Daily Hope 01/02/2010

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Posted by Rick Warren
But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! Romans 1:19 (MSG)

About 35 years ago, I was at a camp in the mountains. Alone in a room, I prayed, "God, if there is a God, I'm open. If you're real, I want to know you're real. And, Jesus Christ, if you can change my life, if there is a purpose for my life, I want to know it."



You know what happened? I didn't get goose bumps. I didn't cry. No bright lights shown down. Nothing like that.



Yet, still, it was the turning point in my life - because I was no longer biasing myself against God. I wanted to know the truth, even if it was inconvenient.



Truth can be discovered, but first we have to have an attitude of openness that says, "I want the truth more than anything else." Once you choose that attitude, you can discover the truth. How?



First, through creation --



We learn a lot about God, a lot about truth, just by looking at nature. This is why science is so important. It helps us understand God and His universe.



For instance, by knowing that there are 60,000 varieties of beetles, we learn God likes variety. By seeing a volcano, a tidal wave, or an earthquake, we learn God is powerful. From the delicately balanced ecosystem, we can observe God is incredibly organized.



The Bible says, "The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse." Romans 1:19-20 (MSG)



God will also lead us to the truth through conscience, careful consideration, God's commandments, and through Jesus Christ.

Daily Hope Devotional

Friday January 01 2010 12:00 AM
A Resolution Worth Keeping

Friday January 01 2010 12:00 AM

Posted by Rick Warren
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)

Today's Guest Devotional is from Jon Walker, author of 'Growing with Purpose.'



If you're thinking about making some New Year's Resolutions, consider this one from The Apostle: "This year I resolve to know nothing but Christ and him crucified."



Paul's message is radically simple: Salvation is in Christ alone. What does this mean?



It's not Christ plus your good behavior.

It's not Christ plus the years you taught a Bible study.

It's not Christ plus your tithe.

It's not Christ plus the church you attend.

It's not Christ plus the number of verses you memorize.

It's not Christ plus your title in the church.

It's not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar.

It's not Christ plus a desert fast (or even a dessert fast!).

It's not Christ plus a good driving record.

It's not Christ plus well-behaved children.

It's not Christ plus the right job.

It's not Christ plus the right spouse.

It's not Christ plus the latest technology.

It's simply Christ. Christ plus nothing.



That's a message that is as right throughout the coming year as it will be in 2999. May your new resolution for the year be nothing but Christ and him crucified.