DEVOTION JOURNAL 2016 – DON MCDANIEL
10/1/16                        Blessed to Be A Blessing to Others                              1
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 12:1-5 “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:² And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.⁴ So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.⁵ And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.”

COMMENTS : Blessed to be a blessing to others. That was God’s plan and command to Abraham. God said through him other nations would also be blessed. God also said those who blessed Abraham’s decendents would be blessed and those who harmed Abraham’s seed would also be harmed. Isael’s calling was to evangelize the world. They failed in being the example and in evangelization. They, instead, were converted to pagan ways of their neighbors and turned from God. God then would punish them and bring judgment until they repented. Even with the amazing things God did for them through Moses, they still were barely out of Egypt before their disobedience began. They couldn’t trust His provision at Mt. Sinai or when the 12 spies explored the promise land. Oh, if Abraham and his decendents would have been faithful, how history could have been so much different – better. Do you have regrets. We all do, including me. Yet, as I look back, I can clearly see God’s grace and mercy and forgiveness over and over again. He has been so faithful, even though even now it is difficult to have faith enough to trust Him during dangerous times. But the times I am most faithful are the times I am in closest fellowship with Him. That is where we need to dwell if we are to be obedient to God’s plan for us going forward. That is the only way to stop building regrets and build a stronger faith based on past obedience. AMEN!

10/2/16                                       DEVOUT BUT LACKING SALVATION                             2             

Acts 10:1-4 “At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, ‘Cornelius!’ Cornelius stared at him in fear. ‘What is it, Lord?’ he asked. The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.’.” COMMENTS : The world is full of sincere devout people convinced their beliefs and obedience is true and their eternal home and reward is secure. They believe they have earned their passage. Even more believe just being good will be sufficient passage. They judge their conduct and behavior to criminals or those they judge as worse sinners. But there are those who justify murder and inflicting suffering and pain on others in order to work towards what they judge to be a more important goal. History has shown what they worked to was not better nor good nor lasting. History has shown God’s Word to be true and His commands and instruction to be true. There have been those who were misguided or deceive in their interpretations of His instruction. Close examination reveals they did not follow God’s instruction but their own selfish passions or worse, satan’s disceptions. But we also have many examples of those who did follow God’s commands and guidance with results that brought great blessing that continues to ripple even today. So who are you going to follow and what book are you going to let become your life’s guide and gospel. For me and my family, it is the BIBLE. My God is the Only True God, JESUS CHRIST. If He is yours to, let’s start living that way. If He is not, then don’t let others persuade you by their teaching until you read the Bible and decide for yourself. We need not defend God. He can and will defend Himself through His Word if you are willing to let Him. If He is false, than ask your god to show you the truth. If your god is real, you should expect him to do so. But if Christ is true, we can expect Him to do so and He will. I challenge you to simply read the Bible and start with the Gospel of John and then Romans and see if God starts revealing Himself to you. What have you got to lose?

10/3/16                             RESPONDING TO GOD’S MESSAGE                       3

Acts 10:5-8 “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,² A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.³ He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.⁴ And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.⁵ And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:⁶ He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.⁷ And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;⁸ And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.⁹ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:¹⁰ And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,¹¹ And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:¹² Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.¹³ And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.¹⁴ But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.¹⁵ And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.¹⁶ This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

¹⁷ Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,¹⁸ And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.¹⁹ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.²⁰ Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.²¹ Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?²² And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.²³ Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.²⁴ And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.²⁵ And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.²⁶ But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.²⁸ And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.²⁹ Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?³⁰ And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,³¹ And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.³² Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.³³ Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:³⁵ But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”³⁶ The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)³⁷ That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;³⁸ How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.³⁹ And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:⁴⁰ Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;⁴¹ Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.⁴² And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.⁴³ To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.⁴⁴ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.⁴⁵ And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,⁴⁷ Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

COMMENTS : Have you ever been nudged by God do to something or call or visit someone it may have been awhile since talked to or contacted. Looking back I’ve had many such instances. There was a few when it was my last opportunity to talk to and pray with them before God called them home. Others learned they were going through a difficult situation and needed someone to talk to when I happened to call. Have you ever experienced a call just at the right time when needed someone to talk to. Me too. I encourage you, as read this, to take some time today or soon and just reflect back on such examples on your life – both those when you gave and when you received such a blessing. If these examples don’t convince you God is still close by, just look around. Creation shouts He is still on the job. AMEN? Don’t be bashful in responding with praise and thanks for His faithfulness. HE IS FAITHFUL IN ALL WAYS. God knows we need encouragement often, so He provides these examples from scripture we can access and read as often as like, but also our own experiences to recall to build up our faith as we face new trials and as we encounter others who need encouragement during their trials. Each trial can either make us weaker or stronger, depending on if we draw away from God to to Him. Depending if we draw into ourselves or reach out to others in response to His nudging. One of God’s principles is to link His helping hand toward us to our helping hand toward others. Our human tendency is to withdrawal when trouble comes, thinking we can’t handle others problems on top of our own. But God tells us if we let go and help others, then we open ourselves to receive help He wants to give us. Well, truth is prayer is where our solution comes, both through us to answer other’s needs and for God to guide us to solutions to our needs too. HE IS IN CONTROL – JUST LOOK AROUND!

10/4/1                                         God’s Providence                                                     4
Indeed it was for my own peace that I had great bitterness. Isaiah 38:17

SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 1:12-18 “¹² But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;¹³ So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;¹⁴ And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:¹⁶ The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:¹⁷ But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.¹⁸ What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”

COMMENTS : God turns evil intents of satan, and those he influences, into good for those faithful to Him (Romans 8:28). So why does evil continue and good suffer? Why do good people die at the hands of evil people? Why are there so many examples of good people dying young and evil people dying at old ages? Well there are even more examples of good people living full long productive lives and evil people dying very young, but we hear very little of those examples. Job’s example helps us understand an example as to why Job suffered great lost and physical sickness without visible reason. His suffering was not the result of his sin, even though his friend tried to convince him of that. His suffering was not even as a result of sins so his family. It was the result of satan trying to hurt God stop the example and influence of a faithful man of God on those who knew him. Satan even used his friends to inflict hurt and discouragement. But Job knew better than to believe satan’s lies and knew his friends were being influenced by satan. Job endured that suffering as long as God chose to allow it without becoming bitter towards God. Such faith and submission was rare in his generation, or in any generation. I pray I would be as strong in such circumstances. Yet, in order to be that strong spiritually, much exercise by prayer and study of scripture, and extended times of one on one fellowship with Christ directly and with other believers is necessary to becoming strong enough and gain enough stamina to be able to endure such suffering and ridicule. Job’s example taught us God is not the source of evil but allows evil freedom, within limits, to inflict harm in the world and on faithful as well as evil people. So we need to be ready. After all, as we look back, we soon realize we are either going through suffering or coming out of suffering or going through a calm period of rest before the next period of suffering. Sounds pretty pessimistic, but truth is, Christ is our confident hope that we will get through all circumstances – good and bad – as we keep our hand in His and our eyes on Him. As we look back at past times of crisis and hardship and tragedy, what has impacted us most. AS we look at those who positively impacted us, didn’t the way they dealt with and relied on Christ draw us closer to Christ? Doesn’t the examples from Scripture do so to? So why should we expect to be above having to endure suffering in order to gain strength and strengthen others? It will be worth it, if we can positively impact another, especially family, to come to Christ and learn to rely on Him too. Today we need to pray that God prepare us for who lies ahead and for who we will cross paths with. AMEN.

10/5/16                                RELIGIOUS HABITS CHALLENGED                          5

SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:9-14 “About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ ‘Surely not, Lord!’ Peter replied. ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’” COMMENTS : I have been trying to put myself in Peter’s shoes in this instance. I am thinking about all Jesus had taught him and other disciples and probably some lingering regret for his denial and maybe for lack of faith caused him to fail in walking to Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. Yet in both cases he was in a life and death situation testing his faith. Now he was being tested about sharing the gospel with gentiles. Yet Jesus had already showed him the right answer by example of saving the servant of and acknowledging faith of the centurion while on earth. God prepared us first before asking us to stretch our faith and trust Him. What traditions, which may be good of themselves, are hindering you and me from the next level of obedience? What opportunities to witness and touch a life or a community or beyond is He prepared us for? It generally starts small and as we obey Him in small ways, He gives us greater and more challenging opportunities. Well you might say, maybe it is better or at least safer to just say no to him when we reach limits of our current faith. Well, stop and think about how well that has worked in past. How well did it work for Jonah? I saw a cute cartoon of a man reading a book written by Job with title “What should you do when God tells you to do something? He opened the book and all that was written was “SAY YES!” Well, likely requests and consequences will not be that dramatic for most, but then again what God asked always is for our good and for others He wants us to reach for Him. Preparing for those times so we do as He bids and allow ourselves to be guided by Him in what we say or do is critical but not always easy for us. For some it is easy to carry a conversation while some of us find conversation very difficult. Some may quickly say foolish things they later regret and become fearful to try. Others remember just smiling and staring and struggling to think of what to say. Well, anything we do for the first or outside our comfort zone is not easy nor always as we had hoped. Yet, as we see from scripture and personal example, God has a way of using our fumblings to His honor and can even make our poorly chosen words and clumsy actions impact others, especially if scripture is involved. Well, I’m talking about witnessing. I’m talking about visiting others in need. I’m talking about spending time to give a caring greeting and listen as cross paths with others each day. I’m also talking about responding when God nudges you to go or do something you ready don’t want to do. I can also recall times when a nudge came from from a sense of obligation related to taking jobs in the church or at work or … that only brought exhaustion and distraction from what God really wanted me to focus on. I haven’t always been able to tell the difference clearly at the time even after much prayer. However, prayer has always been key especially in forcing me to wait for God’s direction to become clear. What tends to happen when I go ahead of God is discouraging someone He intended to come along side of me. Well, good and poor choices do become much clearer when look back, but good news is God knows and understands that. He will do what He has to in order to get our attention, especially for critical choices, but do overs is also His specialty. I am reflecting on some of those choices I’ve experienced in past and a few I am now contemplating or starting to come on the horizon. Truth is the earlier we notice and make a point of prayer seeking God’s guidance, the better. Some choices are involving the blog and ministry God is placing on my heart and is occupying more and more of my time. Something I would not have dreamed possible just a few short months ago. What else does He have for you and me in the short time remaining before His return. Time is short and wise use of the time remaining and preparation for tests and trials and persecution that may indeed lie ahead will be essential.

10/6/16        The Puzzle of Our Lives has Missing Pieces Without Christ    6

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:1-4 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

COMMENTS : Christ offers us meaning and purpose for our lives. I’m sure you, like me, have noticed others all around us living without purpose working for selfish gains and rewards. Maybe you can recall a time when that was your life as well or maybe still is? Well, Christ as our Creator and Savior not only wants to show us our purpose but to walk with us each day so we can fulfill that purpose. You see, He has put a great deal of thought and energy into creating us and designing us for a specific and unique purpose and mission. No one else can fulfill that purpose like we can. But He also designed us so no one else can know or guide us to fulfill that purpose as well as He can. Sure, others may see our purpose and gifts better than we, but no one can enable and encourage and guide us to fulfill that purpose like the Great Designer – Christ Himself. So the next time you feel a failure or worthless, just remember today’s verse from Colossians 3 and remember Christ gives us purpose and mission but also an eternal safe home next to Himself. No one else nor anywhere else will come close to being that good. 10/7/16 DIVINE PREPARATION 7 SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:15-18 “The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.” COMMENTS : God has a unique way of preparing us for His service. Our preparation is as unique as is our weaknesses and prejustices we need His help to deal with. Prejustices related to memories of those who treated us unfairly in past or our loves ones or those before us. Jonah was angry with Nineveh for brutality done to his people, who were close to Him. Hatred that was justified but not condoned by God. When God called Jonah to preach His Gospel to the Ninevites, he didn’t feel they deserved God’s mercy and wanted only judgment on them, not God’s mercy. Maybe Peter felt much the same way towards the Romans. Also, his Jewish culture held pagans as second class people not worthy of God’s privileges. Yet they were taught to be gracious to foreigners but require them to obey their rules and respect them. But to preach Christ’s gospel to them? Peter felt the gospel should be preached first to the Jews and then later to the gentiles. God had different plans and wanted Peter to understand the Gospel was for everyone and Jews didn’t have first pickings or privilege. Maybe Peter needed to realize God’s people had failed Him in being the evangelists they were called to be, just as Peter had denied Jesus when crisis came. But Peter was completely forgiven and we have not evidence his denial was held over him again. Christ certainly made that evident to Peter when He asked him 3 times if he loved Him and then said 3 times, feed His sheep. Well, that confirmation reinforced by this dream made the difference and Peter learned to embrace opportunities God have him even to pagans like Cornelius (a Roman officer). Peter had to face and deal with remaining prejudice before he was ready to preach the same gospel to hostiles like Roman soldiers like he would to his own empoverished countrymen. Did he really want to see Roman soldiers saved too? After what they had done to his people and His Lord? I am reminded of Corrie Ten Boom, who endured great persecution at the hand of Nazi soldiers and loss of her family, including her parents and sister. When she encountered one of those Nazi guards years later at a revival she led, she came face to face with one she hated, seeking God’s mercy. She, at first, recoiled but God quickly corrected her and she then embrace opportunity and led him to Christ. How could she forgive such a sin and give him the opportunity to escape punishment for the terrible things he had done to her, her family, and countless other families? But how dare we not forgive what and who God has forgiven. Why do we think our sins are less severe and worthy of judgment than those of this Nazi guard? Consider Paul’s offenses and sins and how God both forgave and used Paul. Consider how difficult it was for the Christians of Peter’s day, including Peter, to forgive Paul and accept him into their community of faith. Well, if they can forgive, then we must too. Who has offended or hurt you or those you love? As I reflect in prayer, I ask you to do so too. Our healing is at stake too…

10/8/16                FROM PREPARATION TO OBEDIENCE                   8

SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:19-23 “While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.’ Peter went down and said to the men, ‘I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?’ The men replied, ‘We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.’ Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along.” COMMENTS : Everything in Peter screamed to run. How could he be sure God had him covered? Well, had plenty of proof God would do what He said He would, and that Peter needed to trust Him this time. Peter also had evidence that at least a few of the Roman soldiers were Christian but couldn’t be sure if Cornelius was. But, then again, God was telling Him to go to Cornelius, so I really wasn’t being reckless by going to Cornelius. Let’s face it, Cornelius really didn’t need to go to this much bother if wanted to entrap Peter. Cornelius had the resources to track down any Christian for that matter. No, God was doing a work on many of the Roman soldiers open to listen and repent. Peter was learning Christ’s sacrifice was for both Jews and Romans, and all men and women and children for that matter. The timing and choice of who Gospel would be preached to was totally in God’s hands and would surprise the Apostles. Yes, the Gospel would be preached to Jews and Gentiles alike, as Christ commanded (Acts 1:8 “⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”) but would not wait on Israel before began reaching Gentiles. Well, Peter didn’t spend much time thinking about it, because he went the next morning to Cornelius’s houses.

So what do we need to prepare to do in order to obey God’s call? That is something no one can answer by you. As we look back and recognize how God had worked in the past, we may have some clues. He may call us in our own back yard or further away. He may call us to our own family and friends or to complete strangers. One thing is likely, He will call us to step out of our comfort zone – stretching our faith and trust in Him. Past obedience experiences serve to prepare and strengthen us. Past failures or disobedience will weaken and tempt us to say no to Him again. But be careful, God is patient but won’t be walked over.

10/9/16                                         God’s Love Defined                                                9
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:7-19 “⁷ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.⁸ He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.⁹ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.¹² No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.¹³ Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.¹⁴ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.¹⁵ Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.¹⁶ And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.¹⁷ Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.¹⁸ There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.¹⁹ We love him, because he first loved us.” COMMENTS: Love is an emotion, Love is an attitude, Love is a supernatural virtue instilled in us by God. “The fruit of the Spirit is love…” (Galatians 5:22).
Love is an action. “Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17)
Love is a choice. What does love mean to you and how have you seen ideal love demonstrated? I Corinthians 13 gives us God’s definition of Love and standard He expects us to direct our lives by. What scripture teaching us is emotion must follow action and action must be guiding by our will to obey His Commands if we ever hope to experience the type of love described here – the type of love Christ demonstrated to us. If outward evidence of our love doesn’t reflect the description of I Cor. 13, than conclusion musts be we are not in obedience and need to repent and change. Look back and notice how much different and better life would be if we simply had followed I Cor. 13 instead of letting our emotions lead our actions instead of our wills. If choice of a spouse and how we love our families and friends had been an act of our will to obey Christ instead of following emotion, just think how much happier and better life would be. No, God doesn’t want to make us miserable. No, quite the opposite. He designed and built us, so only He knows what will truly make us happy and what will give us a full life. Christ chose to love us. We need to choose to love our neighbor but also to love Christ. Love is a decision. Emotion will follow if we discipline our will to love as He loves. How can we do that, especially when we don’t feel like it. Well, the best way for me to get energy sufficient to put mind over emotion is to count the many blessings God has given me. It is so easy to take for granted consistent day after day blessings. Blessings like shelter and food and family and life and health. The sun rising each morning and an income or employment. The list goes on, but most of all God’s wonderful love and forgiveness that gives eternal confident hope of heaven and an eternal loving relationship with Him. What else can hold a candle to that and what could He ask of us that wouldn’t be deserving of Him?

10/10/16                                  HONEST HUMILITY                                10

SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:24-29 “The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”” COMMENTS : We are not told what Peter expected when he went to Cornelius’s home. Cornelius was a Roman of high authority. What he found was a Roman bowing in reverence before Peter. Peter still felt unworthy to be a disciple of Christ let alone worthy of the honor Cornelius was showing him. Peter was surprised to see the change the Holy Spirit was doing in gentiles like Cornelius. But then again, he knew the change that same Spirit did on him and so many others.

10/11/16                           Best Treatment for Loneliness                    11

SCRIPTURE: John 21:15-19 “ ¹⁵ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.¹⁶ He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.¹⁷ He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.¹⁸ Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.¹⁹ This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.” COMMENTS : How many times have you and I denied Jesus? If we reflect and are honest, we will have to admit it has been more times than Peter did. Peter denied Jesus 3 times on that terrible night when Jesus was arrested and condemned. The disciples, and Jesus’ other followers were all afraid for their lives and confused. Peter was the one caught denying Jesus, but all would in a weaken state and likely would have denied Jesus too in similar situations. The guilt and loneliness Peter felt in the days that followed, especially seeing the suffering and way Jesus died would have been overwhelming. Even when he saw Jesus and knew He was resurrected, can you imagine that guilt darkening any sense of joy seeing Jesus again? No, Jesus showed great compassion and wisdom in the way He showed Peter forgiveness and provided a way for Peter to feel forgiven. Have you ever been deeply sad but discovered the worst thing you can do is sit around and the best was to find something productive to do. Jesus was not only showing forgiveness but giving Peter productive work to do. Peter was faithful to that work, but not without needing some “course corrections” along the way. Paul was helpful in guiding him in some of those course corrections. I’m sure Peter helped Paul in a few corrections he needed too. Well, a good reason why we should join together in fellowship as a church to worship and work too. Together we are stronger and wiser than separate. We are not meant to be alone. Likewise, we are not meant to be without a daily walk with Him. That is why He promised and paved the way for the Holy Spirit to provide that daily walk and fellowship with us. God is indeed with us each day wherever we are or go. Discerning His guidance from our own desires and thoughts should become easier as we grow older in our faith, but at times others are better at seeing that and providing wise council. We may, even now, deny Jesus at a weak time unprepared with threat or temptation satan puts in our path. Christ wants us to be prepared and Holy Spirit is ready to prepare us so we remain faithful. Our preparation is dependent on how close we are to and if our eyes are on Him. Like Peter, we will sink when we takes our eyes off Him. I saw a cute cartoon of a man reading a book written by Jonah with title “How to Run From God” Only one word was written in book “DON’T!!” We need regular reminders to Run to, not from God, especially when afraid.

10/12/16                               HOW CAN I HELP?                                12

SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:30-33 “Cornelius answered: ‘Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, “Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.” So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.’” COMMENTS : Today’s story is a wonderful example of how God works. I would encourage you to read the entire chapter to discover and absorb the entire story and background. God had been preparing Cornelius for much time, responding to his seeking spirit and revealing Himself to him a little at a time. The more Cornelius learned, the more he loved God and wanted to learn more. Peter had learned much from Christ from how He responded to those who were seekers, including Romans, so Peter shouldn’t have been surprised. Well, maybe he wasn’t but still wasn’t eager or ready to embrace Roman soldiers like he was about to be called to. No, God was about to reveal a deeper capacity to love both to Peter as well as to Cornelius. The result of their meeting would impact them both greatly and prepare them both for a life of obedience and service and witness that would make an eternal difference. One of the amazing things we will discover, when we get to heaven, is how stories like this impacted others who impacted others generation after generation til the present. We might just discover that one story rippled through the generations to ours and even to us. One thing I am sure, there is a story just as amazing that rippled to you and me that is just as amazing if not this story. Why? Because that is the way God works and the way He loves to work. Our story will ripple to impact others too if we are faithful too. So lets go make ripples!!!

10/13/16                                   GOD HAS NO FAVOURITES                     13

SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:34-38 “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.’” COMMENTS : Today’s scripture tells us God doesn’t play favorites. I agree with that, as I should with scripture but not in all the ways we normally think of “playing favorites”. When we think of someone “playing favorites”, we think of favoring behavior of one over another or rewards or punishing behavior of over disproportionately or inconsistent with another. From that standpoint God does hold one standard to judge sin as well as good behavior. Yet that standard is so far above anything any human can do, and above standard Jesus demonstrated as a human, that none of us have any hope of ever being able to meet such a standard. Yet the other definition of “playing favorites” is to spend time with one than with another and grace more gifts on one over another. Only God can play favorites with everyone who will spend time with Him. Only God can be with each of us at the same time with such personal focus as if we were the only one He had to spend time with. Only He can council and know and understand us each better than we know ourselves. Psalmist said that such knowledge is too wonderful to comprehend. Yes, each one of us only creation or the only one He sacrificed His life for on the cross. AMEN! are His favorite because He loves and pays attention to each one as if we were His.

10/14/16                          Holy Matrimony                                       14
The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was set apart, he and his sons forever, that he should sanctify the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister to Him, and to give the blessing in His name forever. 1 Chronicles 23:13

SCRIPTURE: I PETER 1:13-16 “¹³ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;¹⁴ As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:¹⁵ But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;¹⁶ Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

COMMENTS : Today’s devotional topic is an awkward one for me, since I am to put myself in role of being Christ’s bride. My bride of 38.5 yrs has been so faithful and loving and supportive of me all these years. She has made it so easy to be faithful and loving and devoted to her too. I have heard it said that men crave respect more from their wives than anything else and women crave love and attention from their husbands more than anything else. Over the years I have noticed that. When Arlene was irritated with me, it was usually because I was neglecting her and taking her for granted and not helping her with duties that would enable us to spend more time together as well as lighten her load. Likewise, when I became irritated with her, it was commonly due to feelings of deteriorating respect from her instead of her asking for encouragement, as she was. Fortunately, we loved each other enough to put our relationship with each other at a high enough priority to do what was necessary to present and strengthen that relationship. So the rocky periods were generally not as bumpy and have noticed commonly with other couples. Our children have commented that they thought we would fight until they saw fights their friend’s parents had and then realized we really didn’t fight at all. Well, everything is relative and, as two imperfect people, our married has been flawed with many failures. Yet forgiveness was a choice we both made more times than could or nor did count. As I compare my relationship with Arlene, and she with me, with our common marriage with Christ, I have to realize and feel amazed that Christ would cherish His relationship with all of us that much to compare it to a husband’s relationship with his wife. Some would tarnish such discussion with trying to put a sexual tarnish on it. But that is not what scripture is saying. If we look at sound marriages between elderly people, where the love relationship is stronger than in their youth, but the sexual passions have faded, we start to get a better clue as to why God used marriage to help us understand His relationship with us. I personally relate better to a son’s relationship with his older father since I had such a wonderful relationship with my father and would seek his advice often even as an adult. You see, often I would ask his advice on engineering matters he didn’t have a clue, but his love for me and Christ would guide my thinking to the right answers often just be taking the time to talk to him and let him share how he reached out to God during difficult times. The importance of doing that often seems unnecessary and against our nature, as men, to never ask for directions or help unless all else fails. Women tend to read the directions first and ask for help if don’t understand them rather than use trial and error as an acceptable way of approaching problems. Do you relate to that? Well then we have something in common. Yet learning to go to Christ first instead of later is something I’m getting better at. But there are times I grow lazy and start to slip back into the trial and error mode. Fortunately, either Arlene or my own conscience usually give me a nudge before I slip too far down that dead end. God nudges me often too. That is a very good thing!! .

10/15/16                         EVIDENCE-BASED FAITH                               15

SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:39-43 “ ‘We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’” COMMENTS : Do we have any proof God is real and Christianity is the only true religion? If you have not read your Bible, I would suggest doing that. It takes 72 hours to read cover to cover, even though it is a big thick book. If you read 20 minutes a night, it will take a year. If you read 12 pages a day, it will take 85 days. Well, that would be a good thing to do, but would not recommend doing that the first time because you might not be motivated enough yet to do that. But what that would do is give you an overall perspective as to how God has been involved and available from one generation to another. If you read the Genesis, you will see the order and logic God created and was involved when earth and civilization was young. If you read the Psalms, you will see how real God was and a real help in trouble. If you read Proverbs, you will see incredible wisdom and insight into managing life’s problems and avoiding many. If you read the prophets, you will see God’s mercy and warnings and judgments for evil living but also forgiveness and mercy. If you read the New Testament gospels and letters, you will see God’s love demonstrated by Christ’s life and death and resurrection as well as how that sacrifice transformed the lives of Christ’s followers. I believe, even a brief time of seriously and openly reading scripture will open a door to see how real and close God is to you too and open your eyes to notice others you know who have been transformed too by Christ and having a real relationship with Him. There is much we don’t understand nor comprehend about God. That is because He is God and we are not. But what we can know and understand is sufficient to trust Him and follow His guiding hand. Well, today Arlene and Carol and Darlene (sisters), and Debbie (our daughter), left for Indiana/Kentucky for their annual girl’s vacation for a week. We husbands have to batch it. I am responsible to getting our granddaughter, Lily, off to school and get her meals and spend some time with her in evening and over weekend. Joe, Debbie’s husband, will be responsible for his next older son, Hunter, who is now 16. Well, a week will go by very quickly and am sure we will miss our wives for a number of reasons, but time apart will is needed for refreshing and renewal. God is going with and staying with us all at the same time with same focus. We can’t go so far He is not still with us. What an awesome God we have and know. What a shame when we neglect Him and take Him for granted. Well, having our wives away a few days will help us take note and stop taking them for granted at least for awhile. We humans need frequent reminders, right? I can hear God saying “Tell me about it!” He would easily have us figured out by now even if He wasn’t God. But He is and knew us even long before we were born. And still He created us and died for us even before we were born.

10/16/16                              What Spouses Should Expect                      16

SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 5:21-32 “²¹ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.²² Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.²⁴ Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.²⁸ So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.²⁹ For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:³⁰ For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.³¹ For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.³² This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church”.

COMMENTS : Marriage is at the core of the family unit and institution. God designed and created family as the way for adults and children to be in close nurturing healthy and loving relationship with each other. When we look at examples of families with Christ at the head and in the hearts of both husband and spouse, we see imperfect examples but a lot more perfect than so many others. Truth is examples are imperfect because the individuals in every family are imperfect – making mistakes and guilty of sin. But compared to examples of families without Christ’s influence there is a huge difference. The difference is each being motivated by their own selfish desires instead of loving caring for each other at their own sacrifice. Scripture gives well defined instruction and commandments in to each member of the family unit. Commandments for the husband, for the wife, and for the children. Those commandments are based on following Christ’s example of how He treated his family and how they treated Him. But there are plenty of examples of good families as well as poor families in scripture. There are also good and poor examples all around us. We know what defined a good family and poor family and how ours stacks up. We don’t want others to point those differences out to us but we really need to be honest and seek God’s help defining our failures and how we need to deal with them. God does have our best interest at heart. That is why He created the family unit in the first place and is also why satan has been doing his hardest trying to destroy it. Can you recall a time when attacks on the family been so hostile and evil? We are living in an age where evil is called good and good evil and that goes for the roles of the husband and wife and children. We lose more than we realize when we don’t honor what God honors and disobey Him. God is patient and loving but He does have limits. When our rebellion continues without repentance there will come a time of judgment. God has demonstrated that many times in the past. Just because He is longsuffering doesn’t mean He will make an exception for us. God’s judgment for sin is sure if we don’t repent and receive Christ’s gift of salvation. But by refusing to follow God’s instruction, we set ourselves up for needless pain and suffering. I see so much of that in families all around me but also in my own family when I neglect the relationship I am called to have with each member of my family. God gives each of us a sensitive heart to notice when we fail if we only accept His correction. When we become hardened and refuse, problems get much worse and consequences in our lives and lives of our family suffer as a result. Consider all the examples in families all around us that reflect that. Christ gives the only way. Satan offers plenty of other ways but they all lead to same bad end.

10/17/16                                       Bible Couples: Jacob and Rachel                                     17
Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept. Genesis 29:11 SCRIPOTURE: Genesis 29:1-12 “ Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.² And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well’s mouth.³ And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well’s mouth in his place.⁴ And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.⁵ And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.⁶ And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.⁷ And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.⁸ And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.⁹ And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep; for she kept them.¹⁰ And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.¹¹ And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.¹² And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son: and she ran and told her father.”

COMMENTS : How many times have you watched or read stories of “prearranged marriages and thought “wouldn’t it be terrible if I had to submit to such a practice”. Well consider all the poor choices made by those who picked their own spouse. Now, maybe such arrangements made for political or selfish reasons can and do have doomed results, but let’s consider examples with God’s influence. Sure many stories, and maybe yours, where couples met without outside influence, fell in love, married and have had a long and happy marriage. But wait. Did God have any influence or did other friends have any influence in that selection or at least gave insights of the other person? Truth is, we are not as objective a judge as our friends or family are, so we would do well to listen to them. To listen to those whom we know we can trust and who have wisdom would serve us very well in making wise choices in many areas, but especially in something as important as choosing a spouse. We would do well to realize we are picking the parent of our children, which will have a lifetime impact on them. God motivated a common friend, Katy Campbell, to plan our meeting. We both knew and trusted Katy as a God loving and faithful Christian, so risk of meeting was not great. Truth is she saw in us qualities she knew would make a good family, and so they did. Otherwise, we both might have settled for someone less than God’s ideal for the other. Waiting and seeking God’s choice is always best even though not always in our time frame but certainly worth waiting for. We are glad each other waited and believe our children are glad too. How do we convince others to do the same? Truth is only God really can convince but they will need to want to trust Him themselves and choose to wait too. All we can do is show by example God’s best and pray He will guide them to wait and trust Him too. Prayer is such a vital gift and tool God gives us to communicate and fellowship with Him. A tool we can use as long and often as we like. A tool which becomes more important to us the more we use it, but not when we fail to use it.

10/18/16                        TRAINED TO BE MOVED BY THE SPIRIT                             18 SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:44-48 “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, ‘Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptised with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’ So he ordered that they be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days”. COMMENTS : God will have His way. History reminds us He will be patient and give us many opportunities to follow His Will as well as many opportunities to continue in rebellion. Freedom to obey but freedom to rebel. Even though the disciples were in intimate relationship with Christ seeing how he treated others and listening to His teaching and instruction, they continued to be surprised. Even though they were given His commission to preach the Gospel message everywhere to all people, they were still surprised when the Holy Spirit came in non-Jewish people. Peter was old school so struggled for some time getting used to Jews being equal to Gentiles as new Christians. As I get more closely acquainted with fellow Christians in other countries and learn more of their customs and ways of worship, I too become a bit surprised as notice differences but also how much we do have in common and how much alike we all are. Alike in our love and worship of Christ and need for prayer. Alike in value we have in family and moral behavior. Alike in love and respect for each other and for Christ. Alike in our understanding of Christ and love for Him. Alike in our passion for other people and desire for them to know Christ and His forgiveness too. I am also amazed at how well pastors who have learned English can converse in English especially in writing. That is good for me as communicate since I am the one who only knows my native language.

I am realizing just how privileged I am to be able to convey the journal messages God has laid on my heart to write in my language to many in many different countries who He has prepared by teaching them English and bringing them to me by an electronic miracle of facebook. Neither they nor I could have imagined such tools or opportunity just a few years ago, but especially when they were learning English and I was praying and reading my bible as a youth. You see, many times as I prepared for a career as an engineer and worked as such in the workplace, especially when became discouraged or face challenges with no easy solution, I would seek God for help but also seek if He wanted me to be a pastor or evangelist. Truth was, my shyness and fear of crowds hindered me from wanting such or to be in the “Spotlight”. Yet He always responded with answer “if you can’t serve me where you are, why do you think you can serve me better as a pastor or evangelist. Go be a light for me where you are. Over the years He gave me many opportunities to do just that but now opportunities to share with pastors all over the world by blog and facebook and email and even some phone calls has been overwhelming but exciting. The shyness and discomfort in crowds and spotlight is still a strong part of my personality but He is giving me confidence that I am walking in His will and He will be faithful in guiding me as I step out of my boat and walk with Him on the water of obedience.

I pray you too will find the journey He has called you too. His ultimate call may require preparation and may require learning to serve Him where you are for awhile before He calls you to greater service. His timing and preparation is perfect, which is so encouraging since He knows us and our strengths and weaknesses like none other and still prepares and waits for us. He will wait for you but will push if you don’t obey in the small ways He wants you do respond right now. He has pushed me….

10/19/16                                  When Two Become One                                       19
Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 19:3-6 “³ The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?⁴ And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,⁵ And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?⁶ Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

HEBREWS 4:12 “¹² For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

COMMENTS : Marriage is such a precious gift and vital to the family unit and it’s impact on the lives of adults as well as children who are a part of it. God designed the family unit to create and raise children, and even parents, to know and love and be in relationship with each other but also to know and love and be in relationship with God. Marriage is God’s way of bringing a couple together to make a covenant – a lifelong commitment to each other but also to Christ as the head of their marriage and family. This was God’s design and nature of this design shows the depth and wisdom of His handiwork and depth of His love.

We all have known and seen good marriages and can see how powerful and positive those marriages have been on both partners and on their children. When prayer and involvement in a church family are included, more support and help are involved in growth and support of each in those families. When the marriages partners focus on their own selfish needs and desires and interest over the needs of their partner or children, then the marriage and family unit and all partners suffer. God has also designed the marriage and family unit to reminds us and reflect the relationship He has with us and remind us what our relationship is with Him. He also reminds us all the joy and help and support and protection and love marriage provides is also what our relationship with Him provides to us and our families. Well, I shouldn’t have to convince you how important marriage and family are to everyone, but I believe we all need reminded just how important a daily close relationship with God is to make the loving relationships between spouses and parents – children all they should be and need to be. When that fails, it is always the result of one or more partners living and acting selfishly and apart from God’s influence. Yet Christ’s message is even when sin causes damage and hurt our spouses and children, it is vital forgiveness be given and experienced. Christ perfectly showed us what that forgiveness looks like and how it needs to be demonstrated. The story of the prodigal is a good example to us how He loves and parents us and how we need to relate to our parents and children and ultimately to Him. The parable of the servant forgiven of a huge debt shows us just how great a debt we all have been forgiven of when we accept Christ and how important it is for each of us to forgive each other. We have offended and hurt Christ far above what we ever could to each other, so need to forgive too.

10/20/16                                       RESPONDING TO CRITICISM                          20

Acts 11:1-8 “And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.² And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,³ Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.⁴ But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,⁵ I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:⁶ Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.⁷ And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.⁸ But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.⁹ But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.¹⁰ And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.¹¹ And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.¹² And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:¹³ And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;¹⁴ Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.¹⁵ And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” COMMENTS : Even though Jesus had spent 3 years with Peter and the other disciples teaching and showing them how to love their own countrymen but also even the invading pagan Roman soldiers. He showed and told them that God’s forgiving and saving Grace was to be taught and shared to all people, both Jew and Gentile, both circumcised and non-circumcised. The Apostle Paul and Peter had a bit of a dispute over that for a time, but Peter soon realized Paul was right. Today’s scripture was a vision God gave Peter to prepare him for an encounter with a Roman Soldier, Cornelius, who was seeking God’s saving Grace too. This story both confirms and encourages us all to know we are all equally in need of His saving grace and none are more or less worthy of receiving it than others. We all are also equally lost without His saving Grace. That is humbling knowing even a good moral life is still far short of the standard He demonstrated and requires of us in order to be sufficient to earn His Grace. Since the standard is so far above our ability to meet it and since the worst of us and best of us are all living so far below that standard, we all are in equal need of accepting the only way available to receive that Grace – that is through the blood of Christ shed for you and me. That both means we receive it as a gift not earned but we are all equal in His eyes when we receive it. That means we have no right to judge each other or to think some have privilege to more grace than others. It also means God’s Grace is to be shared without discrimination. It also means we are all to love and treat each other equally as brothers and sisters in Christs. It also means sisters should be treated equal to brothers since we all receive His Grace. Gifts are difference so how we each serve will be uniquely different but in God’s economy we are all of equal value and position in His kingdom even though we may have more or less responsibility and duties in His Work. Bottom line is how well we do or don’t do that work or how many we will to Christ or don’t win, all is for His Honor and all we do is to show our love for Him and gratitude for what He has done for us. That means any honor from the work we done here on earth must go to Him. If we accept that honor, we shame ourselves and dishonor Him.

10/21/16                                             The Power of Words                                                      21
How fair is your love, my sister, my spouse! How much better than wine is your love, and the scent of your perfumes than all spices! Song of Solomon 4:10

EPHESIANS 4:15 “¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

COLOSSIANS 4:6 “⁶ Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

COMMENTS : Today’s scriptures can be applied in a variety of different situations and circumstances and often are. Words are powerful and impact us is ways we can’t forget, especially harmful ones. Yet some words are cherished. The last words of someone we dearly love who passed on. I know of many who would not erase the last message a deceased spouse left them or the last letter or note left. These remembrances can be harmful if causes grief to linger too long and preventing healing. Same can go for hurtful words that cannot be forgotten either. Thoughtless words or words said in anger can and do cause damage to others and even their relationships with more than just the person saying those words. Scars from those words can affect both parties in devastating ways for a lifetime and potentially eternally if affects their relationship with God. But healing and loving words can also have a lasting affect too. Those are the words Scripture provides for us – words to convict and draw us to Christ’s mercy. Words of encouragement and wise council. Words of healing and forgiveness. Word of hope and change. Words from God to us. Why is it easier to cherish the last words of a departed spouse but not God’s words to us? Well maybe for the same reason we neglect our spouse when he or she is here but when realize they are gone, they become more precious to us. That also applies to us. When God permits hardship or even tragedy into our lives, does it draw us back to Him and into His Word? That it should and for that such tragedy can bring much good. But we must not forget tragedy comes because we live in a sinful fallen world. Satan is responsible for that. But God can and does bring great good out of what satan caused and is responsible for. Those rare times when God brings judgment due to sin, as when Israel was in captivity in Babylon; He still is keeping an open hand of forgiveness open to those who will only repent of their sins and seek Him for forgiveness and restoration of a relationship with them.

I am convinced God gives us blessings and prosperity as a reward for faithfulness but with the responsibility to not let it affect our relationship with Him but with responsibility to share and bless others in need. Yet the more common result is not sharing but letting selfishness and greed result and even pride, which draws those blessed from God and at risk of other temptations and sins, thereby breaking their relationship with God and at risk of judgment. God may remove the blessings not because He is judging but because He cares enough for us to remove prosperities temptations before we become lost. A greater tragedy is for material things to have such a hold on us that they deprive us of family as well as a relationship with God. Judgment may indeed come, which has eternal consequences. Far better to endure material loss in order to gain eternal life and gain our families back. The price we must pay for what we seek all too often is not known until it is too late because commitment is made. We all need to take inventory of what God has given to us and judge what is most precious and what is just nice to have and decide what God wants us to use and how. Our families and our relationship with Christ is the most precious. All else will not last and must be weighed against what is most precious and eternal. Choices and actions and words then must comply too. 10/22/16 God Changing Our Thinking 22 Acts 11:9-14  ‘The voice spoke from heaven a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, “Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.”‘                                                                                                            COMMENTS : Peter required a lot of work and preparation from God before he could be usable.  Jesus invested 3 years but even that wasn’t enough.  In spite of being with Christ for 3 years, he still was not ready to risk death for Him on Good Friday.  Even after the Holy Spirit came and Peter began preaching the Gospel, he still had some lingering prejudices against his gentile captors.  Aren’t you glad God chose for His sacrifice and message to apply to Gentiles as well as Jews?  To men and women of all colors and nationalities and backgrounds?  AMEN.  Truth is Jews were not a chosen race for privilege or for blessing but for outreach.  God chose the Jews to be His evangelists.  What would the world be like now if they had been faithful to their calling?  Even when God gave Abraham His covenant the promise to those He would evangelize.  Read Genesis 12:1-3 “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee² And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Abraham was to tell and show the world what God was like and covenant available to them too if they would receive God’s message. Yes, what would the world be like if Abraham would have waited ‘til God fulfilled His promise instead of taking matters in his own hands with Ishmael through Hagar.  What if he had shared God’s message instead of just seeking his own gain.  What if the world would have accepted that message instead of fighting it?  Well, every generation has had the same opportunity and so do we.  What would our country be like if revival came?  What would our world be like?  It starts with God’s people “II Chron 7:14 – “¹⁴ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.””  We can blame others but God is making us accountable for our own choices and actions.  Revival starts with us but will not end with us if we are obedient to His calling.  The Good News is past failures and sins need not prevent future revival in our hearts as well as in our communities – country – world.  The choice is still ours.  Past experience indicates revival comes when times are at their worst and when sin is the strongest and worst.  Truth likely is things just have to get bad enough before people wake up and realize just what they have lost and come back to God seeking forgiveness and healing.  God will not come to us uninvited.  So it really is up to us.  If we seek God to revive us and make us a usable vessel, than revival will come to us and the possibility and hope of that revival spreading to the lost begins to happen.  True they, like we, must make their own choices but how can they if we are still harboring sin and disobedience in our hearts.  God does use imperfect servants for His purpose but there are some pre-requisites He requires of His servants.  They must surrender to Him and allow Him into their souls to cleanse and guide them.  Until we do that, we are the mission field instead of being His missionaries.  So which are you and which do you want to be.  There is no other choice or place.  We are either a mission field or a missionary.  We are either lost or found. What could we give up that would bring better gain? NOTHING! Scripture and past generations are shouting NOTHING IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOD’S PRESENCE AND BLESSING!!

10/23/16                                            Learning to Wait – Learning to Act                   23 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

SCRIPTURE: LAMENTATION 3:25-26 “²⁵ The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.²⁶ It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”

COMMENTS : Waiting on the Lord may mean different things to different people in different situations but there is common elements. When we see opportunity to acquire or do something of interest or desire to us, we may force or create an opportunity that may be ahead or against God’s will and plan. Likewise, if God is calling us to do or go somewhere, we may tend to drag our feet if we feel unready or unprepared or not appealing to us. As we look at examples in scripture, what God always insisted on was acting on faith to God’s call. David had to wait in the midst of a king hunting him down to kill him before He could be king. Saul needed to wait before going to war for Samuel to make sacrifice and pray. Learning to wait when God says wait and trusting He will keep His promises and provide help and protection in meantime is one key way of exercising faith. We will likely have more than one example during our lifetimes. A big one is waiting for God’s choice of a spouse even when God doesn’t answer that prayer soon enough for us. What would today’s world be like if Abraham and Sarah would have waiting and trusted God to keep His promise of a child 13 more years when Isaac was born instead of trying to force God’s hand or “help God” by through Hagar, Sarah’s servant. Why did they think God would bless such a solution? We are suffering the consequences of that choice. Then there are those who refused to obey when God told them to act. Examples like Paul almost persuading King Agrippa to accept Christ (Acts 26:20-30). Another example is the Israelites refusing to go into the promised land, listening to the 10 spies and not to Joshua and Caleb who agreed giants live there but their God was bigger who promised to give them that land.

II THESS. 2:8 “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” I’m sure you can recall personal or contemporary examples of regrets and consequences of not following God’s call or direction. Both acting outside God’s Will and refusing to follow God’s call both have consequences. Both cause offender to miss out on God’s blessings and fulfillment from being used in God’s service. Blessings likely that could become a legacy to future generations.

So what does this mean? We need God’s help to know what His will is. We need God’s help to know when to act on His Will and when to wait. We need God’s help to make sure, when we begin following God’s Will, we stay on target. The only way is to be in daily fellowship and communion with Christ and each day being obedient to His instructions for that day. Trying to outguess God or acting without seeking His guidance first, especially on big decisions, is a huge mistake. Granted, most of our daily choices are not life changing nor will have eternal consequences, so may not make a huge difference to God. But some days bring such significant choices and when we already have a daily communion with Christ, He is a lot more accessible to help and guide us when those choices come. We will be a lot more inclined to ask before acting and know when He responds, and be more prepared to accept His council too.

10/24/16                                        RESPONDING TO CRITICISM                                 24                         Acts 11:15-18 ‘As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?’ When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’ COMMENTS : When the Holy Spirit comes, there is no more dispute – no more argument – no more disagreement because God gives the truth and shows us the truth. As Paul began his ministry to the gentiles, especially when not enforcing circumcision as a discipline among Christian males, as it was with Jewish males, and as Peter began baptizing new believers among the Roman and other gentiles, a dispute swelled among Jewish Christians. If Christ came to fulfill and not destroy the Law (the Jewish Law), then wouldn’t it be reasonable to expect new Christians to conform to Jewish Law. After all, that had been the practice through the centuries when gentiles converted to the Jewish faith. They were required to be circumcised and obey all the laws. Neither Peter, nor Paul were discounting the 10 commandments or moral behavior God had been requiring over the centuries. What they were defining was the Jewish laws God was requiring and what laws were human requirements only. When the Holy Spirit came and dwelled in all present, disputes dissolved because God’s direction was then clear. All had their minds changed. Peter and Paul less so since God’s had already visited them. Others more so because the Holy Spirit had not visited them yet, so their traditions were not challenged by God yet. Why did the Holy Spirit give more freedom in regard to circumcision for the gentile Christians but not when gentiles had previously converted and become a part of the Jewish community in Old Testament times? Had God changed His thinking? This is somewhat speculation to respond to this question. When Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross, the need for regular animal sacrifice had ended and the Holy of Holies, which was an area of the Temple off limits to everyone but the High Priest on special occasions and with proper preparation to meet God. No, with Christ’s sacrifice came God giving the Holy Spirit available to dwell and be in personal relationship with every Christian, so our relationship with God changed and become even more personal and requirements became easier to achieve but much higher to achieve. By that I mean the requirement was to accept Christ’s sacrifice and repent of sin. But the transformation become ongoing and level of more perfect behavior and thinking and action now became more possible – more possible to be more Christ like in thought and motive and action than previously possible because of the continual ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit available and in each believer. So obedience became much more than following a set of rules but being faithful to our relationship with Christ and following His lead each day. Did that mean circumcised would no longer be practiced or would eating pagan sacrificed foods no longer be forbidden? The conviction of these and other restraints would still be important and considered but the reason for following them would be much different. Obeying rules just because they are rules was replaced by following God and obeying Him because of Who He is and What He has done for us, and because we love and worship Him… The reason and motivation changed more than the requirements. What also changed was how we viewed others – realizing we are all sinners in need of a Savior and judgment is to be left to Him, not to ourselves. When a believer causes division in the church or hurts other’s relationships with Christ, then orderly confrontation and discipline would be appropriate. Truth is everything becomes clearer the closer we get with Christ and the more willing we are to let the Holy Spirit influence and be a part of our lives – our daily walk with Christ.

10/25/16                                               Strength Through Service                         25

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.
Romans 12:10

SCRIPTURE: I CORINTHIANS 12:12-31 “¹² For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.¹⁴ For the body is not one member, but many.¹⁵ If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body¹⁶ And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?¹⁸ But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.¹⁹ And if they were all one member, where were the body?²⁰ But now are they many members, yet but one body.²¹ And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.²² Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:²³ And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.²⁴ For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked.²⁵ That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.²⁶ And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.²⁷ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.²⁸ And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? ³⁰ Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

COMMENTS : Paul’s famous analogy of the Christian Church, us as Christian believers to be a body not unlike our own physical bodies, reveals to us how God sees us. He sees each of us as precious and vital to Him. But He also sees us as vital to each other and each providing a unique gift of great value to the whole body of Christ. What would our Bible be without Paul’s letters or the early church without His ministry? What about other faithful Christians of Paul’s day. Just because they aren’t mentioned in scripture doesn’t mean their impact wasn’t significant. Well, their impact was significant to their children and spouses and friends and neighbors. Then that impact indirectly affected and next generation and so on. So each did have an impact that affected history and future events even to present day. Just because we don’t know that impact doesn’t mean it wasn’t significant or real. God will make all this known when we get to heaven. We will find out how our great-great-great grandparents impacted us and world view that we inherited and embraced. We too think our lives have little impact on others or on God’s Will, but truth is our lives do have an impact either for good or evil. Our job is not to change other’s minds but to be faithful and available and be ready to give the reason for the hope and passion that drives us (I Peter 3:15).

10/26/16                                       OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE                           26

Acts 11:19-21 “Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.” COMMENTS: I want you to think back about a terrible tragedy that happened in your life. I am sure you will be able to think of more than one. For me there have been several. The death of Arlene’s Dad, death of my sister Shirley and my Dad, the death of a dear friend Gary Hovis. There are others but these stand out because of suddenness of either their death or a disease or event that caused their death. What caused them to be especially tragic was being unexpected and us being unprepared. Other shocks may be an unexpected disease diagnosis or a secret that came to light. Tragedy is never judged to be good at the time but is life changing. “911” was such a time especially for those directly affected. Yet God promises to bring good even out of tragedy if we remain faithful to Him (Romans 8:28-29). We can find countless examples and scriptures in our Bibles to prove and support such a conclusion. We can find countless examples in our own lives if we take the time to honestly reflect. No one wants nor will ask for tragedy, but when it comes God never lets us face it without a willingness to be and stay at our side. Even now, I would much rather my sister and Gary would have lived. Yet life goes on and God has a way of providing and giving hope. But the biggest confident hope we have is if they and we know Christ, we will not only see them again but will enjoy eternity with them in heaven. Stephen’s death was such a time. A powerful preacher who was impacting many. Why did he have to die so early and in such a manner? Why couldn’t God protect and spare him like he did others so many times. All the other disciples, including Paul, were spared many times but ultimately, except for John, face martyrdom as well. Why are some tragically taken at a young age while others endure Alzheimer or other diseases suffering for years before death frees them? Why are some healed while others endure disease for many years? Truth is death is the perfect and permanent healer for the believer. God has promised to give us new bodies and death will not stop us from seeing our loved ones again (I Thessalonians 4:13-17 “ 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”). When we look back, we can see God’s hand in healing and helping and drawing us and others to His side. Tragedy has a way of drawing us to Him and each other for help and comfort. Grief and tragedy is only temporary. Our relationship with Him is forever and He is preparing us for eternity. There is a wonderful Gospel hymn that says “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus, it will be worth it all when we see Him”. Let Him comfort and encourage you today, wiping your tears.

10/27/16                                         Learning to Live Together                                27
1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 “¹¹ Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.¹² And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. ¹⁵ See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies. ²¹ Test all things; hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil.”

COMMENTS : How we should treat other people sometimes is a more difficult goal to achieve than other times. Scripture tells us when we are treated kindly, it is easy to be kind. Even non-Christians do that. But when we are mistreated or treated unjustly, that is when our faith and faithfulness to Christ is tested. We have ample instruction and ample examples of how we are called to act to all, but fellow Christians and non-Christians and even to those hostile to Christians and to us. Christ was our one and only perfect example, but are plenty of other less than perfect examples in scripture. We are also given examples of those who followed their own passions instead of Christ’s example with serious consequences. Good examples like how Daniel responded to Babylon’s captivity and King Nebechnezzar’s edicts or how Joseph responded to his brothers or how Stephen responded to the angry crowd who stoned him. Does that mean we are to be completely passive to all in all situations. Well, Christ did get angry at merchants in temple and turned over their tables. Yet responded in order to discipline and help and help vs responded with anger with intent to cause pain and harm are quite different. When judgment came on Israel during Babylonian captivity, God punished in a way to draw them back to himself and provided examples like Daniel to give them hope and an example to follow. He prayed in open 3 times a day, an example all needed to follow. Conduct is also a two way street. How Joseph’s brothers treated him was criminal and very sinful but the response Joseph gave them could only be possible by having a loving – trusting relationship with God that enabled him to truly love his brothers. He did test them but fully forgave them and empowered them to change and love him unselfishly too because he demonstrated God’s love and forgiveness to them first. Not everyone will respond and not every ending with be a good one. But some will and with God’s help the least positive outcome will be a stronger relationship with God for us and one step further towards being Christ like for us. The best will be winning a brother or sister to Christ as well. A win-win. When we think others need to suffer for what they did or do to us, we are hurting ourselves and grieving God in ways we don’t realize. When we truly forgive and return evil with good, we free God to do a miracle even if it is only in us. Proverbs 25: 21-23 “²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:²² For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.²³ The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.” God is in the business of doing miracles and does them every day. Take time to notice the miracles He has done and does do and be encouraged. Then pray and seek out those opportunities He gives to to love as He loves and respond as He would. Then He will do a miracle in you and, when they are willing, in others through you. But guess what? When we fail, God is there to forgive and give us a new chance, just like every night brings a new morning and a fresh start. That is God’s way of refreshing and and giving us redemption.

10/28/16                                         If You Will Let God Guide                                            28
Proverbs 3:1-10 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

COMMENTS : “Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.” These words from Proverbs 3 reminds us, we don’t need to understand what God is doing in order to obey and love and trust Him. In fact, doesn’t faith require us to trust Him especially when we don’t understand what He is doing or allowing in our lives? But God’s promise is in vs 6 to guide our path when he acknowledge and praise and trust Him. Doing that is a lot easier when we have little at stake or risk. Trusting Him to provide for us each day is important but may not require as much faith as trusting Him in a life and death situation or when a mistake or wrong choice would cause great hardship or even death. Living in the United States has shielding me from the level of persecution and suffering my fellow Christians have endured in many other countries like China and many communist countries and Muslim countries overseas. Yet I have been made fun of and criticized in modest ways in the past. Yet even those modest levels of persecution, not worthy of mentioning because they are not close to the level my brothers and sisters overseas have endured, has strained my faith and courage at times. It is so much easier to say we will be faithful than to be faithful. Peter said he would be faithful to Christ but when the chips were down, he failed to be faithful. His example encourages us because Christ not only forgave him but worked in him until he was able to demonstrate courage and faithfulness. Christ wants to work in and thru you and me to point we can be faithful too. We don’t know what the future will hold but I’m convinced even in the USA we will face a much higher level of persecution in the days ahead. We need to prepare ourselves for it by drawing closer to Him, spending more time in His word and in prayer. But also by seeking being more faithful in service to Him and sharing His Good News to others we interact with each day. How well we do that will have eternal worth for us and for more than we realize.

10/29/16                             ENCOURAGED AND ENCOURAGING                       29

Acts 11:22-26 “News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” COMMENTS: Barnabas was originally a Jew from Cyprus. His real name was Joseph and he was a Levite (Acts 4:36). He was the cousin of John Mark who lived in Jerusalem (Colossians 4:10) with his mother, Mary, who hosted an early house church (Acts 12:12). Barnabas was a nickname meaning ‘son of encouragement’ because he was such a positive example to the church (Acts 4:36). He loved encouraging people, sharing the gospel and pastoring the new believers. Saul of Tarsus had been converted, but many believers were afraid of him so Barnabas introduced him to the apostles (Acts 9:27) before they advised that he went back to his home city as Jerusalem was too dangerous (Acts 9:29-30) Names matter and often reflect characteristics of the name’s owner. But what better compliment than to have a name that means “son of encouragement”. What a testimony of character and what a legacy to leave. The good that Barnabas did for the disciples and for Paul, as well as those impacted by their ministries was eternal. Yet what he does was simply being sympathetic and sensitive of others and looking at situations from their perspective. He took Matthew 7:12 “Do to others as you would have them do to you” Have you known people like Barnabas? Do you know some now? “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they shall be called the children of God” Matthew 5:9. Don’t you want to be called God’s child. Wouldn’t you like to leave a legacy like Barnabas’? Well you can and so can I. It really isn’t as hard as you think. To be a peacemaker and a encourager means complementing good behavior and show Christ’s love. How do we do that? By getting closer to our savior and being in an attitude of prayer as we interact with others. Caring about others comes with doing that as does becoming more sensitive to God’s leading and discernment when dealing with disputes and controversial subjects and issues. When we let good thinking and God’s input come ahead of our emotions and feelings, better results prevail. Forcing our emotions into check and opening the door to God’s input. Well, as much as I desire and strive to be a Barnabas every day, some days I am more successful than other days, and am sure you are too. Good news is God gives us a fresh morning each day to improve and start over and a night to rest and refresh our relationship with Christ – to become better equipped to be more a Barnabas tomorrow than today

10/30/16                                            We Belong Together                                     30
1 Peter 3:1-7 “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” COMMENTS : Take some time to reflect on examples you know of long enduring marriages. Marriages that reflect devotion and faithfulness of one spouse to the other. Examples that have endured for a lifetime. In church or public events when a couple celebrate 30 or 40 or 50 or more years, people clap and congratulate them. They usually respond with surprise at all the fuss and respond nothing is special of their relationship. Yet something is usually special and worthy of taking note of and patterning. What is it that enables one marriage to last for 50 and more years while others don’t last 5 years? Marriages that last are not free of conflict or even serious problems that nearly causes separation. The family unit was created and ordained by God, as was marriage. Since God created them, He also gave instruction and offers help and council in maintaining and sustaining them. Christ, as the head of the Family and center in the lives of the Father/Husband and Mother/Wife are vital and enable the family and marriage a much better opportunity to not only survive but thrive. God wants each and every marriage to do more than survive or endure, but to thrive and become stronger over time. That is His will. Well, what about when the choice of a spouse was made before salvation and was a mistake. Well, God is in the business of redemption and is perfectly capable of transforming the wrong mate into the right mate. I believe that is His first choice and what He will work hardest to accomplish. He is only limited by our willingness to follow His council. He still honors our choices, as good or as bad and foolish and sinful as they continue to be. Marriages fail because one or all parties continue to follow their own selfish and sinful choices. Marriages are restored and endure as all parties submit their wills to Christ and begin making unselfish and Christ directed choices. It is true not all enduring marriage are Christian, but all enduring marriages have common Christ like characteristics. Characteristics like valuing and treating each other with love and respect and sacrificing in order to help and support other’s needs. Children also need to learn and practice this in order to properly prepare for their own marriages and families. Stop and reflect on enduring marriages of those close to you and see what qualities they demonstrate and pray about how well they are demonstrated in your marriage. But I encourage you to take it one step further by seeking in prayer God’s help to make your marriage more like He intended it to be. Pray not only for God to transform your partner or children but ask Him to start with transforming you first. To recognize our failings and repent of them needs to come first. Taking the log out of our own eye before the speck in another’s eye. Matthew 7:3 “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”

God is big on relationships – relationships with each other – relationships with Himself. So seeking changes to build those relationships will always be in His will and He will work hard for them.

10/31/16                                   PRACTICAL SPIRITUAL INSIGHT                                31

Acts 11:27-30 “During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.” COMMENTS: At this time, there was no ‘New Testament’ such as we have to instruct the church. So Jesus appointed apostles to define what should be taught. In addition, the church recognized that God had gifted some people with the ability to be prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers (Ephesians 4:11-13). As the center of Christian mission had moved from Jerusalem to Antioch (Acts 11:19-23), some of these prophets visited Antioch to share what God was saying. They were taken seriously, accepting that the Holy Spirit had given the words to build up the church. Agabus said that a famine was coming and that the church needed to get ready to support Christians in Jerusalem and Judea. Like the account of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:28-40), the Lord inspired Agabus to warn of a coming problem. The Disciples then urged the church to give. The believers in Antioch decided to give, and trusted Barnabas and Paul to take the money to Jerusalem. Practical gifts reflect our trust, obedience, and gratitude to God as well as our fellowship with other believers. There is something very wrong when Christians, who know they have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19), refuse to give to the Lord. Giving or good deeds doesn’t earn our salvation, but failure to give shows that we do not understand or value what Christ has done for us. The early church was mostly made up of very poor people with little to give. But, like the widow who gave her last “mite” or like the boy who gave his lunch to Jesus, gave with a heart of gratitude. God honored their generosity and both empowered their gifts to meet the immediate physical need but empowered it to meet an even greater need for unity and faith and to instill their spirit of obedience and gratitude in others. The result was explosive growth in the church and ability of simple poor people to demonstrate courage and power and generosity – Christ Like Qualities they would not otherwise have been capable of. They made an eternal difference for themselves and those they touched. A difference that still ripples to us today through their stories and rippling influence they had on subsequent generations and they to the next generation and so on. But even more, the influence the Holy Spirit had on them then was also passed on to future generations of Christians to us today. Their example is as important and current to us today as was to those they influenced then.