Dial Daily Bread: How Do You Think God Relates to You?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

When you think of God, how do you think He relates to you? Church members view Him as making salvation available to "all men," but in what way? Is He like a shopkeeper who has his goods available to "all men," his doors always open, like a gas station open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? All the customer has to do is go there and obtain what he wants; do you think of God in that way? He never turns any "customer" away who "comes"? Sounds like Good News, doesn't it? Yes, it is!

The Jews thought of themselves as His agents, His "shopkeeper." They had the "goods" of salvation; if the Gentiles wanted it, they could "come" and get it. But Jesus had an even better idea: He would not only "open shop" but He would go in search of customers! He would become a divine Salesman (Good Shepherd?), and through the Holy Spirit would "knock" on every man's "door." And if someone would open the door to Him, He would do more than "sell" His goods of salvation, He would "give" what He had "without money and without price" (Isa. 55:1). It's as though He would take "every man" (that means every person) by the hand and say, "Come, let's go to heaven! You're welcome! When My Father accepted Me, He accepted you; He has a place for you in heaven!" Short of actual coercion (for He will never force anyone against their will), He says, "Come, you simply mustbe saved!"

That's what Peter meant when he said, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). In other words, the religion of Jesus (rightly understood) is the only one in heaven or earth that goes beyond the Shopkeeper version and says, "God insists! You mustbe saved!"

The first version is good, orthodox, lukewarm righteousness by faith--your salvation depends on you taking the initiative. The second? Sounds like your salvation depends on God taking the initiative, and your heart is melted by His love, by appreciating what it cost Him to save you.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: April 28, 1998.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: The Only Group of People in the Bible to be "Without Fault"

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

There is a strange group of people brought to view in Revelation 7 and 14. They "follow the Lamb wherever He goes" and they "are without fault" before the throne of God (Rev. 14:4, 5). A special angel places "the seal of God" upon them while four other angels perform the difficult task of holding back the horrible hurricane winds of human passion that threaten to involve the world in the end-time war of wars (Rev. 7:2, 3).

This is the only group of people in the Bible to be designated as "without fault." The placing of the seal of God on them while earth's final war threatens, makes clear their appearance is near the end of time.

For sure, they are not legalists. Their being "without fault" is not a self-help kind of egocentric righteousness; what they do is totally unique. They have learned how to "follow the Lamb," the crucified Christ. In other words, it is clear that their being "without fault" implies that like all humans they are sinners by nature. In following the crucified Christ means that they have had the same battle with temptation that all humans have. What sets them aside as special is that they have "overcome ... as [Christ] also overcame" (Rev. 3:20).

They will be the first to acknowledge that they are "the chief of sinners," "less than the least of all saints." They will be praying the constant prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner" (1 Tim. 1:15, Eph. 3:8, Luke 18:13). Not the slightest whisper of a claim to holiness will be heard escaping their lips.

They share a special relationship to that one person of all time who enjoyed the highest praise Jesus ever bestowed on anyone--Mary Magdalene. He defended her against the religious leaders of the day (the Twelve apostles!), and said she "has done [all] she could" (Mark 14:8). Jesus died our death--the second; but before He drew His last breath, He could behold by faith that Mary's prototype demonstration of righteousness by faith would be duplicated in those "144,000" people at the end of time.

In her humility of soul Mary probably thought that she was useless. But in truth she was very important! So are you. You have an important place in God's last work.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: June 12, 2004.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: Invitation to Subscribe

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

This coming week many of you will begin to study the new Sabbath School quarterly on  “Ezra and Nehemiah.” For those who are not already receiving "Sabbath School Today" (SST) we would like to invite you to subscribe (SST is free). You will receive weekly essays on the lessons in the context of the "most precious" 1888 message. Some of the essays are prepared from the writings of Robert J. Wieland, author of "Dial Daily Bread."

To begin a new subscription please reply to this e-mail with the words "Subscribe SST" in the body of the e-mail or in the heading. If you are already receiving "Sabbath School Today" THERE IS NO NEED TO RESUBSCRIBE; your subscription will continue.

Sincerely,

The "Dial Daily Bread" Staff

Dial Daily Bread: How Jesus Won Souls

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

You would like the Holy Spirit to help you win some soul to conversion in Christ. Note how Jesus won souls: He always gave them Good News.

Take for instance, the crucified thief on the cross (Luke 23:34-43): Jesus' last chance to win somebody before He had to die! What did He tell the thief? "You will be with Me in Paradise!" simply because the ex-hate-filled man asked to be "remembered." Jesus gave the poor man Good News.

Consider also the woman taken in adultery in John 8:1-11 (don't cut the story out of your Bible!). Did He tell her, "If you will keep straight from now on, God will forgive your sins and then He will accept you"? No, He gave her Good News: "I do not condemn you; go and sin no more." I take your condemnation upon Myself; I am paying the price for your sin; I lift from you this burden of guilt, because as the Lamb of God I bear your guilt Myself. His command to "sin no more" was more a promise than a restriction. With this message, she was able to "go and sin no more." Jesus saved her right then and there.

Cleopas and his friend on the path to Emmaus (the story begins in Luke 24:13). They were so overwhelmed with discouragement that they would have given up their faith in Jesus as "the Savior of the world" if they had not gotten help just then. With His true identity concealed, He gave them a Bible study that was full of Good News. He saved them. Go and do likewise for some soul who needs Good News.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: February 26, 2005.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: Jesus Has Pledged Himself to Endure With His Faithful Disciples Today

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

All through Bible history and the history of Christianity, those who seek to follow Jesus have been opposed, ridiculed, and persecuted. Always, the believer who would be faithful must "take up his cross" in order to follow the true Christ (Luke 9:23).

Elijah was opposed by the government of the Israelite nation; the opposition of the king and queen was so terrible that he was denounced as "public enemy No. 1." The same persecution was seen in King Saul's bitter hatred of David, the youth whom the Lord had "anointed" to replace him as future king. Then Jeremiah had to spend his entire lifetime enduring the persecution inflicted on him by the successive kings and leaders of Judah following the death of good king Josiah.

At first the official leadership of the nation of Israel was favorable to the message of John the Baptist, but later what they considered objective evidence made them conclude they were forced to criticize, then oppose, then reject, and finally crucify, the Man whom God had sent as their Messiah. It was the popular thing to do--shout, "Crucify Him!" (John 19:15).

Must we still "take up [our] cross" in order to be faithful to Him? Yes, but does that mean that life must be dreary, enduring sadness and loneliness? No, the promise of Jesus has particular reference to life today. He said: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20).

As He walked with the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace (Dan. 3:25), so He has pledged Himself to suffer and endure with His faithful disciples today. In every confrontation with Satanic falsehood, Jesus wins the victory.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: March 23, 2005.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread.

Dial Daily Bread: What Is Faith?

Dear Friends of “Dial Daily Bread,”

We talk much about "faith" and many have written books and preached sermons about it. But what is faith? The best definition I have found for "faith" is this: it is a heart-appreciation of the love [agape] of Christ.

We know that whatever faith is, it is something that the heart performs because we read, "With the heart one believes to righteousness" (Rom. 10:10). But just what is it that "the heart" does? The heart "chooses" to "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).

It is not a workthat the heart performs--which "work" could be readily understood as having some merit (and for sure, our "carnal minds" would naturally seek for something to take credit for! (see Rom. 8:7). Faith is simply a response of the sinful human heart to the revealing, the pouring-out, of the love [agape] of Christ.

It's a positive response, not careless or negative in any way; the sinner immediately receives the gift of repentance for his hard-heartedness. Isaac Watts long ago said it well: 

"When I survey the wondrous cross 
On which the Prince of glory died, 
My richest gain I count but loss, 
And pour contempt on all my pride."

To "survey"--the exact, right word; but how do you "survey"? Quietly, alone, on your knees, every earthly voice hushed--TV, cell phones, all our electronics; you invite the Holy Spirit to enter into your thinking, your comprehension, to be your Teacher while you "wait" patiently "in school" before Him.

Psalm 27 gives the secret now that we want: "When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek [!].’ …  I would have lost heart [fainted], unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living [that is, while I am still alive]. Wait on the Lord: ... wait, I say, on the Lord!" (vss. 8, 13, 14).

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: March 19, 2009.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: Is a Fool More Difficult for God to Save Than an Ordinary Sinner?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

There is a prayer in the Bible that can be the last stand for any human in distress. It's the one that will always be answered in kindness and grace: "God be merciful to me a sinner!" (Luke 18:13; the little Greek particle ho  makes the publican pray, "God be merciful to me the most sinful sinner!") But is there any prayer in the Bible like, "God, be merciful to me, a fool"?

Is a fool more difficult for God to save than a plain ordinary sinner? King Saul confessed to David, "I have played the fool and erred exceedingly" (1 Sam. 26:21). He had been persecuting David, "the anointed of the Lord." But we do not read that King Saul prayed for God to have mercy on him; he finally ended his brilliant career in suicide.

In rejecting Jesus, the Jewish leaders accused Him of tremendous delusional grandeur: "For a good work we do not stone You, but ... because You, being a Man, make Yourself God" (John 10:33). As Jesus hung at last on His cross apparently "forsaken" by His Father, and ridiculed by the crowd, Satan wrung His heart with fierce temptations.

Only a few short hours before, He had regaled His disciples with prophecies that when "the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory, [and] all the nations will be gathered before Him" (Matt. 25:31, 32). Now behold Yourself, says Satan, naked on a Roman cross, forsaken of Your Father, ridiculed by all the people; how could you have been plunged from Your delusions of grandeur any lower than You are! If Jesus was tempted, He wondered if His enemies may have been right all along.

As we read Psalm 22 (the transcript of His prayer as He hung there), we find that He was sorely tempted to think of Himself as less than human, "a worm" (vs. 6). The agony of forsakenness was not cosmetic; He drank the cup of hell to its dregs. When finally by His faith He broke through the darkness of the second death into the sunlight of His Father's acceptance, His prayer indicates that he had been tempted to think of Himself as the Fool of all fools: "Save Me from the lion's mouth and from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me. ... You who fear the Lord, ... He has not despised nor abhorred ... the Afflicted, nor has He hidden His face from Him; but when He cried to Him, He heard" (vss. 21-24).

Man may despise a fool, but God does not "abhor" a repentant one. If any "forsaken" sinner anywhere in the world reads this, let him or her take heart.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: May 7, 2004.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: "It Is Written" Was Jesus' Experience

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

The Almighty, the omniscient God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, could well have anticipated our modern film technology, and had an angel camera crew on the scene when Jesus was crucified 2000 years ago. Then we could have it on our screens absolutely accurate--that face of Jesus clear and undistorted by any unavoidably sinful human imitation of Him.

The Father chose not to do it for us. Instead, He chose to "reveal" Him in a Book that itself throbs with life because the same Holy Spirit who inspired it inspires our reading of it. There in the Book "we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death [the second!], crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone" (Heb. 2:9).

Every human heart has a built-in monitor screen whereon the Holy Spirit as a projector flashes a true image of Jesus; each individual "sees" Him as the Galatians "saw" Him, "crucified among you" (3:1). This "image" flashed on the conscience by the Holy Spirit is in vivid 3D, in full color, and each believing individual is summoned from the grandstands where he thinks he is only watching and becomes a participant himself in the drama--"crucified with Christ" (2:20) or crucifying Him afresh (Heb. 6:6). And you never in all eternity forget what you "saw" and knew first-hand.

We could complain to the Father that He has deprived us of this actual "movie" that was never recorded on film. But He would have to respond to us that His own Son, Jesus, had no such "movie" setting forth the happenings from creation on to His time. Jesus had to depend instead only on the Word--the Bible. "It is written" had to be His experience. No angel gave Him any advantage greater than you and I have in what is "written" in the Bible.

The Holy Spirit always asks us, "Do you understand what you are reading?" (Acts 8:30). The Ethiopian invited Philip into his chariot and they read Isaiah 53. Invite the Holy Spirit with you to read the life of Jesus, especially its closing scenes--in Psalm 22, 69, Isaiah 53, Zechariah 12, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, etc. Wait on your knees; Give Him time to flash on your conscience the clear, undistorted vision of "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:1, 2). You'll abhor watching any imitation of it.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: February 24, 2004.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: The Good Shepherd and Practical Day-by-Day Living

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

How does the Good Shepherd seeking and finding His lost sheep translate into practical day-by-day living? If the Savior gives us a good faith-relationship with Himself, shouldn't it be fair for us now to "maintain" that "relationship" by Bible study, prayer, and witnessing? If the Lord gives you a new car, isn't it fair that you "maintain" it by changing the oil, renewing the brake pads, paying the insurance, etc., etc.?

Yes, of course, only fair. But a lot of cars get dilapidated by not being "maintained," the new car thrill wears off; and also lots of people lose their "relationship with the Lord" by neglect and forgetfulness. So we have "revival" campaigns at various intervals. And of course, all that is good.

It sounds like such reasonable good sense that millions know no other way to be Christians. But when you think it through, isn't this the essence of the "by faith plus by works" idea? We're afraid of any Good News that's better than that lest making the Good News too good might lull us to sleep and we'll forget to keep the law. The "faith plus works" idea becomes immensely popular because it seems to be the only way people can stay "faithful." (The Old Covenant is loath to give way to the New Covenant.)

If the Good Shepherd has risked His own life to save the lost sheep, doesn't it make common sense that He require the sheep now to walk its way home? Yes, of course, that's only fair; but that's not what the parable says: "When He has found it, He lays it on His shoulders, rejoicing" (Luke 15:5). Paul says in Philippians: "I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus" (1:6, Good News Bible). What does that mean? Lazy, do-nothing religion?

No; it means that through the Holy Spirit the Good Shepherd who initiated this good "relationship" now seeks to maintain it. His love is not only a finding love, it's also a keeping love. The Holy Spirit is a Person who keeps convicting us of "sin, ... of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:7-11). Be careful: don't drown His voice. That's where our problem starts.

Even Jesus when he was with us in the flesh needed His Father to wake Him up "morning by morning ... to hear as the learned." (Does the Father love you less? It seems fair and good sense to say No, He loves His Son more; but the amazing truth is He loves us just as much!) But Jesus did not resist His Father's awakening calls--as we do so often: "I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away" (Isa. 50:4, 5).

Mr. Laodicea, you can't save yourself even 1 percent. But you can let Christ save you, you can "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus," you can "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly," etc. (Phil. 2:5; Col. 3:16). You can stop resisting Him.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: December 12, 2003.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: Who Are the "Blessed" Ones in the Bible?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

The word "beatitude" is a big word, which in the Bible is rendered as "blessed," and that simply means "happy." It means that certain people enjoy a happiness that is the natural result of their faith and obedience; it can also mean that God in a supernatural way gives happiness to such people. But we hasten to add that He does not show partiality, favoring one person over another (James 2:1).

Don't let Satan discourage you with his suggestion that you are not one of God's favored ones. You may feel that way, but that doesn't mean that his suggestion is true. Even Jesus as He hung on His cross cried out, "My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Because of Christ's sacrifice, you must believe that the Lord loves you and has chosen you to be His child. That's what the "believing" in John 3:16 means.

So who are the "blessed" ones in the Bible? The answer has to be: those who believe God's gracious Good News. Their faith works, and that is why they obey, and the natural result is "blessedness."

There are well over 100 "beatitudes" in the Bible. But when Jesus came, He surprised the Jews of His day with "blessings" that seemed directly the opposite of their ideas: "Blessed are the poor in spirit," "Blessed are those who mourn," "Blessed are the meek," "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst," "Blessed are those who are persecuted," "Blessed are you when [people] revile you ... and say all kinds of evil against you falsely," etc., etc. Stunning!

Those words woke up a class of people who had been educated to feel left out of the kingdom of God! Surely Jesus must have been impressed by that "beatitude" in Psalm 94:12 which says: "Blessed is the person whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from the days of adversity." A happiness to be found in the most unexpected place! And Paul adds, "Whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son [or daughter] whom He receives" (Heb. 12:6).

Do you really need more evidence that He loves and receives you?

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: April 12,1998.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

DiaDaily Bread: The "Elijah" Message--What Will It Do?

Dear Friends of “Dial Daily Bread,”

When the "Elijah message" comes, what will it do? How can we recognize it, so we don't treat it as the Jews treated John the Baptist? (see Matt. 17:10-13).

It will not be a revival of legalism, harsh, vindictive, condemnatory. Just the opposite: "He ["Elijah"] shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers" (Mal 4:6, King James Version). A message of reconciliation! And that means "atonement"--the cosmic Day of Atonement ministry centered in the sanctuary's Most Holy Apartment.

Elijah had no patience with the "prophets of Baal," but he had enormous patience and tenderness for the people. The people were sheep who had been led astray by their shepherds who had been supported from the national treasury. (Anyone who gains his livelihood administered from the sacred tithe should tremble before God.) Elijah's indignation was inspired by the Holy Spirit. It was the "righteous indignation" God expresses in Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 22 and 34 where He says "Woe to the shepherds [pastors] … who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?" (Ezek. 34:2). Self-worship disguised as the worship, the ministry, of Christ! That is the essence of Baal worship. God hates it.

But His heart yearns toward the people who are led astray, especially the youth and the children. "Elijah's" message will heal alienated hearts. Hardness will be melted. Through "the grace of God," not through harsh legalism, buried "roots of bitterness" will be exposed for what they are and a people will realize a precious oneness with Jesus (see Zech 13:1; Heb 12:15).

And, of course therefore, a precious oneness with one another! "Elijah's" message will do for God's people what it did for him--it prepared him for translation. Don't kid yourself: Satan will oppose that message hell-bound. But "the grace of God" will be much more abounding. God's people will respond to their High Priest.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: August 18, 2002.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

 

Dial Daily Bread: Jesus Knows What It’s Like to be Human and Heavily Laden

Dear Friends of “Dial Daily Bread,”

Do you feel harassed and burdened with all the things you have to do? You may be young enough to carry on without collapsing, and you may feel that you simply must have a pill now and then or you can't get through the day. And yes, you do try to squeeze in some Bible reading or something from "the Lord's messenger," but then, the more you read the more guilty you feel for not getting everything done that is "duty."

Well, here's a little tidbit from the Lord Jesus Himself that's different: "To you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, ... who have not known the depths of Satan, ... I will put on you no other burden" (Rev. 2:24). This shows that the Lord Jesus knows what it's like to be human and heavily laden.

The particular context in “Thyatira” that called forth this compassionate little remark is not fully understood, but you have the full right to think of Jesus as being sympathetic to you. You may have thought of the Holy Spirit as constantly convicting you of sin (John 16:8--that's true, but it's also "comfort," John 14:16, King James Version), prodding you always to work harder, to do more, to pray more, to study your Bible more, to pay more tithe, give more offerings, go on more missionary journeys, get up earlier, diet more, and you feel exhausted spiritually as well as physically. Is it the Lord's will for you?

Stop and think a moment: the Lord Jesus promises He will put a limit on the "burdens"He will lay upon you. He even insists that His "burden is light." And the closer you let Him get to you, His yoke becomes more "easy" (Matt. 11:28-30).

Your lifelong entanglement with a works program may incline you to think this is heresy; but it's a side of Jesus you need to realize. He's your Lord, yes; but He's also your Friend.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: June 19, 2005.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: Evidence of God's Special Love For You

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Would you like to have some bona fide evidence that the Lord loves you personally and especially? That would be better news than winning the lottery, wouldn't it? Well, maybe you can find out. Does He chasten you, reprove you? Does He remind you, convict you, of your sins and your weaknesses and your failures?

There's a special Hebrew word found in Psalm 73:14, that encompasses all those thoughts, and it might bring great encouragement to you if you can say Yes to my questions. The psalmist is praying and he says, "all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning." Listen to his prayer as it is in the Good News Bible: "O God, ... every morning you have punished me. ... I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me until I went into your Temple [sanctuary]. ... When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you. Yet ... you hold me by the hand. You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor. What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth?" (vss. 14-25).

Hebrews 12:6-8 picks up on this insight, saying: "Whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? If you are without chastening, ... then you are illegitimate and not sons."

In other words, the Lord is talking about discipline. He is not punishing you in the sense of making you suffer for your sins, to pay a debt; that's the Hindu idea of karma. No, He is training you to stand in the time of trouble, to be a member of His parliament, of His cabinet, to sit with Him on His throne (Rev. 3:21). And all that is the practical result of His work in the Most Holy Apartment, in the cleansing of the sanctuary--preparing a people for translation. His chastening is an evidence of His special love. Accept it!

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: January 15, 1998.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: David's "Psalm of Psalms"

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

The Book of Psalms is everybody's favorite devotional reading. Those songs say things to God and about Him that we wish we could say, but we don't dare. They are openly honest, laying bare the very deepest emotions in our hearts. No matter how much we cleverly put on the appearance that "all is well," inside we are wrestling with the same problems David had.

"Why have You forsaken me?" we ask when we are going through our valley of shadows. We read of other people's miraculous answers to prayer, but "O my God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; and in the night season ..." (22:1, 2). "Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; they trusted in You, and were not ashamed. But I ..." And then David says what we don't dare say even though we sometimes feel this way, "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people" (vss. 4-6).

But the Psalm of Psalms that defies our understanding most is the one (the only one!) that ends in despair--Psalm 88. It says the most painful things about God of any of the Psalms. It's the near-death and near-hell category of prayer. Not the death of some elderly person who might welcome silent rest, but it's the death of a very aware young person whose bitterness is the most distressing because it is the most deeply felt: "Loved one and friend You have put far from me, and my acquaintances into darkness" (vs. 18). (Teenagers need to read the Psalms; they are one of the groups most prone to depression today.)

David has put into words of prayer thoughts that seethe beneath the surface in hearts: "Lord, You are to blame for my divorce! You turned this person against me when he or she had told me, 'I love you!' and I believed it. There is no bitterness in life so painful to endure as 'Loved one You have put far from me!'” The psychiatrists and counselors can work overtime to heal, but the wound still festers even years or decades later. "God did it, not me! It feels like He hates me!"

Read Psalm 88 again: David is not bitter, and neither do we need to be. Don't miss the huge comfort that is here: David is a type of Christ who drank a cup of hatred more bitter than any of us can taste. Through David we learn to know Him--as He is.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: August 31, 2002.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread.”

Dial Daily Bread: A Compelling Power That Will Move the Honest in Heart

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

When Jesus speaks of the future, He says, "Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:1). Yes, there will be "a time of trouble," but four glorious happenings will also coalesce:

(1) "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations" before "the end will [can] come" (Matt. 24:14; and that "gospel," says Jesus, will have to include the story of Mary Magdalene and her washing Jesus' feet with tears, Mark 14:9).

(2) The great "angel" of Revelation 18:1-4 will proclaim the message that will "lighten the earth with His glory" (vss. 1-4). The message will at last be demonstrated as "the power of God to salvation" (Rom. 1:16). Servants of God, endowed with power from on high with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, will go forth to proclaim the message from heaven. A compelling power will move the honest in heart. God will be in the work, and every saint will be fearless of consequences and follow the convictions of his own conscience and unite with those who keep all the commandments of God. Fear of relatives or of economic distress will be powerless. A large number will take their stand in preparation for the coming of Christ.

(3) The re-sent "Elijah the prophet" will arrive "before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn ... hearts" (Mal. 4:5, 6). The work of the Lord will be finely tuned, precisely balanced, powerful, so that what God's people have wanted to see for two millennia will come: Mary Magdalene's demonstration of what "faith" is (Luke 7:50) will "turn [hard] hearts" (they're everywhere now!).

(4) At long last, the words of Jesus will meet their fulfillment: "Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself" (John 12:31, 32). There will be many "Pauls" coming to "Corinth" like him proclaiming nothing but "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:1-5).

Lord, hasten the day!

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: July 11, 2006.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: Is It Possible That Terrible Disasters Can Turn the Heart of a Nation to God?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Is it possible that terrible disasters can turn the heart of a nation to God? After 9/11, for a few weeks, people in America were solemn. Even Disneyland closed briefly. Like ancient King Ahab who "walked softly" after Elijah's stern rebuke, the nation seemed to walk softly for a time. Talk shows became a bit subdued in tone; comedians were more serious for a time; and sales of luxury items slacked off.

The media reported a year later that New Yorkers were still in a state of "humility." The horror was unspeakable. Thoughtful people everywhere couldn't help but think of Revelation's description of the final fall of modern "Babylon": "'Alas, alas that great city ... for in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' ... Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, 'Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore'" (18:16-21).

"God bless America!" we sing. "Stand beside her, and guide her." And all this time since 1776, God has done so (except for a skirmish in 1812 when the British burned the White House). God has "stood beside" us and saved us from invasion within our own shores. He has responded to our National Hymn, "Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King!" Now we still wonder why He "stood back" and permitted (for the first time!) that horrendous incursion of 9/11. Will Heaven ever be forced to judge, "There's nothing of moral rectitude left in this nation worth divinely protecting"?

No, disasters are not God's method of turning a nation's heart to Him. Ahab's "repentance" lasted only a short time, as do all repentances induced by fear. Only the "Elijah" message of "turning hearts," of much more abounding grace, can effect a permanent conversion. It's time for it, on this great cosmic Day of Atonement!

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: September 10, 2002.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: A Neglected Book of the Bible That Opens a Door Into Heaven

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

There's a little Book deep inside the New Testament that is mightily neglected--Hebrews. You almost never hear a sermon about it. Yet it is precious because it opens a door into heaven so we can actually see what Jesus is doing now. The fact is, He's too busy working to take a vacation. He has workto do, night and day, constantly. He must stay at His job seven days a week because His great enemy is like "a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8, 9). Satan has lost his temper in his "wrath" against Christ and His people (Rev. 12:12). Jesus must fight! The better we understand what's going on behind the scenes, the less we'll feel like "goofing off." ("Retirement" becomes an obsolete word.)

The almost forgotten Book of Hebrews details the work Jesus is doing in His "office" (yes, that's a valid word to describe His position, and we're free to walk in by faith):

(1) He is sending a special contingent of angels to try to "hold" back horrible war that will sweep tens of thousands into death and inflame millions into angry passions that will make comprehension of the gospel difficult (see Rev. 7:1-4). "Winds" are about to blow now!

(2) While the "nations [are] angry" Jesus opens His "temple of God in heaven" so we can see what's happening (Rev. 11:15-19). And here is where the Book of Hebrews comes on stage: it describes His special present-day job more clearly than any other Book in the Bible.

(3) He is described as our "High Priest," working as our Pastor, Counselor, Psychologist/Psychiatrist who is the Great Physician of sick and troubled hearts and minds. Don't kid yourself--you need Him! That ministry is for you personally as if you were the only "patient" He has on earth.

His goal? To prepare you for His second coming (Heb. 9:28). Big job! If we don't "resist" Him, He'll do it. And He knows how to do it.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: September 28, 2002.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: Wrestling With Fear

Dear Friends of “Dial Daily Bread,”

Have you ever been so baffled, you didn't know what to do? You were afraid of the future; you'd made a mess of things in the past; you knew you didn't have any credit for good behavior to bolster up your prayers. How could you expect any blessing from the Lord?

Deep in your heart comes this feeling which we all have sometimes--God can't really bless me or even accept me unless I can "produce." Yes, it's fear, and unless you're ready for translation like Enoch or Elijah, you wrestle with it.

Could you dare to believe that the Father condescends to accept you, and that He has done so "in Christ," and even promises you eternal life--without your earning it? Would that be an immoral thing for God to do? Well, He did it for Abraham in Genesis 12:2, 3, in those seven New Covenant promises. And He does it for you. He intends for you to claim them by faith.

Jesus gives you permission to call His Father your Father. Anyone can pray the Lord's prayer. He can also read Psalm 23 and claim the Lord as his Shepherd. God has left His door to His house open for "whosoever will" to dwell there (cf. vs. 6; Rev. 22:17). (If you're trying to win souls, get someone on his knees to pray those prayers!)

How did I get this idea in my mind, or heart? It came through Galatians. Forget your TV or video games and read and appreciate that book. It sounds like a back-door way to understand the New Covenant, but it's the way that helped me.

The Heavenly Father actually loves you personally! Let Him win your heart, and obedience to His law becomes your delight. Then you "stand fast ... in the liberty" Christ gives you (Gal. 5:1).

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: January 25, 2006.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: A Youth Who Could Have Had First Chance at Becoming an Apostle Paul

Dear Friends of “Dial Daily Bread,”

This young man came running up to Jesus almost out of breath: "What good thing shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" A wonderful new-convert-to-be! Jesus caught his word "do," and proceeded to give him a thoroughly legalist answer: "Keep the commandments," and He cited the Ten. On the surface, His answer thrills legalists today.

The young man was fishing for more: he told Jesus he had done everything specified since he was a child. "What do I still lack?" What he meant was, he wanted to achieve perfection--the goal of every legalist.

Then Jesus zeroes in on the real thing: "If you want to be perfect, sell what you have and give to the poor." Don't think He wanted to discourage the youth: "you will have treasure in heaven." That should satisfy any acquisitive nature cultivated "from ... youth." But Jesus couldn't do any "evangelism" without telling about the cross: "And come, follow Me" (Matt. 19:16-22). The youth could have had first chance at becoming an Apostle Paul!

But the poor fellow had a terrific problem. It was worse than leprosy or being blind. He was rich, "he had great possessions." So he walked away. Jesus later conceded to the disciples: "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" Then He repeated it with a slight difference--"who trust in riches… !" (Mark 10:23-25). He appears to contradict what He said in Matthew 11 about His yoke being "easy" and His burden "light" (28-30; again legalists may be delighted for they don't like that "easy" or "light" idea).

If you are rich(and everybody who gets this message is,in some way), you can solve your problem by confessing that you don't deserve a whit of the "wealth" you possess: what is your rightis that second death that Jesus died in your place, and for you.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: November 4, 2005.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Dial Daily Bread: Christ’s Sacrifice Is a Shared Substitution--What Does It Mean?

Dear Friends of “Dial Daily Bread,”

Ask any group of Christians, "Why did Jesus die on His cross?" and they will tell you, "He died as our Substitute." And that's 100 percent true. But what does it mean? How does that truth make any difference in the way we live?

We say, "He died instead of us," and that's true; He did. If you had been drafted in the American Civil War of 1861-65, you could hire a substitute to take your place and die instead of you; now you can enjoy life while he suffers and his loved ones mourn. "My substitute has taken my place!" It's a vicarious substitution. And you can think of the sacrifice of Christ in that same way. He died instead of you.

But is it a childish way of thinking of His cross? Is it basically egocentric?

The Bible goes far deeper: Christ's sacrifice is also a sharedsubstitution. "I have been crucified with Christ," says Galatians 2:20. We were “baptized into ChristJesus, ... baptized into His death, ... buried with Him through baptism into death, ... united together in the likeness of His death, ... our old man [the love of self] crucified with Him, ... died with Christ." If all this is true, then "we shall also live with Him" (Rom. 6:3-8). But only if.

One is the kindergarten, flower-girl-at-the-wedding idea of substitution--very, very true; but the other is the bride growing up “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13), prepared to stand with Him side by side in the "marriage of the Lamb." It's a time for divine-human intimacy never before realized by the body of His church.

Apparently the Bridegroom believes the time has come for His people to "grow up." The long delay must weary Him. Does it weary you?

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: March 1, 2005.
Copyright © 2019 by “Dial Daily Bread.”

Dial Daily Bread: New Covenant Truth is Explosive "Gospel"

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

It's among the more fantastic things that Jesus said about what it means to believe in Him. The statement was made under the heat of His passion just before His crucifixion, as if it were His farewell message to the people at a Feast of Tabernacles: 

"On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:37, 38).

The evidence that we truly believe in Him will be seen in the quality of the spiritual food, or refreshing "water of life," that we share with others. We can't help it--that "water" is continually flowing like an artesian well to refresh the people the Lord brings us in contact with. You and I don't need to worry about it, or be anxiously concerned (well, we are of course concerned lest we may muddy the "waters" somehow), but we don't make the water flow from our hearts. That's just the nature of the "water of life," it flows continually.

It's what Paul said is "the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2:5), which is "the power of God to salvation" (Rom. 1:16). New Covenant truth is explosive "gospel." "Always be ready to give a defense [an answer] to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you ..." (1 Peter 3:15).

A prayer that is according to the will of God (1 John 5:14) and therefore sure to be answered in our behalf is a prayer for understanding of the pure truth of the New Covenant in contrast to the Old; the Old leans toward bondage (Gal. 4:24). For sure, that is not "water of life"! Only the New Covenant has life in it.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: November 9, 2007.
Copyright © 2019 by "Dial Daily Bread."