4/1/17                             Godly Ambition                                                         1

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.

1 Peter 5:1-10“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

COMMENTS : Dwight L. Moody was preaching in Kansas City when he collapsed and was returned to his home in Massachusetts. As he was dying in his home, he told his family “ I have always been an ambitious man, ambitious to leave no wealth or possessions, but to leave lots of work for you to do.” A few minutes as he passed, his last words were “This is my triumph; this is my coronation day! I have been looking forward to it for years.” He then passed into Christ’s presence. The impact and lasting difference Dwight Moody made continues to grow as new generations and readers read his work and sermons and his history. The organizations inspired by him also continue his work and legacy. He did leave his work for his family to continue. He left then a rich legacy to build on far richer and lasting than money or houses or other possessions or influence. The demands of ministry and magnitude of need can be overwhelming and can easily overtake any of us. Truth is it will if we try to do work alone or choose who and where we minister ourselves. By doing that, we are doomed to failure and misery. But when we let Christ guide and sustain us, going where and at pace He directs. We needn’t feel we are alone and solely responsible. The work is His and success or failure are His responsibility. When we realize that, we gain so much more freedom and energy. Realizing that lifts such a burden off us and empowers us to sustain work that would otherwise overwhelm us without feeling or weakening from the burden. The reason is Christ carries the burden and we simply walk along pointing to Him. Well for those of us that are naturally private or shy personalities, task is still difficult and hard to start and sustain. But the realization of what Christ has done for us and what He so wants to do for others motivates to move out of our comfort zones and fight the temptation and tendancy to sit back and hope or let someone else do the outreach God calls us to do.
4/2/17                                                       The Joy of Slavery                                                  2 Romans 1:1-7 “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

COMMENTS : We would likely define freedom as the unopposed opportunity to do what we want when we want and the way we want without restruction or opposition. A few might even add, without consequence. Truth is every action and even every thought has either benefits or consequences. We would likely define slavery as being compelled to do what our owner wants when he wants and the way he wants. Consequences and benefits of actions and thoughts are defined by him. A benevolent master would provide well to his slave, but a harsh master would make his slave’s life hard and filled with misery.
Well, no one wants to be a slave and few do so by choice. Some are children of slaves so inherit that bondage. Others are sold by their parents to pay bills or are sold to pay their own debts. It is hard for us in a free country to understand this but is all too common in many countries and in some even judged an acceptable practice.
Truth is we are all slaves to someone or something controlled by someone. Even our own wills are controlled by someone. If it is ourselves, than we are very vulnerable to satan’s influences. But when we choose for God to be our master and yield our wills to His, we soon discover true freedom. Freedom from consequences and freedom from regrets. Freedom to blessing and capacity to love beyond our own abilities. Freedom from death and inheritance of eternal life with Christ and our loves ones who are His too.
True freedom can only be experienced when we become slaves to our Loving Father. Christ, considered us friends and not slaves, but our relationship with Him goes far beyond just being friends with Him. We must not forget who God is and what He has done and continues to do. When we choose what we want without regard for what HE wants, then we submit ourselves to bondage under satan’s control and sinister plan. When we submit ourselves to God, we quickly discover we have not been bound by bondage but by love. Not by chains or weaknesses but by a relationship based on love and gratitude and need. God’s bondage is not bondage at all but being adopted into family. GOD’S FAMILY! So do you want to be a part of God’s Family or bound to the rest of satan’s slaves. Well, we probably haven’t thought of it that way but scripture and past experiences of others as well as ourselves prove that it is not exaduration. But the good news is Christ has paid the price of our redemption. All we have to do is accept that price and walk from satan’s side to God’s side. A simple choice but then enter into a relationship that will take a lifetime to mature but with an eternity to enjoy. AMEN!
4/3/17                                                       Trip Planning                                               3

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 26:36-55 “36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master;
and kissed him.50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.”

COMMENTS : During this Lent period, it is important to realize the deliberate path of suffering and pain Jesus walked the last few days of His human life and especially the last few hours. The fellowship with the Father that was a constant source of strength and guidance for Him was hidden from Christ during those hours. He felt alone but still remained faithful to His mission and God’s plan to provide redemption for the human race. A plan that was clear to Christ in His mind and heart but His body was struggling with the pain and suffering it was causing. His humanity was screaming NO while His will was fighting to keep his body from persuading His spirit to comply. Satan was enhancing His body’s pain to weaken His spirit. Satan cound’t understand why Christ would pay such a price but knew a lot was at stake for God if Christ would fail. Satan thought the terrible pain and death of cruxifiction would defeat God’s plan. BUT THE CROSS CHANGED FROM A INSTRUMENT OF JUDGMENT AND DEATH TO AN INSTRUMENT OF REDEMPTION FOR HUMANS OF ALL GENERATIONS. THE CROSS BECOME A SYMBOL OF GOD’S LOVE AND SACRIFICE FOR HIM. The cross was designed to stir fear and terror in the hearts of Rome’s subjects. God changed it to be a source of strength and hope starting with Easter morning on to present. The world could never be the same again…

4/4/17                                                            New Eyes                                                     4

The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy. Proverbs 14:10
SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 4:1-9 “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

COMMENTS : Close friendships are a precious gift. If you have a close friend you can confide in and who can confide in you. A friend to know you well and still remains your friend is such a precious blessing. If you are married, I pray your wife or husband is also such a friend. To have a spouse that is you best friend is so
important, but we need other good friends too. We were meant to be in community and to depend on others and have others who depend on us. We were also designed to be in family too. But most of all, we were designed to be in God’s family and have a close loving relationship with Him too. When we sin, we turn our backs to Him and hinder our relationship with Him. But He remains near patiently waiting til we turn back to Him. If you have a friend who loves you that way, then you know they understand when you say or do hurtful things that such is a response to pain and hurt and not personal. God knows us that way and still eagerly awaits for us to repent and turn back to Him. But the other side is, are you such a friend to others, especially your spouse? Do you know and understand other’s weaknesses and work to encourage and help them overcome those weaknesses? We all tend to foster friendships and involvement volunteering in worthwhile organizations and church families when we get something out of it. We forget it isn’t about us but about others and most of all about God and how He would have us honor and serve Him. It really isn’t about us but about Christ! It really isn’t about us being blessed but about being a blessing to others and honoring our Lord in process. Nearly 60 years ago, a US president said “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. As Christians we should “Ask not what God can do for us, ask what we can do for God”. Well, I’m not encouraging us to go on our own not seeking or asking God for help. What I am saying is, we should seek ways to bless others and please God. If we would truly believe and practice that and make that the motivation for choices we made, our lives and the lives of those close to us would be transformed. But the truth is, the only way we can be blessed is to be a blessing to others with motivation of honoring and praising our Lord in doing so. So the next time you think “I didn’t get anything out of the pastor’s sermon or out of Sunday School”, stop and think what have I invested in it today? What did I do in Worship or in Sunday School to bless someone else? Try doing that next time and see if you discover a blessing in that place. To be blessed, we must first be a blessing! God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. Augustine

4/5/17                                                         Focus or Frenzy?                                          5

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” “1 Samuel 16:7

COMMENTS : It is human nature to be distracted by things or people who appeal to our senses. God gave us our senses to guide us in navigating in our surroundings. He gives us light to aid our eyes. He gives us gravity to assist our movements and walking. He gives us touch to guide our movements and protect us from danger. He gives us hearing and voice to communicate and help us go to or avoid places and situations. We could continue and encourage you to do so, but I think you get the point. But equally true is satan also uses our senses to tempt and pull us distractions and sins that pull our attention and focus from God and doing His will. That has been true in every generation from Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit. Satan appears to becoming bolder and making his attacks on Christ’s church and individuals who believe and follow Hiis Word, His instruction. Satan also is becoming bolder in methods and frequency of distracting Christians from God’s work with debates and issues and even temptation that both diminish their witness and credibility but also diminish their will to do His Will. How tragic. God dreams of so much more for and from us, as His followers.
Our job is not to judge but to love and demonstrate a better way. Not to condemn others but to show them a better way to live. Yet how do we love people without having to condone sinful behavior? How to we not condone sinful behavior without judging others? The answer to these questions lie in looking closely at how Christ treated sinners while on earth and how He interacted with others. Look at how He dealt with well-respected people of status and authority as well as those who were deep into sin but were open to consider a different path. I struggle with these issues too. My nature is to avoid conflict and try to be a peacemaker. But when I see angry people doing harm to others, I tend to be much less patient and more impulsive and aggressive in action. Fortunately occasions are much less frequent. Yet when poor behavior is repeated over and over again with each bringing negative consequences, it is then that our compassion and a deeper dive into Christ’s instruction and example and the Holy Spirit’s council and guidance is most needed. I am often reminded I too have strong weaknesses that keep pulling me into errors in judgment and sinful tendencies full well knowing the consequences too. So when I still have such issues, I dare not judge or loose compassion toward those who have weaknesses that may be different than mine. I tell you all this in order that we both will do better in our witness and interaction with others, so we don’t go from the extreme of being confrontational or go to the extreme of being isolationists to avoid conflict or being misunderstood. Truth is the closer we keep our eyes on Jesus, the more like Him we will naturally be, which will resolve the delema but not likely the way the world will treat us. That will still be the cost we will have to pay for following Christ, but one we will be glad in someday when we see Him face to face. In the meantime I invite you to join me praying for God’s guidance and help. Romans 2:28-29

4/6/17                                                  Thoroughly Equipped                                6

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
SCRIPTURE: PSALM 1 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish”

COMMENTS : We read in the newspaper and see reported on the news the consequences to those who venture into forests without a compass or map. Those who go on a trip without a map or GPS. It is foolish to go into unfamiliar territory unprepared. Even with preparation, unknown dangers and challenges can bring unplanned consequences that can be life threatening. Ususally the only hope of a way out comes when someone comes along or those searching find and rescue the one(s) lost and in distress. So why are most willing to through life without the guidance and help and intervention Christ offers us through Scripture (Psalm 119:105) and with the
abiding presence of His Holy Spirit without cost to us. We wouldn’t intentionally venture down a dark narrow path at night with unguarded cliffs on either side without a light. But during a sunny day we wouldn’t need that flashlight. God doesn’t want us to go through life in needly peril, but satan sure does. Satan knows we can’t make it trough life on our own successfully without God and God knows that too. Difference is God is doing all He can to encourage us to accept His help and satan is doing all he can to convince us or distract us from accepting God’s help. So who are you going to listen to? Where are you going to seek help from, your own experiences or from God’s experiences? We are free to choose God’s way or our way. We are not free to choose the benefits or blessing from wise choices nor the consequences of foolish choices. God makes it clear which choice is wise and which is foolish. Satan wants to confuse and make foolish choices seem wise. So who will you believe and listen to? “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” JOSHUA 24:15.
4/7/17                                         Something of Great Significance to Do                   7

But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 II Timothy 3 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was.10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto
salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

COMMENTS : What of great significance does God have for you to do? Some choices do not seem to make much difference like what to wear or have for breakfast. But they might because choices might just allow you to cross paths with someone who needs a word of encouragement or prayer support or even lead to Christ. That is why it is so important we all be in continual fellowship with Christ. That empowers us to hear the Holy Spirit speak to us and guide us and influence our thinking and action. Well, it may not be that common that you and I will have such a dramatic choice to make, but only takes one to make a eternal difference. But even if we don’t, the impact on us alone of staying in close fellowship with Christ and following the Holy Spirit’s lead consistently will be eternal. The return on investment will be far better and lasting than any other investment we will ever make. The other certainty is He will prepare and use us to make an eternal difference in someone else’s life too and likely in many lives. The compounding effect of those who we affect also influences other’s lives will reach far beyond what we can imagine. That is God’s Mathmatics. When we follow Him, we will never have regrets. When we don’t, regrets are inevitable. Stop and reflect on past experiences to confirm this to be true. Scripture are full of examples of those who chose to follow God and those who didn’t. Following God’s purpose vs following purpose we want. Well, our wills will confirm to God’s if we ask His help. Otherwise, there will be conflict with His. That is not a good thing, but you and I tend to do just that if left to our own inclinations. Why does God make His Will seem unappealing or so different than what we want? Maybe because of the importance He places on developing trust in Him and faith in Him. If following Him was so natural and easy, our faith and trust would remain weak and our love for Him and praise for Him would also remain weak. But His ways result in maturing and strengthening and preparing us for eternity and develop within us a witness that is powerful and effective. That is what I want to desire more than anything. How about you? AMEN!

4/8/17                                              Full of God                                                          8

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38a
SCRIPTURE: COLOSSIANS 3:23-25 “23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

COMMENTS : Being inspired by God is a very good thing, but certainly vital to be sure inspiration is genuine and not. Confirming with scripture and other Christians friend and family is wise. God never conflicts with His Word but often directs us in a path we haven’t gone before nor are comfortable taking. That certainly was true of the examples below but the confidence they proceeded with revealed the strength and certainty and confidence God provided when we step out in faith to Him. The subsequent years proved their path was indeed God directed and He did go with them as they walked that path. Joshua and Caleb were enthusiastic and confident God would defeat the giants in the Promised Land (Numbers 13). The apostle Paul was enthusiastic about his commission to take the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). A young Mary enthusiastically embraced her calling to be the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:38). And Paul says everything we do should be done as if we are doing it for Christ Himself (Colossians 3:23).
What is the path God is calling me and you? Some are already walking that path but many are at a crossroad unsure what path they should go. Truth is we need to be sure. Fear and misgiving about ability to go God’s path is normal, but uncertainty about which choice is God’s will is quite different. Taking necessary time to be certain what God wants is vital. Not going ahead of God, but waiting for Him. He waits on us but all too often we don’t want to wait on Him. Afterall, He must prepare the hearts of many to receive, not just us. That is why it is vital to wait for His timing. However, saying no to Him can cause a lifetime of regrets, like the Israelites who refused to take Joshua’s and Caleb’s advice and ended up wondering for 40 years in a desert wilderness and dying never seeing the land God so wanted to give them. They feared the giants and couldn’t trust God would or could fight their battles for them. Regrets are the consequence of disobedience. The wonderful news is God knows our anxiety and understands. He wants us to be sure of His will and take the time to get close to Him to not only confirm that but to sure up our relationship with Him in order to equip us for journey. He promises to take the journey with us and never leave us. But oh so often He will ask us to step out in faith and say yes to Him first. That is a lot easier to say than to do. I can attest to that and am sure you can too. But we have plenty of examples both in the lives of those before us and even in our own lives to prove to us encourage us. Take some time this Holy Week to reflect on the path Christ took and then pray about the path He is calling you to journey. I will be doing so too.
4/9/17                                                 There Is Always Hope                           9

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 5:1-5 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
ROMANS 8:24-25 “24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

COMMENTS : Scripture defines hope differently than we do. We define hope a a wish we are working to achieve that has possibility but no guarantee of achieving. Hope motivates and drives us to action so as to achieve it and hope convinces us that the only way we can reach it is to work for it. God’s hope is confident. It is a promise from Him that He guarantees. Confident hope is and should sustain a level of faithfulness to God not otherwise possible. The confident hope God gives us is eternal life with Him in a place and home more wonderful than we can imagine. A hope that includes our loved ones who also received His hope. A hope that perseveres and sustains us through difficult and trying times. A hope that overcomes distractions and
temptations to be discouraged. A hope that depends on and goes to Christ often and fully for help and council and rest. God not only have given Christ as a sacrifice for us to redeem us but the Holy Spirit to abide with and council and guide and encourage and be a dear friend with each one of us. The Holy Spirit can and does become our best friend and much more, faithful to us both here on earth and for eternity. It is a wonderful paradox, We receive by giving, we are honored by humbling ourselves, we are given hope by giving hope to others, we are given love by loving others, we are blessed by being a blessing, we are helped by helping others…. The list goes on. Take some time to refect on those who have made a powerful positive impact on you and what is was about him or she that impacted you so much. What it how well they reflected a unselfish attitude toward others and how close in relationship with were with Christ? God has a wonderful of using the most unlikely individuals who believe they are untalented, ugly, weak… I’m sure you too can come up with a lot more, as can I. But truth is we are beautiful and pricelessly precious to Him. But truth is, the only way we are or can be beautiful and talented and strong and … (you fill in the blank) is if we put our hand in His and let His Holy Spirit transform us into the image of Him that HE designed us to be. A Corvette would look pretty stupid trying to plow snow or digging a hole for a house foundation or towing a semi-trailer. So why would we expect that we could do God’s Work without Him or to do what God never intended for us to do without Him and especially those things He never intended for us to do at all. When we finally decide, like the prodigal, to stop fighting and resisting God and start listening to and actual allow yourself get to know Him better. He actually wants you too!! You might just discover what a wonder God and Creator we have. Afterall, He did create us and everyone and everything around us. Getting close to Him and following Him. That is the smart thing to do, the right thing to do and, besides, He really deserve our devotion, more so than anyone else…

4/10/17                                                                       Possibilities                                      10

For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37
SCRIPTURE: MARK 10:24-27 “17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

COMMENTS : How far dare we trust God? I think the specific answer varies from one individual to another, but I also believe there is a common answer to that question. I believe the answer that is compatible with scruipture is “We should trust God as far as God’s Will allows.” What do I mean by that. Well, there those who adhere to a “Name it Claim it” theology believing we can have anything we want or need simply by asking God for it and having sufficient believe to remove any barriers to God providing it. They believe if we don’t have it, problem is not with God but with our lack of faith. That was an especially popular theology in 1970’s and 1980’s. Yet, when we look at scripture and examples recorded there of those who were faithful and did have great faith, we discover this theology is not compatible with many examples in scripture. What is consistent is God’s faithfulness. God did not answer their prayers in the way they expected or hoped and not in the time they hoped and desired. But He did answer and blessed and honored their faith in Him. Consider Daniel lived his whole life but never returned to the home he loved during captivity. But God honored his faithfulness and great faith with many visits and acknowledgement that he was highly favored by God. We need only reflect on lives of those around us who are faithful too and consider how God has answered their prayers. Why should we think we know better than God and can overrule His plan and will simply by praying for what we want and expect our believing will bring about our will over His? Why should we want such. Is it not better and wise to use that faith to seek and submit to whatever God’s Will dictates and look at anticipation at what and how God will unfold that Will in answer to your prayers? Is that not exercising greater faith rather than trying to convince God that your will is better than His? Well, truth is we need to share our prayer concerns with Him, no matter how selfish that might be. He knows our hearts anyway and by verbalizing our concerns and desires, do we not bring ourselves closer to Him so He can better change our hearts to desire what He does? I think so. The psalms are full of such prayers seeking a closer walk with God and desiring His character to become theirs. For God to love us as much as He does, He certainly would and does have our best interest at heart and, yes, the interest of our family and other loved ones, even more than we do. By including “not my will but thine be done”, By doing so, we are submitting to God’s will and actually praying as Christ Himself prayed to the Father prior to His cruxifiction. We can do no better than to follow Christ’s example. AMEN!

4/11/17                                                      From Darkness to Light                               11

When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple. Jonah 2:7
SCRIPTURE: PSALM 139:10-12 “10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.”

COMMENTS: History, especially in scripture, reminds us that human nature is to do ourselves without God until we can’t or until disaster looks us in the face and we can no longer do on our own and have no choice but to turn to Him. Those who are so filled with self-pride they can’t bring themselves to do so, like Saul or Pharoah in the old testament, then they will continue to destruction ignoring the only escape or option of redemption available to them. Those like David or Saul who became Paul did not let pride blind them and embraced the offer of redemption God offered. But truth is God was there all the time and simply did what He had to do to get their attention. He hadn’t abandoned them but their rebellion was putting them at risk, as well as others so God had to respond out of love and not vengeance. The blinding affect of pride is what makes pride such a dangerous and serious sin to God. Pride made sin possible for satan and blinded him to his own sin and self destructive behavior. I has done so to humans in every generation since Adam and to us too. Pride is satan’s most useful and effective tool and most dangerous tool. How many devastating wars were the result of pride or could have been avoided simply by
following King David’s example instead of King Saul’s. Well, truth is you and I are just as vulnerable to pride’s inticements too. When we think we can make it on our own or put God off until we get a few things done or out of the way, then pride is spouting in fertile soil for it. When we seek God, especially when we don’t see the need, than we are allowing God to go ahead and clear the path ahead of us instead of just cleaning up the messes we create. It is like driving along asking God to point the headlights to the ground and clean up or fix the broken people we drove over instead of pointing the headlights ahead so we can avoid driving over those in our path. I encourage you, as I am now encouraging myself, to seek and put God first seeking His help and council and guidance and strength guiding my path as well as fixing the consequences of my sins. To admit our sins is key. It is not “politically correct” or popular today. But God’s truth is truth, popular or not and our sin remains until we recognize our sin and repent of it to Him. Pride will always stand in our way to do that. That is why satan uses it every opportunity he can to keep us from God. Knowing that, we need to do what we must to avoid pride. Since we now know satan’s game plan, we are better equipped to recognize his scheme unfolding in us and “run to Christ” who also knows his schemes and is ready, when invited, to go to battle for us.
4/12/17                                                                           Momentum                                       12  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
SCRIPTURE: PSALM 102:25-28 “25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.28 The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.” COMMENTS: You and I like what we do to be permanent, but few things we do are. Well, at least the wornout things we throw out don’t come back and things we move don’t reappear where they were. But so much we do needs redone often. How about mowing the grass or weeding the garden or cooking meals or so many tasks at work or home we do every day simply because need continues and what we do doesn’t satisfy permanently. We humans need God’s abiding presence and help constantly. One time is not enough. But even though His price on the cross was permanent and once was sufficient to redeem all mankind permanently, He actually designed us to need ongoing fellowship with Him. He actually designed us to need Him and depend on His help constantly. So we shouldn’t feel frustrated when others need us in such a way. That is actually God’s blessing to us even though at times can be overwhelming.
Well, be glad when we fix things in our home, they stay fixed for awhile at least. We paint our house and can enjoy the finished job for a few years until need to do it again. How disheartening it would be if we woke up next day and discovered our home looked just like it did before we started. How disappointing for God when we revert back to sin after receiving His redeeming Grace. Granted He knows before we act. He knows what we will think and say before we do so. But He still grants us Grace in response to our openness to Him. GOD DOESN’T LIMIT HIS MERCY TO US WHEN WE SEEK HIM EVEN THOUGH HE KNOWS WE WILL SIN AGAIN AND EVEN TURN AWAY FROM HIM. That shows God love and compassion and understanding for us even more. Scripture tells us God is does not change. Malachi 3:6 says: “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” So when we read scripture and learn how He acts and responds to other people and situations, we soon discover and understand more about what God is like and what He expects from us. Even though His Word is clear, His actions over the generations clarifies what He is like and what He expects from us. That is wonderful news. We can be confident, when He forgives us, it is permanent. He forgives us knowing our weaknesses and knowing we will fail in the future. But that doesn’t deter Him. He does have our best interest in mind and when allows hardship and tragedy in our lives, He is using it to strengthen us, to draw us closer to Him, and also guiding others to be encouraged and strengthened and helped but also DRAWN TO HIM TOO. Would you be willing to suffer hardship if you knew it would draw your children or other family or dear friends to Christ? Well, why not pray so when those hardships come. Look for ways God will bring life change in yourself and in others. When we focus on crisis and our anxiety, we miss the miracles God is forming. But if we take the time to look back see God’s work in past, if we read scripture and see how God has worked in long past, if we talk to other Christians and hear how God worked in their lives and situations, then we should be encouraged and open to receive work God is doing for us. Well, Easter is when we all need to realize the wonderful work God loving has already done for you and me and everyone who will receive it!
4/13/17                                                                      Living Hope                     13                            Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
SCRIPTURE: I CORINTHIANS 15:14-16 “14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.:”                                                       COMMENTS: Christ has been the ultimate threat to other religions but also to satan since His birth but really from eternity past because God’s plan to redeem mankind was in place long before He created. HE KNEW THE CROSS WAS HIS FUTURE LONG BEFORE HE CREATED MANKIND BUT STILL CREATED MANKIND!! That is the truth of God’s love and the depth of His commitment to redeem us all and stop satan’s evil and destructive mischief. Christ’s message is inclusive but only at point of being offered to everyone everywhere. The only requirement is to believe and receive Christ’s redemption. To reject Him and accept another doctrine and faith is to believe a lie that will not only lead to an empty and failed hope but keep those
who follow it from the only hope of forgiveness and eternal life. Christ was not shy in telling that even though leaders of established religion rejected Him and His message both at the time and, unfortunately, all too commonly since. It comes down to either believing Him, believing His Word (the Bible), or believing other humans and other books. Who will you believe. Who will you put your faith in for eternal life? Who will you put the lives of our family in? What proof will you believe in your quest to find truth? We have more than enough proof Christ’s gospel is true and our Bible is His Word and true. But we still must take the step of faith to believe it. Those who openly studied and researched the Bible to proof it true or false concluded it is true. I would encourage you to read Lee Strobel’s books. Lee was a atheist who researched the Bible to either prove it true or false. Results of his research was to prove it true and become accepting Christ as his savior too. He become an outspoken and very popular apologetic writer since. For those who claim Christ’s gospel is not inclusive or tolerant of other religions or cultures. Truth is Christ was especially welcoming of sinners and those most rejected by society. Difference was not intolerance but acceptance towards individual but intolerance towards the sin itself. Society pushes church to not only accept people but accept their sins as acceptable. I too struggle with how to deal with this subject but believe the answera lies in looking more closely at how Christ dealt with both “religious leaders” as well as with “sinners”. The standard He did, and does, require is a humble and repentant heart. God’s standard is uncompromising. But difference is forgiveness can only be given if willing to admit our sinfulness and failing to Him and accept His sacrifice. That is what Easter is all about. Also, realization we all, both life long Christians as well as new converts, are equally sinful and in need of His redemption That means we are all at same level and need to treat each other as such.
4/14/17                                                                        Faith and Hope                             14            [He] was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:20b-21
SCRIPTURE: II PETER 1:2-4 “2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”                                                                    COMMENTS: We live in a world dominated and motivated by evil. Satan has been called the prince of this world. Christ in several places, including John 12:31 tells that Christ one day will come to take back this world from satan, currently prince of this world. Satan’s reign will one day end forever and the grip he has will be removed. He has influence and control over this world because we human have given it to him. We have the choice to follow him or follow Christ. When we choose Christ, sastans will not give up without a fight and will come back after defeat for another battle with us. But satan’s time is coming to an end and, I believe, very soon. Yet his worst mischief is yet to come and we are approaching that time foretold of Great Tribulation.
We are not told when that terrible time will come but we are told God will cut that time short before man destroys himself. Satan’s time, which will be the reason for that tributlation will be cut short too. Will you and I choose to be on the winning side, God’s side, or on the losing side, satan’s side. When we put it that way, the choice seems so obvious. But satan is very skillful in deception and can deceive us to think his ways are better and will win. Stop and reflect examples you and I have fallen into and consequences that resulted. Have you ever had an example when you followed God’s lead and later regretted that choice. I think not. I never have regretted following Him. I only have regretted times I didn’t follow Him. We can’t do anything about the past other than ask God’s forgiveness, which is necessary. What we can do is change the future by not repeated poor choices, mistakes, and sins of the past. But we need to realize satan works hard to get us and will work even harder to keep us, so we need to be ready for a battle when turn from him. BUT GOD IS GREATER AND WILL FIGHT OUR BATTLES FOR US IF WE ASK HIM TO AND LET HIM FIGHT THEM. With Christ’s help, we can’t loose. Without Christ’s help, we can’t win. How do we let Christ fight our battles. By spending time with Him in prayer openly asking for help and admitting our failings. Then when we feel temptations come and when we find it difficult to make wise choices or are uncertain of wise choice, we stop and take time in prayer as a blanket. Our future, the future of our families and others we have influence over and will impact, are at stake. Satan knows that and wants that influence to be evil. God also knows that and wants our influence to be good and positive. Today is Good Friday. The day Christ gave His life on the cross for you and me and all mandkind. For all who will receive His precious gift of forgiveness and eternal life with Him. A choice we will never forget but a choice that will require discipline to have and strengthen a daily walk and relationship with Him. AMEN! 4/15/17                                                       Two Traits                                                     15                  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW7:7-11 “7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”                                                                                                                               COMMENTS: Have you been in a situation you really didn’t know how to handle or fix and someone, maybe a spouse or parent, who you depended on to fix or help in such situations, was away and not available. Maybe you were sick and needed help with a leaky faucet or a pilot light that went out on the furnace or hot water tank. James wrote in James 1: 1-5 “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” So what is the difference that God make in our daily lives. Well, truth is just having someone near you trust gives us enough confidence to think clearly to reason how to fix
problems and work through steps to solutions much more easily. It may not be what they do but just being there for support ready to help when needed. Well, truth is God usually does the same but what we don’t know is how God works behind the scenes in ways we can’t imagine. He uses our examples to impact others as well as to build faith in us for future challenges. His promise not to leave or forsake us (Deut 31:6) is because He understands the overwhelming desperation and even panic because He felt that on the cross. You see, since time does not limit God, He knew how that felt even back in the time of Deuteronomy so empathized with us when we feel that way too and reaches out to comfort and be with us. When we fell alone and desperate, it isn’t because God has ran away but that we have wondered off. But even more wonderfully, we don’t leave Him behind but simply have turned our eyes away from Him. If we simply turn around and open our eyes, we will discover He has been walking along behind us waiting for us to turn around and embrace Him once again. How needless and foolish for us to go through life without Him, especially when He is so near and willing to walk life’s experiences, including the less pleasant and dangerous ones with us.
Today is Saturday, Easter Eve. Tomorrow we celebrate Easter, when He Rose victorious over death and the redemption of you and me and all who will receive that redemption. BECAUSE HE LIVES, WE CAN LIVE TOO! BECAUSE HE DIED AND ROSE, WE CAN WALK IN FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM EACH AND EVERY DAY! Because He lives, we can face tomorrow, as the popular hymn states, written by Bill Gather.                                               4/16/17                                                                 God of Comfort                                                  16 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4a                   SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 51:12 “12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;”                                                                                                                                          COMMENTS: Have you ever been frightened by a thunder – lightning storm? Who hasn’t. Even as adults it can be unsettling and is dangerous too. Lightning strikes let alone the high wind speeds of severe storms can do much destruction and even loss of life. When I was a boy and frightened by thunder or walking in the dark, I would sing a little song I made up that simply said “God is with me, God is with me, God is with me, God is with me” Those words were repeated over and over again in the little tune I made up, but when I said them, my fear would always disappear because it reminded me He was with me. I accepted Christ as my Savior when age 10, but I often needed such reminders growing up. Quite frankly, I still do…. How about you, do you need reminders soften? Today is Easter Sunday. It is still early and sun hasn’t come up yet. As I reflect on this devotion and what God would have me write, especially today, I too realize I need reminded of His precious Gift that not only transformed a world and people of every
generation since Calvary, but me too! When troubles comes, it is still easier to only see the troubles and forget to ask for His help. So I still need reminded to ask for His help. He has done so much already, but still wants us to come to Him first for help, not last. His love still drives Him to seek us out first and long as the prodigal’s father, not growing weary because of our stiff hearted determination to sin, but continuing working towards our salvation and surrender to Him. The is the glorious news of this Holy Day. The Holiest of all Christian Holidays. The day our Redeemer conquered death and gave the fatal blow to satan and his demons. They still act and work as though they are winning but the fatal blow is done and when He returns, and He soon will, He will begin His rule as our rightful King and restoring the world to be as He intended at creation. What a glorious day that will be. Yes the day when He returns to take us home but also the day He returns to bind satan and cast Him to his prison and begin His rightful reign. That will be the glorious day of all and we will be there to witness it. Our attendance is reserve if we have received His forgiveness. Such a simple thing to do but such a hard think to yield our pride and independence to receive, especially as adults. That is probably the biggest reason why He wants us to come to Him as children. They are more willing to receive and more trusting in Him. Besides, they have more years to serve and grow closer to Him, but as long as there is life, it is not too late to seek and receive His saving mercy. There is room at the cross for you. Though millions or billions have come, there is still room for one. For your and for that family member that has been prayed for for so many years. Keep praying, He want that one even more than you do or that grandmother that prayed for him and you…                                                                        4/17/17                                       More Than Cheery Optimism                                  17                    Hebrews 6:13-20 “13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”                                                           COMMENTS: How do you define hope. Is hope a long shot worth working to get without confidence or guarantee that hard work and planning will be enough. We work hard and plan to retire, but there is no guarantee our job or even our life will last long enough to retire. Even though friends and relatives retire, we don’t automatically have assurance our hope will be realized. But when God gives us a promise, the hope that promise gives carries a lot more confidence and assurance. Take note of Hebrews 6:13. God can swear by no greater authority or standard of truth than Himself. When He promised Abraham that a great nation of people would be his decendents, He based the confidence of that promise, as unbelievable and wonderful that promise was, on His own power and authority and truthfulness. God kept His
promise to Abraham, as history proves. The scripture also reveals God will equally keep His promises to us. Promises like: Hebrews 13:5 “God has said: ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you” Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 3:23 “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” John 17:3 “3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 3:16-17 “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” There are many more promises God has made to you and me if we simply accept His gift of forgiveness and follow His Will. The assurance is sure but our obedience is a requirement. Some cults teach God’s forgiveness but not repentance. Their gospel is everyone will be saved so we simply need to accept and love everyone without condition. Loving everyone and condoning their behavior are two different things. Condoning self destructive behavior like drug abuse or behavior hostile to others like child abuse aren’t condoned by the law nor should be by us either. That doesn’t mean we can’t have compassion or demonstrate God’s love for them but does limit tolerance of their behavior. When it comes to God’s law, we don’t get to choose commands acceptable and than that aren’t. Following Christ’s example helps us learn proper response toward other’s to bring them as well as ourselves to redemption and healing. Afterall, true love included not only compassion but also striving for redemption. Jesus loved and showed compassion without approving of sinful behavior. He showed compassion toward those struggling with weakness or ignorance but was a more harsh toward those who chose sinful behavior with full knowledge and discernment of right and wrong and still chose evil. Well, the answer to how we are called to minister to and show Christian love to others still comes back to our own personal relationship with Christ and yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. Using scripture and Christ’s example to us is a standard to keep us on track and obedient to Him.                                                                                                                   4/18/17                                                         Hope and Praise                                     18                    Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.  Hebrews13:15+                                                                                                                              SCRIPTURE: JOHN 4:21-24 “21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”                                                COMMENTS: During Old Testament times, faithful Jews were required to go to Jerusalem 3 times each year. Men would lead their families or go representing their families during those visits.s Those 3 times of gathering to worship were the “Feast of Unleaven bread, Feast of Harvest, and Feast of Ingathering (Exodus 23:14-19). Purpose was to remind them of hope God gave and renew their relationship with God. They would return revived and inspired in their walk with God. Also reinforced would be faithfulness to tabernacle and priest where they worshipped and supported each Sabbath. We, like they, need often reminders and encouragement of others to get and stay faithful to God. We are not strong enough to sustain that relationship alone without others to encourage and support us. We need to go back to a memorable and holy place where we met God. A place meaningful to us. May be where we first accepted Christ or where a revival service or series of meetings made a positive impact to us. It may be where we would gather with others who impacted us in a positive way. God gives us memories to avoid past mistakes and sins but also to encourage us to reinforce and repeat positive choices. What places and gatherings are meaningful to you? Going to a Bible believing and preaching church is important. Serving others is important too. In old testament times most people had a relationship with God through their priest. But a few had a direction one on one relationship with God. People like Daniel or Mary, Jesus’ mother, and help a special place with God’s heart and made a great impact on others even as a young teen. They were thankful in good and bad situations and had a daily time of worship and fellowship and prayer with God. What can you thank God for on this day? Make the sacrifice of praise a continual practice in your life as you remember that God is your hope in all things. “The measure of our spirituality is the amount of praise and of thanksgiving in our prayer.” David Martyn Lloyd-Jones                                                                                                        4/19/17                                                               Hands Tied                                                 19              In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26
SCRIPTURE: LUKE 15 “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.15 And he
went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” COMMENTS: It is such a difficult and sometimes frustrating job being a parent, especially when our children make poor choices. Yet if we don’t guide and prepare them to make wise choices when they are young, the tragic consequences to them and other when they are grown can be disastrous. We have far too many examples of such all around us, and likely within our own families too. When our children are grown, opportunities to council them diminish while the consequences become much greater. Parents often feel their hands are tied when their grown children continue to make poor choices and are not open to receive council. But “bailing them out” can serve to encourage more poor choices with worse consequences. Worry is a dark cloud over parent’s prayers but need reminded God loves their children even more than they and is working to bring them back into His fold. By being faithful in prayer, parents open themselves to receive God’s council and partner with Him in winning their children to redemption as the prodigal was.
The story of the prodigal serves to bring hope to parents that feel they have failed their children and need forgiveness and redemption themselves. The story also serves to show us all we are prodigals in need of further redemptive work. At the cross we are all on the same level and state, but at the cross we are all equally given opportunity for His redemptive work, which is tailored to address our weaknesses as well as transform us to be what God dreams and designed us to be, unique but like Himself. When we simply open our arms and heart to Him, the possibility of becoming the redeemed son and becoming a positive impactful influences on our children again becomes not only
possible but an unfolding reality. That is what we, as parents, really are hoping and praying for. But work can not be solely laid on God and on our children. Our work is just as important, even thought we may have no idea what to do. By praying and opening ourselves, we clear our minds and hearts and ears to receive God’s council and instruction. Afterall, He not only has our’s and our children’s best interest at heart, only He knows how to fix us and them and already has the right plan in place to do so. He simply is waiting til we and they are ready to receive and work with Him to implement that play.
So let’s start seeking Him in prayer and begin walking the path to Him and the plan He is ready to start or continue. Besides, He is likely already implementing it, but we simply hadn’t noticed what He has already done. The prodigal was being prepared to come back to the father with a penitent heart long before his father saw any evidence of that. If the father had known the suffering his son had to go through in order to change, he likely would have not been able to bear that suffering and tried to “bail him out” before he was ready to allow himself to change. Keep that in mind as you and I go through times of hardship and suffering too. God might just be preparing us for a higher level of obedience and living. God never lets times of suffering go waisted, but uses them to make us wiser and stronger and more Christ like if we simply open ourselves to let Him use them to do so.
4/20/17                                                    Hope: The Long View                           20                           Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
SCRIPTURE: LUKE 24:46-49 “46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.48 And ye are witnesses of these things.49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”                                                                                                                            COMMENTS: The first question in the “Westminster Shorter Catechism (1646-1647)” asks “What is the chief end of man?” Answer is “Man’s chief end is to glorify God.” But we have another short term mission to complete first. That is “make disciples of all nations”. Well, truth is the Great Commission to share Christ’s Gospel of Salvation to the nations started by first obeying our primary purpose of glorifying God ourselves. Doing so energizes and fills us and enables us to fulfill the commission He has given us. You think sharing the gospel around the world is not possible. That is reserved for a few great preachers or teachers or evangelists. Well, most of them came from unnote worthy beginnings and commonly without showing any special gifts during their formative years. But God has a way of opening doors of opportunity where He gives gifts and a calling. I have to share I felt a call as a teen to share the gospel but lacked the confidence and even feared crowd and was uncomfortable around people to the most part. I wasn’t skillful at conversation (and still am not) and really not naturally comfortable witnessing. Well, I am discovering God enables those He calls and tailor makes
methods and means to those He calls. For me the method and means has become writing and sharing by internet to many pastors and laity and seekers all over the world. I know the means of witnesses is not limited to that because impacting those round me and witnessing by example and service in my community is where my calling began and where it continues. I have to admit writing a blog and interacting with pastors all over the world demands much time and is so fulfilling, especially when see how they use devotions I write and share to reach hundreds regularly. Their commitment and faith humbles and challenges me to a deeper walk with Christ. They seem to be blessed by insights God gives me in ways I do not see locally nor realize even in my own soul. But by seeing how blessed they are, I too am motived and blessed to seek a deeper walk with Christ too. Such has become a reality for me this Lent and Easter. Last Easter was when my blog was just starting to be noticed and was to be another 6 months before it’s impact was going to be evident. But it’s impact on me preparing me to be God’s tool to share with those in far countries has been unfolding for much time. It has been said what a preacher or teacher writes or tells reflects personal sins and weaknesses God dealing with. That is often but not always true but is true much of the time for me. God often reveals areas of my life that still have not been surrendered to Him. Grace continues to be a ongoing process of relationship between each of us and our Lord and Savior. Relationships are never completed. They are ongoing and growing as time continues. 4/21/17                                                    Head and Body                                                 21               And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18                             SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 5:23 “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.” COMMENTS: Body parts have been replaced or transplanted for a number of years. Kidneys, livers, hearts, corneas, and a number of other parts have been successfully transplanted for a number of years. Even artificial limbs and joints are on that lists making the lives of those who receive them richer and happier. I have two artificial knee joints and enable me to walk and work normally to the most part. No, those joints are not as good as the originals in my youth but better than the worn and diseased joints they replaced. Now an Italian doctor is planning and preparing to do a head transplant. I find that both dangerous and scary. The soul, only God knows where resides. We tend to think it resided in the heart, but heart transplants didn’t change that. Yet some have comments some personality traits of donor carried over to receiver. But with the head, all the memories of the donor and memories of the receiver would be lost. Well, only God knows if He will permit such an effort to succeed. But then again which is donor and which is receiver? I know the donor would give the body and receiver would keep his head, right? However, I personally I expect God will not permit that to be successful, but we’ll see. I kidding my knee surgeon when he replace my second knee. I asked him how many
parts I could replace before I would become someone else. He laughed and said I had a long ways to go. We kid about such things but need to be mindful God will support and permit our technology as long as we honor Him and recognize our technology is simply discovering technology He created. When we misuse that technology or give ourselves credit instead of Him for that technology, we lose much of the blessing and benefit God intended with it. Christ is the head of us. He gives us purpose and reason to live. He offers to guide and help us to a richer and happier and more successful life. A life of success as He defines success doing what He designed us to do. If we used a Corvette to plow a street or travel a road only accessible by four wheel drive, we would soon discover it to be useless. But if we used that Corvette on a race track, we would find it better suited than a snow plow. We were designed to worship and serve Him, not satan who wants us to serve him. We were designed to be in relationship with Christ, not satan. To allow satan to influence and yield to his temptations, it is like trying to use a Corvette for a destructive purpose. To follow Christ is to allow ourselves to be used as designed and intended by our creator. It doesn’t get any better than that. AMEN? AMEN!                 4/22/17                                                            Hope for the Family                                        22 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 19:4-8 “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.7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.”                                                             COMMENTS: God designed us for a specific life style and purpose. When we yield in relationship and obedience and love to our creator, we open ourselves to that life style and purpose. When we resist or follow our own desires and/or satan’s desires, we enter a distorted and destructive life style and purpose for which God did not intend or designed us for. Take some time to reflect on examples of such – they are all around us and even in our own lives if look honestly.
Marriage and following the life style and examples God commanded and those good examples He has revealed in scripture, we are equipped with what we should do and who we should example our own lives and marriages after.
Yesterday was my birthday, I turned 66 . God has so blessed me with a wonderful wife
and children and blessed me with the love of our children’s spouses and their children. God has blessed me with a beloved church family and so many additional friends. Over the years God has blessed me with many wonderful relationships via work with those I never would have otherwise met and interacted with.
Yet over the years God has guiding me to make some critical wise choices that resulted in blessings I otherwise would have missed. One of those wise choices was Arlene as my wife. She has been such a blessing to me and mother to our children. The wisdom of that choice was truly God inspired and became a reality because both she and I decided to both only date Christians but also to seek His council both in dating choices and in spouse selection. I was serious about that, which met going without dating for a number of years during college and after. But Arlene was worth the wait and God’s Best was result instead of poorer choices I would have likely made on my own.
I encourage you to take some time and reflect on benefits of wise choices and consequences of poor choices in your life and determine which was better. So what will matter is how we respond to God going forward. Will we continue to follow our own way or consistently follow His way. He is patiently waiting for us to decide. What will you decide. What will I decide? I pray I will be and remain faithful to Christ who has been so faithful to me. How about you?                                                                                                 4/23/17                                                   Love in Spite Of                                          23                         But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 SCRIPTURE: JOHN 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”                                                                   COMMENTS: A big question thought often, if not said is “Do you love me in spite of what I have done instead of simply do you love me? Conditions of our love or a love based on actions of the receiver is the expectation. God does respond to our obedience, but His love for us is not restricted to or withdrawn based on our actions of disobedience. The story of the prodigal indicates the prodigal’s father loved both sons deeply but the rebellious one had his attention due harm resulting from his disobedience and loss of relationship from that disobedience. The father missed him because of the separation initiated by the son. Consequences of that sin came down hard on the rebellious son. The father longed to have opportunity to forgive and restore his son, but could not until that son openly repented and opened himself to receive the father’s generous forgiveness and restoration. Until he did, forgiveness is not an open open to the father to give nor for the son to receive and enjoy. We associate love with kindness and showering gifts and affection, but works both ways. God is faithful to you and me and loves us equally and fully. Yet His response to us is limited by His overall will and Law. He could not forgive us without the punishment for our sins being paid by someone. He chose not to ignore our sin but to be the sacrifice for them Himself. He could not bring Himself to allow or choose someone else to pay that
price and no one could because had to be a perfect sinless sacrifice. The sacrificial lamb of the Old Testament had to be perfect and innocent. The sacrificial human lamb worthy to be our permanent sacrifice could only be Himself coming to earth and living a human life. We are now living in the age of grace. The age after Easter when Christ’s sacrifice is available to be received and enjoyed by any and all who will simply believe in Christ and ask for His mercy and forgiveness for their sins. The cost to us is free without waiting time or waiting line and without having to earn it with conduct or actions or price. The change in life and conduct after that forgiveness is given is significant and motivated by the love welling up in us for Him. A love that is a result of becoming more like Him and appreciating the love He already has for us and how He demonstrated and continues to demonstrsate it to us. Likewise, the relationship that then begins between He and us is a dear and close relationship of endearment that builds trust and actions that further strengthen that trust and love. It also awakens and strengthens a love for others and for others to come to know that same love and fellowship too. That is what Easter is all about and what being a Christian is all about. Not a religion of intolerance or of earning our place with God in Heaven, but a relationship with our creator that transforms and gives joy and meaning to life. 4/24/17 Me, Myself & I 24 Psalm 139 “O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise
up against thee?22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”                                       COMMENTS: Today’s scripture above is as wonderful promise to you and me as it was for the Psalmist. God knows us like none other and is closer to us than our breath and loves us more than anyone else even though He loves and knows the Billions all around the world as much as us. Such is more wonderful than we can imagine. Our God is faithful like none other. Why are we so reluctant and resistant to love Him back and follow His council even though we havea proof His wisdom and council are best. We simply never seem to learn. But even though every generation continues to repeat the previous generation’s sins and stiff necked rebellion, He still is faithful and patient with us. WE ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE! Stop and think just how marvelous our bodies are and how wonderful to know our souls will live on and we will have an eternal home with Him.
Even though we live in a fallen world corrupted by satan, our world is a marvelous place to live well designed to sustain and nourish us. How much more wonderful it was before man allowed satan to ruin man, His greatest creation, and His world. But we have the promise and confident hope that soon Christ will return and restore us and His world to be as He intended and rule it as designed to be ruled. I can’t wait, how about you?
4/25/17                                                   Signs of Life                                           25                      What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” Romans 7:7
SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 20:1-17 “And God spake all these words, saying,2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.13 Thou shalt not kill.14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.15 Thou shalt not steal.16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s
wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”                                                                                                             COMMENTS: We live in a time when being “intolerance” is judged the unforgiveable sin worthy of stripping offender of all rights including property and freedom to worship and earn a living. Such an offence is quickly carrying a punishment worse than murder or rape currently carries. Well, fortunately it hasn’t come to that yet but we are closer to that being a reality. But the definition of “intolerance” is what is becoming even more troubling. Churches, and we as Christians, are being pressured by society and other groups. Welcoming everyone in our churches and showing Christian love to all is what Christians do and are called to do. But we are not not called to accepts behavior that goes against God’s commands and deny such behavior is sin. No, we are not to judge others, but can recognize sin both and our lives and others and reveal God’s standard for behavior and obedience. To deny sin is not be loving because we are by doing that denying any opportunity or hope of changing for the better and restored a relationship with God. Christ didn’t die on the cross to convince us sin doesn’t exist and we need to accept the sins of others and ourselves is acceptable behavior nor that we are acceptable to God whether we ignore Him and His commandments or not. No, we must recognize our sinfulness and repent if we are going to receive and enjoy His forgiveness and a relationship with Him. If we follow Christ’s teachings and example, we would realize we can and need to love others but strive to the standard of living and encourage others to strive to the standard of behavior and living He lived and taught. We all need His help and Grace, no exceptions. That is not being intolerant but compassionate. Afterall, when life is over, what will matter most? How tolerant we were or whether we received His forgiveness and how we impacted others to also do so. Which is showing love? Which is more Christ like?                                                                                                                                    4/26/17                                                        God of Unchanging Love                               26            And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
SCRIPTURE: I JOHN 5:1-5 “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”                 COMMENT: What impact does your emotions and attitude have on your actions? I have to admit my answer is a significant impact and am sure you would agree same is true of you. Yet we also would say restraint and “mind over matter” keeps you and I from allowing our emotions to fully control our actions.
When we look at God’s character and actions, we do see His resolve to love humans in every generation, including us, even when we are the most unloveable and rebellious and defiant. Yet He also administers “tough love” allowing us to feel consequences of poor choices. Not doing so out of anger but because of His desire to restore us and guide us to a better way and choice. I John 4:8-16 and Malachi 3:6 remind us that God
doesn’t change and His love is perfect and does not change and is not dictated by emotion. But God does have and show emotion too. Yet He consistently acts out of purpose and administering His will, which is always for our greater good.
Christ was and is a perfect example who God is and is like. He is our written picture of God. But because His Holy Spirit now dwells in those who receive Him, we also have examples all around us. Granted, no one except Christ perfectly demonstrates God’s character, but there are many around us who are doing so well enough to be good examples for us to follow. I am sure you, as can I, think of a few who are close to us. I encourage you to take some time to reflect and contemplate what stands out that makes them the examples you would like to follow.
God strives to make being “Christ like” more possible and achievable for us. Granted, God’s ways and perfection is so far about us that we could never achieve it in our current human state, but we can make a lot of improvement if simply yield to and obey His guiding hand. Christ went to the cross to give us opportunity to be in close relationship with God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit made available to those who accept Christ’s gift enables the believer to have and sustain a fulfilling and life changing relationship with God. Christians have an unequalled opportunity to be more Christ like and fulfilled than possible in any other way. Nothing we can do nor good we can do will come close to doing what the Holy Spirit freely does when invited. However, doing good is a vital way of responding to love and relationship God freely shares with us. Works doesn’t save us, but is a vital part of our ongoing relationship with God.                          4/27/17                                      Overcoming Love, Overwhelming Peace                    27  Romans 5:6-11 “6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”                                                   COMMENTS: Bud Paxson, co-founder of Home Shopping Network, neglected his family while building his business. That neglect took a tole and resulting in his wife divorcing him. While on a vacation during that time he picked up a Gideon Bible and opened it to Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” The realization of the truth of that verse persuaded Bud to accept Christ. He finally realized he had hit bottom but that Christ was waiting for him there. That realization transformed him and motivated him to reset priorities and rebuild relationships with his wife and children that had been in disrepair due to neglect. Bud Paxson wrote “The moment I put my faith in Jesus Christ, an overwhelming peace came over me. I knew at that moment that God loved me.”
Truth is, Christ knew and loved us even before He created us. He knew He would have to go to the cross to redeem us. He knew what we would be like and still created us. There is a doctrine fundamental difference between Calvinistic (Presbyterian) and Armenian (Methodist). Calvin believed and taught God pre-destined both the good and
evil humans do and minimized impact and choices of free will. John Wesley emphasized free will to choose good or evil. The fundamental difference is “pre-knowledge vs pre-ordained”. God’s will is for us to come to Him and follow His council and turn from evil to good. When we do not, the option of forgiveness is still available but God still allows us to choose. Examples from scripture like David vs Saul or Peter vs Judas reinforced this doctrine. I believe our own life example does also. God responds positively when we come to Him and administers correction to deter us when we turn from Him. Warnings of judgment overshadow rebellion we continue to do. If Calvin and John Wesley could respect others as Christians who adhered to the other doctrine, than so should we. I guess you have figured out I am in the Arminean camp but do understand and agree that God plans and works to make even our evil actions redeemed to do good even though He would have preferred we made better choices. Well, when we get to heaven, we will discover the right position which likely will be different than either camp holds to. For those of us over 60, that time will be much sooner than for those who are young. But then again Christ may indeed be returning soon, which will speed that time up sooner than what our natural mortality will bring. Either way, God is in control and will accomplish His will either because or in spite of our obedience. But then again, satan’s mischief will not continue forever. Christ has promised to return and bind satan so he can no longer deceive and reign evil on the earth. What a wonder time and future that will usher in when Christ returns to bind satan and restore the earth to what He intended at creation.
Let’s face it, our understanding of God and His ways is distorted at best, so we can expect there be errors. Scripture is clear on some things but not on others. If we rely on scripture to guide our thinking and stop in areas not fully revealed, than we avoid the temptation to spread those errors we believe are truth. BUT WHAT WE DO KNOW IS GOD LOVES US AND SACRIFICED GREATLY TO PROVIDE A WAY OF REDEMPTION AND FORGIVENESS TO EVERYONE WHO WILL SIMPLY ACCEPT HIS GIFT AND TURN FROM SIN. THAT IS THE MESSAGE OF EASTER AND THE MESSAGE WE ARE COMMANDED TO GIVE AND SPREAD WHEN HE GAVE US THE “GREAT COMMISSION” IN ACTS 1:8.

4/28/17                                                           Godly Sorrow                                              28                 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 SCRIPTURE: II SAMUEL 12:18-23 “19 David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked.“Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.”20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.21 His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!”22 He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ 23 But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.””                             COMMENTS: A familiar and common phrase is “mind over matter”. It was first used by Sir Charles Lyell in 1863 describing the animal brain development over history. Well, it likely is better used today to describe using our will and determination to overcome obstacles. King David was guilty of a number of sins that put his kingship and even mortal soul at risk of God’s judgment. His predecessor, Saul, suffered judgment by God because of sins we might have judged less serious. But Saul’s fatal sin
was pride which kept him from repentance. He was sorry about getting caught but did not repent for his sins. The difference with David was remorse for sin even though that remorse did not happen until he got caught. The Apostle Paul identified two kinds of sorrow. Godly sorrow leads to repentance while worldly sorrow leads to judgment and death. Godly sorrow is remorse for the sin while worldly sorrow does not admit wrong but only sorrow for getting caught and for suffering the consequences. Without consequences, worldly sorrow never happens. But Godly sorrow recognizes harm from sin and grief it gives to others but especially to God. God does grieve at our sins and the harm it brings to both the sinner as well as other victims of sin. Satan does not care and even delights at suffering and pain and death sin brings on both the sinner as well as victims Even worse, he doesn’t care who gets hurt or killed. His goal is to hurt God and destroy anything and anyone God cares about with motive of hurting God. He thinks God dying for humans shows weakness. Weakness that can be used, and satan uses that strategy constantly. Well, God does not have weakness and dying on the cross for us showed great love and great character and great strength. If God has a greater strength, satan is indeed attacking Him at His strongest point and is more doomed for failure using this strategy than any other. Such a tragedy for those who follow satan and even for satan and his demons. They willingly walked away from heaven to embrace an eternity of misery and torment and pain. We have the same choice as they with the same opportunity of blessing or consequence.

4/29/17                                                   3:16 Eye Blacks                                                     29             For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him may be saved.” John 3:16-17 COMMENTS: John 3:16 is the most quoted and memorized verses in scripture. But I always include vs 17 with verse 16 because I believe it added much more to meaning and scope of God’s love both inclusively to everyone in the world but personally to each one of us. His offer of a personal one on one relationship with each one of us is not diluted or diminished because He is offering it to everyone and to so many and in every generation. Since He is God, He is not overwhelmed or unable to have and sustain as close a relationship with each one of us at the same time as if He only had a relationship with one of us and none others. He cherishes each of us as much as if we were the only one. We can’t comprehend that because we can not imagine nore try to do that. Tim Tebow, while playing professional football for the Florida Gators, wrote John 3:16 on his eye blacks. The impact when they were observed on the televised game was powerful. Over 94 million people googled “John 3:16” to learn what that verse said. What evangelists or other outreach has reached or done as much by simply putting the reference of this brief verse on a place for see it and wonder what it says. How many were saved simply by reading that reference? We don’t know nor does Tim Tebow. But
someday it will be revealed to him and also to us. Someday when Heaven is our home. These verses reveals:  God’s love is extreme and inclusing. It reaches all peoples of all races and cultures and religions. It is inclusive in it’s offer and reach but requires a response and commitment and repentance only to Him through Christ’s sacrifice. It is inclusive on offer but very exclusive on response. Must be to Him and not to any false god or idol or doctrine or religion. All religions will not bring us to Him or guide us to salvation. But He offers salvation to all people of all religions if they repent of their sins and come to Him for salvation.  His love is expensive. It cost Him greatly to offer forgiveness without cost to each of us. Cost was sufficient so His offer is not limited but freely offered to all people everywhere. That is the good news of the Gospel we are commanded (Acts 1:8) to share with all we cross paths with.  God’s love is expansive. It is not limited or exclusive in it’s offer of forgiveness and relationship. It is freely given to any and all who will simply repent and accept His love and forgiveness. A relationship with our Creator is an open offer and is realized only by those who believe and accept Him at His word and offer.  God’s love is eternal. The relationship with God offered is forever. It will not run out or deplete or terminate or expire. God is eternal and unchanging so His offer will not expire with Him and He gives us eternal life so we will not expire either. Note this quote from Tim Teblow. “What a big God that we serve. I’m out playing a silly game, and I put these things under my eyes and it’s amazing what God can do.” Tim Tebow Well, today Arlene and I celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary. God has blessed us during those years. We can’t comprehend that much time has passed but when see how our children have grown and have families of their own, we realize those years are gone. But the above verses remind us that even though we are aging and we have fewer years on earth left than we have lived, we have an eternity with Christ in heaven to look forward to with a body that will not age and a home that will not fall down or deteriorate and with friends and loved ones who will not die or leave us. This confident hope is yours as well as ours.

4/30/17                                                        The Father’s Love                                 30                           “17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.20 And he arose, and came
to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”Luke 15:17-24
COMMENTS: The story of the prodigal is a familiar one. Christ gave us this story to reveal to us the nature and failing of everyone, those who turned from God and deliberately and openly sin and rebel and turn from God. Also revealed are those who live moral lives and even go to church but without a personal relationship or neglected relationship with God. Both groups, as both son’s lack or lost a personal relationship with God and are missed by Him. Both cause pain to a lonely longing God just as the father of both son’s long for the love of their sons. The father is most concerned with the prodigal because he is in the most danger but both sons are in need to repent and restore the relationship with their father but also with each other.
Rembrandt painted a powerful view of the prodigal’s return to his father and response of his father. The prodigal kneeled at his father’s feet but the father’s hands are on his son’s shoulders giving him the father’s full attention and acceptance.
When we return to God, we get His full attention and acceptance. The celebration in heaven but also in God’s own heart is elaborate and joyful when we repent and return to Him, whether the result of bold and long rampages of sin and rebellion wasting His provision of time and money and life or only modest rampages. That means we all are in need of repeated times of repentence and fellowship to clean us of wonderings and failures but also to restore and refresh our souls and sharpen and strengthen our relationship with Him that tends to become neglected or weak over time. That weakening is not due to Him but because of our free will allowing us to neglect Him. IT is not Him who leaves but we who turn away from Him. “The profound thought of God’s love should begin and end your every day.” David Jeremiah We have just completed another month of time together in devotion. Time passes so quickly and things we put off quickly are forgotten. Neglecting God is a sad and foolish and dangerous thing to do because of our desperate need for Him and dependence on Him. But that is not what He desires and probably not us either. Most of the time we neglect Christ not because we want to but because of distracations and weariness our busy lives demand, draining us of time and energy we need to sustain a relationship with God. Well, if we come to Him when busy and turn our back on some of life’s demands, He will renew our energy and guide us to reprioritize our lives so we will have time and energy for Him. He wants to help us in all areas of our lives, including our relationship with Him as well as with others. By doing so first, we are empowered by Him to deal with the rest much more effectively and efficiently, accomplishing more with less drain on our own energy and time.
I also invite you to visit and use my facebook page and blog site for your edification and encouragement and use in your walk with Christ and outreach.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Don1951

Blog site: https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com/ Email: dmcdaniel12@verizon.net

God’s blessings,

Don McDaniel April 30, 2017