? Absolutely not!

Moment of Meditation: Go and show the hypocrites how it should be done!

Bible Reading: I Cor. 14:26; Col. 3:15-16, 4:11-15.

Attending church in itself will not save you. You must have a sincere heart-belief in Jesus Christ, and walk with Him daily. What benefit, then, is there in going to church services?

First of all, man did not create the Church - God did. And He never does anything without a purpose. He knew that we would need a source of inspiration, help, comfort, guidance and teaching. He also knew that we would need to fellowship with other believers, and that they would need to fellowship with us. The Church is His gift to us for that purpose. But it is up to us to receive His gift and benefit from it.

Moment of Meditation: The Church was not man's idea, but God's.

Bible Reading: Eph. 4:3-6.

Many churches today are loudly and vigorously advertising that they are the "only true church". Some even go so far as to tell you that you will be "lost" if you go anywhere else. Amidst all of this clamor, how do you know which church to choose?

There is no one church building,group or denomination that is the true and only church. Jesus' Church is made up of everyone who truly believes in Him, no matter what they call themselves. But you must be careful to choose a church that exalts Jesus Christ, and teaches only what he taught, the Bible.

Moment of Meditation: The church that follows Jesus is the true church.

Bible Reading: Ps. 66:1 (KJV); Zech. 2:13 (KJV); John 4:24.

In choosing a church, a person is faced with a bewildering variety of forms of worship. Which is correct? How can I truly please God in my worship?

There is no one correct way to worship God. We have Biblical examples of many forms of worship, many styles of worship. One scripture says: "Make a joyful noise" and another verse says: "Be silent before Him". The point is - be sure of Whom you are worshipping. God's only requirement is that we worship Him "in spirit and in truth". So go where you feel comfortable - as long as Jesus Christ is exalted there.

Moment of Meditation: Worship is adoration of God with the body, mind and spirit.

Bible Reading: Acts 4:12; I Cor. 1:11-13; Col. 3:17.

As there are many "name brands" in the grocery store, there are many well-recognized names in the church world today, each with their devoted followers. The same was true in the early church. Some said: "I follow Paul"; some said: "I follow Apollos". Some chose Peter, some James, as their leader. Which was right? None of them were! We were not chosen by Christ to follow and exalt anyone but Him. And, unlike an earthly leader, He is the only One who will never fail or forsake us. So do not get hung up on "name brands", seek instead to exalt the Name, Jesus Christ!

Moment of Meditation: Name brands are worldly IDs.

Bible Reading: Num. 32:1-5.

When the tribes of Reuben and Gad reached Gilead, they saw what good pasture land it was, and wanted to settle there, instead of going all the way to the Promised Land with the rest of Israel.

Isn't that like us? We want to settle on the first bit of green pasture we find, instead of going on to God's best for us. We want the easiest way out. And, please God, don't make us fight either!

But why settle for less, when we can have God's best?

Moment of Meditation: God's chosen place is our best location.

Bible Reading: Num. 32:5-16

When the tribes of Reuben and Gad refused to go across the Jordan with the rest of Israel, Moses became angry and asked, "Are you trying to discourage the rest of the people from going across to the land the Lord has given them?" This is exactly what the 10 spies did to God's people after the original Exodus from Egypt, and they wandered for 40 years in the wilderness and died there.

If we fearfully settle for less that God's best for us, we not only lose out for ourselves, but we may be discouraging others form obtaining what God has for them as well. On the other hand, if we valiantly press forward for God's best, then we will encourage those around us to do the same.

Moment of Meditation: Discouragement is contagious.

Bible Reading: Num. 32:5, 16-18.

A compromise was reached when the tribes of Reuben and Gad wanted to settle on the east side of the Jordan. Moses gave them permission to do so, if they would first fight with the rest of Israel to obtain the land west of the Jordan. They replied, "We will not settle down here until all of the people of Israel have received their inheritance."

We have a responsibility to fight for the sakes of our brothers and sisters in the Lord, even if we can't see any benefit in it for ourselves. We can't obtain God's best alone, and neither can they. For we are all one in Christ Jesus, and together we will be victorious.

Moment of Meditation: Cooperation, not competition, brings true victory.

Bible Reading: Ps. 64:1-10.

There are wicked people that do evil things in this world and seem to get by with it, and there are innocent people who suffer at their hands. Why does God allow this to happen?

The apparent prosperity of the wicked is only temporary, as is their victim's suffering. David said that God himself will "shoot down" the wicked suddenly and they will be destroyed. "Then everyone will stand in awe and confess the greatness of the miracles of God ... [the] amazing things He does. And the godly shall rejoice in the Lord."

Moment of Meditation: The wicked's prosperity brings destruction.

Bible Reading: Prov. 11:22,  I Timothy 2:9-10, I Peter3:3-4.

There have always been indiscrete fashions in the world and indiscrete women who will wear them. But it seems lately that even godly women have lost a great deal of modesty concerning what they wear in their efforts to be attractive and socially acceptable. And there seems to be a corresponding lack of moral sensitivity and good manners in our society. What does the Bible say on the subject?

Proverbs 11:22 says: "A beautiful woman lacking discretion and modesty is like a fine gold ring in a pig's snout." (Living Bible)

Moment of Meditation: Immodesty breeds immorality.

Bible Reading: Num. 33:51-53; Psalms 139:23-24..

God's command to Moses concerning the inhabitants of Canaan seems harsh and cruel today: "You must drive out all the people living there." Why was God so harsh and unyielding? Because those people were idol worshippers, practicing all manner of shameless immorality, and encouraging others to do so as well.

In our lives, we tend to go easy on the "little sins" - our bad habits, negative personality traits, social compromises. But if we want to wholeheartedly serve God, we must drive them all out.

Moment of Meditation: There is no such thing as a "little sin".

Bible Reading: Num. 33:55-56, Psalm 106:34-43.

Most Christians today are apathetic about sin in their lives. They are quick to excuse their own failings and omissions. God's warning to the Israelites concerning the inhabitants of Canaan is still relevant today: "If you refuse to drive out the people living there, those who remain will be as cinders in your eyes and thorns in your sides."

Those sins that we allow to remain will cloud our vision and fester in our sides - keeping us from God's best for our lives. Confess them to Jesus today, and ask His help in driving them all out.

Moment of Meditation: Cloudy vision brings despair.

Bible Reading: Genesis 24:34-50

If there was ever a marriage "made in heaven", it was the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. His father's servant was led by God to Rebekah - and the choice was confirmed by signs from Heaven.

But Isaac and Rebekah had more than their share of conflict and heartache. Did that mean that they were no longer "right" for each other? No, just that their marriage, although "made in heaven", had to be lived out on earth, just like ours. We all need God's help to make our marriages work.

Moment of Meditation: Marriage is hard work.

Bible Reading: Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 7:23; 2 Peter 2:1

There is a saying that: "Everybody has his price", the thought being that if you offer someone enough money, "meet their price", they'll do whatever you want them to. Are there truly people that cannot be "bought"?

I used to think that I was such a person, but one day I realized that I have already been "bought and paid for". The Son of God, Jesus Christ, met the price to free me from sin with his own precious blood. He has paid for me, and I am His. Has Jesus Christ "bought" you? Are you totally "sold out" to Him?

Moment of Meditation: Sell out your soul to the Savior.

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:22-23; 25:41-46

Horror movies are more horrible than ever today. Witness the fact that their merits are judged by "body count". I learned a long time ago that I couldn't watch horror movies and plan to sleep that night! However, many devour such fare continually. It gives them a false sense of courage to face these imaginary fears.

But what will happen on that day when the Living God will say: "Depart from me, you wicked ones!" Then the true horror will begin, an eternity without God, a separation that never ends. And no horror movie can prepare you for that. But you can be safe from it now if you trust in Jesus Christ the Lord today.

Moment of Meditation: A Godless eternity is true horror.

Bible Reading: Psalms 90:1-17; 2 Peter 3:8

Our life is measured by heartbeats, but the promises of God are often measured in decades, centuries, and even millennia. Throughout countless ages past, He has worked and will continue to work long past the demise of our personal accomplishments. He is a God of infinite patience and has an endless amount of grace to supply our every need.

So, why are we so impatient? We demand that He keep such and such a promise now in the way we wish it to come to pass. We want Him to preform a miracle immediately, if not sooner. But He will wait until the right time. We must fit into His rhythm, not expect Him to fit into ours. And He is totally trustworthy, as His eternal promises tell us. Wait on the Lord and trust in Him.

Moment of Meditation: May each beat of my heart remind me of God's unfailing love.

Bible Reading: Deut. 18:9-13; Isaiah 47:13-15; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

There is great interest today in esoteric philosophies collectively known as the New Age Movement - transchanneling, ESP, visualization, out-of-the-body experiences, and so forth. There is really nothing new about these practices, except perhaps new names for them. They are the same occult practices that God forbade Israel to engage in long ago: divination, sorcery, interpreting of omens, witchcraft, casting of spells, mediumism or spiritism. These practices are expressly forbidden by the Bible and are detestable to the Lord. They will not go unpunished. The so-called New Age Movement will not move you into new heights of mental or spiritual prowess, but into the wrath and fury of God.

Moment of Meditation: New Agers teach old lies.

Bible Reading: Deut. 28:1-2, 15-19.

If a parent failed to warn his children about the dangers and perils of life, we wouldn't think that he loved them very much. Any loving parent will warn his children about crossing busy streets, avoiding snakes, recognizing poison, and so on.

God is our Father, and in His Word are many warnings to us that we should heed. The dangers we face spiritually are potentially more deadly than accidents, venom or poison. They can cause us tragedy in this life and death eternally. God does not warn us because He is cruel or unkind, but to help us because He loves us. Go read the Bible and heed its warnings today!

Moment of Meditation: Avoid spiritual dangers by heeding heavenly warnings.

Bible Reading: Deut 29:19-20; Proverbs 10:22, 27-30.

The world has its agenda for success and we are taught that if we "play by the rules" we will achieve prosperity and happiness. However, many things that people do to "get ahead" are morally wrong and in direct contradiction to God's Word. No matter how strongly we desire to succeed, if we defy God's rules to do so, we will eventually fail. Make no mistake about it, if we are disobedient to God's Word, we will bring down curses on ourselves and our families. The truly successful person is obedient to God through the Lord Jesus Christ, and his prosperity has no sorrow added to it.

Moment of Meditation: Following Christ brings blessing with no added sorrow.

Bible Reading: Habakkuk 2:2-3; Romans 16:25-27; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 1:17, 3:3; Revelation 1:1-2

The world knows of two types of knowledge: "book learning" and "common sense". You can get book learning at school, and learn common sense by everyday living. Yet there is a third type of knowledge that many do not understand - that is revelation knowledge.

This knowledge is imparted by God to us. It cannot be obtained by scientific experimentation, or observed in everyday life. It must be received from God Himself. It explains spiritual matters not discernable by our senses or discoverable by our minds. The only place it can be found is in God's Holy Word. A truly wise person will receive this revelation from God by devoting himself to study of the Bible.

Moment of Meditation: Revelation superceeds education.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 5:11-14

"I hope you have learned your lesson!" is a familiar refrain in the households of America to the errant child facing the consequences of his disobedience.

Like an earthly father, God desires for His children to be obedient and reap the benefits of keeping His holy laws, but when we don't there is always a lesson to be learned. Being adults, we are often hard-hearted, stubborn and very difficult to teach. But God is patient and will allow the difficulty to continue, until we "learn our lesson".

Moment of Meditation: Jesus desires for us to have the child-like spirit of teachableness.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 1:43-46

Almost every large department store has a complaint department. Even if the merchandise were perfect, there would still be people who would complain about it! Is complaining a sin? It is when you complain against the Lord. Complaining and murmuring reveal a lack of faith in God's love, protection and care for you. It is saying: "God does not keep His promises"., It comes out of a heart of stubborn unbelief, a heart that wants its own selfish way, and wants it now!

Are you a complainer? Quiet yourself and come to Jesus and believe in His promises. He alone can bring you true satisfaction.

Moment of Meditation: A complaining heart is not a hearing heart.

Bible Reading: Romans 15:5-7; Ephesians 4:3-5; Philippians 2:3.

.Game shows are extremely popular on TV. Many people spend endless hours watching and playing along at home. It is no wonder that many Christians have a competitive spirit. They seem to be vying for the trophy entitled "Most Holy" or "Best Tither" or "Best Dressed"! But the Christian life is not a competiton between believers. It is a struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil: a race from here to glory. It is a relay race, though, and we all need to stick together and follow Jesus.

Moment of Meditation: Competition divides; cooperation unites.

Bible Reading: Luke 5:36-39; 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

Jesus used an illustration to teach about people's reluctance to change. "No one tears off a piece of a new garment to make a patch for an old one. Not only will the new garment be ruined, but the old garment will look worse with a new patch on it … but no one .. seems to want to fresh and the new. 'The old ways are best,' they say".

We are still resistant to change and change in itself is not always good. But often our manmade traditons are like an old garment that looks ridiculous with a patch of new material on it. God is always doing something new. Let us be ready to follow Him, cast off the old, and be clothed with the new.

Moment of Meditation: The butterfly would look ridiculous if she insisted on dragging her old chrysallis along with her after her transformation.

Bible Reading: Psalm 142:3; 2 Corinthians 5:7,16; Hebrews 11:1

We tend to judge things by our "feelings" about them. But feelings are tricky critters that are continually subject to change: affected by the weather, what we ate for lunch, or how much sleep we've missed. There are some things in life that are too important to decide on the basis of vague "feelings". One of them is our decision to follow or not to follow Jesus.

Are you avoiding serving Christ because you "just don’t feel like it"? You are risking a lot by depending on mere feeling for a decision that will effect your eternal destin. Quit depending on feelings and start depending on Jesus!

Moment of Meditation: Temporary states of emotion can have eternal consequences.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 9:7-8; 22-24; 1 Samuel 12:14-15; 2 Chronicles 24:20; Romans 1:29-31

A lady, speaking of her teenage son, was overheard saying, "He really doesn’t do anything wrong, he just disobeys me." To my mind, disobedience to parents, whether in things great or small, is a serious problem. For it leads to rebellion against all autholrity, even God. The problem that Israel had in obtaining God’s promises during the Exodus from Egypt was their rebellion aginst God’s laws. They were disobedient from the time they first left Egypt.

A teenage who fails to obey his or her parents will eventually learn obedience to authority, usually the "hard way": through tragedy or perhaps prison or illness. So parents, don’t throw up your hands in despair over your teens. They will not like it, but continue to discipline them for the glory of God. Their life may depend on it!

Moment of Meditation: Discipline is not only punishment, but training to form good character.

This passage of scripture is called the "let-us" patch because of the "Let us" statements. First, let us draw near to God. Then, let us hold on to our hope. Next, let us think about how we can spur one another on in love and good deeds. Can we accomplish any of this by staying home and watching TV? Or chatting online?

Not according to the Bible. For the last command, is let us not quit meeting together. Where do we meet together? In God's house - the church. Why should we meet together? for encouragement - making each other courageous, holding one another up, reminding each other of the faith and promises we share, making a habit of meeting together. Because we see the day of Christ's coming approaching and we need each other's support.

Moment of Meditation: A spiritual diet is not complete without "let-us"!

Bible Reading: Colossians 2:2-3; Matthew 20:25-28;Mark 9:35; John 12:26

A good consumer in the worldly sense shops around for bargains, going where the "best deals" are, lured by the sound, color, and excitement of the malls. But when this attitude influences our spiritual lives, we become "consumer Christians", coming to church with the attitude, "what's in it for me"? What does this congregation offer me in the way of spiritual satisfaction, pastoral professionalism, delicious décor, and social standing?

Instead, we should be looking for a church that exalts Christ and the Bible, and ask ourselves, "what do I have to OFFER"? Our proper attitude should be servant Christianity, to sacrifice on behalf of others and die to self. We should meet together, not as a social club, but out of love for God and one another, and a commitment and deep desire to fellowship.

Moment of Meditation: "The Church lights up when you're here, but when you're not, there's a dark corner." - Pastor Larry Meadors