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One can never c o n s e n t t o c r e e p when one feels the compulsion

t o s o a r .– Helen Keller

Like Abraham,Don’t be afraid to leave

your comfort zone.

Like Joshuaand Caleb,

Don’t be afraidof giants.

Like Daniel,Don’t be afraid

of the Lion’s Den.

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and

Abednego,Don’t be afraid

of the fire.

Like Peter,Don’t be afraid

to step out of the boat.

A good Christian is courageous.Go do something big.

T R AV E L L O G : M o n d a y 1 1 - 0 4 - 1 3 QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS

CHECK THE MAPActs 5:30-42

Q. How do we know Jesus existed?

A. This is a pretty easy question. The main reason we know Jesus existed isthe Bible, which is absolute truth. Besides the Bible, we know Jesus existed

through historical and archeological evidence.

Believing that Jesus existed is just like believing that Julius Caesar existed. Weknow he existed because of historical records. Tacitus, a noted historian, writesthat in A.D. 64, Nero was persecuting Christians and says, “the originator of the

name [Christian], Christ, had been executed…by order of…Pontius Pilate.”Tacitus goes on to say that Christianity was breaking out not only in Judea,

Jesus’ birthplace, but also in Rome. Another historian, Josephus, wroteAntiquities of the Jews somewhere around A.D. 70. In it he says:

“There appeared Jesus, a wiseman, if indeed he should be called a man, forhe was the performer of amazing works, and a teacher of those who receivethe truth…. He won over many Jews and many Greeks. He was the Messiah.

Pilate…condemned him to be crucified, but those who had first loved him didnot give up. On the third day he appeared to them, alive again…And still to

this day the race of Christians, named after him, has not died out.”

The archeological evidence for the existence of Jesus is not overwhelming, butit is interesting. In 1878, a large marble slab was discovered in Nazareth. It

was an ordinance of Caesar from around the time of Jesus’ crucifixion. Itstated that anyone caught robbing graves would be put to death. Because

grave robbing was a common and minor crime in those days, the ordinance isproof that the government was embarrassed by Christ’s resurrection. They

were trying to cover up the resurrection by making it look like a grave robbery.

More archeological evidence was found just outside Jerusalem in 1945. AnIsraeli professor found a sealed tomb containing five caskets. The caskets

were decorated with phrases like “Jesus’ help” and“Jesus, let Him arise.” These caskets date to onlytwenty years after the crucifixion. It is safe to say

that the people buried in those caskets actuallyfollowed Jesus when he was ministering on earth.

(The questions and some content for this week’s devotions areadapted from FAQs about Jesus by Max Anders.)

Being able to give solid evidence for the existence of Jesus to a nonbelieveris one step toward leading him or her to know Him personally. One of the

most compelling evidences is the fact that Christianity is still strong today.Jesus, born almost two thousand years ago, still has committed followers.

TANK UP!John 3:17

H o w d o w e k n o w J e s u s e x i s t e d ?

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T R AV E L L O G : Tu e s d a y 1 1 - 0 5 - 1 3QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS

CHECK THE MAPPhilippians 2:3-11 W h a t w a s J e s u s l i k e ?

Q. What was Jesus like, being both God and Man?

A. Understanding what Jesus was like is simple: Jesus had all the

characteristics of a man, but never gave up any characteristics of God. Jesus

was fully God and fully man. In Philippians 2:6-7, the words servant and

humble are used to describe Jesus. Yet in verse 9-11, we are exalting Him,

bowing to Him, and saying that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” God gave Jesus a

human body so that He could experience what we experience, live how we

live, and feel what we feel. But He didn’t take away any of Jesus’ “God-ness.”

Jesus was perfect; He made no mistakes; He didn’t sin.

Jesus only took on the likeness of a man; He didn't give up His deity. While on

earth, Jesus’ glory was hidden. Look up Matthew 17:2 to see what Jesus

really looked like.

The Bible makes it clear that while Jesus was on earth, He still possessed the

attributes of God—attributes like being everywhere at once, being all-

powerful, and being all-knowing. Look up the following verses; they prove

that Jesus had these attributes while on earth:

Matthew 18:20

Matthew 28:18

Mark 2:8

I haven’t even mentioned the miracles that Jesus performed during His

ministry. Jesus’ main reason for doing miraculous things was to show us that

He was both God and man.

TANK UP!John 3:17

T R AV E L L O G : W e d n e s d a y 1 1 - 0 6 - 1 3 QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS

CHECK THE MAPJohn 10:18

Q. How did Jesus influence others?

A. There are so many ways to answer that question! But mainly, Jesusinfluenced others simply by living His life. The way Jesus lived was

dramatically different from the way anyone else lived. The things that He saidwere contrary to what the religious traditions of the day taught. Jesus was

different and people knew it! Jesus grew up like anyone else. He could havecome to earth fully grown and taken over the world. Instead, He lived just like

you or me, but with one exception—He never had a bad attitude and neversinned. Luke 2:52 says that He increased in wisdom, stature, and favor with

both God and men. Jesus’ testimony was spotless and people noticed.

Jesus influenced others because He was overwhelmingly compassionate. Oneexample of this compassion is found in Matthew 8:2-3. Leprosy was one of

the most disgusting, disfiguring diseases of Jesus’ day. Anyone that hadleprosy yelled, “Unclean! Unclean!” so that others would stay away. Being in

the same room with a leper was unheard of. Then Jesus comes along andtouches one! Jesus didn’t have to touch the man in order to heal him, but He

did out of compassion. That touch from Jesus made the leper, who hadn’t hadhuman contact since contracting his disease, feel loved and accepted.

Jesus influenced others by His teaching. Throughout His ministry, Jesus had abig following. He would draw a crowd; people would come from miles to hearwhat He had to say. And when they listened to Him, they were in awe. Jesus’

teaching was different than anything they had ever heard. Jesus spoke ofloving God and your neighbor, not just of following

laws and traditions. Mark 1:22 says that people wereastonished by His teaching because He taught with

authority, like He was sent directly from God.

Jesus’ life is compelling, even to the nonbeliever.The Bible gives many examples of Jesus confusing

religious leaders and displaying behavior that was uncommon. Read Matthew22:34-40 to see how He influenced a group of Pharisees. Read Luke 19:1-10

to see how He influenced Zacchaeus. Read 1 Peter 2:18-24 to see how Heshould influence you.

TANK UP!John 3:17

H o w d i d J e s u s i n f l u e n c e o t h e r s ?

T R AV E L L O G : T h u r s d a y 1 1 - 0 7 - 1 3QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS

CHECK THE MAPLuke 7:36-50 Why did Jesus challenge religious leaders?

Q. Why did Jesus challenge religious leaders?

A. When Jesus challenged religious leaders, as seen in Luke 7, he was reallychallenging religious tradition. Three groups of religious leaders existed inJesus’ day—Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes. The main goal of thesereligious groups was to claim power over the people they were supposed tobe leading into relationships with God. These groups used petty laws tofurther their own careers.

The main reason Jesus challenged them was because they would havenothing to do with “sinners.” They shunned sinners and would have nocontact with them. Jesus did the opposite and this created controversy. Hetalked to adulterers, healed sinners, and ate with tax collectors. Mostimportantly, Jesus showed these sinners the way to God by treating themwith respect and love. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes were moreworried about appearances than truly helping someone in need.

Jesus also challenged the way they viewed tradition above the law. Jesusmade it clear that He wasn’t there to destroy the law; He wanted to fulfill it(see Matthew 5:17). One tradition that the Pharisees viewed as law was thefact that no work be done on the Sabbath. Jesus had a habit of performingmiracles on the Sabbath. This outraged the Pharisees (see Luke 6:1-11). Butwhen they got mad, they were just exposing the coldness of their hearts.Shouldn’t a miraculous healing be celebrated, no matter what day of theweek it happens on?

Jesus came to earth to save the lost. He did thatby opening people's eyes to what wasimportant—loving God and your neighbor.This went against everything the religiousleaders had taught, and that’s why Jesuschallenged them so often.

Being a Christian isn’t about following a list of rules; it’s about what’s in yourheart. Are you more concerned with how you look to other Christians thanhow you look to God? God knows what’s in your heart. Are you really trying tohave a personal relationship with God?

TANK UP!John 3:17

T R AV E L L O G : F r i d a y 1 1 - 0 8 - 1 3 QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS

CHECK THE MAPLuke 22:39-44

Q. What did Jesus reveal about how to live our lives?

A. The best way to answer this question is to look directly at Jesus’ life.

Jesus was about to be crucified; He knew it and went to the Garden of

Gethsemane to pray. He was in agony, sweating drops of blood and asking

God to remove this duty from Him. He also says, “…not my will but thine be

done.” Jesus, even though He was about to go through terrible pain and

humiliation, is in total obedience to God the Father. That’s the most important

lesson we can learn about how to live life—be totally obedient to God the

Father.

Look up the following passages. Under each passage write down the lesson

that you can learn from the life of Jesus.

Matthew 4:1-10:

Matthew 9:35-38:

Mark 10:26-30:

John 4:5-26:

John 11:1-43:

TANK UP!John 3:17

W h a t d i d J e s u s r e v e a l ?

QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS

CHECK THE MAPJohn 3:16-17

T R AV E L L O G : S a t u r d a y1 1 - 0 9 - 1 3 Q & A R e v i e w


T R AV E L L O G : S u n d a y 1 1 - 1 0 - 1 3

If you are reading this, most likely you are a Christian. The name Christian

comes directly from the word Christ. Jesus Christ is not only the founder of your

religion, but He is also the Savior of your world. What can you do to show others

that you are one of His followers? This week, which question and answer helped

you learn more about Jesus? Which question and answer inspired you to get to

know Jesus better?

Let’s review the questions about Jesus we answered this week.

Q. How do we know Jesus existed?

• The Bible tells us about His life, death, and resurrection.• Historians such as Tacitus and Josephus wrote about Him in history books.• Archeological evidence: an ordinance from Caesar outlawing grave robbing

to cover up Jesus’ resurrection; five caskets with Jesus’ name inscribed onthem.

Q. What was Jesus like being both God and man?

• Jesus had all the characteristics of a man, but never gave up anycharacteristics of God. (Jesus was fully God and fully man.)

• He was human in body, but could do and say things that only God coulddo and say.

Q. How did Jesus influence others?

• Jesus influenced others by living a sinless life.• Jesus influenced others by showing compassion and teaching about love.

Q. Why did Jesus challenge religious leaders?

• Because the religious leaders were prideful and used the law to their ownadvantage.

• Because they rejected sinners—the very people Jesus was trying to save.

Q. What did Jesus reveal about how to live?

• Jesus taught us to trust and obey God.• Jesus taught us to show love and compassion.

T R AV E L L O G : M o n d a y 1 1 - 1 1 - 1 3 STRONG WOMEN

CHECK THE MAPExodus 2:1-10; 14:29-31;

15:20-21

Our first introduction to Miriam is in the second chapter of Exodus. Pharaoh

has decreed that all babies under the age of two be killed because he feared

that the Messiah would come to take his place of power. One of the babies

born during this time was Moses. Moses’ mother hid him for three months

and then sent him down the river in a basket in hopes that he would be

saved. Pharaoh’s daughter rescued him and unwittingly brought about the

future deliverance of God’s people. But this did not take place without some

help. Miriam was watching her brother’s basket as it floated down the river.

When Pharaoh’s daughter picked it up, Miriam immediately suggested that

her mother nurse the baby. Later on in Miriam’s life, we see that she shared

in the excitement of the parting of the Red Sea. After the miracle took place,

Miriam led a celebration. All of the Israelite women followed Miriam as she

sang praises to God and thanked Him for His mercy.

Miriam was a strong woman. Even as a child she possessed enough

confidence and quick-wittedness to make a suggestion to Pharaoh’s

daughter. Miriam played an important role in the deliverance of Israel from

Egyptian captivity. If she had not spoken up, Moses, God’s chosen one, may

not have survived. Miriam displayed her strength again when leading the

Israelite women in celebration over God’s miraculous parting of the Red Sea.

The women respected her enough to follow her lead; they were willing to

display their thankfulness under her guidance.

How about you? Are you a natural born leader? Not

every one has the ability to lead (or the desire to),

but everyone does have a leadership role in some

form or another. If you have brothers and/or

sisters, you are a leader. If you teach Sunday

school, you are a leader. If you help out in church,

you are a leader. If you are in high school, you are a leader. There is always

someone who is looking up to you. How will you handle this responsibility?

TANK UP!Proverbs 18:10

Mi r i am : Na t u r a l Bo r n L e ade r

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T R AV E L L O G : Tu e s d a y 1 1 - 1 2 - 1 3STRONG WOMEN

CHECK THE MAP2 Kings 22:11-20; 23:1-3 H u l d a h : T r u t h S p e a k e r

In the eighteenth year of the reign of King Josiah over Judah, the book of the

law was discovered. Most scholars believe that this was the book of

Deuteronomy or at least a portion of it. When the scrolls were found, they

were brought before the king and read aloud. The words in the book caused

King Josiah to tear his robes in anguish. It appeared that God was going to

judge His people. Josiah needed confirmation, so the scrolls were taken to a

prophetess named Huldah. Huldah confirmed Josiah’s fears by telling him

that the Lord was going to bring disaster to this place and its people because

they were worshiping other gods. But Huldah offers hope when she reveals

that because King Josiah wept and tore his robes in anguish, God would not

bring judgment during his reign.

As a result of Huldah’s prophecy, the greatest religious reform Judah had ever

seen took place. Josiah burned all the false images, did away with the pagan

priests and those who burned incense to Baal, and ground shrines to the god

Asherah into powder. These physical actions resulted in a heart change from

the people of Judah. They, with their king, made a promise to worship the

Lord and keep His commands.

Huldah’s words caused real, astonishing change. Huldah was not afraid to

speak the truth to her king and her people. Because of that, Judah experienced

the grace of God and a spiritual revival.

What about your words? Do they cause

change? Are they respected? Do they help

others? Do they heal those in pain? Do you

speak the truth? Are you afraid to speak the truth to non-Christian friends, co-

workers or strangers? Learn from Huldah and speak the truth. Your words

might have a lasting, positive impact on another life.


T R AV E L L O G : W e d n e s d a y 1 1 - 1 3 - 1 3 STRONG WOMEN

CHECK THE MAPLuke 7:36-50

The woman of Luke 7:36-50 is not named, but we do know some things

about her character:

• She was a sinner. The Bible mentions this fact several times.

• She knew Jesus could forgive her sins so she looked for Him at

Simon’s house.

• She was brave. She boldly entered a complete stranger’s house

and made her way toward Jesus.

• She didn’t care what others thought of her. She washed Jesus’

feet with her tears and hair and made a spectacle of herself.

This woman possessed great strength. Even though she was a sinner and her

sins were known by many (in verse 39 we see that even Simon knew of her

sin), she did not fear man. She boldly walked through the door of Simon’s

house and sat at Jesus’ feet. Imagine the way she must have looked. The

woman was distressed and weeping because of her sin. She desperately

needed the forgiveness of her Lord and did not care how she was perceived

as she washed Jesus’ feet.

In what ways are you like this woman? Are you brave

and bold for Jesus’ sake? Do you cry out to Him for

love and forgiveness? Do you trust that He will

always forgive your sins? This sinful woman was

willing to lose herself to gain her Lord. Are you

willing to lose yourself in order to gain blessings

from the Lord? This sinful woman risked ridicule and rejection in order to

serve Jesus by washing His feet. What are you willing to risk for Jesus’ sake?


The S in fu l Woman: Bo ld and Brave

T R AV E L L O G : T h u r s d a y 1 1 - 1 4 - 1 3STRONG WOMEN

CHECK THE MAP1 Kings 10:1-13 The Queen of Sheba: Wisdom Seeker

The queen of Sheba was a pagan queen, a queen who did not believe in God.

She kept hearing of King Solomon. She heard that he was wise, powerful, and

wealthy, but she was most intrigued by the great wisdom which everyone

said he possessed. Rather than just listen to the stories told of King Solomon,

the queen of Sheba decided to see this man for herself. She loaded up her

servants, packed her bags, and set out on the 1500 mile journey to visit the

wisest man in the world. She was a woman with a mission. But what was her

mission? Why did she travel so far to talk with Solomon? The queen of Sheba

valued wisdom more than power and wealth, and she was searching for

something. She knew that if Solomon was as wise as everyone said he was,

then he could help her find what she was looking for.

When she reached Israel, the queen was greeted by King Solomon. The queen

asked Solomon difficult questions. In other words, she “picked his brain.” She

wanted to learn everything she could in the time that she spent with him. By

the end of her visit and conversations with Solomon, the queen of Sheba

attributed all of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth to God. It appears that the

queen found what she was looking for…God.

The queen was willing to stop at nothing to find the answer to all of her

questions. Sometimes we come to that same point in our lives with one

difference…we are not willing to search until we find our answer. Sometimes

we yearn for something more in our spiritual life and are searching for more

from God, but we give up because the daily

grind of life gets in the way. Sometimes we

see searching the Scriptures, asking God

questions, and spending time talking to Him

through prayer as too difficult. Don’t let

spending time with God become just one more

thing to add to your “to do list.” If a pagan queen stopped her life to travel

1500 miles (probably on a camel or an elephant) to visit with God’s man, why

can’t we make time for God Himself?


T R AV E L L O G : F r i d a y 1 1 - 1 5 - 1 3 STRONG WOMEN


Dorcas was a servant of God who was known for her good works throughout

Joppa, a town on the Mediterranean coast. Her good works were practical—

she gave the poor food, clothing, and shelter. Dorcas was well-known in her

community, so when she became ill, one can imagine the sadness that the

townspeople, especially those she had helped, were feeling. When she finally

surrendered to her illness, there was great mourning as the women of Joppa

prepared her body for burial. But there was not meant to be a burial for

Dorcas. Peter rushed to Joppa, prayed over her body, and she was

miraculously revived.

Why do you think Dorcas was brought back to life? Notice in verse one that

she is referred to as a “disciple.” While many women followed Jesus, only

Dorcas has the honor of being specifically referred to as a disciple. This word

means “to learn” or “to follow.” Because Dorcas followed the teachings of

Jesus, she helped the poor; that was her way of serving Jesus. I can’t help

but think that because Dorcas was so well-known, God allowed her to die so

that many would know Him through her resurrection. I imagine that she was

also brought back to life because her good works in this life were not yet

over. People still needed her for help, kindness, and mercy.

Can you fathom being used by God in such a way? First of all, imagine being

referred to as a disciple. God specifically points to you and says, “(Your name

here) is my disciple.” Then, imagine being God’s

disciple by ministering to His people…broken and

bruised people whom He loves dearly. Now,

imagine dying and living again so that you could

bring glory and honor to Him. Dorcas served God

with her life, and was honored with the title of disciple. God longs to give us

the same title. Do you think God can call you His disciple and servant? Are

you doing everything you can to live up to that title?


D o r c a s : G o d ’ s D i s c i p l e

STRONG WOMEN

CHECK THE MAP2 Samuel 21:8-14

T R AV E L L O G : S a t u r d a y1 1 - 1 6 - 1 3 R i z p a h : F a i t h f u l M o u r n e r



We studied the lives of six women this week. In John 19:26-27 we see thatJesus, even on the verge of death, took the time to take care of a strong womanin His life—His mother. Think of a strong woman in your ife—your mother,grandmother, aunt, or a friend.

Read Matthew 19:19. This is a simple verse with a simple command. How haveyou honored the strong women in your life? Do something thoughtful for one ofthem today!

Rizpah’s sons were executed because of the sins of their father, Saul. Saulknew that his ancestors had promised peace to the Gibeonites, but he brokethis oath and tried to destroy them anyway. As punishment for this brokenpromise, the Gibeonites demanded that King David give them seven of Saul’soffspring for execution. David submitted to this request and that’s where wepick up our Bible reading for today. Rizpah, the mother of two of the executed,goes to the execution sight, spreads sackcloth on a rock, and sits thereprotecting her sons’ bodies from birds and wild animals. Rizpah sat there forseven long months, and her community took notice of her. They told King Davidof her long vigil, so he ordered the bodies to be taken for a proper burial.

Why did Rizpah subject herself to such conditions? Did she do it out of love?Was she trying to prove a point? Probably a little of both. Rizpah loved herchildren so much that she did not want anything to defile their dead bodies.Rizpah also wanted to make a point to the community that not giving hersons a proper burial was wrong. Rizpah’s determination paid off. David tooknotice of her faithfulness and rewarded her with a proper burial for her sons.

God asks us to be faithful like Rizpah. She persevered through the rain andthe cold, battled with fatigue, and fought off wild animals for the love of hersons. Our love for God should cause us to be faithful to Him even when webattle rejection, illness, and all manner of hardships. During these times, Godis still there and He will reward us if we are faithful to Him.

T R AV E L L O G : M o n d a y 1 1 - 1 8 - 1 3 THE DIFFERENCE IN YOU

CHECK THE MAPMatthew 9:9-13

Tax collectors, or publicans were among the most despised of all in Jesus’ day.

These tax collectors would take some of the money they collected and use it

for themselves. They were disloyal Israelites hired by the Romans to tax other

Jews for personal profit. They became symbols for ruthless, crooked people.

In verse nine, Jesus told Matthew, one of the wretched tax collectors, to

follow Him. Matthew left everything, arose, and followed Jesus. In verse ten,

Jesus sat at the table with tax collectors and “sinners.”

The Pharisees could not understand this, and they asked the disciples why their

teacher ate with such dishonest, corrupt people. I thought it was so wise of

Jesus when He told the Pharisees to go and learn what it all means in verse

13. This phrase was commonly used as a rebuke for those who did not know

something they should have known. If you are to be different, you too will have

to go and learn what it means to have mercy on others whom you might think

of as sinners. God wants them saved. God wants heart obedience from you,

not external, ritual law enforcers (Hosea 6:6; 1 Samuel 15:22).

The Pharisees thought they were fine—religiously pure and whole, but they

really weren’t. They tended to focus on the outward only—to the neglect of

the inward. This made them harsh, judgmental, and self-righteously scornful

of others. The outsiders—sinners—who were dining with Jesus, knew they

didn’t deserve Jesus’ attention. It’s a fact that salvation cannot come to the

self-righteous (Pharisees), but only to those who know

they are sinners and admit their sin.

The Pharisees accused Jesus of being a glutton, a

drunk, and a friend of tax collectors and sinners

(Matthew 11:19). Some of us find it extremely

difficult to help those whom they consider to be

deep in sin. If you struggle with this, think about what Jesus would have you

do regarding those who are failing. You know what He would expect of you,

don’t you?

TANK UP!Psalm 33:21

P u b l i c a n s a n d P h a r i s e e s

GAW/DS/VC/GW

T R AV E L L O G : Tu e s d a y 1 1 - 1 9 - 1 3THE DIFFERENCE IN YOU

CHECK THE MAPJames 3:1-10 U n t a m e d S p e e c h

William Shakespeare said, “Give thy thoughts no tongue.” While your thoughts

are to be pure and good, you know that won’t be the case all the time. You’ll

have to watch out for those times when you’re powerless and weak. It’s

during those times that you will gossip, tell untruths, exaggerate, or just plain

lie. This type of talking affects and infects others; it’s careless speaking. Our

good judgment tells us we shouldn’t do this. Others will notice the difference

in you if your speech is tamed.

This is why James 3 says the tongue should be under control. Then it says

that no one can tame the tongue. Is there any hope for you or me? While you

are responsible to do right, you are powerless without God’s help to do right.

If you can hold your tongue, you are accomplishing a lot!

A horrifying description is in James 3:6: the tongue is a fire, a world of

iniquity set on fire of hell. Like fire, the tongue’s evil words can destroy and

reduce others to rubble. The tongue can contaminate the whole person. If this

doesn’t make you want to watch what you say, nothing will!

James 3:9 says the tongue praises God, but also curses men. We are not to

wish evil on people made in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26). How often have

you done this? Do your best to be responsible when you speak.

Paul explains the desire to do right and why it is difficult in Romans 7:18. He

tells us he knows that in him, in his flesh, nothing good dwells and he can’t

even do anything good. Then, in verse 24, he

says he is a wretched man. His sin nature is

overwhelming, but in chapter eight, he begins

with hope and describes how the Holy Spirit

in the believer has the power to cause him

to do right. It is the same with you and me. We

can ask for the comforter and helper, the Holy Spirit, to help us. Then we will

be spiritually mature; the word perfect in James 3:2 means, “complete or

mature.” We can speak truth, be kind, and do right in the power of the Holy

Spirit. This happens only through the power of prayer.

TANK UP!Psalm 33:21

T R AV E L L O G : W e d n e s d a y 1 1 - 2 0 - 1 3 THE DIFFERENCE IN YOU

CHECK THE MAPActs 2:42-47; 20:35

In our large family it’s important for each of us to see the face of the person

who is opening their birthday gift. Of course, it’s not always possible for our

entire family to be together for each birthday because we’re scattered all over

the United States. We like to Facetime or Skype so we can see the expression

on each other’s faces.

It’s nice to see a gift being opened rather than just receive a phone call or a

card of thanks afterwards. And we love to give to each other, and to others! In

our family, we have a saying: Don’t be a taker, be a giver.

In Acts 20:35 Paul reminds the believers in Ephesus of the words of our Lord

who said, “…It is more blessed to give than to receive.” God observes our

giving, and He observes the way in which we give it. Having a joyful heart is

important when we give either to the church or to others.

Acts chapter two talks of the early church’s sharing and giving to each other.

They found comfort and joy in this (vv. 46-47). This church had joy because

their single focus was on Jesus Christ. They ate together with glad and

sincere hearts as they praised God. Actually, that’s the way it should be even

today. You and I are to give to each other, to help one another and to love one

another in the church.

There might be times when you give to someone and you will receive no

thanks—you’ll get nothing back. Yet God tells you that you are more like God

the Father when you give, hoping for nothing in

return (Luke 6:35-36). God is loving, gracious and

generous—even to those who would oppose

him—and we are to be the same.

How would you rate yourself in the area of giving of

yourself financially and emotionally to others? Are you there to help others

even when physical labor needs to be done?

Are you a “giver”?

TANK UP!Psalm 33:21

G i v e r o r T a k e r ?

T R AV E L L O G : T h u r s d a y 1 1 - 2 1 - 1 3THE DIFFERENCE IN YOU

CHECK THE MAPLuke 22:24-27, 31-32 J e su s ’ P r a y e r s, Ou r A c t i o n s

Peter was not to be lost in the terrible experiences through which he

was to pass. Christ had made intercession for him, and he would come

again from the trial humbled, bruised, defeated, but saved, and a better

man. Our Lord tells him here that after his restoration he should turn his

experience to account in helping other souls, telling him to strengthen

his brothers in Christ (v. 32).

He would be able to warn others of the dangers in which he had

suffered so terribly.…

The lesson is important. All the lessons that God teaches us we should

teach others. When we are helped, it is that we may then help others.

When God comforts us in any sorrow, He thereby ordains us to go forth

to comfort others with the comfort wherewith we have been comforted

of God. When we fall into temptation, and God lifts us up and restores

us, He wants us to use our experience in helping other weak ones in

their temptations. (Miller, J. R. Daily Readings in the Life of Christ. Nashville, Tennessee:

Thomas Nelson Publishers, n.d.)

The context in our Scripture suggests that Peter may have been one of the

more vocal ones in the dispute of which of them should be considered the

greatest (v. 24). The Lord rebuked Peter’s overconfidence, but then tells Peter

that He has prayed for him so his faith won’t fail.

Peter failed miserably, but his faith never failed.

Are you identifying with Peter? God can

refine you through your tests and trials. If

you’re in a good place in your spiritual life,

perhaps you could think about who could use your help and encouragement.

Today put everything aside and reach out to that person.

TANK UP!Psalm 33:21

T R AV E L L O G : F r i d a y 1 1 - 2 2 - 1 3 THE DIFFERENCE IN YOU

CHECK THE MAPJob 1:6-12; 2:9-10

Job lost his oxen, donkeys, camels, sheep, and his servants. All of thesehelped Job provide for his family. Did I say family? The same day he lost his

entire business, he also lost his sons and daughters in a tragic accident.Some time later, Job lost his health as boils covered his entire body. Then theclosest human being in his life tempted him to curse God and die. Despite all

these trials, Job stood with his integrity intact.

This story is like so many stories in the Bible that remind us of men andwomen who were faithful through suffering. They walked the unbeaten path

of faith, knowing that God’s eternal reward awaited them. Yet something isvery different about Job. His story takes place before any of the books in theBible were written. Job did not have any written record of God working in hisworld, yet Job still served God! How is it that Job was able to stand so strong

without the Word of the Lord to lean on? Why didn’t this trial take him overthe edge? While some say that it may have been his fear of the Lord’s

retribution, I highly doubt that. What man, after losing everything except hislife, would still serve the Lord on fear alone? What would that man truly have

left to fear?

Job served God because of his deep faith and abiding love for Him. Job saidhe would trust in God even if God killed him (13:15).

How much more should we love and serve the Lord with all the wisdom Hehas given us through His Word? Satan claimed that faithful followers of Godare only dedicated as long as they prosper; take away their blessings, Satan

said, and they will reject God. He wanted to prove that salvation is notpermanent, that saving faith can be broken and those

who were God’s could become his. He repeated thisoutrageous claim with Jesus (Matthew 4), Peter

(Luke 22:31), and Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7).

The Old and New Testaments have many promisesfrom God where He assures believers that He willgrow their faith. Here are a few: Psalm 37:23, 28;

97:10; Luke 22:32; Jude 24.

Let those around you see a difference in you when you’re faced withadversity; don’t let trials push you over the edge.

TANK UP!Psalm 33:21

O v e r t h e E d g e

THE DIFFERENCE IN YOU


T R AV E L L O G : S a t u r d a y1 1 - 2 3 - 1 3 T h e N a m e o f J e s u s

CHECK THE MAPPhilippians 2:10


The world might want to blot out the name of Jesus Christ, but the Scripture is

clear about in whose name all power resides. It is through His name that the weak

become strong, the timid become bold, the sad become joyful, and broken hearts

are healed. Our works are futile when they are done in any other name but His.

How can you make a difference in His name?

The name of Jesus can conjure up a variety of emotions. I have been atcommunity meetings where the name of Jesus evoked a sense of panic. Collegestudents have told me that when they mentioned the name of Jesus in class,their professors would became angry or sarcastic.

For other people, the name of Jesus Christ conjures up heartfelt love anddevotion. For others, such as my own atheistic father, the name of Jesus canmean “a crutch” and “a lie.” My father was brilliant, attending college at the ageof 16. He was commanding and convincing, and all of us (four boys and threegirls) believed what he said. All my life he told me that Jesus only proclaimed tobe the Son of God because it would bring Him immense power and fame!

Despite my training, I believed in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as my Savior. Thisstrained my relationship with my dad. I turned my back on atheism and chose tofollow Jesus. I earnestly prayed for my dad’s salvation, believing the words of Acts4:12. I explained the Scriptures to him, as did my husband, and many others. Hewould not budge and had nothing to do with me for over 20 years.

Somehow, I always thought I would lead him to Christ. I never thought it wouldtake 23 years of prayer. I had no idea God’s plan was to allow my dad to have asickness that softened his view of God and challenged his empty, atheistic heart.I led him to Christ and it was one of the greatest days ever. He died six monthslater. Jesus’ name is powerful and makes a difference in everyone.

T R AV E L L O G : M o n d a y 1 1 - 2 5 - 1 3 PASSIONATE LIVING


David had reason to dance. For years, Saul tried to kill him. David had to livethe life of a fugitive. Now it was over. And it was more than just over. David

was officially king of Israel. But it gets even better: he’d defeated thePhilistines and taken Jerusalem from them—the city that would become the

capital of his kingdom.

Now the greatest moment of all: the Ark of the Covenant was coming toJerusalem. And so David danced. He danced before the Lord “with all his might.”He danced with intensity, he danced until he could hardly breathe, he danced

until nothing mattered but the gratitude he needed to express to his God.

He may have looked a little crazy. But I’m sure that to many, David’s dancewas wonderful—a true expression of his joy. But Michal, David’s wife, looked

at him and “despised him in her heart.” That is such a strong phrase. Sheseems oblivious to the joy all Israel was feeling; she can’t wait to criticize him.

I’m sure you’ve come across people like this. In the midst of your success,they want to steal your joy. How do you deal with that?

First, let me say, not all criticism is bad. Coming from the right person, in theright attitude, we should welcome criticism from those we love. But not all

criticism is good. How do we tell the difference? Let’s look at Michal’scriticism of David as an example of bad criticism.

David comes home to “bless his household” and Michal immediately pounceson him. She hits him with harsh, angry sarcasm (v. 20). Michal doesn’t

criticize in a spirit of love. She doesn’t care about David’s feelings. She’staking an angry jab at him. That’s bad criticism.

David’s response is incredible. Without hesitation, hedeclares his right to dance before God, and then

goes on to say he’ll dance even more ridiculouslyin the future if he chooses. He will not be brought

down by negativity. He will live passionately!

Is there someone in your life criticizing you? Ifthey’re not doing it in a spirit of love, then they’re

not worth listening to. Life is too short and God’s blessings are too good. Areyou playing the role of Michal? Be careful not to be bitter and critical toward

others. Even when they dance like maniacs.

TANK UP!Numbers 14:24

U n l e a s h Y o u r J o y

JWW w

T R AV E L L O G : Tu e s d a y 1 1 - 2 6 - 1 3PASSIONATE LIVING

CHECK THE MAPLuke 7:36-50 G i v e I n T o Y o u r G r a t i t u d e

I live in Delaware’s only major city—Wilmington. And as anyone knows, cities

have their pros and cons. I get access to a few more restaurants and a little

more culture than my suburban counterparts, but I get the dark side of city

life too. And part of this dark side hits me every day on my way home from

work. I have to pass through a particularly rough stretch of road, where two

“gentleman’s clubs” flank the road, and a very low-budget motel sits nearby.

Needless to say, I’ve seen interesting characters along this road. And I’ve

seen instances where there’s no need to speculate about the occupation of

certain women near the hotel.

Now, this is a seedy topic for the pages of FUEL. I understand that. But the

Bible isn’t shy about prostitution. And Jesus wasn’t shy about associating

with prostitutes. Why? Because they need help more than you and I will ever

understand. He came to heal the sick (Mark 2:17). And I can tell you as I drive

home through that rough stretch of road every day, the men and women who

stay at that motel need spiritual healing.

The prostitute in Luke 7 needed it too. Jesus forgives her long list of sins, and

He publicly accepts her worship, thereby publicly accepting her. She’s

forgiven, so being seen with her is no longer a cause for shame.

Because of Jesus’ forgiveness and acceptance, gratitude wells up in this

prostitute’s soul. She can’t contain it; she cries and cries and wipes Jesus’

feet with her hair. She allows her gratitude to overwhelm her.

If only we would feel this type of gratitude for

what we’ve been given. God, who spoke this

universe into being, forgives and accepts us.

We have shelter, food, and water. We have

friends and church and family.

Give in to your gratitude! Life is too short to hold back. Don’t wish you’d

expressed gratitude for loved ones; they won’t always be here, so do it now!

Don’t just think of the blessings God’s given you—thank Him for them now.


T R AV E L L O G : W e d n e s d a y 1 1 - 2 7 - 1 3 PASSIONATE LIVING

CHECK THE MAPMark 11:15-18

By this point in Jesus’ ministry, He’s been through plenty of situations withthe potential to make Him angry. He’s been questioned constantly by the

Pharisees, but He’s always kept His cool and answered their questionscleverly (for an example, Mark 2:23-38). The Pharisees have plotted to kill

Him (Mark 3:6), and they’ve accused Him of working with Satan (Mark 3:22).But through it all Jesus has remained calm.

Then we find Him in the temple. Rather than a firm rebuke of the money-changers, Jesus gets physical. He flips tables, sending coins and receipts

flying. He pushes benches over. He stands in the way of people trying to usethe temple as a shortcut. Jesus has been pushed too far.

The money-changers and dove-sellers were taking advantage of out-of-towners. And they were doing it in the temple! Even if they were being

honest, they should have never been conducting business in the temple. Andthe people carrying stuff through the temple were using the temple as ashortcut to the Mount of Olives. So the temple had become some sort of

thruway. Jesus actually blocks them from walking.

None of this stuff happened overnight. It took one disrespectful person to usethe temple as a shortcut. No one stopped him, and so it continued. Money-

changers set up shop on the street, then just outside the walls of the temple,then in the temple. A few people raised eyebrows at first, then it became

normal. But every Jew had a lingering feeling that it shouldn’t be that way.

And so it is with us. We let a little sin in. Soon we’re making a regular habit ofthat sin. And then it’s become a part of our lives. Or

maybe we see an injustice in our world—likesomeone being bullied—and it makes us angry at

first. Then it settles in and we don’t do anythingabout it.

Soon, we need to clear our temples. The sin needsto go. We need to passionately keep our temples

pure (1 Corinthians 3:16). We need to passionately protect those that can’tprotect themselves (Matthew 25:40). And we need to do both with a fierce

and righteous fury that would make our Savior proud.


C l e a r t h e T e m p l e

T R AV E L L O G : T h u r s d a y 1 1 - 2 8 - 1 3PASSIONATE LIVING

CHECK THE MAPGenesis 32:22-32 P u r s u e w i t h P a s s i o n

The mystery of this story confounds me. Jacob finds himself wrestling with astranger late at night. The stranger is trying to leave but Jacob won’t let him.To prove his superiority, the stranger puts Jacob’s hip out of socket with atouch. Jacob still won’t let go. His hip now wrenches as he wrestles. ButJacob will not give up. He demands a blessing, as he comes to realize he’swrestling with God.

I have to admit I wrestled with this piece of Scripture. Jacob’s passion isobvious, which is why this story popped in my head as an example ofpassionate living. From a distance, the story seemed clear cut. Jacobwrestled with God, demanding a blessing. We admire his courage, histenacity. End of story.

But on closer inspection, I couldn’t grasp the meaning of the story. I readcommentaries—such as the classics from Matthew Henry and John Wesley. Iread all the footnotes of study Bibles. I searched a library for books, journals,and magazine articles. All to no avail. No author or scholar could offer betterinsight than the last.

Then it dawned on me: here I am wrestling with Scripture—wrestling withwhat it means to wrestle with God. This is an ancient struggle—the timelessstruggle of humans trying to understand God’s ways.

And one day you’ll wrestle too. You might wonder whether Christianity makessense. You might wonder if God exists. I’d encourage you to go ahead andwrestle with God. He can handle it. Jacob was actually rewarded—Godblessed him—for wrestling with God!

But even though Jacob won the wrestling match (only because God let him),God still won’t reveal His name to Jacob. He denies Jacob that knowledge.What can we learn from that?

We learn that God isn’t willing to explain all Hismysteries. But in spite of that, we shouldpursue God with passion. We may askquestions that God’s not willing to answer,but God wants us to pursue Him—to try andknow Him.

Don’t ever stop pursuing God. There are mysteries He isn’t willing to explain.There are questions you’ll long to have answered that won’t be. But wrestleanyway. Wrestle until a couple joints are out of socket. You might limp therest of your life, but you’ll walk in the satisfying knowledge that you’vewrestled with God, and He’s happy to bless you for your efforts.


T R AV E L L O G : F r i d a y 1 1 - 2 9 - 1 3 PASSIONATE LIVING


It was an unimaginable tragedy for Hannah to be childless. It’s hard for us to

enter the mindset of Hannah’s society. She couldn’t earn a living for her

family, she couldn’t pursue a career. Her only possible contribution to her

family and to her community was to have children; then she would become

what all women in her time expected to become: a mother.

Hannah’s grief is overwhelming. Year after year she remains childless. She

pours her heart out to God; she can’t handle this loss of purpose on her own.

If she cannot be a mother, then who is she? What worth does she have? And

if this situation stays the same, can she even bear to live?

Has your life veered far from the path you thought it would take? Have

expectations—things you just knew would happen—not come to pass? Pour

your heart out before God. Passionately express your pain at the loss of your

dreams. Ask Him, if He cannot bring your life back on the path you expected,

to give you a new path and a new purpose.

Your pain and anguish are not cause for shame. Hannah grieved openly and

loudly enough for Eli to think her drunk. She cried and wailed in grief. God

heard her. He hears you.

Did you not get into the college you wanted? Did

you get dumped by a girlfriend or boyfriend? Did

an injury keep you from playing a sport you love?

Ask God to renew that area of your life. Ask Him for a new dream. He has a

purpose for you; ask Him to reveal it.


G r i e v e w i t h P a s s i o n

PASSIONATE LIVING

CHECK THE MAPNumbers 13:26-33, 14:5-12,20-35

T R AV E L L O G : S a t u r d a y1 1 - 3 0 - 1 3 G e t Y o u r M o u n t a i n

CHECK THE MAPNumbers 14:24; Joshua 14:6-15


Live passionately! Live with gusto! God wants you to fight for your dreams. He

wants you to use your talents. He wants you to pursue Him and His ways with

passion! This week, starting today, get off the sidelines of life. Get in the game

and play with passion!

At the age of 81, Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner and World War II prisonerof war, learned how to skateboard. A few years later, at 88, he decided to giveit up. But he kept snowboarding until he was 90. He’ll be 94 this year, and hestill goes for jogs, flies planes, and gives motivational speeches.

Age is just a number. That’s partially true, of course. None of us is immune tothe effects of aging. But recent scientific studies show that with good mentaland physical exercise, the human brain is able to stay sharp into old age,even creating new brain cells!

God gave us brains that have the incredible ability to adapt no matter our age.He gave us bodies that stay fit as long as they’re being used. God didn’t giveus life to watch us waste it. No matter your age, your faults, or yourshortcomings, you have something to give this world. Like Caleb, you have aMount Horeb that’s waiting to be conquered.

Take time right now to explore your hopes and dreams. Are those dreams inline with God’s will? Are they holy pursuits that would glorify God? Then goget those dreams!

God planted those hopeful dreams in you. He wants you to fight for them, Hewants you to crawl on your hands and knees if you have to to reach the topof your Mount Horeb. Most of all, God wants you to have faith that He will getyou to the top of that mountain.

FuEL Editors:Gloria Ward, Rachel N. Knapp

FuEL Writers:Alan A. Ambrose, Penny L. Ambrose, Vincent Cappetta, Jenny Johnson, Phil Jones,

Joseph M. Knapp, Rachel N. Knapp, Dottie Sumner, Jacob Ward, Gloria Ward,

Thomas E. Ward, Sr., Tom Ward, Jr., George A. Warren

Copyright 2013

PARTNERS IN MINISTRYPO Box 179 Newark DE 19715

(800) 892-0016 www.partnersinministry. org

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