JANUARY 2019: 

1/1/19                       Immanuel – God Is With Us in 2019                                          1 

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.  Isaiah 8:10

RECOMMENDED READING: Isaiah 46:3-13 ³ Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:⁴ And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.⁵ To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?⁶ They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.⁷ They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.⁸ Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.⁹ Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:¹¹ Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.¹² Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:¹³ I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.”

COMMENTS:  It is not uncommon for families to have a “life motto” or for individuals to have a “life motto” or “life verse”.   Our family has carried over the understood and practice motto not so much spoken but practiced by our parents and grandparents.  That life motto and life verse is Joshua 24:15 “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  When Arlene and I were first married, 40 years ago, the pastor and close friend who sang at our wedding, gave us a card with a verse that impacted me greatly and have held close since:  Jeremiah 33:3 “Call upon Me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”  Christ has certainly done that and so much more for me personally and the family He has gifted to Arlene and I over the years.  His faithfulness has been continuous without fail as has His abiding presence and sustaining council and help.

God with us defines Immanuel, one of the many names given to Christ, our Messiah.  God is “Three in One” so the abiding presence of His Holy Spirit also includes the abiding presence of The Father and of The Son Jesus Christ.  One is not a substitute or fill-in for the other like a baby-sitter or a substitute teacher.   Rather, the Holy Spirit not only satisfies God’s Name of Immanuel but provides the entire nature and presence and focus of God in and to us. 

Below is a list of 50 names or Titles for Jesus from scripture, revealing mission and purpose for Christ’s coming:

1.  Almighty One – “…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev. 1:8
2.  Alpha and Omega– “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Rev. 22:13
3.  Advocate– “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1
4. Author and Perfecter of Our Faith – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2
5.  Authority–“Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matt. 28:18
6.  Bread of Life–“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35
7.  Beloved Son of God– “And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 3:17
8.  Bridegroom–“And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matt. 9:15
9.  Chief Cornerstone–“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.” Ps. 118:22
10. Deliverer – “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thess.1:10
11. Faithful and True– “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” Rev.19:11
12. Good Shepherd –“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
13. Great High Priest– “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Heb. 4:14
14. Head of the Church– “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” Eph. 1:22
15. Holy Servant – “…and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30
16. I Am– “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
17. Immanuel–“…She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” Is. 7:14
18. Indescribable Gift– “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15
19. Judge– “…he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” Acts 10:42
20. King of Kings– “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Rev. 17:14
21. Lamb of God– “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
22. Light of the World– “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
23. Lion of the Tribe of Judah– “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Rev. 5:5
24. Lord of All– “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:9-11
25. Mediator – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 2:5
26. Messiah – “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).” John 1:41
27. Mighty One –“Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Is. 60:16
28. One Who Sets Free– “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  John 8:36
29. Our Hope–“…Christ Jesus our hope.” 1 Tim. 1:1
30. Peace– “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Eph. 2:14
31. Prophet – “And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:4
32. Redeemer– “And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” Job 19:25
33. Risen Lord – “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4
34. Rock– “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:4
35. Sacrifice for Our Sins –“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10
36. Savior – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
37. Son of Man–“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
38. Son of the Most High– “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.” Luke 1:32
39. Supreme Creator Over All – “By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.…” 1 Cor. 1:16-17
40. Resurrection and the Life–“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25
41. The Door– “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9
42. The Way–“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
43. The Word–“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
44. True Vine– “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1
45. Truth–“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
46. Victorious One– “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Rev. 3:21
47. – 50.Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace– “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Is. 9:6

We can endure difficulties in life even though God is with us. Each of the 50 names noted above reflect unique ways God’s abiding presence provides for any and all our needs while sustaining life giving fellowship with Him and with each other.

So how should we prepare for 2019 and what should be our focus even now as we prepare for 2019?  What should we spend some time doing ? 

How we pray naturally is different during crisis than during prosperous and peaceful times.  When in crisis, our prayers are specific and passionate.  Our focus is on seeking relief and resolution.   But in God’s economy and perspective, what we consider urgent may be unneeded from God’s perspective.  And what God considers urgent may not be important to us. 

So should we focus on trying to convince God to follow our priorities and requests or seek His help to open our minds to accept His?  Should we, like the Psalmist, see God’s help by searching our hearts and revealing to us our failings and remaining sinfulness and lead us to repentance and victory (Psalm 139:23-24)?  Should we spend more time asking His help or more time seeking His Will be done?  Oh, Yes!

Here are some suggestions I am planning on implementing:

1. Praying in God’s Will invites a positive response from God.  Focus on those needs I am certain my desires and prayers are in line with God’s Will and desires.  Such requests as salvation for family and friends.
2. Seeking to know God’s Will from His Word and from confirmation both from other believers and from seeking Holy Spirit’s confirmation in my own soul.   Doing so opens our minds and soul to discover His Will.
3. When making specific requests, determine to be persistent daily on matters I feel urgent or important while submitting to His Will and timing .
4. Seek support in prayer from other believers on matters seeking His council and help. Doing so opens ourselves and others to receive God’s response and answers.
5. Make praise and worship thanksgiving at least ½ of the time and focus of daily prayers.  Doing so reminds us what God has already done.
6. Increase time and focus of prayer each day over time spent in 2018.     
7. Praying for and seeking more opportunities to make a positive difference in other’s lives and less time seeking and praying for God’s blessings for myself.  
8. Studying more closely Jesus’ prayers and use His examples to guide my prayers and conduct more.

I’m sure your list will be different or maybe longer.  It is not intended to be complete but simply a starting point.  I invite you to reflect and create your own list.   

As you and I reflect on accomplishments and experiences of 2018 and then ponder on what 2019 holds, lets also seek His council to reveal what in 2018 were our best accomplishments for Him and what work He still has for us to do.  His work involves building and strengthening relationships with each other, with Him, and relationships He wants to have with our loved ones and friends and even our enemies and people unknown to us but all dearly loved by Him.

Our most important calling – work in 2019 is sharing His good news of salvation and forgiveness by word and conduct and example.  Our lives are our strongest and most effective witness but at times God will also give us a time and play to share by word His Good News too if we are faithful.  The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-30 “¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.) Is a daunting expectation and command from our Lord, but one we are only expected to work at daily one step at a t time but always to be on our mind and heart?  When we focus on our goals and ambitions and desires above His, this Commandment gets forgotten,  but if we begin keeping it visible pasted on our bathroom mirror or refrigerator, or office computer screen,  then our minds will be open and ready for opportunities Christ wants  to put in our path to fulfill this Commandment.  Not by preaching but by showing and loving and listening and praying.  By being a caring friend ready to give hope and encouragement and point others to Christ to do the rest.  WE ARE NEITHER EXPECTED NOR CALLED TO WIN OTHERS TO CHRIST ALONE OR ONLY WITH OUR OWN RESOURCES AND ABILITIES.  To do so will fail.  We are only to put our hand in His, look to Him, and follow His lead and direction.  Too often we talk when we should listen and act when we should wait, Make part of your reflection on 2018 looking at instances when you acted too soon and talked without listening.  Then on those times when you did wait and listen.  Notice the difference in results and use these experiences to help guide you in 2019 to fulfill His Great Commission.  That is what I am beginning 2019 doing.  Would you join me in that effort and  quest and goal?  AMEN?  AMEN!

Arlene & I pray you all have a blessed and healthy and safe 2019 but even more a 2019 lived in close fellowship with the One who loves and cares for you like none other.            In His Service,                                                                                                                                                 Don & Arlene McDaniel

1/2/19                                            2018 is Now History                                                     2 

For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18

RECOMMENDED READING: Proverbs 23:17-19  “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day;¹⁸ For surely there is a hereafter,And your hope will not be cut off.¹⁹ Hear, my son, and be wise;And guide your heart in the way.”

COMMENTS:  David Jeremiah’s devotion this morning refers to a famous songwriter and performer, “Prince” w.r.t. his song “1999” with the words “Life is just a party and parties weren’t meant to last.” Prince’s life was brief, cut short by a drug overdose at age 57 in 2016.  Prince’s word reflects an awareness of emptiness and brevity of material things and pursuits.  We too see the evidence of that in our own lives.  Things wear out and decay and soon become worthless.  Even our bodies do so, something we don’t think about when we are young but become very evident to us as we age.

In contrast, Emily Elliott lived 62 years in mid 1800’s never achieving fame or fortune but wrote a number of hymns which are still used in congregations today’s.  One hymn shares the words of encouragement below:

“Every day He sends us  He Himself prepares; He Himself attends us  Through its joys and cares; His true love beseeching, Let us, then, draw near; Seeking guidance, teaching, For the opening year.”

Emily continues to remind us that it is Christ who gives us permanent – eternal worth and security. Christ guides and teaching and provides all we need more than the wants that come and go and decay – fade away over time.   A few years from now what we work so hard to acquire or gain will be lost while what God gives us will be ours for eternity.  Even the wealthiest and most powerful people leave all their possessions and influence behind when they die.  The only things they or we can take with us is the relationships and fruits of the work and time we give In service to Christ, time and work      we do for the least of His creation but to honor and serve Him.   As you and I reflect on accomplishments and experiences of 2018 and then ponder on what 2019 holds, lets also seek His council to reveal what in 2018 were our best accomplishments for Him and what work He still has for us to do.  His work involves building and strengthening relationships with each other, with Him, and relationships He wants to have with our loved ones and friends and even our enemies and people unknown to us but all dearly loved by Him.

You and I don’t know who will live to see 2020 and who will not.  Will you and I?  Reflect on those we know who passed in 2018.  Some were healthy and strong but died suddenly and unexpectedly.  Others were enduring chronic disease and illness.  Some died by accident and others by violence.  Some died at their home while some in a hospital.  Some died alone while some died in a public place.   Some died with loved ones around them.  Some died knowing Christ would greet and welcome them while some died without that confidence going out into eternity without accepting Christ’s redemptive gift of salvation and eternal life with Him.

Our most important calling – work is sharing His good news of salvation and forgiveness by word and conduct and example.  Our lives are our strongest and most effective witness but at times God will also give us a time and play to share by word His Good News too if we are faithful.  The Great  Commission (Matthew 28:18-30 “¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.) Is a daunting expectation and command from our Lord, but one we are only expected to work at daily one step at a t time but always to be on our mind and heart?  When we focus on our goals and ambitions and desires above His, this Commandment gets forgotten,  but if we begin keeping it visible pasted on our bathroom mirror or refrigerator, or office computer screen,  then our minds will be open and ready for opportunities Christ wants  to put in our path to fulfill this Commandment.  Not by preaching but by showing and loving and listening and praying.  By being a caring friend ready to give hope and encouragement and point others to Christ to do the rest.  WE ARE NEITHER EXPECTED NOR CALLED TO WIN OTHERS TO CHRIST ALONE OR ONLY WITH OUR OWN RESOURCES AND ABILITIES.  To do so will fail.  We are only to put our hand in His, look to Him, and follow His lead and direction.  Too often we talk when we should listen and act when we should wait, Make part of your reflection on 2018 looking at instances when you acted too soon and talked without listening.  Then on those times when you did wait and listen.  Notice the difference in results and use these experiences to help guide you in 2019 to fulfill His Great Commission.  That is what I am beginning 2019 doing.  Would you join me in that effort and  quest and goal?  AMEN?  AMEN!

“Now the year is over, let us braver stand, / Seeking to discover His—our Father’s–hand.”  Emily Elliott

1/3/19                                    Choose the Best                                                 3

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33

RECOMMENDED  READING:  Psalm 90:10-12 “¹⁰ The days of our lives are seventy years;And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.¹¹ Who knows the power of Your anger?For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.¹² So teach us to number our days,That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

COMMENTS:  As we grow in years and as our bodies age and grow weaker, we all soon discover and realize just how brief life is.  We are amazed at the accomplishment of working at a job for 30 or 40 or more years before retiring until we live and work long enough to experience such a working career.  I worked at the same employer for 39-1/2 years before retiring. My father worked for his employer for 38 years before retiring.  I recall the day he retired was the very day our daughter and first was born.  He went from being a working father to a retired grandfather on the same day.  But now looking back I can see how quickly the years passed and how brief life is. 

I also have discovered that during the working years what matters most is quality and value of work completed but as time passed what becomes more precious is relationships and friendships built during those working years.  Promotions and pay increases and good evaluation reviews are important to sustaining stable employment and provide for family needs.  But beyond that, character and integrity prevail as what employer’s value even more than doing quality work.  But truth is character and integrity naturally results in quality work but doing quality work may not necessarily result in character and integrity even though the two tend to go hand in hand.

Realization of this becomes even more evident during elderly years when death and heaven become close or imminent.  It has been said a dying man doesn’t wish he had spent more time at work or gained higher positions or more money.  No, his regrets go toward investing more time with family and loved ones and more coming to Christ sooner and served Him longer.   Investing for heaven vs. investing for retirement.

Imagine spending 50 years building a dream house but dying before it is finished without enjoying living in that house.  Building a home is a worthy task and goal, but balance of investing for our families vs. investing for heaven is more important.  What good is investing all our waking hours and resources on ourselves and failing to reserve time and resources to church and mission of the church related to ministering to others and supporting ministries and missionaries effective in winning people for Christ.  Conversely depriving family on necessities in order to extremes in order to focus on God’s work is less common but can be as bad or even worse in hurting or hindering God’s Work being done.  Such examples can cause many to stumble. 

But such need not be as long as life and future are before us.  Christ’s wonderful redemptive Sacrifice and the Holy Spirit’s continual abiding presence opens opportunities for change and redemption and healing and new beginning that can and have healed and resulting in a much better conclusion than path of sin would have resulted in.   Consider such examples like Joseph and his brothers from Old Testament or Peter’s or Saul (Paul) from New Testament.  Devastation from sinful choices may not fully heal this side of heaven but then again God has historically had an amazing way of doing miracles at the end of nearly all hope from a small spark of obedience by an obscure and seemingly insignificant person or situation.  Take some time to reflect on Biblical examples, examples of family or friends, examples even from your past.   Such examples should inspire and motivate us and encourage us to be and remain faithful and seek a deeper and more surrendered relationship with Him.  

1/4/19                           A New Year’s Resolution                                           4

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.  1 Corinthians 13:12

RECOMMENDED READING:  Proverbs 2:1-6  “My son, if you receive my words,And treasure my commands within you,² So that you incline your ear to wisdom,And apply your heart to understanding;³ Yes, if you cry out for discernment,And lift up your voice for understanding,⁴ If you seek her as silver,And search for her as for hidden treasures;⁵ Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,And find the knowledge of God.⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom;From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;”

COMMENTS:  What is your New Year’s resolution or goal you set for 2019?  Most set goals like losing weight or spending more time with family or getting back into regular church attendance or achieving a specific goal they had been working towards.  For some it may be simply living another year or completing recovery from an illness or surgery.

Well, today’s devotion and scripture from Proverbs reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and making acquiring wisdom a dominant goal for each new year and for 2019.

 Solomon was asked by God, when he became king as a boy after the death of his father.   Solomon was grieving his father, David’s, death and felt unprepared and unequipped and too young to become king.  He saw how his father was loved and respected and how God’s influence guided and helped his father.  I’m sure he wanted to be like his father and felt overwhelmed.  He could have asked for wealth and a way out of the responsibilities being thrust on him.   He could have but he didn’t.  HE ASKED GOD FOR WISDOM TO LEAD AND GOVERN HIS PEOPLE RIGHTLY AND IN A MANNER GOD WOULD APPROVE AND SUPPORT.

David exampled many examples of what not to do, but he also left Solomon many good examples and wise council.  He also exampled how to repent and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness too.

God granted Solomon’s request for wisdom in a way beyond his expectations and then granted Solomon wealth and power and respect and love from his people beyond his expectations or even what his father enjoyed.

Solomon started out strong and delivered a prayer, at the dedication of the temple God enabled and directed him to build, that demonstrated great wisdom and insight and was even prophetic for generations from then even today.  I invite you to  read and meditate on the preparation,  prayer, dedication message of that Temple in Jerusalem and God’s response are recorded in 2 Chronicles 5-7.  I get inspired every time I read and meditate on that scripture passage.  I invite and encourage you to set aside time and do so soon too as will I again.

So what is wisdom and why is it so important?  

 

Well, Webster’s Dictionary defines wisdom as:

“ 1.ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : INSIGHT

 2.good sense : JUDGMENT

3.generally accepted belief challenges what has become

4.accumulated philosophical or scientific learning : KNOWLEDGE

5.a wise attitude, belief, or course of action

6.the teachings of the ancient wise men”

 

How does scripture define wisdom?

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”    PROVERBS 9:10.

 

 4 Types of wisdom identified in scripture: 

1. Perfect wisdom of God demonstrated at creation and by creation until the fall.
2. World wisdom – man’s laws and regulations
3. Solomon’s wisdom – recorded in proverbs
4. God’s wisdom to man – recorded in the bible
   1. Matthew 5 – Beatitudes (poor in spirit, comfort for grieving, meek, hunger for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, pursue righteousness, falsely persecuted.)
   2. Things God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19) – proud, lying, murder of innocent blood, wicked imaginations, mischief, being a lying witness, sowing discord.

 

So, I am discovering that defining wisdom is not as simple or easy or as brief as one would think.   Wisdom is more than knowledge or following laws or rules but includes these.  It is more than avoiding don’t but includes these. 

But wisdom starts with a healthy respect and awe for God.   The house with 7 pillars of wisdom mentioned in Proverbs 9 are not defined sufficiently in Proverbs 9.  Instead, wisdom can only be defined by prayful reading and meditating on Proverbs plus the Gospels plus Paul’s letters plus Psalms plus…  In otherwords, wisdom can best be studied by studying scripture and by seeking and having fellowship with God.  Truth is best we can do is imitate the wisdom we see in others and is described by those who witnessed it in Christ unless we  allow the Holy Spirit to indwell us and  exercise that wisdom in and  through us.  We should expect God’s wisdom to be vast and beyond our comprehension since it comes from Him.  However , we can expect His Wisdom comes with relationship with Him and will grow and expand as our relationship with Him grows.  

So how would I describe or define wisdom? 

1. AS THE EVIDENCE OF A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND HIS ABIDING HOLY SPIRIT INDWELLING IN THE BELIEVER.
2. Make Christ-like choices (WWJD) after seeking the Holy Spirit’s council first and confirming with scripture.
3. Never facing temptation alone but always behind Christ following His example of following of knowing and using scripture and not our own wisdom or strength.
4. Wisdom is not earned or bought or taken but true wisdom comes with obedience with and being in relationship with Christ. Wisdom comes by seeking His Wisdom through prayer and studying His Word and following Him.   
5. Wisdom is a lifelong quest and is a daily life giving gift from God like air or water or food is to the body. It cannot be stored and used without being plugged into His Holy Spirit.   An electric lawn mower does nothing without being plugged into a good electric source.  Neither can we exercise God’s wisdom without being plugged into Him. 

 

So, what is the best resolution we need to make in 2019.  Is it seeking a slimmer wasteline?  No but is a worthy goal.  Is it going to church regularly? No, but moving in right direction.  Is it to read the bible daily and pray daily?  Getting warmer.  Is it studying Christ’s life and doing what Jesus would do – following his example?  Getting warmer.   Is it studing what the bible says about wisdom and following that instruction?  Getting warmer.  IT IS BEING IN FELLOWSHIP WITH AND OBEDIENCE WITH CHRIST AND THEN SEEKING HIS WISDOM AND HELP IMPLEMENTING THAT WISDOM EACH AND EVERY DAY.  Then doing all the above things will have value and benefit, but doing them without a personal relationship with Christ falls short of being enough.                                                    

He who has a constant longing for wisdom will persistently pray for it.
D. Edmond Hiebert

 

1/5/19                                            Comedy of Errors                                  5

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.  Proverbs 8:14

RECOMMENDED READING: Proverbs 8:12-21  ““I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,And find out knowledge and discretion.¹³ The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom;I am understanding, I have strength.¹⁵ By me kings reign,And rulers decree justice.¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles,All the judges of the earth.¹⁷ I love those who love me,  And those who seek me diligently will find me.¹⁸ Riches and honor are with me,Enduring riches and righteousness.¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold,And my revenue than choice silver.²⁰ I traverse the way of righteousness,In the midst of the paths of justice,²¹ That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth,That I may fill their treasuries.”

COMMENTS: Have you ever made really foolish choices by impulse?  By peer pressure?  How about any foolish choices even after taking the time to think about it and work up courage and still make regrettable choice.  This morning I read about a store robber in Colorado who planned a robbery and paced outside the store trying to gather courage to follow through with his scheme.  He finally went into the store pulling out a BB gun and demanding clerk for money.  He dropped the gun and it fell behind the counter and then ran out the store.   The gun was behind the belt of his pants but without it, his pants fell down while he was running out (without any money), falling down on the floor where he was arrested.   His foolish choice only made matters worse for him and anyone depending on him.

Poor or sinful choices have a terrible way of compounding / multiplying consequences if we continue to make them.  Each makes circumstances far worse than before and can quickly compound to the point outside help is necessary in order to heal or recover or even get back to where poor choice was made.  Most who get to that point never recover because change also gets harder too.  Bad habitual behavior and choice practices also create powerful forces hindering change.  Such is exactly what satan designed and wants because he is motivated by a passion to destroy us as a way of trying to hurt God, who he really hates.

This example of the store robber reveals a clear point when the robber had every opportunity to change his mind and avoid consequences but he chose to resist his conscience and his own logic shouting at him “don’t do it!”, “you will regret it!”

By contrast, wise choices build on each other too.  Scripture is packed with examples of those who made foolish but also with those who made wise choices along with consequences and blessing this encountered after those choices.  God provides His Living Word to help and guide and inspire us but not without opportunity to let His Holy Spirit also guide and help and explain His Word too.  He offers forgiveness and redemption but also a path away from and to a better destination.  He is building an eternal home and body for us.  He has prepared a plan and path to that destination for us.  He has prepared a purpose and work for us and preparation for us so we can not only have purpose and fulfillment, a better way of providing for our needs and for those entrusted to our care, but also a wonderful relationship with our Creator and Savior and with a multitude of others who have and will let Him transform them  too.  We change from being a missionary instead of a mission field.  A giver instead of just a taker.  A producer instead of only a consumer.  A person who leaves a place or person(s) better off instead of worse off than how they found them.  Who doesn’t want that?  So why not take God’s hand, follow His lead, and let Him guide you to make that a reality.  Why not seek and accept the Wisdom and make the Wise Choices and options only He can provide?   Not an easy path but a far better path.  New Years is a great time to do just that.  AMEN?  AMEN!

Life is confusing for us, but we don’t have to bungle our way through it. Ask God for wisdom for each day and study the counsel of His Word. The fruit of righteousness abounds with each passing year; instead of a comedy of errors, our lives become channels of blessing.    “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It is in our coming before the Lord that we see the true nature of all that we observe around us.  W. A. Criswell

 

 

1/6/19                       The Woman in Your Life                              6

Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.  Proverbs 9:6

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 9:1-12  “Wisdom has built her house,She has hewn out her seven pillars;² She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table.³ She has sent out her maidens,She cries out from the highest places of the city,⁴ “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,⁵ “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.⁶ Forsake foolishness and live,And go in the way of understanding.⁷ “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself,And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.⁸ Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.⁹ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.¹⁰ “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

COMMENTS:  Thanksgiving and Christmas and even New Year’s Day are all special days for gatherings with family and friends demanding much work in preparation.  Decorating and making gathering places clean and beautiful.  Preparing meeting places or churches or homes so everything looks perfect.  Family gatherings, especially including those from distance who are visited infrequently are especially special.  But all too often what is remembered is not the work and preparation but mean or thoughtless remarks from last gathering.  Those wounds, because they haven’t been healed by forgiveness given, the infection of that unforgiveness quickly and sometimes violently erupts into even harsher and mean words which will only get worse if unchecked in future years.  Sad thing is family gatherings are more commonly becoming more like the “Soap Operas” that flood afternoon television especially on American broadcast networks.  Actors and sets on those shows are perfect and beautiful but the character and actions of most actors on those shows are beyond terrible and sinful.  But such is becoming more and more common in American families and families in every country too.  That has always been  true but I have to believe, due to revivals in past generations that family settings were warmer and more loving and simpler in our grandparents and great-grandparents generations.   God was a center focus in family gatherings and church was the center of gatherings and activities.   When television came into most homes, Christ-centered morality and conduct and values were a dominant theme and guide in those shows broadcasted in 1950’s and early 1960’s.  This also includes society’s view of human sexuality and morality and marriage.  This has also negatively impacted respect for others and especially those of opposite sex. Yet society still has not recognized the reason for that.  They still think immoral behavior is acceptable if consensual without drawing any realization that such is a giant and closer step towards rape and molestation of children and adults.  Without moral restraints opportunity and power enable more and more to force their lustful passions on others willing or not.   How much further down the road we as a society and world are on do we need to go down before rape and child molestation and even worse will become “normal healthy behavior” in society?  We only need to look back at history at countries and societies who went down the same path.  Their end was violent and permanent.   Have you ever asked yourself why America isn’t mentioned in Biblical Prophecy?  It isn’t because America didn’t exist during time prophecies existed.   Rome didn’t when gave Daniel and the other prophets of the Old Testament prophecies related to end times.  Could it be America will be judged and destroyed and not exist during those times yet to come? Revivals are happening and many are being saved in Muslim and Communist and many impoverished countries while churches in democratic – free countries are nearly empty.   My own church is a beautiful impressive structure and pastor’s sermons are powerful but pews are still mostly empty.  Why?   Free will is given by God to all while His gift of Grace and Redemption is only embraced by some and only by a few who appear to be doing well on their own.

Proverbs 9 describe a woman working hard preparing a banquet.  She started by building a house for the banquet with 7 pillars.  Then she planned a menu and then prepares the feast.  Finally she sent invitations to (vs. 5).  This chapter describes this woman as “Wisdom” and benefits of accepting her invitation and coming to her banquet of blessings.

Then the chapter concludes with another woman, a foolish woman, who also sent invitations offering a meal of “junk food” that is appealing to the taste but ruins the soul.

During the Holidays sweets are more available so temptations are stronger but gaining weight and poor health are the result.  Result is greater difficulty and less appeal of healthy food, so temptations of Thanksgiving and Advent Season correlate to spiritual teaching of this proverb.

God has a wonderful way of offering us only what is good for us, like the first woman described in Proverbs 9.  But satan has powerful and sinister way of making his destructive evil both appealing and God’s healthy food unappealing to us.

Well, when it comes to cookies and candy and leftovers, it is better for me to have all those tasty foods out of the house and out of accessibility than to rely on my discipline and willpower to avoid them.  I think that is true spiritually too.  Better to flee temptations than to allow them to be around and hope willpower will be sufficient to resist or overcome their influence.  So we need to also include in our New Year Resolutions removing those things and opportunities for exposure to sin and temptations whether it be junk foods or visuals or objects that cause us to be tempted or even just distract us from Him better work and nourishment.  I invite you to also join me in seeking His council to reveal those things needing removed and determination to remove them or us from them.  AMEN?  AMEN!

The Scriptures are radiant with divine wisdom. This wisdom shines with the glory of God.  John Piper

 

 

1/7/19                                    Leaving Anger Behind                                   7                  

Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God   James 1:19-20

Recommended Reading: James 1:16-20 “¹¹⁶ Do not err, my beloved brethren.¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.¹⁸ Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.¹⁹ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:²⁰ For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

COMMENTS:   Have you heard the old expression “Turning over a new leaf?”  I always thought it meant, like most, to refer to turning over a tree or other plant leaf.  The back side of a plant leaf is shaped the same but looks quite different.  But I learned this morning the expression comes from the 1500’s and refers to a new blank page and starting over.  Leaves in that time referred to pages of a book, so expression refers to starting over or at least going in a new direction instead of continuing on in the same direction.

January is a popular time to focus on fixing or overcoming problems or weaknesses or consequences created by poor choices.  Making better choices and fixing problems of previous choices is or can be an overwhelming task or goal, especially if trying to overcome habits and resist temptations that have become a regular and maybe enjoyable part of our lifestyle.  Hard enough to fix some of the consequences but even more difficult trying to resist those temptations causing or leading to those consequences. 

Anger is one of those emotions that will control us if we don’t learn to first control it and then to conquer it.  Anger can be used to generate energy and passion and focus to address a specific problem of injustice or abuse or problem.  But Anger more commonly only overpowers wisdom and restraint to saying harsh words and overreactions resulting in damaged or broken relationships and inviting a similar reaction from others.

Anger unchecked results in individual doing or saying hurtful things or even murder, which would not be considered even in the same circumstances otherwise.   How many tragedies resulted from unrestrained anger?  Consider the regret you have and how many started or were inspired by anger?    Likely those regret and reason for those regrets would have been avoided if only you had taken a deep breathe and maybe counted to 10 or 100 to let your anger cool down before responding.  Thinking before acting.

Consider  James 1:19-20 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (NIV).

The best way of turning over some new leaves is by leaving anger behind—and the leaves of Scripture can help you with that.

“Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything”   Billy Graham

1/8/19                                       Wise Counsel                                                        8

Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.
Proverbs 15:22

Recommended Reading Proverbs 20:1-29: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.² The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.³ It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.⁴ The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.⁵ Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.⁶ Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?⁷ The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.⁸ A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.⁹ Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?¹⁰ Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.¹¹ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.¹² The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.¹³ Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.¹⁴ It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.¹⁵ There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.¹⁶ Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.¹⁷ Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.¹⁸ Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.¹⁹ He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.²⁰ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.²¹ An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.²² Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.²³ Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.²⁴ Man’s goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?²⁵ It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.²⁶ A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.²⁷ The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.²⁸ Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.²⁹ The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.”

COMMENTS: The above proverb is packed with powerful wisdom which seems to be foreign to or lacking in present day common sense.  Bible prophecy even tells us in the latter days good will be judged as evil and evil good (2 Timothy 3 – note vs 13).  We live in times of amazing technology available to most worldwide that were beyond even the dreams and imagination of kings and most wealthy and powerful even 100 years ago.  But people have not changed over the many centuries since this proverb was written. As much as some would deny or ignore wisdom and morality dictated by God’s Laws, truth is the only way to a sustainable happy and prosperous life is by following God’s wisdom and council.  Likewise, man left to his own devices, will inevitably decay to evil and lack of decent – moral behavior.  Man would rather justify his own evil – prideful – selfish behavior than turn from it and towards repentance and obedience of God’s life giving laws and moral code.   But history repeatedly shows us God’s Laws bring life and happiness and prosperity and man’s (satan’s) ways always brings misery and pain and death and desperate poverty.  Every generation must learn and choose but each generation will naturally choose evil and death without God’s help and God’s Spirit’s continuing nudging and reminders. 

2.5 million people work for the United State f federal government under the authority of the President’s cabinet.  The President is surrounded by this cabinet and his Vice President and an army of military heads and other expert councelors ready to inform him and councel him on all matters demanding his leadership and decisions.  One man is not able to consistently make wise decisions, so he must seek council but still must discern wise from foolish councel. If he seeks and exposes himself to wise councel in scripture and seeks input from the Holy Spirit frequently, he can do much better.  But if he still allows himself to be exposed to councelors who keep giving him foolish council or refuse to also seek wise council from scripture and the Holy Spirit, then he makes himself more vulnerable to repeat the disasters of past history.  Even Solomon succumbed to foolish councel of pagan wives and the pagan councelors they kept exposing Solomon too.  The consequences of that folly are revealed in scripture suffered not only by him but by his family and the nation he ruled. 

Think about foolish choices you and I have made and consequences they brought. 

Well, there is nothing we can do about past but we can repent, seek God’s mercy and help, and change – go a new and better path.  Who are your wise counselors? What kind of access do you allow them in your life? Purpose to make 2019 a year of wise counsel. Seek out godly friends and mentors who can help you make the wisest decisions and whose counsel you are prepared to take.                                                                                                                  “It is better to get wisdom than gold.”  Matthew Henry

     
1/9/19                                      Leadership to Destroy or to Build                         9                   

When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.  Proverbs 28:28

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 28:8-12  “One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion.  Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.⁹ One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.¹⁰ Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.¹¹ The rich man is wise in his own eyes,But the poor who has understanding searches him out.¹² When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.”

COMMENTS:  We are living in an age lacking in good leadership, not a lack of leaders lacking willingness to make and act on their decisions but a lack of leaders who make and act on wise decisions and live a Christ centered and patterned life.  Leaders who live a life worthy of imitating and make decisions that build and not destroy.  Times of war do require using force to stop invading forces, but all too often leaders act in a way to destroy their subordinates and subjects in order to acquire their possessions instead of uplifting and benefiting their subjects.  Leaders who work and rob to gain power and authority motivated by their own selfish and all too often destructive objectives and goals.  Goals that only give priority to himself or herself without regard to the needs and goals and even God given rights of others – especially those under their authority. 

Yet Christians are called to conduct themselves in subjection to governing authority, even unworthy authority.  To love those who hate and be good citizens as an example to others and as an act of love and obedience to the Christ who saved them and provided secure eternal life and hope and rescue from the current world only offering suffering and persecution and death.   Truth is life on this world will not last forever no matter if filled with comfort and ease or filled with suffering and pain.  Treating this world as a platform of obedience to God’s commands and calling instead of as a place we should and need to have all our needs and wants satisfied. 

Is the leadership of your country and local government worthy of their position?   Do they govern wisely and according to scripture instruction and counsel?  Or do they govern foolishly only for personal gain without regard to the need of others.  The answer to these questions may be more obvious to those suffering but truth is “power corrupts and ultimate power ultimately corrupts”.  History supports this.   

Proverbs 28 is a strategic guide for wise leadership. Verse after verse compares good leaders to bad ones, and verse 28 ends the chapter by telling us that when wicked people rise to places of authority; they drive away good people; they perish; but after they’re gone, righteousness spreads. We come away from Proverbs 28, saying, “Dear Lord, give us leaders who have true wisdom.” Those who govern best fear God and reverence His Word.

Praying for our leadership is vital.  Consider how Joseph and David and Esther and even the first century Christians dealt with leadership they were subject to.  If that leadership is to be confronted like Moses confronted pharaoh, then that direction must clearing come from God with His direction following.  But more commonly Christians are called to lead through suffering without foolish arrogant attitudes, a servant attitude.

Truth is our Bible gives us ample examples to instruct us in virtually all situations.  But even more, the Holy Spirit is available to strengthen and encourage and remind and counsel us 24x7x365 so we need not lack.  Examples from scripture show us results of allowing the Holy Spirit to abide in and counsel us along with long term blessings doing so can do.    Church growth and eternal home received by all those faithful before us only confirms God has been and continues to be in control and victorious especially during hopeless times.  HIS YET TO BE FULFILLED PROMISES – PROPHECIES ASSURE US HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN FAITHFUL AND VICTOROUS AND ALWAYS WILL BE.  WE ARE ON THE BEST AND WINNING SIDE WHEN WE ARE ON HIS SIDE.   SO whose SIDE ARE YOU ON?

John Adams in 1776 said “Statesmen…may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand.”¹

“Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion…are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.”
Charles Carroll, signer of the Declaration of Independence

1/10/19                                                Commit Your Eyes                                               10  

[The adulteress’] house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.  Proverbs 7:27

Recommended Reading  1 Corinthians 6:19-20  “¹¹⁹ Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? ²⁰ For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. “

COMMENTS: Daniel is the Old Testament Bible Character I admire more than any other because he remained faithful at all cost from childhood to old age.  His faithfulness not only resulted in transforming his life and future but also many   who he influenced – even the powerful King Nebuchadnezzar.  But the two characters I remain frustrated and puzzled by are David and Solomon and especially Solomon.  David had a deep personal relationship with God from childhood and remained strong and faithful through many years of exile but yielded to temptations of fear and lust when he should have been at his strongest.  The biggest puzzle for me was why anyone with any common sense would or intelligence think having hundreds of wives would be a good decision?  I know, “the grass is always greener” mentality is all too common a human frailty status symbol and peer pressure of other kings who have many wives would be a great temptation as a sign of power and wealth and privilege and ???  When I look at Solomon’s life of luxury and privilege, I see a young man blessed with great wisdom and a deep personal relationship with God that enabled him to lead and prosper like none other.  But he, like some many before and after him succumbed to constant exposure to temptations and began walking and then running deeper and deeper into sin as he gathered more pagan wives and then pagan advisers.  But I just can’t understand how even in that time and circumstances God would tolerate such and remain in fellowship with such a king and why such a king would not wake up and repent and turn back to God at first sign of God’s spirit leaving him or at fist consequence of his sin becoming a reality? 

Well, I do know and understand that repeated exposure to temptation numbs awareness of danger and repulsiveness of sin.  I also realize that in God’s eyes my failings are just as sinful as David’s or Solomon’s or worse. 

Such discovery helps me both understand David’s and Solomon’s failing while being humbled that I too must continually seek and keep my hand in His and my eyes on Him or I too will be vulnerable to such temptation and sin with all their consequences and death.  That said, even though Solomon knew better and still failed, the wisdom he wrote in Proverbs and the wisdom David wrote in Psalms are still part of God’s Word still available to us and still God’s Wisdom valuable and true for today as much as then.

George Santayana, a philosopher from the 1800’s, said “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”.   That quote has been modified slightly to a more familiar and more popular “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”   The variation I remember and believe to be truer is “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”   Truth is it is important to study and learn history but lessons history teaches us are what are so valuable to teach us and keep us on straight and narrow life giving path God has for us.   Scripture alone is sufficient to prove to us God’s way always leads to life and life eternal and way of sin always leads to disaster and death after a very brief period of fun and excitement.  Jesus parable of the Prodigal confirmed Jesus agreed with this and gave a perfect example to teach and convince us of this. 

So will you and I learn and follow God’s life giving path in 2019 or yield to temptation with all the consequences of sin?  God does all He can to convince and prove to us that His ways are best but still allows each of us to make the choice of our own free will.  He allows us free will to choose wisely or foolishly, but He does not allow us to choose what follows.  He reserves the right to allow us to face the full consequences of our choices or restrains some of those consequences in His mercy.  But He knows and loves us so much that He even uses those consequences to deter us from continuing on a disastrous path away from Him.  So we march or run to damnation in spite of warning signs and roadblocks He puts on our path.  I see this in the lives of some I know and love, even within my own family.  Yet I still see some who still refuse to repent in spite of those deterrents.  I continue to pray for a change of heart, while realizing we each must make our own choices, and I must be mindful of God’s example who trying to guide them back to wise choices.    

No sinful act desecrates the body like fornication and sexual abuse.
R. C. H. Lenski

1/11/18                                                Flee!                                                       11   

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

Recommended Reading:  1 Corinthians 10:13-14 “⁸¹³ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.¹⁴ Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

COMMENTS:  Flee is a term used to describe a quick and rapid escape from imminent danger in order to avoid being overpowered by that danger causing harm or death. Fleeing from a hungry lion or from an approaching tornado or forest fire would certainly apply.   The world “flee” is used 81 times in the Old Testament applying mostly to escaping to save one’s life. Most instances relate to escaping a stronger invading army or force. 

This term is also used 14 times in the New Testament but more commonly refers to escaping from spiritual dangers mostly.  Yet, the danger referred to temptations put upon unsuspecting victims perpetrated by our common enemy, satan.    Paul specifically identifies sexual immorality as the dangerous temptation best fled from instead of facing and resisting.  Paul indicates this temptation is too powerful and seductive to face alone, so best course of action is always to flee from it and run to Christ when temptation is encountered.  Stop and reflect the damage sexual immorality has done to marriages and families, especially to children as victims.  Harm is seldom to never just limited to guilty parties.  How many ministers or missionaries along with their church and ministry have been destroyed by immorality?  An older pastor was reported to keep a book listing the pastors destroyed by allowing sexual immorality to enter their lives, acting on its temptations.  He indicated the list was over 100 and all started out innocently enough on the outside but leading to a choice(s) that resulting in sin not judged possible up to that time.  The negative impact on their relationship with God was not even noticed by them and hides from others until sin was deeply entrenched and hardened into the souls of the parties involved.   Few other sins are so deceptive.  Yet pride falls in that category too.  That is why God tells us to run instead of facing this temptation.  He knows and understands our weaknesses and provides a means and way of escape so we can experience a far better and happier way, a way He designed and prepares us for.  The way of marriage and family instead of immorality and broken families.  How many families do you know that are happy and enduring?  How many do you know that are filled with broken promises and regrets?    How many children are broken as a result?  I dare say most know as many If not more families broken as stable and secure.  God’s ways are always best – best for us and best for those we care about – even best for those we don’t especially like or even consider enemies.  But obedience is more than just running from temptation.  Obedience includes running to Him for help and encouragement.  He is available 24x7x365 – never too busy or distracted from focusing on us. All we need to do is turn and run to Him and take His hand.  Then put and keep our eyes on Him.

Thankfully, God provides a way of escape from the temptation to sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). When you are tempted, look for the way He provides to flee.

“Holiness is not freedom from temptation, but power to overcome temptation.”   G. Campbell Morgan

1/12/18                                                          Good Things                                         12

He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.  Proverbs 18:22

RECOMMENDED READING: 1 John 4:7-12“⁷ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ⁸ He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ⁹ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. ¹⁰ In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. been perfected in us.”

COMMENTS:  God always gives good to us, even when that good doesn’t seem good for awhile.  But what ends up being good from Him often didn’t start out as being from Him in the beginning, but He made evil / sinful choices end up being good (Romans 8:28-29). 

Lets consider an example of an abusive man who hurts his wife and child when he is drunk.   Do these scripture mean we should allow the abuser to do harm to his family unrestrained?  Of course not.  His wife and child needs to seek help and get away from danger this husband and father inflicts on his family and also that family needs to seek help for that man.  If he doesn’t accept that help is his choice but protection for his family becomes immediate priority.  Love them is demonstrated in a different way from loving the offending man.  Loving the family must give priority to protecting them while love the man must include offering help and even restraint to that man.  Offenders usually regret their actions done in the heat of anger and under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 Satan has a sinister way of using bad habits or choices – either emotions or actions to lead many to do and say hurtful things they would not have done with proper thought and consideration.   Left to our own strength and wills, we all are not strong enough and determined enough nor experienced – wise enough  to successfully fight satan alone, BUT CHRIST IS!  HE HAS ALREADY DONE SO ON THE CROSS!  HE FOUGHT SATAN ALONE AND DEFEATED HIM SO WE DON’T HAVE TO FIGHT HIM ALONE!

He doesn’t want us to settle for just depending on Him to use our sinful thoughts and actions for good but to change us to do good things and discipline our thoughts to be good thoughts.  He knows we can’t accomplish this alone so offers us His Forgiveness to provide a fresh start and His Holy Spirit  24x7x365 so we don’t face satan alone or unprepared.  He only provides what we are willing to accept so WHEN WE FAIL IT IS BECAUSE WE CHOSE NOT TO ACCEPT ALL HIS HELP AND RESOURCES HE MAKES AVAILABLE TO US!  That is important to realize so we do accept all His resources so we can be successful in fighting satan and make progress in becoming more Christ-like and Him to use Good Choices for our Good and for other’s Good too.  After all, greater and better good is done by Him for good actions than from poor actions and choices. 

Moses told the Israelites, “So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the Lord your God has given to you and your house” (Deuteronomy 26:11). Joshua told them, “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken” (Joshua 21:45). The psalmist said in Psalm 34:10, “Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.”  Psalm 84:11 adds, “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Paul told Timothy, “That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit” (2 Timothy 1:14).

“Men, you’ll never be a good groom to your wife unless you’re first a good bride to Jesus.”
Timothy Keller

 

1/13/19                  Sustaining Better Choices                                        13      

I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.  PSALM 101:3

 Recommended Reading: PSALM 101:1-8 “ I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.² I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.³ I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.⁴ A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.⁵ Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.⁶ Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.⁷ He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.⁸ I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.”

COMMENTS:   I enjoy the old television programs before the 1970’s like Gunsmoke and Wagon Train and Andy Griffin and the Rifleman to name a few.  A strong sense of right and wrong based on a solid Christian sense of values and morals is so prevalent in those shows that is so lacking in modern television shows.  A recent aired episode of Gunsmoke related to a ruthless businessman who deceptively tricked several landowners out of their land and killed a storeowner who threatened to expose his plot.  He was tried for the murder but there was insufficient evidence to convict him but enough circumstantial evidence to convince everyone in town he was guilty. 

No one conspired to do “mob justice” or violence to him but all, from what they learned attending his trial, decided not to do business with him and to watch his conduct.  The whole town started to shun him and refuse favors from him and did not do business with him.  

It wasn’t long until he was in trouble and when tried to sell off land he had bought to move on, everyone refused him to the point he couldn’t give away the land.    The consensus was to leave it in God’s hands to administer justice but also not to be a part of that man’s schemes or to profit from them.

The man finally left town in shame and failure but lost his life alone in a terrible wind storm shortly after that.  

Scripture tells us God is merciful but He also is just and will judge in His time and in His way.   When we both learn to forgive but also learn to follow a path of right conduct, we will find ourselves less exposed to satan’s traps and better able to deal with the ones He allows us to be exposed to. 

How many temptations are we exposed to because of our own desire to “indulge ourselves” and not because He wanted to use them to draw us closer to Himself and strengthen us.  Some temptations and hardships come our way, like they did to Job, to do that.  But all too many temptations could be avoided if we only stayed on the “straight and narrow” making wise choices and keeping our eyes on Him and our hand in His.   The temptation and mentality of “not wanting to miss out” or that “exposure to temptation” doesn’t hurt or harm us lures us to get closer to some temptations than God wants or intends for us to. 

Consider how history would have changed for the better if David would have run to the temple when he first noticed Bathsheba instead of waiting til Nathan confronted him with his sin of adultery and murder later.   What if Solomon would have followed the wisdom from his own lips and words instead of taking opportunity to expose himself to pagan women and marrying them and allowing their influence to erode his relationship with God and the moral compass God had given him.

Wise choices build one off another while bad or poor choices tear down the hard work wise choices have built.  Consider the proof of this from examples in scripture and I’m sure countless examples from your own circle of friends and family and maybe even yourself.  

Make wise choices will slowly but surely will start building a life to honor Christ and bless as we start making them.  One will build off the previous slowly but surely.   God’s help and our determination are a partnership to success.  But lacking on one is fatal bad choices that will   quickly result in destroy past progress and make continuing to make bad choices easier and easier and good choices harder.

So why not start making good choices, shun and avoid exposure to temptations, seek help from those who will make you accountable and help you make wise choices and MOST OF ALL SEEK AND REMAIN CLOSE TO CHRIST AND HIS ABIDING HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE AND HELP.   Also, avoid those who wear you down and expose you to temptations and areas you are weak and vulnerable.

By avoiding that opportune evil businessman, the town didn’t expose themselves to his lures and didn’t contribute to empowering him to tempt others.  A good lesson for you and me to be reminded to follow too.  AMEN?  AMEN!

Well, one of those other things to shun should be the television related to most shows being broadcasted and turning off our cell phones and spending more time with our families too.   Making good choices that build instead of destroy.  AMEN?  AMEN!

1/14/19                     Only Use as Was Designed and Intended                     14      

 Marriage is honorable.    Hebrews 13:4

Recommended Reading  Ephesians 5:22-23  “²² Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. ²⁴ Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ²⁶ that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷ that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸ So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. ³⁰ For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. ³¹ “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.””

 

COMMENTS:     Marriage was designed and ordained by God as He was forming Adam and as He was making Eve out of Adam’s rib.  The Bible is clear that He designed marriage to be a lifetime covenant between a man and woman to each other before and with God.   In today’s society and time and culture increasing pressure is mounting to endorse marriage between 2 men and between 2 women not only in society as being legitimate and legal but also within the Christian church.  Some protestant denominations have already endorsed and licensed same sex marriages within their denomination.

Well, plenty of dysfunctional marriages and abuse within marriages and family are all too common and even becoming more common than healthy marriages lived and honored as God intended.   The Bible even talked about God’s conditions for allowing divorce but also states such is not what God desires or intends for His creation.  Sin and evil influence of satan have corrupted mankind from Adam and Eve until present and shows only signs of getting worse.    Debates of whether society should allow same sex marriage overshadows or drowns out any discussion and effort to work with people to try to bring marriage back to what God intended and mankind back to a relationship with God as He intended.   Truth is, if everyone were in relationship with Christ, there would no need for such discussion.  One day soon Christ will return and deal with the source, satan, and set creation back to state He originally intended.

But in the meantime, satan is still telling His lies and influencing each and every one of us to believe and follow them.  God has given us the right to choose good or evil and even to allow ourselves to believe evil is good and good evil.  BUT GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE AND IN CONTROL AND CHRIST WILL RETURN TO JUDGE AND STOP SATAN.   THEN THOSE WHO FOLLOWED SATAN’S LIES INSTEAD OF CHRIST WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND FACE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS.   But in the meantime will we accept Christ’s mercy freely offered and follow His council and instruction and commands?  Will we follow Him to mercy and forgiveness and eternal life or follow satan to death and judgment? 

Like it or not God has the power and authority to enforce His Laws and Will. He has at great cost provided us knowledge of those Laws and Will.  I will not debate that but leave it to you and all readers of my journal to debate.  It is not my responsibility to convey my conviction or beliefs on this subject, but am sure you all have figured that out by now.   It is my responsibility, I believe, to remind you the Bible is the ultimate and final authority. 

 Look at some examples of an enduring lifelong marriage.  There are few still left.  Marriages that are Christ centered and positive impact such has on them as well on all who are in their field of influence?  Then look at examples of those who follow other guides and influences.  Which is better?  Which is better to follow and example too?

A true story is told of a Clearwater, Florida couplc married on a beach but the day of their wedding ended with each in separate prison cells for fighting and drinking to excess.  The arresting police commented such to happen on the same day is a bit unusual but such is all too common and devastating to couples and consequences on their children.  Drink and drugs have destroyed all too many families and people and still do.  But even more, focus on satisfying self desires and wants is not the purpose of marriage.  God’s intent is to meet other’s need before our own.   God’s design is for our needs to be met by meeting our mate’s and children’s needs first.  Left to our own devices, we will also get it backwards and do more harm than good, resulting in our own needs left wanting too.        

It has been said families who pray together stay together. Statement is not found in scripture but building a Christ Centered and Christ Guided marriage and family is found in scripture and is key to building an atmosphere and character in family and in each family member more Christ like and life given. 

 Proverbs 22:6 “   ⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

End of the day, we can guide and encourage and council but we each must make our own choices. There are too few good examples to show Christ’s ideal and too many poor examples.  You and I need to work and make choices so our lives and families will be good examples and not bad ones.  AMEN?  AMEN! 

 “Find some way, even if it is for a few moments, to read your Bibles together as a couple.”   David Jeremiah

1/15/19                                          Bring Them Up in Love                                         15            “ And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”  Ephesians 6:4

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING:  PROVERBS 3:11-12  “ ¹¹ My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:¹² For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

 

COMMENTS:  Child abuse has so jaded society that it has become difficult to discern valid discipline from abuse.  Parental authority and wise discernment is given by God so the further we descend from a close relationship with God, the harder it becomes to exercise wise and healthy and therapeutic discipline of our children.  The pendulum swings from lack of or inadequate discipline to child abuse with excessive discipline given in anger.  Therefore, the wisdom of today’s devotion title “Bring Them Up in Love” reminds us not to discipline while angry and allow cool heads but also the Holy Spirit’s Wise Council guide child discipline instead of anger or frustration.   

Well, both children and parents still become angry and frustrated with each other.  Such has always been even from Adam’s children.  Galatians 6:7 reminds parents not to provoke their children to anger, but Hebrews 12:5-6 tells parents to administer discipline firmly but with love as God disciplines us.

As I reflect, I can recall many mistakes I made in raising our children, but overall we’re so grateful and pleased with how our two children turned out. God has a wonderful way of healing and limiting frequency and consequences of parental errors and deficiencies.  However, if parents refuse to seek and follow God’s council and repeat poor parenting habits without change, the consequences become worse and harder to overcome or heal.  The world is running over with such destructive examples but there are those who have been miraculously healed and transformed.  The cycle of poor parents begetting poor children who become poor parents is broken when either the parent or child, or better – both, turn from those poor habits and let God in and His Holy Spirit abide with and guide and help.

We have God’s word to give us wise council of Psalms and Proverbs and countless other places + countless examples of both good and foolish parenting + many examples from our own neighborhoods and families.  But most of all we have available as a resource Immanuel (God with us) forgiving and guiding and helping us one on one 24x7x365.  We also have family and brothers and sisters in Christ all willing to lend a hand.  We are not intended to live and parent alone.  The sooner we seek help and use that help the better.

“In the Christian way, the one vital thing is not speed or distance attained, but direction.” A. W. Tozer

 

 

1/16/19                                       Start Early                                                             16     

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6
RECOMMENDED READING:  Deuteronomy 6:4-9  “⁴ “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! ⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.⁶ “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

COMMENTS:   Education is a life-long pursuit. We learn formally by school in a formal classroom and teacher as children and young adults but our education has only begun at our graduation. Job skills and related tools needed for gainful employment and productive to sustain and maintain life and shelter and provisions for family and personal life are necessary.  But they do not complete our education needs even though we may think so at the time.

No, but just as important as being teachable is discerning and follow valid, accurate, truthful teaching.  How do we do that?   Well, by looking at the school’s and teacher’s reputation from previous students and those using the skills and information shared by those students.   

Parenting is so hard and at times heart-breaking, especially during rebellious periods   when children will not listen to or follow their parent’s council and learn from their experience.  How tragic when children repeat their parent’s mistakes and sins thinking they are smarter than their parents and will avoid their consequences.  Or they think fun and pleasure now is more important and any consequences can be dealt with later when they happen.  Likewise, sacrifices for future gain or blessings are not made.  Such has been common in every generation but temptations are stronger and more appealing and accessible now than ever before.

But, free will is still the wild card that opens even children (and adults) who have had the best childhood and parenting to wonder down the dark path of evil and sin and rebellion.  How many prisoners are PK’s (preacher’s kids) and hardened criminals from the best homes?   Well, even the best of parents are still far from perfect and deeply flawed even though Holy Spirit lead and guided and forgiven.  

Conversely, how many faithful born-again Christians came from broken homes or were raised by abusive parent(s).  Free will not only means freedom to choose rebellion and sin, but free will to choose Christ’s way of forgiveness and redemption and eternal life.  We need often reminded that God loves all equally and He died on the cross as much for the worst sinner as He did for the most respectful Christian.  Both       were equally lost in their sins and equally guilty and doomed, but both equally loved by Him.  That means He strives to persuade both to come to Him with a repentant heart.  When we pray for others, we partner with God so we open ourselves to be instruments of positive influence and impact on others and for those we pray for.  We also open ourselves for Him to do positive change to us too.  Both directions His goal is to bond us positively to each other as well as to Him.  The transforming nature of His presence and Love and Mercy impacts those who yield to them and those who they cross paths with.

I have a step-grandson who is making some poor choices that put at risk completing high school with a welding skill and certification along with involvement in destructive behaviors.  His father and step-mother and others, including us, are not able to persuade him otherwise because he is 18 of legal adult age. 

How much more we must break God’s heart when we disobey Him and go down our own prodigal path!   But truth is He wants our families’ redemption even more than we do, so when we pray in harmony with His Will and desires, we open tremendous opportunities for His influence and power and Perfect Will to move and progress.  He is limited by our choices but not in finding opportunities to use even poor choices and rebellion to soften even the hardest hearts.  When we anger or pride to deafen our longing hearts, we hinder God’s council guiding us too in our common desire.   We can’t understand or comprehend how God interacts with everyone at the same time nor how He will be working in the future to His goals, but past history can give us a close and convince us to trust and follow Him to continue to do so.

So last point is DON’T GIVE UP AND DON’T QUIT PRAYING AND FOLLOWING HIM! The eternal life and future of ourselves but also of those we dearly love is at state.  And many more beyond our current thoughts or imagination.  New Year is a very good time to recommit and refocus.  AMEN?  AMEN!  

 “The secret of home rule is self-rule, first being ourselves what we want our children to be.” 
Andrew Murray

 

 

1/17/19                                      A True Friend                                                      17     

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.   Proverbs 18:24

Recommended Reading: John 15:13-15 “  ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

COMMENTS:  Have you ever had a close friend?  There are a few such friendships revealed in scripture.  David and Jonathan is such a friendship.  David was the youngest of 8 sons   (I Samuel 16-17).   We are not told how close David was to his brothers or of any conflicts with them like Joseph had with his brothers.  But the experiences and character David experienced won him the respect and devotion of King Saul’s son, Jonathan.  As   we look at their friendship, we discover how well their friendship aided each other.  Jonathan provided a shield and Intel to David that saved David from his sinful father’s obsession to kill David out of jealousy.  Jonathan could have aided is father since God had chosen David to succeed Saul as king instead of Jonathan.  David provided an example and link to a personal relationship with God to Jonathan that his father had lost and could no longer give to his son.  

The tragedy of this story is Jonathan and David’s friendship was cut short when Jonathan was killed in battle with his father, King Saul.  His father’s sins brought death to him as well as to Saul.  Jonathan was faithful to David as well as to his father and seems to find a good balance of doing both until that fateful day in battle.  Jonathan never becomes jealous of David’s favor with God.  We have no indication that Jonathan ever became rebellious to God. 

Well, we have hope that David’s faithfulness to God did  impact and make an eternal difference on Jonathan and both he and David are enjoying fellowship   with each other and with God in heaven today.  But their friendship still serves as an example to guide and encourage every generation since because their story is recorded in scripture.  Obviously, God viewed their faithfulness to each other, and their faithfulness to God’s will worthy of becoming a good example for us by making it part of scripture.

I had such a friend from 1^st grade.  We share a common faith in Christ and likes and dislikes.  He was physically stronger than I so often shielded me any school or class bullies.  I   sometimes would help him with his homework and we would often study together.  But our life paths started to gravitate apart in high school since we started preparing for different career paths so took different optional subjects in high school.  He ended up going to Oral Roberts College preparing for a career in ministry and I went to Grove City College preparing for a career in engineering.  We would meet once or twice on summers when home from college but I clearly remember the day I learned he had drown.  It was the summer of 1972 and I was working for the summer earning money for my senior year at Grove City College at Cooper Bessemer, a local manufacturer of locomotive engines. 

Why did God take such a strong young man committed to serving Him as Everett was and leave me?   This and so many other unanswered questions can only be partially answered at best over time here but all questions will have clear answers when we enter heaven’s gate.  We will see and understand clearly how God’s perfect Plan was implemented.  We will be in awe and   overwhelmed at the wisdom and marvel of seeing and knowing what God has done why both blessing and tragedy were part of that plan.

Well, as special as some friendships are, especially with our spouse and others God may put on our path, the important thing we should not forget is friendships, for us, should be viewed as a way of being a blessing and helpmate for others and not seeking what we can gain.  What we gain is in God’s hands and comes to us as we become a blessing and give to others.   Truth is, the spouse God gives us blesses us in proportion to how much a blessing and helpmate we are to them.  That is how God intended for us to be blessed.

But Christ is the Greatest and Best Friend we can possible ever have and does not become jealous or discourage close developing close friendships with others too.  In fact, He shows us how to be a good friend to others and blesses us as we become a blessing to them. But Jesus conveyed to His disciples and to us too, that He is not only our friend but we are His friends too.  John 15:15 “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

Our Best Friend is none other than the Creator and Lord and Sustainer of all but also Our Savior and Redeemer.  He is none other than Christ – The Almighty God.  A friend like none other and faithful to us like none other can.

So Christ’s love for us needs to be the example and set the standard for us to love each other and all we cross paths with.  To be a friend to others like Christ is to us – closer than a brother.

 “Jesus takes to heart the sufferings of His friends.”    William Hendriksen

 

 

1/18/19                                Being Great Communicators                       18    

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.  Colossians 4:6

RECOMMENDED READING: Proverbs 15:1-7  “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.² The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.³ The eyes of the Lord are in every place,Keeping watch on the evil and the good.⁴ A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.⁵ A fool despises his father’s instruction,But he who receives correction is prudent.⁶ In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.⁷ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge,But the heart of the fool does not do so.”

COMMENTS:  Anger generates energy and motivation to respond but seldom in a productive way, but we tend to respond when angry than when an opportunity to encourage others.   I recently read about a man on vacation with his family who woke up early hearing the garbage man doing his job outside their cottage.  He got up and watched him carefully and as quietly as he could collect each cottage’s garbage and move on.  The man got dressed and went out and over to the garbage collector and complemented the man.  That garbage collector was moved and said no one, including his boss, had ever noticed and commented on his work.  They had a brief but memorable conversation that left them both encouraged and energized for the day.

Great communications are not always in inspired speeches in front of huge crowds nor require many hours of preparation and research with fancy words.   Great communications that create permanent positive memories and change in others and ourselves come when we respond to the Holy Spirit’s nudging to share a word of encouragement or a listening ear to those we cross paths with during our normal day.

Stop and reflect on times of those nudgings when and results when we respond and regrets when we don’t.  Also, reflect on those times you responded when angry and resulting regrets and times you refrained from responding and relief later when you saw harm that was avoided.                                        

Great communicators who make an eternal positive impact on others are not just great pastors and preachers and evangelist and great leaders, but we desperately need more of these who are faithful to Christ’s calling. 

An even greater need is for more great communicators who simply remain silent when angry and promptly respond with a kind attentive listening ear and a kind word of encouragement as they go about normal daily duties.

So let’s prepare this morning and every morning to be one of those great communicators.  Prepare in prayer and with God’s Word fresh on our minds.  With an open heart seeking and walking with the Holy Spirit.  With a song on our hearts. Looking for opportunities God will put in our path to be a good listener and a good encourager to someone on our path, or maybe slightly off our path.  There is likely nothing on our schedule that can’t wait nor is as important as God’s distractions will be.  We might just discover we will accomplish more on our schedule as well and have more joy and sense of accomplishment at the end of our day.  AMEN? AMEN!

 “Without my Christian faith, I would have fallen apart and given up. But with Christ strengthening me, I had the will to go on…. My faith in God gave me hope.^2”  Rich DeVos

1/19/19                                Turning over a New Leaf                                              19                   

By all means save some.   1 Corinthians 9:22

RECOMMENDED READING: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ^“19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; ²⁰ and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; ²¹ to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; ²² to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. ²³ Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”

COMMENTS:  We live in the age of many marvels of technologies, which has enabled us to travel and talk and witness events and sights and people all over the world.  Such was not possible even by the wealthiest and most powerful leaders and celebrities of years past.   Such technology is not only available but affordable by the poor of most countries too.

The average person spends a total of 5 years of his life on social media currently and trend is increasing.  The average teen spends 9 hours per day on social media, so the addiction and obsession is becoming stronger and more of a problem.  But similar trends are evident from previous generations too.  Over 50 year olds  spend 50+ hours per  week watching television while those in their 20’s and 30’s spend 27 hours per week, but difference relates to more time on social media so technology is consuming much of the time of all living generations today.

So, wasting time has become epidemic today, taking away from productive work and developing and maintaining meaningful relationships, especially with loved ones and most of all with God.  Consequence is an epidemic increase in ignorance and indifference towards the Bible and towards the Christian faith and towards God because most don’t think about or talk to God or seek His council.  They would rather seek advice from an unknown and unproven source on social media instead of from God’s proven Word and Holy Spirit readily available. 

So, how about we resist and turn from the trends driving society and most and only use social media with purpose and for good and for a special goal instead of mindlessly using it for enjoyment or to fill in idle time.  Free up more time to visit shut-ins, to visit or call family or friends not visited for awhile. To do productive work to benefit others or even to benefit yourself.  To volunteer at local food pantries or other organizations that outreach to others in need in your community.  To spend time with God seeking His Will and to understand and seek to become more like Him.  To show Christ’s love and offer a lifeline to Him towards others.  To finish each day accomplishing something and leaving each day better than you started it.

Social Media is a new and wonderful tool to share the gospel, as I have discovered but still doesn’t substitute for one – on –one opportunities God still gives each of us to impact the life of someone He puts in our path.  AMEN?  AMEN!

Turn your social media into social ministry, and let’s use “all means” to save some.

“Turn a new leaf for me, Father I pray; / Turn a new leaf in my life-book today; / Pardon me graciously, Deal with me wondrously, / Turn a new leaf in my life-book today.”
Hymnist Eliza Hewitt

 

 

1/20/19                                          A Worthy Sacrifice                                 20            
Abel was a keeper of sheep. Genesis 4:2

RECOMMENDED  READING Genesis 4:1-16  “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord.² And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.³ And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.⁴ And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:⁵ But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.⁶ And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?⁷ If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.⁸ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.⁹ And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?¹⁰ And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.¹¹ And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;¹² When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.¹³ And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear.¹⁴ Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.¹⁵ And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.¹⁶ And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.”

COMMENTS:  Abel was a shepherd, so was able to offer the specified type of sacrifice to God on the altar.  However, Cain was a farmer so only had grain and vegetables to offer since that was what he grew.  He should have traded his brother vegetables for a sacrificial sheep so his sacrifice too would be accepted.  God’s instruction was clear but Cain didn’t believe or accept God’s instruction and tried to force his ideas on God.  He was jealous of his brother,  Abel, and let his anger pull him from a relationship with God and vulnerable to even more severe temptations from satan.  He didn’t know nor understand the peril or consequences he we as moving to.   Death was not known nor understand yet but God had already warned Abel’s and Cain’s parents (Adam and Eve) death would be in their future. 

We can conclude not only was Abel’s sacrifice acceptable to God but so was his heart and relationship with God.  That was probably what upset Cain too.  Cain could have repented of his jealousy and anger and submitted himself to God seeking forgiveness.  God was ready to forgive and restore a relationship both with Abel and with Himself.  If had done so, Abel would have been alive and Cain would not have faced a lifetime of being a fugitive and nomad.  He would never see his parents or brother again.

Abel died forgiven of his sins and not for his own sins.  But he did endure death because of the sin of his parents and was the first victim of murder at the hand of his angry brother.  Cain was not justified in his anger nor in his sin.  He made matters worse by allowing his anger to drive his mind and actions. 

Why did God let Cain kill Abel?  For that matter, why did He let Eve and then Adam be tempted knowing the consequences of that sin to them and to every generation since?  Well, since we’re not God, the answer is mostly unanswered and beyond our comprehension.   But we do know God warned them and gave them freedom to choose right from wrong and did, and continues to, define limits on ways and level of temptation they and we face and endure.  He does not allow more temptation to them, nor to us, than can be endured or withstood.  A way of overcoming or escape is always provided.

1 Corinthians 10:13 “¹³ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Cain had a way of escape as did Eve and Adam but they chose not to take it nor go to God first for council or help.  They chose to turn from God thinking they knew better.  BUT THEY DID NOT.  But satan did and tempted them deliberately knowing full well God would judge their sin and actions.  Satan lied to them but God didn’t.

Abel died on that fateful day and God sought out Cain to confront him.   God said “Abel’s blood was crying out for justice.  God passed on a judgment of not immediate death but shunning from other family and people.  He faced loneliness and rejection that would be for him far worse than the rejection of his sacrifice.  When he heard what God said, he was overwhelmed with magnitude of that judgment and feared death too.  But God spared his life but left him to learn remorse and regret for his actions.

Cain complained that his punished was too great to bear.  He complained instead of seeking God’s forgiveness and buying a sacrificial sheep to receive God’s mercy.  He likely was remorseful when realized what he had done, but we have no confirmation of that in scripture.  Asking forgiveness is such a simple thing to do but so foreign of us.  Why are we so resistant?  Why do most go into eternity without taking advantage of Christ’s gift of redemption simply because they didn’t ask for it.  They didn’t have His gift because they didn’t accept it and open it.  Whose fault is that?  God couldn’t have made forgiveness any easier for us to receive and at great cost and difficulty for Himself.  How tragic for those who needlessly go into eternity lost.   How sad for our Lord who’s sacrifice goes unused by so many.  There is still time before His return.  We need to help get the Word out.  AMEN?  AMEN!

1/21/19                                     A Sneak  Peek                                   21

“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for Yahweh, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.” Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:2-3

RECOMMENDED  READING ROMANS 5:1-21  “  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.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.¹² Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:¹³ (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.¹⁴ Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.¹⁵ But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.¹⁶ And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.¹⁷ For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)¹⁸ Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.¹⁹ For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.²⁰ Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:²¹ That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

COMMENTS:  Have you ever been reading a novel or story and couldn’t wait to discover ending, or knew you didn’t have time to get to end, so skipped back to last few pages and read ending.   Well, you discover some people’s names missing and wonder then if they survived to that point.  The Revelation gives us the completion of God’s plan related to this world.   But much more is gained to read the Old Testament and New Testament in their entirety to discover God’s Plan and works and revelation along the time journey from Adam and Eve to His Return and Kingdom yet to come.

The Bible is more than a history book or even a prophecy book of things yet to come.  The Bible is more than a description of man’s strengths and weaknesses and God’s attributes.  The Bible is more than God’s interaction and relationship with people and they with Him.  The Bible is more than an explanation of what God requires of man and description of how He wants man to live.  The Bible is more than a book of hope and purpose and instruction for life.  The Bible is more than a book of wrong and right choices and consequences of both.    The Bible is more but certainly all these.  The Bible is also a love story showing us why God created us,  what God desires and has designed us to be and do, how God wants us to live and think and do and be, the journey and destination God wants to take us on and take with us.  The Bible is all this and even more.  The Bible is also a living book able to teach and provide life and instruction valid for today as much as ancient times long ago and will be as valid ’til the end of time.  The Bible, like none other, guides its reader to a relationship with the Living God and wise instruction on life and making good choices to provide and sustain the best quality of life and true path to life eternal in heaven.  The Bible is not fiction or a fantasy but truth.

No past generation has had access to the resources today’s generation has.  The Bible is available by the click of a computer key in hundreds of languages and translations.  Bible scholars and teachers from centuries past or present are available too.  We are able to write and share devotions and sermons, likewise, to most corners of the world by a key stroke also.  This devotional journal is being accessed and read and used by seekers and fellow Christian believers in Europe and Asia and Africa and America. 

The Bible also reveals how God most commonly starts with those least gifted and able to do His greatest work.  Why?  The most likely reason, which most if not all have in common is they all desired to please Him and were willing to trust and obey Him enough to do what He asks without knowing where He would lead them.  Those with great abilities and strength are tempted to rely on themselves and neglect God.  To venture ahead of God with confidence they can do so relying on themselves instead of waiting for God to give them His hand and instructing to follow Him.   How tragic because God desires to be with and partner with everyone in doing His Work but most refuse or wonder on their own instead of waiting and seeking and surrendering to  Him.  Taking that waiting time to study His Word and praying to Him and listening for His response is vital to being obedient and walking in His Will.   Doing so when waiting for important life changing answers but also each morning when getting ready for each day and each day’s often predictable path.

Truth is, each day normally takes us on a proven and repeated road or path, but each day will give us opportunity to also come to new crossroads and interact with a few different people, so each day is new and different from others.  Each day requires His help to properly prepare and fulfill His goals and plan.

We have a wonderful Savior and a Wonderful Message of Good News to share.  Will our lives and attitude and words and life accurately reflect that Message and Good News or will it reflect the desperation and hopelessness and fear the world and those without hope share and show?  Whose are we and who do we serve?  Let’s go out today and show what we know and believe.  Let’s introduce others to our Lord and Savior and Friend.  AMEN?  AMEN!

 

“It is not thy hold on Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not the joy in Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not even the faith in Christ, though it is thy instrument; it is Christ’s blood and merit.”

Charles Spurgeon

 

1/22/19                      4 Lessons We Learn Following God                                    22

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).

RECOMMENDED READING:  PROVERBS 9:6-18 “⁶ Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.⁷ He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.⁸ Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.⁹ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.¹¹ For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.¹² If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.¹³ A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.¹⁴ For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,¹⁵ To call passengers who go right on their ways:¹⁶ Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,¹⁷ Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.¹⁸ But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.”

COMMENTS:  Who do you listen to and believe?  In this day of social media, we are bombarded with instant news and videos and gossip and …. Without regard for accuracy or motives or intent of them.  Some doing so are very skilled at presenting information in a way to draw many viewers and assume and believe the worst, whether true or not.  Lives are quickly damaged or destroyed falsely and without trials of due process without consequence or accountability of the perpetrator.  BUT GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE AND WILL HOLD EACH ONE OF US ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR ACTIONS AND CONDUCT AND EVEN THOUGHTS!!   There is no way for us to earn redemption or to cancel offenses or harm done.  There is nothing we can do that can cancel or cover past sins.  Scripture even warns us that “our sins will find us out” Numbers 32:23

But the wonderful Good News is God made a way Himself and freely provides it to each and everyone to receive and use.  Without that way, we have no hope!  But with that way, our hope is sure and secure.  Every religion and philosophy taught and followed by man teaching redemption by hard word earning redemption, except for Christianity, Christ’s Way.   Christ’s Way puts accepting His Way first and then work for Him out of a motivation of gratitude and desire to be more like Him and to help others learn of this Way to redemption too.  No other religion uses this concept or motivation or approach.  But then again this Way is God’s Way, God’s design and God’s Plan.  Jesus came to provide that way in a human form and body but the Same God of creation and history.  What human could conceive such a Plan?  What human could accomplish or do what Jesus did and continues to do.  If Jesus is the imagination of an ancient human author, as many religions teach, what religion option offers anything better?  What hope do we have?  If Jesus is Real and Who He said HE is and still is, then every other religion and doctrine or philosophy man has or continues to teach offers only lies and an empty hope or promise.

So, is it just a matter of whom or what you believe?  Does it make it true just too sincerely believe? Today Islam is the fastest growing religion in many parts of the world and Christianity is on the decline in many of those areas.  BUT THE OPPOSITE IS ALSO TRUE IN MANY OTHER AREAS OF THE WORLD!   Islam dominated countries where Christians are severely persecuted and the Gospel is suppressed with great passion and effort, Jesus finds other ways to spread His Good News, His Way.  He has confronted many sincere Islam followers with visions or dreams where Jesus confronts and gives opportunity to choose Christ and His redemption instead of Islam. 

Satan is busy doing all he can to distract, discourage, deceive, deny, doubt, and even defy Jesus as God and the One and Only Way to Heaven.  But God is near ready and willing and able to help, encourage, inspire, empower, enlighten, support, rally others, sustain, direct, and …. He doesn’t provide an easy path but the correct path along with a helping hand along the journey.

He asks us to step out in faith trusting Him with follow assurance and Instruction:

1. Step Out of My Comfort Zone with our eyes on Him and in His Word
2. Take One Step at a Time keeping our eyes on Him and in His Word                  
3. Action Lessens Worry by preoccupying us and distracting us.                                    
4.  God is with you as you go.
5. We need to expose ourselves often and each step to this reminder and shower out minds with His Word, in Prayer, with other believers all to help and encourage us

Abraham was able to trust God in the not knowing because he believed that God was with him. We also have this assurance because Jesus said, “…be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

 

1/23/19                                      God’s Will For You                                                23     

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

RECOMMENDED  READING:  PSALM 100:1-5  “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!² Serve the Lord with gladness;Come before His presence with singing.³ Know that the  Lord,He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.⁴ Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,And into His courts with praise.Be thankful to Him, and bless His name”

COMMENTS:  The 10 Commandments were not given by God to Moses as suggestions but as Commandments.  They were not passed on to the Israelites as suggestions but as Commandments.  They were not passed on to subsequent generations, nor to us as suggestions but as Commandments.  Christ’s redemptive sacrifice does not let us off the hook either.  The Covenant God made to the Israelites was not cancelled but fulfilled or completed by Christ.  The 10 Commandments sets the standard to measure God’s expectations and our deficiencies.  It also reveals the magnitude of what Christ frees us from and frees us to become.  It also reveals through Jesus what Perfection looks like and how far about the standard humans live on that Jesus lived and continues to live.

The 10 Commandments gives us a standard no human is able to keep even with help of others, but a standard Jesus redeems us to be able to take His hand to keep one step and one day at a time. A standard we won’t fully achieve until heaven but a standard we can progress significantly while alive and be forgiven and redeemed from judgment to face.  Why can’t we fully obey commandments during our life?  We are weak and easily distracted but we also are on a journey of discover the depth and level each commandment means.  Not to murder, for example, mean more than not to kill.  It also means not to wish someone dead or even not to hate others.  Even more, it means to love to a depth Jesus demonstrated – a level we grow towards but continue to discover as we journey and get to know Jesus more and more.

I invite you to plan some time to study prayerfully each commandment with goal of discovering new meanings for each along with a new discover of a deeper level of Christ-like He is calling you, and me, to live.  Doing so can be unsettling and even “scary” but don’t forgive Christ’s blood has already provided forgiveness and redemption so we have nothing to fear.  We only have more good and deeper levels of Love to discover about God’s Character and strive to achieve in our own lives.  Remember, God intends all journeys of faith to be journeys with Him.  He provides His Holy Spirit with us all the with a personality and goal and purpose identical to Jesus’ and the Father’s.  He will not give us what we do not welcome or seek and will only give us Good.  Good that will be good for us now and good for us 100 years from now and good eternity in the future.   That should give us passion in worship and in praise and in love and gratitude to Him                                                            

Take a saint, and put him in any condition, and he knows how to rejoice in the Lord. 
Walter Cradock

 

1/24/19                                        Fuel for the Fire                                      24    

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 10:19

Recommended Reading:  Proverbs 26:20-21 “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.²¹ As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife..”

COMMENTS: Have you known groups or individuals who seem to thrive on finding and exploiting strife in others?  They have a way of pushing other’s “buttons”, especially with family and friends and co-workers they know and claim to love.   Doing such is like putting wood on a fire or even gasoline on a fire in emotional conditions. 

The only way to put out a fire is to remove one of 3 things fire needs:  heat, oxygen, fuel.   Satan does all he can to keep the 3 ingredients for us to continue sinning:  temptation, lack of God’s presence, and self pride.  When we take our eyes off satan and on Christ, it is like putting water on the fire of sin (removing heat of).  When we run from temptation, we move away from the fuel fire needs to burn.  Putting dirt on a fire removes oxygen.   As we develop a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit,

When we reflect on the harm and damage the “button pushers” do either deliberately or unintentional, we begin to discover the evil it is and destructive potential it has.  How many lives and families have been destroyed? Likewise, such needless harm can end when buttons are no longer pushed and harmful words go silent. 

Proverbs 26:20 “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.”

Proverbs 10:19 “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”

James 1:19 “¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Proverbs 12:23 “The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,
but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.”

Words hurt like physical harm cannot, causing unseen wounds that cannot heal on their own.  But words can also heal more quickly than physical wounds can be healed too.  Ask God to give you wisdom to be silent when needed but also to speak words of healing when also needed.  Words that bless and build others up.  Words inspired by His abiding Holy Spirit.    What would the world be like if everyone were silent or spoke as God directed?  What would the world be like if even the 4 scriptures noted above from James and Proverbs were followed for a week by everyone in our family, everyone in our church, everyone in our community?   I dare say our community would be on the news reporting the positive change such a commitment made.  I dare say old relationships would be restored and many other wonderful things would become evident. 

So, how about you and I covenant with God to make this a deliberate focus for the next week and see what happens.  Silent when others irritate or push our buttons.  Giving words of encouragement when others buttons are pushed.  Being alert when tempted to say a thoughtless or hurtful word and stay silent.   Being in prayer before respond when witness another saying or doing a hurtful word or thing.   Being an example that will encourage better behavior in others even if that example is not received and followed right away or ever.                                                                                                                                                         

 “A sanctified heart is better than a silver tongue.”  Thomas Brooks

1/25/19                                            THE CHOSEN                                          25                          Psalm 89:19
I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE PSALM 89:14-24 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;love and faithfulness go before you.
¹⁵ Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.¹⁶ They rejoice in your name all day long;they celebrate your righteousness.¹⁷ For you are their glory and strength,and by your favor you exalt our horn.^[d]18 Indeed, our shield^[e] belongs to the  Lord,our king to the Holy One of Israel.¹⁹ Once you spoke in a vision,to your faithful people you said:“I have bestowed strength on a warrior;I have raised up a young man from among the people.²⁰ I have found David my servant;with my sacred oil I have anointed him.²¹ My hand will sustain him;surely my arm will strengthen him.²² The enemy will not get the better of him;the wicked will not oppress him.²³ I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries.²⁴ My faithful love will be with him,and through my name his horn^[f] will be exalted.”

COMMENTS:  Why did God choose Israel (Abraham’s decedents thru Isaac) as His Chosen people?  Why did He choose David over his other brothers as Israel’s king and David as the ancestor of Christ?  What did He know and what motivated His choices?

The entire answer is too far beyond us, but we do have some clue and hints and partial answers in scripture based on common characteristics and attitudes of those who God honored.  For example, Daniel was told by Michael that he was highly favored by God.  Mary   was told by Gabriel that she was highly favored by God when told she would be the mother of the Messiah.  So when we look at their character and relationship with God and level of obedience, we begin to comprehend what it is God desires and dreams of us to become too.

Today’s scripture begins to give us a clue: Note the underlined characteristics of God and of those who He honors and favors.  Then ask yourself if Daniel and Mary demonstrated these characteristics?   Yes, they did all their lives.   David did to but did wonder away from God for a time but did repent and return when confronted by Nathan.  His son, Solomon, did too but unfortunately, we have no indication in scripture he repented.  What a tragedy if that is true.

We have a far better example than even Daniel and Mary even though their examples far outside us or most we know.  Our best and “perfect” example is Christ.  He lived and taught the example God is and desires us to become.  The closer we are to Him, the more like Him we will become.  How?  By imitating Him and walking with Him.  By allowing His Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen and encourage and protect and warn – prepare and ….  The list goes on and develops as we “Walk with our Lord”.  Daniel and Mary knew that and enjoyed continual fellowship with God even before Christ and His Holy Spirit was revealed.   For us that discovery and revelation is easier, more accessible, and freely available because of Christ’s sacrifice, because of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, because of greater accessibility of the Bible including both the Old Testament and New Testament, and because of His Church to strengthen and encourage and hold us accountable too. 

Christ called his disciples, and us as His forgiven children, his friends (John 15:15).  The path Christ walked is stained with bloody Royal feet. A path far darker and more painful than the path we are called to take.   He suffered and died so we would not face His judgment and that dark path.

We serve and follow a Mighty God, a Wonderful Savior, an Eternal – Unchanging Creator, a Loving Father and Friend who will always be with us and care for us.  We serve the One and Only God, not a god created by the imagination of someone who lived long before us.  No one could have imagined such a Great and Mighty and Good God.  Why?  Because a human didn’t create God.  God created humans and created us.  GOD IS NOT DEAD AS SOME HAVE SAID.  GOD IS ALIVE AND WELL AND STILL IN CHARGE.  One day soon, HE will return as He promised and administer His justice.  How terrible it will be for those who face His justice.  Oh how much better it will be for those who have received His mercy and forgiveness.  That day will not be one to dread but to anticipate with joy because we will see and enjoy His Goodness in fullness instead of satan’s evil corrupting God’s creation.  The era of satan’s mischief will end and God’s judgment and justice will prevail.  He tarries so more will have opportunity to share in His mercy.  That is God’s passion and should be ours too.  It will be as we get closer to Him and become more like Him.  AMEN?  AMEN!!      

 

 

1/26/19                                    Words Like Honey                                 26 
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING ROMANS 14:12-23 “¹² So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.¹⁴ I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ¹⁵ If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. ¹⁶ Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. ¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.¹⁹ Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. ²⁰ Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. ²¹ It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.²² So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. ²³ But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.^[c]”
COMMENTS:   Our words are our most powerful  weapons and tools, providing either healing or destruction.   They endure and provide lingering effect (either positive or negative) for many years or even a lifetime when linked to strong emotions.  Words that cause great grief or anger burn memories that remain fresh and impactful for a lifetime.   Words that cause joy and healing can do so too.   Unfortunately, destructive words are becoming more common in families and healthy healing words more rare, resulting in an increase of family crisis and separations.  Consider the increase in school and public shootings and terroristic attacks tied back to adults or teens from broken homes or hateful acts of those from such homes bullying vulnerable children.   Satan’s evil work continues to do sinister damage to children and families and adults, resulting in unsuspected consequences to unsuspecting victims.

Consider the Golden Rule Christ gave us, Matthew 7:12 – “¹² So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Honey is an ancient and natural sweetener familiar to people long before biblical times recorded in our bible.  Honey is still  a common sweetener today in spite of many other sweetener options available.  In moderation, honey is reported to not only make foods taste better but provide nutrients that aid  the body resist many illness. 

Fools are quickly exposed through their foolish and thoughtless words, but wisdom is exposed by silence and infrequent well thought out words.  Words that sweeten like honey are not just pleasant to receive always but do bring health,  However , wisdom in presenting healing –  wise words in a way that makes them pleasant or appealing helps tear down resistance and close minded attitude towards them.

Lies often are given or presented hidden with sweet words to make them appealing, but truth can be presented with sweet words of encouragement to soften resistance as well. No, I am not saying to use vain flattery. But truth can be presented either with a critical condemning spirit or with a compassionate spirit.   Matthew 7:12 reminds us to treat people the way we would like treated.   To present truth and council and suggestions in a way we would prefer to be given.    

Paul told the Romans to pursue “the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19)—and that certainly includes our words.

Look for a way today to build up and encourage another person by the words you speak to them. Let your words be like honey to their soul.

Whatever moves the heart wags the tongue.  C. T. Studd

 

 

1/27/19                               Keeping Your Balance                                         27            

Honor the Lord with your possessions.   Proverbs 3:9

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING  2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-8 “⁶ But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work..”

 

COMMENTS:   Planting seeds is a common analogy used by Jesus and throughout scripture to help us understand God preferred way of evangelization.  After each day of creation, God reviewed the life He created and judged it good.  He then commanded that life to be fruitful and multiply.  Existing life was to plant seed.  The parable of the sower Jesus gave (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15) shows us how important it is to properly prepare the ground before planting seed and to work the ground in order for the seed to sprout and grow and mature and bear fruit. 

A farmer can multiply one small grain seed into thousands of seeds, some of which will act as food and some will become seed to grow next year’s crop.  To eat seed intended for next years’ crop will be disastrous but wise use of grain will result in a sustained support of life because God’s instruction is followed.

The same is true if we follow God’s instruction related to studying and yielding to His guiding Holy Spirit and then using the seed of His Word to plant and bear fruit by our example and Words of Love and Encouragement spread to those we cross paths with. Jesus provides fresh insight with this parable telling us to not only spread our witness to those who embrace it but to all we encounter.  We don’t know how God will soften hard hearts and we don’t know what will be most effective in reaching others.  For some a kind deed without seeking recognition.  For some a listening ear without response other than compassion and kind response.  For some a word of wisdom and council.   For some taking time to pray for and with others.  For some, being generous in aiding with money or time and work to address a need or concern.  For  some being a consistent friend.  For some explaining a scripture.   Being prepared does not mean knowing how we need to approach our witness towards everyone we meet, but it does mean being willing and being faithful to   our relationship and fellowship time with God each day.  He will guide and help and prepare us for each opportunity if we are faithful to Him.  We can plant the weeds of sin or the flowers of obedience.   Which will it be?  Where will it be?

Scripture talks about the amazing labor and accomplishments of the ant building – carrying great amounts of materials and food  to prepare for the future and provide provision for future generations (Proverbs 6:8).  Proverbs 13:11 reveals earning and saving money little by little succeeds in building great wealth to sustain during lean times.  The wise woman of Proverbs 31 provides well for her family and provision for future hardships and needs. 

But balance is essential to avoid obsession in accumulating beyond what is needed and becoming a trap to selfish hoarding (Luke 12:21).  Working and planning and saving  wisely honors God and equips us with tools and  resources to be effective in witness and generous to minister to future needs when they are revealed.  Wasting resources on selfish wants now robs from resources needed tomorrow for unselfish needs.  But hoarding today for selfish motives also robs from providing generously for needs of our selves and family and ministry.  Balance opens God’s doors of blessing and wisdom to multiply.

You see, God wants to bless and prosper us.  Not so we will hoard or waste for our own selfish wants and pleasures.  He wants to bless and prosper us so we have the confidence and resources for ministry and evangelization that He has called us to.

THAT MEANS CONSUMING JUST WHAT IS NEEDED TO SUSTAIN LIFE, NOT TO MAKE US FAT AND CONTENT.   THAT MEANS SAVING THE SEED FOR FUTURE CROPS AND HARVEST .  THAT MEANS USING SEED FOR PLANTING AND SOME SEED FOR FOOD AND SOME SEED FOR CHARITY AND SOME SEED RETURNED BACK TO GOD AS OUR TITHE AND OFFERING OF PRAISE AND GRATITUDE AND WORSHIP!

“If we don’t faithfully give to the Lord, we don’t really trust the Lord.”  Warren Wiersbe in Be Skillful

 

 

1/28/19                                   New Leaves: Without Gossip                      28   

They learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.  1 Timothy 5:13

RECOMMENDED READING:  James 3:2-10 “² For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. ³ Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. ⁴ Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. ⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. ⁸ But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”

COMMENTS:  Have you ever been hurt by false gossip.   Maybe someone saw you doing something or saying something to someone and heard part of a conversation and made an incorrect conclusion instead of first learning all the facts. Why is it so appealing to discover and share gossip?  Gossip by definition is “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.”

Notice that gossip is unconstrained and unconfirmed conversation. When you have conversation with others, I feel a barrier go up and alarms go off in my soul when tempted to share something I know would be hurtful if shared.  Something inside me acts as a restraint when tempted to share information that either is not known to be true or would harm someone if shared.  Then the rational is to also say “don’t tell this to anyone else” as a way of justifying breaking a confidence.  Why would we still want to continue?  Well, for those like me who find it difficult to sustain conversation or find it difficult to find things to talk about, such temptations are strong just to sustain enjoyable conversation with others and to be social and friendly. Such is true when talking with someone who also finds it difficult to caring on conversation.  But also true, when talking with one who does carry conversation easily, the other temptation is to share secrets in order to compete with equal interesting conversation with those folks.  Either way, we must not forget the benefit we hope to gain from sharing confidences or harmful gossip is very short lived and always outweighed by consequence of loss of trust in us and consequence of irreparable damage to others that gossip causes.  We tend to forget that when temptation is strong but remember it so clearly after gossip is given.

Proverbs 21:23 says, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” Such wise and life giving advice.  But such wise not only need to guide us when in the midst of temptation but needs to become the impulse or first reaction when we are confronted by gossip from others as well  as when tempted to share gossip we heard or discovered to others.

Let God’s wisdom be your impulse.

1/29/19                  Noticing with Awe His Miracles                               29

Luke 2:18  “All they that heard it wondered at those things.”

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING:  LUKE 2:8-20  “⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

COMMENTS:  When is the last time you witnessed a miracle?  Did you even notice?   Well, the shepherds couldn’t help but notice a multitude of angels announcing Christ’s birth.  But what about what they witnessed at the stable?  All they saw was a new born infant with his parents.  What was so special about that?  Did anyone else notice or come?  No, but then again the visit by angels prepared and opened their eyes to see what no one else could see. 

They saw their Messiah and experience changed them completely. 

• They didn’t question why He was in a stable or why no one else was there.
• They didn’t pass them by looking for someone more like the angels.
• They didn’t leave disappointed.
• They confidently met their Messiah with expectation and with faith.  
• They believed what the angel told them.
• When they left, they left satisfied with hearts full of worship and praise. Their response then was to tell everyone they met and their faith was then contagious.

Consider how Christ transformed the lives of all who opened themselves and believed.   The shepherds believed and then were able to convince others to believe. 

Consider how an encounter with Christ on the way to Damascus to imprison Christians transformed Saul to become Paul.

Consider how explosively the number of believers grew under the persecution of Roman rule

If you and I don’t see God’s miracles, is it because God doesn’t provide miracles or is it because we walk past them unnoticed because we are too blind and deaf and hard hearted?   I fear the latter. So whose fault is that?  Well, not God’s!!  

Which was the greater miracle that night when Christ was born?  Was it the angelic visit or see the Messiah or was it a  transformed life for the shepherds, the impact of their witness on Mary and Joseph and everyone impacted by their witness since, including today as we read the story and ponder like Mary did starting that night?    Well, I think the miracle began when John the Baptist’s coming birth was foretold to his father.  It continued when Mary and Joseph were visited by Gabriel.  The miracle continued with Mary’s visit with Elizabeth then when circumstances brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and with birth of Christ.  The miracle continued with angelic announcement to the shepherds and with the events included in above scripture.  All these events and more were God’s plan unfolding for the purpose of transforming the lives of any open to discover that miraculous plan and allow Christ’s redemption to do a miracle in each willing heart.

Why does God do miracles?  And with what purpose?   Romans 5:8 “God demonstrated His Own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”

So, if Christ’s sacrifice was God’s greatest miracle, then miracles are God’s way of expressing His Love for His creation, for us.   The purpose of His miracles is to draw His creation, us, into a deep and transformation life giving relationship with Him for now and for eternity. 

With that in mind, let’s begin looking for miracles He showers us with each and every day.  Miracles that draw us closer to Him and further away from satan’s snares.   Miracles that will cause us to radiate His love and be contagious.  A beautiful sunrise or a beautiful sunset or a rainbow are all God’s handiwork showing us His love for us.  How about a spouse or child giving us a hug and telling us how much they love us?  How about a dangerous situation you were spared from.  How about simply waking up in the morning with a strong healthy body or recovering from a sickness or disease or a limb healing from a wound.   I am convinced common miracles are no less miracles than those that rarely happen.  In fact, I believe God’s best miracles are those He loves doing the most and does the most often.  Like creating life and sustaining life both physically and spiritually. 

So now, how many miracles have you witnessed today?   With a new awareness, let’s begin doing what the shepherds did.  Let’s do God’s bidding and respond to miracles He does each day with Awe and Praise and Obedience.  Let’s also not be bashful in sharing the joy and message He puts on our hearts.                                                                                             

It may be that from the quietness and solitariness of your life, you are scarcely able to imitate the shepherds of Bethlehem, who told what they had seen and heard

But consider they simply shared their joy with everyone they crossed paths with and it impacted many.  If you notice the miracles God does, I dare say you will have something insightful and impactful today and God will honor your faithful obedience. Worshippers before the throne, by wondering at what God has done.  AMEN?  AMEN!!

1/30/19                               Good Stewarts                                               30

The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.  Proverbs 10:22

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING:  1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-5 “ This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. ² Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. ³ I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God..”

COMMENTS:  January is a good time to put some thought and prayer to stewardship.  January is a good time to reflect on all God has blessed and provided to us over past year, realizing all we have is His anyway and we are only stewards of his possessions for a few years.  Everything we have must be given us when we die and passed on to others. 

As I reflect over the past 40+ years of marriage and approaching 50 years of working for a paycheck, I begin to realize just how much God has given me and entrusted me to share.  To share with my wife and children.  To share with my church.  To share with other ministries as an outreach and partner in ministry.  To share as a love offering back to Him.  To share instead of spend and consume on myself.  But consume I have, wasting much on selfish desires and wants.  But in spite of that, God has still enabled and guide me during my early years, and Arlene and I  during our 40+ years of marriage, to be committed to tithe faithfully and then give beyond the tithe to the work and ministries God has instructed us to.   

I confidently believe God has expanded His blessings to us because of this choice and commitment and continues to do so.  God has empowered us to be free of debt and free to be generous.  The joy of giving and joy of sharing, we have discovered, is far greater than the joy of possessing.   

So as we continue to journey into our “Golden Years” of weakening bodies and greater dependence of others younger and stronger than us, we see the importance of seeking and following God’s instruction to be even more important.  Important so we leave a legacy of example and provision that will equip and empower and energize God’s work in others who will live beyond us.  Well, spending money on our needs is still necessary and to be expected, but spending as well as giving while seeking His council and wisdom is still vital for us because we still are vulnerable to foolish choices because we are still living in a fallen, satan influenced, world.

You and I are stewards of money, material possessions.  But we are also stewards of time and health and our bodies and our children and our marriages.  We are also stewards over our local church and ministry.  I believe God wants and expects us to know and be disciplined in consuming and sharing all the resources He provides for us and not just money and material resources.  Even friends are a resource we can consume to meet just our own needs or a resource to share and take care of.

But we also need to realize God, as our source, is not a possession to consume for our own selfish wants but we are a resource to Him.   We are His resource that He cares for and uses, not the other way around.  It is humbling to realize this, but truth is He is God and in full possession of us and everything we have, like it or not.  BUT THE WONDERFUL NEWS IS HE LOVES US AND WANTS TO CARE FOR US IN A FAR BETTER WAY THAN WE COULD EVEN IMAGINE DOING FOR OURSELVES!  It is just some much different that we would choose alone.

Stop and reflect for a time how God has guided you in past and consider some choices you would have made without His input and how much different that path would have taken you.    Also consider a path you did just that and how that path might have changed if you had allowed Him to guide you. 

I too have some poor choices to reflect on with regrettable results, but fortunately most of the big choices with potential for greatest consequences, I did seek and follow His council.   But also fortunately, He was there to prick my spirit when I was vulnerable to poor choices.  One such time was when making some speculative investments, as a young husband and father, hoping to increase retirement fund faster than God willed.  Result was a substantial loss of savings.  But God taught me to invest more wisely and avoid any “get rich quick” speculation.   You see, He has shown me those “get rich quick” investments were inspired by selfish greed and not by His investment for the future plan He desired from me.  So how could He bless such choices?  That lesson has served m and my family very well and so glad I chose His path instead of continuing to follow mine.  Looking back, I realize if my goals of that time had been realized through those speculative investments, the greater wealth only would have tempted me to harmful spending and indulgences that would only have pulled me from the relationship with Christ I needed so much then and cherish and need even more today.

Think of all you have and all you are today. Consider how you can spend your life today so that it brings glory to God.

Stewardship is what a man does after he says, “I believe.”   W. H. Greaves

1/31/19                                   Jesus – The Only Way to Heaven                            31

100 Bible Verses – Confirming Jesus as the only way to heaven:

 

Is Jesus the only way to heaven?  Every religion claims to be the true way to heaven so why should we think that Jesus is the only way?  Well, because Jesus said so (John 14:6).    Below are 100 verses confirming that Jesus is not just a way to God’s forgiveness and heaven, but the only way!  Not a way earned but the way offered without cost or price.  The way paid for by Christ’s sacrifice and available to any and all who will accept it.  Christianity is unique in being the only religion teaching redemption as a gift of love from Christ.  The response of obedience is then a response of gratitude and love to that gift and not a condition to receive that gift.  Other religions require obedience for redemption but Jesus offers a relationship with Him that will transform and enable us to live a Christ pleasing life. An obedience life from a desire to become more like Him and not a life of compelled or forced obedience out of intimidation or fear.    This is the Good News of the Gospel; the Good News Jesus came to share.

John 14:6 ESV / 355 helpful votes

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Acts 4:12 ESV / 229 helpful votes

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

John 3:16 ESV / 131 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 Timothy 2:5 ESV / 124 helpful votes

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

John 10:9 ESV / 91 helpful votes

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

Romans 10:9 ESV / 90 helpful votes

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

John 3:36 ESV / 90 helpful votes

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:18 ESV / 64 helpful votes

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

John 8:24 ESV / 63 helpful votes

I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

John 1:14 ESV / 60 helpful votes

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1 ESV / 53 helpful votes

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 5:23 ESV / 51 helpful votes

That all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

John 3:3 ESV / 44 helpful votes

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Isaiah 44:6 ESV / 44 helpful votes

Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.

Romans 3:23 ESV / 39 helpful votes

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 ESV / 38 helpful votes

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 5:11-12 ESV / 37 helpful votes

And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Matthew 25:41 ESV / 37 helpful votes

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

John 20:28 ESV / 35 helpful votes

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

John 17:3 ESV / 35 helpful votes

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

John 10:30-33 ESV / 35 helpful votes

I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV / 33 helpful votes

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

John 8:58 ESV / 33 helpful votes

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

John 3:16-18 ESV / 30 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Hebrews 4:15 ESV / 29 helpful votes

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

John 6:35 ESV / 28 helpful votes

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

1 John 5:20 ESV / 27 helpful votes

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Ephesians 2:1-22 ESV / 27 helpful votes

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— …

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / 27 helpful votes

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

John 10:30 ESV / 27 helpful votes

I and the Father are one.”

Isaiah 9:6 ESV / 27 helpful votes

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

1 John 2:23 ESV / 26 helpful votes

No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

Hebrews 7:25 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Romans 10:9-11 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Romans 5:1-21 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. …

John 11:25 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

1 Peter 3:15 ESV / 24 helpful votes

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Corinthians 8:6 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Acts 16:31 ESV / 24 helpful votes

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

John 14:9 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

John 1:3 ESV / 24 helpful votes

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Matthew 7:13-14 ESV / 24 helpful votes

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Revelation 1:5-6 ESV / 23 helpful votes

And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 23 helpful votes

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

1 Timothy 2:3-6 ESV / 23 helpful votes

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

John 5:18 ESV / 23 helpful votes

This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

Isaiah 53:4 ESV / 23 helpful votes

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

Colossians 2:9 ESV / 22 helpful votes

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV / 22 helpful votes

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

John 11:25-26 ESV / 22 helpful votes

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

John 8:51 ESV / 22 helpful votes

Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”

John 6:50-51 ESV / 22 helpful votes

This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Revelation 1:17-18 ESV / 21 helpful votes

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

2 John 1:9 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 ESV / 20 helpful votes

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Romans 5:21 ESV / 20 helpful votes

So that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Acts 16:30-31 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Matthew 11:27 ESV / 20 helpful votes

All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Revelation 1:18 ESV / 19 helpful votes

And the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

1 John 2:2 ESV / 19 helpful votes

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 1:7 ESV / 19 helpful votes

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 Peter 2:4 ESV / 19 helpful votes

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

Romans 3:20 ESV / 19 helpful votes

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:10 ESV / 19 helpful votes

As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;

Matthew 10:32-33 ESV / 19 helpful votes

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

1 John 2:1-2 ESV / 18 helpful votes

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

2 Peter 1:1 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Romans 8:2 ESV / 18 helpful votes

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Acts 13:38-39 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

John 3:13 ESV / 18 helpful votes

No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

John 1:29 ESV / 18 helpful votes

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:18 ESV / 18 helpful votes

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Luke 10:25-37 ESV / 18 helpful votes

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” …

Matthew 28:18 ESV / 18 helpful votes

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Matthew 7:23 ESV / 18 helpful votes

And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Revelation 14:12 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Revelation 5:8-9 ESV / 17 helpful votes

And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

1 John 5:10-12 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Hebrews 9:14-15 ESV / 17 helpful votes

How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 5:8-9 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

Hebrews 2:14 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

1 Timothy 2:1 ESV / 17 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

Ephesians 4:4 ESV / 17 helpful votes

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—

John 3:16-17 ESV / 17 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 9:24-28 ESV / 16 helpful votes

For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Hebrews 9:11-12 ESV / 16 helpful votes

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 ESV / 16 helpful votes

And to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

Philippians 2:5 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 2:18 ESV / 16 helpful votes

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Revelation 1:8 ESV / 15 helpful votes

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

1 Peter 2:24 ESV / 15 helpful votes

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

1 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 15 helpful votes

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Romans 4:25 ESV / 15 helpful votes

Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Matthew 7:15 ESV / 15 helpful votes

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

1 Timothy 6:14-16 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

To keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

Isaiah 7:14 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Hebrews 10:20 ESV / 12 helpful votes

By the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

1 Corinthians 10:20 ESV / 12 helpful votes

No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.

John 1:4 ESV / 12 helpful votes

In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Below is again the Gideon Bible Reference Scripture list as a resource to use and share. 

GIDEON BIBLE REFERENCE SCRIPTURES  6/24/10 Roswell, NM

HELP IN TIME OF NEED:

• The way of salvation:                                     John 14:6, Acts 16.32, Romans 10:9
• Comfort in time of loneliness :                   Psalm 23, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 13:5-6
• Comfort in time of sorrow                           2 Cor. 1:3-5, Romans 8:26-28
• Relief in time of suffering                             2 Cor. 12:8-10, Hebrews 12:3-13
• Guidance in time of decision                       James  1:5-6, Proverbs 3:5-6
• Protection in time of danger                       Psalm 91, Psalm 121
• Courage in time of fear                                 Hebrews 13:5-6, Ephesians 6:10-18
• Peace in time of turmoil                                                Isaiah 26:3-4, Philippians 4:6-7
• Rest in time of weariness                             Matthew 11:28-29, Psalm 23
• Strength in time of temptation                  James 1:12-16, 1Cor. 10:6-13
• Warning in time of indifference                 Gal. 5:19-21, Hebrews 10:26-31
• Forgiveness in time of conviction              Isaiah 1:18, 1Jn, 1:7-8

 

SUGGESTED READINGS (HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS):

• The creation Genesis 1-2
• The fall of man Gen 3
• The flood of noah Gen 6-9
• The call of Abraham Gen 12:1-9
• Deliverance of Israel from Egypt Exodus 11-14
• Dedication of the temple 2 Chronicles 5-7
• The Babylonian Captivity of Israel 2 Chr. 36
• Revival of Israel after captivity Nehemiah 8-9
• Promises of the coming Messiah Isaiah 9:2-7, Ps22, Is.53
• The Birth of Christ Mtt1:18-2:23, Lk1:26-2:40
• The Triumphal Entry Lk19:28-44
• The last supper Mk14:2-26
• The Garden of Gathsemane 26:36-46
• The Betreyal of Jesus 26-47-56
• The arrest and trial of Jesus Jn 18:12-19:16
• The death of Christ Lk 23:26-56, Jn19:16-42
• The resurrection of Christ Lk24, Jn20
• The ascension of Christ Acts 1:1-12
• The coming of the Holy Spirit Acts2:1-21
• The conversion of Paul Acts 9:1-31
• The heroes of Faith Hebrews 11

 

SUGGESTED READINGS (SPIRITUAL STANDARDS)

• The 10 commandments Exodus 20:1-17
• The sermon on the mount Mtt 5-7
• The golden rule Mtt7:12
• The greatest commandment Mtt 22:36-40
• The righteousness of Faith Romans 3:19-28
• The Royal Law James 2:8, Romans 13:8-10
• Christ’s New Commandment John 13:34-35
• Christian love               1 Cor. 13

 

DYNAMIC DOCTRINES

• God’s greatness and man’s weakness                                                    Isaiah 40
• The two fold Revelation of God                                                                 Psalm 19
• Man’s universal guilt                                                                                      Rom 1:18-2:16
• Atonement                                                                                                        Leviticus 16, Romans 5
• The new birth                                                                                                    John 3
• Justification by Faith                                                                                       Eph 2:1-10, Gal 2:16-21
• Christ, the Good Shepherd                                                                          Ps 23, John 10:1-18
• Christ’s intercession for His Own                                                               Jn 17, Heb 7:25
• The High Priestly Work of Christ                                                                                Heb. 7:25, Heb. 4:14-16
• Christ’s Humiliation and Exhaltation                                                         Philippians 2:5-11
• Resurrection of the Christian Dead                                                          1 Cor. 16, 1Thess. 4:13-18
• The second coming of Christ                                                                       Mtt 24, 2 Thess. 1:7-2:12
• The Last Judgment                                                                                          Rev. 20:10-15
• The New Heaven and New Earth                                                              Rev. 21-22

 

PRACTICAL PRECEPTS:

• Christian Home relationships                      Eph. 5:22-6:4
• A model wife and mother                            Prov. 31:10-31
• Marriage and divorce                                     Mtt 19:3-9, Malachi 2:14-16
• The sin of adultery                                          Prov. 6:23-33
• The prodigal son                                               Luke 15:11-32
• Employer-employee relationships           Col 3:22-4:1
• Business and prof. principles                      Ps15, Prov. 3:1-12
• Seperation of worldliness                            2 Cor. 6:14-7:1, 1 Jn 2:15-17
• Decisions of doubtful things                        Rom.14
• Christian fruitfulness                                      Jn15
• Heavenly wisdom                                            James 3:14-18
• Christian responsibilities                               Rom. 12-13
• Christian stewardship                                    2 Cor. 8-9
• Christian witnessing                                        Mtt 28:18-20, Jm17:18-20
• Prevailing prayer                                              Mtt 6:5-15, Philippians 4:6-7
• Heavenly priorities                                          Mtt 6:25-33
• Brevity of man’s days                                     Ps 90
• The causes of war                                            James 4:1-4
• The value of the soul                                      Mk. 8:36-37

 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT ITSELF:

• ITSELF:                                                                  2 Tim. 3:15-16   , Psalm 19:7
• GOD:                                                                     Psalm 99:9, 1 Tim.1:17, Isaiah 45:21-22
• MAN:                                                                    Gen. 1:27, Gen 2:7, Isaiah 43:7
• HEAVEN:                                                              Rev.21:3-4, 21:27
• SIN:                                                                        Romans 5:12, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23
• HELL:                                                                     2 Thess 1:8-9, Rev. 20:15
• CHRIST –HIS ADVENT                                     Micah 5:2, Mtt.1:21-23, Lk 2:10-11
• CHRIST – HIS PERSON                                     John 10:30, 14:6
• CHRIST –HIS WORK                                         Lk. 22:19-20, 1 Peter 2:24, Col.1:14, Isaiah 53:5-6
• CHRIST-HIS RESURRECTION                         Lk. 24:36,39, 1 Cor. 15:3-4
• FAITH                                                                    Acts 20:20-21, Heb. 11:6, Eph. 2:8-9
• LIFE                                                                        John 3:3, 1:12-13, 3:36, 2 Cor.5:17

If you wish, you can access my blog at “https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com“. There you will find 356 blog posts I have made plus a link to my devotional journal material archives from 2013 to present.

You may also access my Facebook page and request to be my friend and automatically receive my daily journal publications daily.  My Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/Dondevotionals/ Many thanks to a pastor and dear brother in Christ in Nepal who set up the above Facebook page to help and encourage and give opportunity for more to   explore and use my devotional blog materials.

My hope and prayer are, my blog and devotional materials will become a source of encouragement and tools in ministry for you.