April 26, 2020

DEVOTION JOURNAL AUGUST 2019 – DON MCDANIEL

August 2019:

8/1/19 Joy in Prayer 1

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

RECOMMENDED READING: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-6 “⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

COMMENTS: Have you ever stopped and reflected on how wonderful a God we have who has boundless power and authority and abilities but loves and desires to have a relationship with us more than any other. And on top of all that, who is perfect in every way including perfectly Good. Then to consider creating a way of communicating 24×7 with us one to one without appointment or delay anywhere by prayer. In today’s cell phone and constant communication, a direct wireless line to our creator may seem more realistic, but then again name a world leader or famous person willing to be in 24×7 communication with you. NO, NOT ONE! BUT OUR CREATOR AND LORD AND SAVIOR DOES AND IS!! In fact, He is so accessible that it is easy to take Him for granted. And His is not only for each of us but all at the same time does not slow or approach His abilities. No human could have imagined nor created such a powerful or perfect God. No, God wasn’t created but created everything.

So, how about us starting to take more advantage of our privilege in prayer with Him? A few months ago I wrote a devotion called the 4 rooms of prayer. The first is praying for our needs. Second is praying for needs of others. The third room is simply worshipping and praising Him and enjoying His company. But the fourth room is waiting and listening patiently for and to Him as we enjoy His company and presence whether felt or not, but still knowing He is with and next to us and even in us. Our Heavenly Father longs for us to come to Him regularly with our needs seeking His help. He doesn’t get tired of our prayers, but does want a two way conversation and does want us to pray for others and not just for ourselves. Being quiet gives Him opportunity to talk to us, but wants us to take time to quiet our minds and souls so we will hear His voice. He always speak in His way and time, so we must anticipate it will take time to quiet ourselves sufficiently and prepare to hear His voice not necessarily with our ears but certainly with our spirit, our very soul which is the eternal part of our consciousness. He can only calm our soul and give us confidence of His presence close to us when we take sufficient time to welcome and open the door of our soul to invite Him in. He is God and is worthy of properly preparation and reverence in the home of our soul. After all, wouldn’t we do so if a celebrity or famous person come to visit us? Well then, God deserves even more so, doesn’t He?

Even great men of faith and service, like Paul, at times had doubts and fears and discouragement. They at times were weak and in need of encouragement and refreshing from God. In fact, a common practice was spending many hours in prayer each day to refresh and strength their spirit. Even Jesus, while in a human body needed to be refreshed by the Heavenly Father each day.

On the night of His arrest, Jesus was greatly burdened by the experience of suffering, which He knew lay ahead. So He learned to take those struggles to God (Hebrews 5:7-8). And He did that through prayer (Matthew 26:36-44). And what about Paul, who wrote “the epistle of joy” (Philippians) while in jail? Was he naturally joyful all the time, and are we expected to be? Paul learned—and we must learn—what Jesus knew: The secret to maintaining joy in this world is prayer to the Father. Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord” and then wrote, “Be anxious for nothing,” turning over every anxious thought to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). We can’t be joyful and anxious at the same time. Committing our anxieties to God makes way for the fruit of joy in our life (Galatians 5:22).

If you have anxious thoughts today, commit them to God in prayer so that you can enjoy His joy and peace.

Only to sit and think of God—oh what a joy it is!
Frederick W. Faber

8/2/19 True Contentment 2

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:12

RECOMMENDED READING: Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ²And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

COMMENTS: Happiness is a brief and eluding feeling that has become an obsession especially in prosperous Democratic countries. Most underdeveloped and poor countries, and even the poor in prosperous countries, do not focus on desire for happiness since focus needs to be on finding basic shelter and food for their families. Such things as being happy or focusing on obtaining things we think will make us happy, is a luxury not possible nor is time available to pursue personal desires and enjoyments. Yet even among poorest, a way of brief escape to find some happiness and rest from life’s labors is necessary in order to keep sanity and hope for a better future.

But the Bible and countless lives of people who lived long before us, all tells us things do not make us happy. Wealth and beauty and popularity and power and prestigeous jobs do not make us happy. In fact, those possessing all these things often are more unhappy than those with little or nothing. Yet, desire for these things drives every generation to make great sacrifices in order obtain or reach such possessions, which only demand money and time we don’t have free to use and maintain them. Result is harmful and unnecessary debt using time and money more needed elsewhere.

Scripture tells us to pursue Christ and doing His work in order to find lasting happiness. Others will not make us happy. Things will not make us happy. Christ will make us happy and fulfilled. Granted, escape from persecution and sickness and poverty are desirable but are only valuable to God when used to do God’s work of ministering to others needs. God doesn’t need our money but does desire our love and service.

Paul and Silas were jailed in Philippi where they entertained the other prisoners with their prayers and hymn-singing (Acts 16:25). And while under house arrest for two years in Rome, Paul preached and taught about the Kingdom to all who would listen (Acts 28:30-31). Why was he able to find joy and contentment in those dire circumstances? He did not see this life as significant compared to his eternal home, so short term suffering or persecution or sacrifices was no big deal compared with eternal life with Christ and other beloved faithful believers and heaven being prepared for them. Likewise, sharing the good news of forgiveness and new eternal life gave him eternal purpose and satisfaction on leading others to receive that same eternal gift. Material things became less valuable but only to facilitate God’s work and strengthen him in that resolve.

Most do not grow to that level of faithfulness and perspective that Paul did. For most Christians in Paul’s day the struggle to provide for family and survive Roman and Jewish persecution resulted in some abandoning their faith and denying Jesus. How tragic a price and costly to be spared short term suffering at the cost of their immortal soul. But most scattered to safer locations. Roman roads and ships transported some Christians to prisons and execution destinations while some used those same roads to escape to remote safer locations. Yet such persecution and scattering caused Gospel and Christianity to spread faster and farther in next 100 years than otherwise possible. Historically persecution has always resulted in Christianity thriving because it brought hope to faithful followers during suffering at hands of opponents who thought persecution would be an effective way of stopping that growth and spreading. God specializes in using satan’s mischief against him and to facilitate His Work for good.

Paul exorted the Christians in Rome, where persecution was heating up to present themselves to God as perfect living sacrifices to discover the “perfect will of God” Romans 12:1-12

The Philippian church sent gifts to Paul for his welfare while he was under arrest in Rome. He appreciated the generosity and love showed him. He responded with a far more precious and lasting gift to them and to us through Philippians, his letter to them preserved in our New Testament.

True contentment is knowing what God’s will is and living by faith in it.

“Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God”. Jim Elliot

8/3/19 The Garments We Wear: Joseph’s Robe of Sonship 3

Also [Jacob] made [Joseph] a tunic of many colors. Genesis 37:3

RECOMMENDED READING: EPHESIANS 1:3-19 “³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, ⁴just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, ⁵having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, ⁶to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

⁷In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ⁸which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, ⁹having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, ¹⁰that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. ¹¹In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, ¹²that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. ¹³In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.¹⁵Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: ¹⁷that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, ¹⁸the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power .”

COMMENTS: Some Christians believe the Old Testament became obsolete with the New Testament, but to believe that and neglect the Old Testament is a tragic handicap depriving us of valuable knowledge and insights into God and His revelation and interaction with His people and with specific individuals. The creation, fall, commandments, prophets, psalms-proverbs, history all serve to prepare and enlighten and inspire us.

Stories like of faithful but flawed people like Daniel’s, Moses, Joseph, Ruth, Noah, Job, Jonah, Abraham, David would be tragic if lost or neglected or forgotten. The New Testament is not complete without the Old Testament and the Old Testament was completed with the New Testament with its story of Jesus and the plan of salvation He taught and completed. The revelation of the Holy Spirit and impact on early church and specific individuals, the letters of insight and revelation Paul wrote, and John’s revelation all are essential to Christians of every generation, including those alive today in order to discover and learn and experience God’s Grace and have a meaningful – fulfilling – life changing relationship with Christ.

We could not reach God so He came down and reached out to us. He restored, at great cost to Himself, the relationship man cut off when He yielded to satan’s deception and lies, temptations that satan intended to separate us from God and then to destroy us.

Our inheritance is in heaven and Christ’s promise to His faithful is to be heirs with Him (Romans 8:17) destined to be clothed with His righteousness and reign with Him for eternity.

A true Christian is both a beggar and an heir. Anonymous

8/4/19 An Endless Supply 4

The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry. 1 Kings 17:14

RECOMMENDED READING: I Kings 17:8-16 “⁸Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ⁹“Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” ¹⁰So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” ¹¹And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.”¹²So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”¹³And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. ¹⁴For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’”¹⁵So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.”

COMMENTS: I have struggled a bit with this passage in past mostly due to fact I hadn’t read it closely enough to understand the level of faith both Elijah and the widow were revealing here. The widow was desperate, only having enough flour and water for one last meal for herself and her son with no hope the drought would subside enough to keep her son and her from perishing. I’m sure Elijah was aware of the drought but until he saw her and her situation did he understand the depth and reality of her desperation. But that not only didn’t shake his willingness to do what God asked but also did not stop her from doing what he asked. Yet, she still made sure he was aware of her situation and condition.

God commonly does not show evidence of His miracle until we have initiated the first step of obedience. Literally stepping out of the boat and putting our full weight on our foot before walking on water type of faith. That means taking the risk of failure and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and fully dependent on God. I’m sure some questions raised are:
“What if God doesn’t come through right away? What if He is late or doesn’t provide at all?”

“What if … ” How about you relating to some doubts you have had in difficult situations.

Well, God did come through for her and for Elijah but just day to day and not by providing any more than what was needed for next day. No more and no less. The jar of flour and the supply of water did not stop until the drought and need for this miracle had passed. Friends fail us during difficult times, but GOD NEVER FAILS NOR IS LATE! He is just typically later and slower than our impatience and lack of faith aches for, right?

Then came the death of her son and sense of loss and betrayal is seeking all hope gone with death of her son. Why would God provide a miracle of feeding them just to let her see her son die in her arms? BUT GOD DID PROVIDE AND HE WAS FAITHFUL! He provided in a way to show Elijah and that woman just how powerful and how compassionate He really is!

Well, stop and consider just have brief life is on earth and how permanent eternity in heaven is. I am 68 and can reflect back in amazement just how faithful God has been all those years and just how quickly they have passed. I clearly recall the years growing up of school and family and discovery. I clearly recall the teen years with so many obstacles and temptations and scary unknown opportunities and doors I had to choose and open. I clearly recall the challenges of college and a new career and Arlene’s and my first date. I clearly recall our wedding and life and family we have built and raised over the years. I clearly recall the years of church work and people we’ve ministered to and who have ministered to us over the years. I recall the friendships and relationships built over the years. I also recall some of the many lessons and challenges God has guided us through but now I better realize God’s wisdom and influence in them and yet just how brief and how quickly those years have passed. I can also clearly recall in my 40’s spending time planning for future needs including retirement funding while wondering what our children and we would look like and be like during retirement years. Now I look in a mirror and recent pictures and answer those questions and look at pictures taken of us in 1990’s and 1980’s and answer those questions to them.

What I also say to them is GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL! THEN I LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND TELL MYSELF HE WILL CONTINUE TO BE FAITHFUL FOR OUR REMAINING BRIEF YEARS REMAINING!

I invite you to do such an exercise of reflection and contemplation. I’m sure you too will make similar discoveries and come to the same conclusion. God doesn’t have limits so His faithfulness and fellowship to me doesn’t sacrifice from Him faithfulness to you, nor yours to me. No, there is more than enough of God to go around! There was for Elijah and that widow and her son long ago and there is today for us. AMEN? AMEN!!

The old devil doesn’t want us to believe that. His tricks and lies haven’t changed over the centuries and are just as effective now as then. But satan can be surely defeated if we simply are and remain faithful to God. We have an real enemy, but we also have a real God who loves and provides for us day after day after day without exception or delay. We take the what God does do faithfully for granted and complain and doubt Him when evidence of His provision is delayed or appears incomplete. So let’s focus on praising Him and appreciating what He has done and continues to faithfully provide and look forward to and seek His help building our faith for those things He is still working on providing. If it appears He is too slow or late, just recall how He has provided in the past and seek His help to accomplish the miracles in our lives and other’s lives He wants His provision to accomplish too. After all, growing our faith and faith in others will serve us and them in eternity much better and more effectively than something we now want but will be worn out and discarded in a few years. AMEN? AMEN!!

Though I have not outward comforts and worldly conveniences to supply my necessities, yet I have a sufficient portion between Christ and my soul abundantly to satisfy me in every condition.
Jeremiah Burroughs, Puritan preacher

8/5/19 Superintending Providence 5

Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14

RECOMMENDED READING: ESTHER 4:10-17 “¹⁰Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai: ¹¹“All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.” ¹²So they told Mordecai Esther’s words.¹³And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. ¹⁴For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”¹⁵Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: ¹⁶“Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”¹⁷So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.”

COMMENTS:

Providence is the foreseeing, guiding, protecting, and rearranging hand of God on the history of the world and on our personal lives. America’s Founding Fathers leaned heavily on the doctrine of providence. George Washington’s mother would read to him from Esther 4, emphasizing Mordecai’s question to Esther: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Young Washington absorbed the understanding that God controls events, placing us where and when He wants. As his life unfolded, Washington spoke repeatedly of providence. He talked about the “favorable interpositions” of God’s providence, the “ordering of a kind Providence,” and “the hand of Providence” that spared America as a nation.

How remarkable that the same hand that guides the course of history also directs the circumstances of the lives of His children. Joseph was a man who yielded his life to the providential plan of God, and he became blessed and greatly used. God is in control of the tides of time; let Him also order the days of your life.

The word “Providence” has become a forgotten word today, but was a very common and commonly understood word 200 years ago. The influence and guidance and council of the Holy Spirit is more commonly identified and recognized in the Christian church today, but less and less in society and in political and by government official and politicians. In an attempt to be welcoming and inclusive of all world religions, they have become exclusive in rejecting any and all terms and recognition of Christ especially and God in general.

Our God is the One and only God. All others are the imagination and invention of humans. Well, we should stop and take inventory of all God has done and continues to do for us. His faithfulness to everyone is so consistent and complete that it is easy to take Him for granted. But sadly, we are not faithful to Him. We forsake Him and neglect fellowship with Him. We dishonor Him with sinful behavior and by ignoring Him. And yet He is faithful to us. What would it be likely if He did not? How long would we survive without His provision and HIs “Providence”. NOT ONE SECOND! So let’s take time every day and often to give Him the praise and worship and obedience He certainly deserves and we desperately need. AMEN? AMEN!

“A superintending Providence is ordering everything for the best—and, that in due time, all will end well.” George Washington, in a letter dated October 27, 1777

8/6/19 Whine or Shine? 6

Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Genesis 40:23

Recommended Reading: Exodus 15:22-27 “²²So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. ²³Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. ²⁴And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” ²⁵So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, ²⁶and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”²⁷Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.”

COMMENTS: The opposite of grumbling, we would think, is contentment but it is really gratitude. Only gratitude will quench and impatient complaining that irritates and hinders our faith. Conversely, gratitude fills our minds with memories of past ways God has been faithful and encourages us to continue to put our faith in Him. Gratitude strengthens not only our faith but builds patience as we wait for Him to respond. Joseph endured an unjust prison judgment, accused of a crime he did not commit. But his faith in God and determination to remain faithful to Him is vital. We are not told of any doubts he may have had as he waited but have to believe doubts did haunt him some days. But he refused to yield to them and remained faithful. Results was both God’s willingness to reveal things he could not otherwise know in order to place him in a position one day of power and authority second only the Pharaoh in Egypt. Result was opportunity to save both Egypt and his own family from starvation due to a coming great drought that would last 7 years. But God wanted to do so much more. To bring redemption to Joseph’s brothers even though they didn’t deserve it and also to Joseph restoration to his family by enabling and empowering him to forgive them. Joseph enjoyed that restoration all his remaining life. But generations later, Moses and his people had to endure slavery and abuse at the hand of a Pharaoh who forgot about Joseph or the great service he did for Egypt.

When Moses lead the Israelites out of slavery and out of Egypt, it was a time of great celebration and expressions of gratitude and worship and praise. They witnesses the miracles of the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red Sea and the Pillar of fire defeating the great Egyptian army . But every step they would quickly begin complaining when food or water was in short supply. God consistently supplied but would wait to see if they would trust Him or complain. Each and every time of testing, they complained. They quickly forgot God’s faithfulness and past proof of His faithfulness. They refused to praise and worship Him when future remained uncertain. But it was certain because God was guiding them. They could have immediately gone into promised land instead of wondering in the desert for 40 years if they only had praised instead of complained and followed Caleb’s and Joshua’s advice instead of the other 10 spies.

Before we get too critical of them, we need to reflect and discover how much we too complain and are of weak faith too. Adversity tests our faith and if weak, we are equally vulnerable to whine instead of shine too. But God calls us to shine during prosperity and shine during adversity. By doing so, we are a witness to God’s faithfulness and ambassadors to the world around us of His faithfulness. When we whine, we discourage others coming to Christ. When we shine, we encourage them to do so, so consequences of doubts reach out beyond ourselves, making responsibility to shine great on our shoulders. The consequences of not shines is equally on our shoulders too.

The Israelites grumbled and murmured and complained every step of the way from Egypt to the Promised Land, incurring God’s wrath. James 5:9 says, “Do not grumble against one another.” Jude 16 warns about those who are “grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts.”

God longs to work within us, so we may obtain His quality of patience—the ability to handle delays with grace and gratitude, not with griping and grumbling.

“Grumbling and gratitude are, for the child of God, in conflict.” Billy Graham

8/7/19 No Grudges 7

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me. Psalm 143:10

Recommended Reading: PSALM 143 “ Hear my prayer, O Lord,Give ear to my supplications!In Your faithfulness answer me,And in Your righteousness.²Do not enter into judgment with Your servant,For in Your sight no one living is righteous.³For the enemy has persecuted my soul;He has crushed my life to the ground;He has made me dwell in darkness,Like those who have long been dead.⁴Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;My heart within me is distressed.⁵I remember the days of old;I meditate on all Your works;I muse on the work of Your hands.⁶I spread out my hands to You;My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah⁷Answer me speedily, O Lord;My spirit fails!Do not hide Your face from me,Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.⁸Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,For in You do I trust;Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,For I lift up my soul to You.⁹Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;In You I take shelter.¹⁰Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God;Your Spirit is good.Lead me in the land of uprightness. ¹¹Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.¹²In Your mercy cut off my enemies,And destroy all those who afflict my soul;For I am Your servant.”

COMMENTS: God’s faithful few have been allowed to face a time of significant trial to test their faith but also to be an example to strengthen and encourage those who come after them. David enduring being on the run, being tracked down by King Saul due to obsessive jealousy. Daniel being thrown into a lion’s den simply for praying. Joseph being sold as a slave and ending up in prison for a time for crimes he did not do and simply for being loved by his father more than his brothers.

Early Christians were persecuted and even martyred for being Christian and for preaching the Gospel of Christ. They would hide and worship in the underground catacombs of Rome – the burial grounds for Rome.

Since then, Christians have enduring persecution – prison – death for the same offense all over the world. The United States became a colony and later nation and world’s greatest testament for freedom to worship, but it’s beginnings were faithful Christians fleeing persecution to live free to worship and share Christ’s Gospel without restraint or condition.

Noted in today’s devotion is Chu Yiu-ming, a 75 year old Baptist pastor in Hong Kong. He was imprisoned and convicted of preaching and for being an advocate for democracy. At his trial, he was given opportunity to defend himself. Instead, he use the opportunity to speak in order to preach Christ’s message of redemption. The Hong Kong Free Press printed his sermon, including his ending remarks “We have no regrets, we hold no grudges, no anger, no grievances. We do not give up. In the words of Jesus, ‘Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!’ (Matthew 5:10). Oh Lord, who is merciful and just – to you I entrust my life, may your will be done !”

Pastor Chu doesn’t have that many more years to live even if he dies of natural causes, but the impact of his witness and message can and will outlive him and is already influence many of his countrymen to accept Christ and spread His Good News of redemption too. That’s why we must not give up or allow discouragement into our soul. Instead we should say, like Pastor Chu, “Lord, Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10).

“At this very moment, my heart tells me that with this defendant’s dock, I have found the most honorable pulpit of my ministerial career. The valley of the shadow of death leads to spiritual heights.” Chu Yiu-ming

8/8/19 THE DANGER OF FAVORITISM 8

Now [Jacob] loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age.
Genesis 37:3

Scripture: GENESIS 35:23-26 “²³the sons of Leah were Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; ²⁴the sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin; ²⁵the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant, were Dan and Naphtali; ²⁶and the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant, were Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Padan Aram..”

COMMENTS: The family unit is God’s creation and design. But it is not God’s purpose or design for the family unit, nor its members to prosper without His involvement and participation and influence in each family. The family is designed for God to be at the head and center and responsibilities to be delegated and embraced from Him. Discernment – Priorities – Focus – Proper demonstration of Love and Discipline and Council all are best demonstrated when demonstrated with Him involved and near. With blended families, the problems and need for Christ to be at the center is even more critical. The reason is the natural and God ordained bond between parent and child and between child and child is not established nor as strong because of separation of one parent and introduction of another. Likewise, the introduction of new children makes the temptation to favor one over another or express more love to one over another creates lasting hostility. Such was the case of the story of Joseph in today’s scripture. God designed the family to have only one father and one mother, so having children to multiple women was a formula for disaster, which is exactly what happened.

Likewise, God intends and designed and desires for each family to be in close relationship with Him and enjoy frequent and sustained fellowship with Him. A relationship where children discover and get to know Him as a member of their family through the lives and habits of their parents and older siblings. That is why God chose for parent’s and grandparent’s over lap their children’s lives by 20-30 years. That gives grandparents time to repair mistakes they made in raising their children and be a positive influence on them and grandchildren. Learning history and personal stories of God’s help and provision from years ago helps both rediscover God’s faithfulness and learn to give priority to make Christ the center going forward. God was not the center of Joseph’s family and bond between his brothers ended up being a common resentment for Joseph instead of love for each other.

But God had a different plan for them and for Joseph and weaved a wonderful – good future for both Joseph and for his brothers. A future of forgiveness and redemption and healing from the resentment that sparked an evil deed to sells Joseph into slavery and tell his father that he was killed by a wild animal. Joseph’s father errored by showing favoritism to Joseph without regard to how it would impact his brothers. .

Jacob had twelve sons by four wives: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun were born to Leah; Joseph and Benjamin were born to Rachel, Jacob’s true love (and Leah’s sister). Dan and Naphtali were born to Rachel’s maidservant; Bilhah; Gad and Asher were born to Leah’s maidservant, Zilpah.

It is natural and easy to show favoritism to those we love and enjoy being around, so the children of Rachel were favored by Jacob more, because of his love for Rachel, more than the children of Leah or their maidservants. Leah’s father cheated her by tricking Jacob to marry her first. He cheated her of the love of a man who would love and cherish her and doomed her to only knowing Jacob’s resentment and sadness toward her and her children.

But even though this blended family was not God’s Will or desire for them, He didn’t abandon them. Instead He used even their sinful acts to bring good and give opportunity for forgiveness and redemption to Jacob and his family. This is a lesson for all of us. But the path of redemption had to start with Joseph making the choice to follow God’s council and Will and not the justified bitterness and hatred his brothers deserved.

If Joseph had remained bitter, he would never had the dream to share to the baker and wine tester in prison. He would never had the dream to share with Pharaoh that would set in motion wise choices that would save Egypt and his own family from starvation. Joseph would likely had died of starvation in the prison if that were the case. We would have never had this story to inspire and minister to us either.

Can you see the beauty of God’s handiwork in the lives of those who listen to and obey Him? What foolish choices have we made that are still suffering consequences from? What choices did our parents or others made that we are suffering from? Christ came to endure the consequences of our sins and offer redemption and forgiveness and a fresh start or do-over. He endured our judgment on the cross so we wouldn’t have to. Joseph’s brothers didn’t deserve his forgiveness, but Joseph’s forgiveness given to them enabled God to do the miracle of healing in his family and prosper them as only He could and He would.

The choices God wants us to make are not commonly easy or appealing, but they are always good. God calls Himself and His creation “Good”. We use this word to describe what we consider ok but not great or perfect. We prefer to use other words like awesome or wonderful or amazing or spectacular. A beautiful sunrise or sunset or a beautiful garden are beautiful and not just good. But consider how God uses the word GOOD and discover His definition of this word is PERFECT. So maybe we should reserve the use of this word to describe Him and all He does and is. In today’s story, this story had a “GOOD” ending. So maybe we should put Him first so we will be blessed with a GOOD day instead of just a ok day. Well, truth is every day is a GOOD DAY when we walk with our Lord no matter if it is spent in prison or under unjust persecution, as Joseph was for a time, or enjoying prosperity and sharing such with others.

Every day is a fresh and new gift from God. Live is not an obligation God gives us each day but a gift to be used either for our own selfish ends or for His glory and purpose for GOOD. When love is unconditional, it has no favorites. We should be glad and grateful that He loves us all unconditionally and, therefore, equally, even those of us that are not very loveable much of the time. AMEN? AMEN!

When love is unconditional, it can have no favorites. Thanks be to God that we are loved equally in His sight!

Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world. Clarence H. Woolston

8/9/19 IDENTIFYING AND DEALING WITH ADVERSITY THE BIBLICAL WAY 9

Dealing with adversity is painful experience, especially if long term, but witnessing a loved one going through adversity is much worse. We feel helpless not knowing what to do or say that will help. Well, the answer lies beyond us. It lies with Christ, so the first thing we need to do is pray and listen. Listen for God’s response but also listen to our loved one suffering. God’s Word does provide reliable advice for every situation. Below are some examples of council and instruction scripture provides:

DEALING WITH AND MOVING BEYOND DISCOURAGEMENT

A good start is to reflect on past personal examples of God’s faithfulness and how God enabled or provided help and solutions. Also read examples from scripture. Pray and let God guide you to those examples and then quiet yourself to let Him speak to you through those examples.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

This verse has helped and reminded me often that I can and need to trust God and rely on Him in all situations. It helps quiet my anxiety and sense of urgency to do something instead of waiting on Him first. If God can wait before responding, that we need to wait on Him. Waiting is one of the hardest things to do, especially during crisis but all too often, a quick response is harmful and counterproductive, requiring extra effort to “undo” the harm a quick response caused. Taking even a few minutes to pray and quiet our spirit to listen to His response can be so important to solving the situation before us. It is one thing to trust Him enough to pray for help, but it is quite another to wait for Him before responding with our own ideas and thoughts and choice.

Discouragement comes with loss of hope and options of a solution. When we try everything we can think of first and become discourage, we waste precious energy pursuing our own ideas and desires first instead of resting and waiting and praying so He can not only guide and point us to the right solution but also energy us to follow through with implementing that solution. After all, He may be delaying to also prepare others to help and prepare other situations to enable our solutions too.

Yet the one thing we also need to realize is that how we deal with our own problems and discouragement may indeed be observed and influence how others deal with theirs.

Fear of Failure. Includes Fear of being ineffective for God

Overcoming fear and weakness and discouragement is a common ailment God has helped people with in every generation since Adam. Scripture is full of examples from Old Testament and New Testament times. Examples of real dangers and hardship and crisis that went well when His people sought Him and followed His council and instruction and didn’t go well when they didn’t and followed their own.

God doesn’t require us to be perfect, but does require us to be faithful. To follow His instruction. The Israelites who witnessed the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of the manna and quail, the giving of the 10 commandments to Moses, the consequences of disobedience when they didn’t follow Joshua and Caleb’s council to enter the promise land, not being faithful waiting for Moses at Mt. Sinai. They still found it difficult to trust God when facing real enemies with formidable strength. Yet, God still was faithful to them and gave them opportunity to repent and follow Him again.

“Arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.” Joshua 1:2-3

Taking time to reflect and remember examples of God’s faithfulness often and regularly will strength our faith and allow Him to council us and quiet our fears and doubts and uncertainty. Doing so will also build courage to proceed using His council. Waiting for Him requires courage but proceeding when He gives that council also requires courage.

Dealing with Ongoing Illness and Remaining Strong

Battling physical illness is a challenge everyone has or will face both personally and certainly with loved ones, especially elderly loved ones. Loss of health exposes us to enduring chronic pain, weakness, discouragement, and loneliness. Especially when lose due to death leaves us alone and missing the dear one who passed. Health challenges can and should be face the same way we face other challenges in the Christian life. Faced with trust and faith in God and His power to accomplish His purposes. At our Church Family Camp Retreat this year, our evangelist discussed the many Blessings Christ bought for us on the Cross besides our Salvation. Healing is one of them. He shared that healing is more common and available than we realize or embrace. Healing if as freely offered and available as forgiveness, but does have a few “guardrails” in place to prevent misuse. Guardrails like:

Not all suffering is due to sin (Job)
Jesus puts a higher priority to soul healing when physical healing would hinder.
Jesus puts a higher priority to what it takes to save others. Joni Eareckson Tata is a example.
Some suffering is not healed until root cause is corrected or resolved.
Timing and method of healing is to focus on and bring Glory to God.
People of Jesus’ day had limited medical help but divine healing can and more often today includes doctors and nurses but is still God’s handiwork.
Sometimes there are good God chosen reasons for not seeking physical healing.
Approaching God with boldness and humility is required so a humble spirit may need developed first before healing is possible.

Keep in mind, healing was an integral part of Jesus ministry and the disciples after the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. It continues to be so if we take time to discover how often God heals in our daily lives already.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen”. Ephesians 3:20-21

Will God Ever Stop Loving Me?

The short answer is NO, NEVER!! God not only loves but is LOVE (1 John 4:16)

We think of love only as a feeling but for God it is a choice. So He loves because He chooses to and we need to leave to love as a choice whether we feel the love emotion and especially when we don’t”.. Romans 8:38-39

How Can I Experience Peace Amid Financial Troubles?

Financial crisis is in epidemic levels today. Credit card debt has crippled so many people and families. Buying things they don’t need with money they don’t have to impress people that don’t care. But Christ tells us to instead of gathering treasures on earth that decay and wear out, to instead gather treasures in heaven than will last forever. God will help us reset our priorities and implement wise spending parameters to bring us out of debt.

It is amazing what we can live without when we set our minds to it. So many things we think are necessities are luxuries. Consider how people live and what they live very well without in poor countries or even in poorer parts of our country. Living on less and living below our income is not only possible but necessary in order to build a strong financial future. Doing so not only will give us peace of mind, but will enable us to have funds for necessities going forward, enjoy the freedom financial strength gives, and empower us to become generous givers.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ” Matthew 6:19-21

How Can I Deal With Anger Toward My Spouse?

Spousal abuse and broken relationships is all too common. Children and spouses coming out of horrible family environments is at epidemic levels. God didn’t intend nor design families to be a burden or problem but a blessing and solution. Families, however, are made up of sinful flawed people, so flaws and sins prevail in every family. However, families who prioritize having Christ at the center influencing individual choices and willingness to repent and forgive is essential to bring healing and health back into the family and in each person of that family. When one member is dominantly sinful and rebellious, the whole family suffers but influence of one person who is faithful to and stays focused on his or hers relationship with Christ and faithfulness to Him, that influence will have positive effect on the rest of the f family. The apostle Paul says the remedy is to deal quickly with the issues that fuel anger (Ephesians 4:26)—not impulsively, but in a way that promotes forgiveness and reconciliation. He also warns that failure to resolve anger quickly gives “place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27). Swift reconciliation is the best way to keep the devil where he belongs—out of your marriage.

Danger of physical abuse and harm may warrant help and protection available from police and other authorities while wise Godly pastors and counselors and church people will provide needed support and strength to enable healing and restoration of both victims (abused) and abusers.

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble. ” Hebrews 12:14-15

How Can I Deal With a Rebellious Child in My Home?

Parents have a God given place of responsibility in the home. They can’t protect their adolescent children from the pain of rebellion, but they can stay beside them to provide safety and security. Firm boundaries and loving correction are necessary—prayerful parents must do their best to find wisdom seeking and implementing God’s council. Maintaining firm boundaries and allowing children to endure consequences of their poor choices is a very hard part of parenting but a necessary part. But above all, parents must remain vigilant in their quest to love a rebellious child unconditionally and communicate that love. The dangers of drugs and alcohol and evil influence of other rebellious youth all are powerful negative influences on our children and all too often destroys positive influence parents have worked hard to provide.

But we need to remember God loves our children even more than we do and is working hard to provide choices to them that will bring them back to us and even more important back to us. When we remain faithful and follow His direction, we are encouraging and supporting His work and efforts to that goal. When we follow our own ideas, we all too often hinder that goal.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

8/10/19 God’s Will will be Done! 10

Afterward his brother came out [of Rebekah’s womb], and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Genesis 25:26

Recommended Reading Genesis 27:41-45 “⁴¹So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”⁴²And the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, “Surely your brother Esau comforts himself concerning you by intending to kill you. ⁴³Now therefore, my son, obey my voice: arise, flee to my brother Laban in Haran. ⁴⁴And stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury turns away, ⁴⁵until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him; then I will send and bring you from there. Why should I be bereaved also of you both in one day?”

COMMENTS: Do you know what your name means? Have you ever been told or looked us the meaning behind either your first name or last name? My first name is “Donald” and is a old Scottish name dating back to 9th Century meaning to rule or “leader” McDaniel means “son of Daniel” Daniel is a Hebrew name meaning “to judge”. Well, in recent years names are chosen because parents either like the name or associate the name with family they admire or strive to be like. Most do not take the time to research the meaning or origins behind the name.

In biblical times, the meaning of a name was known and believed to connect to destiny of infant name was given to. Jacob means “to follow at the heel” and was given him because he, as a twin, because he had a hold of Esau, his twin brother, when born. Jesus’ name means “to save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) ²¹She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,^] because he will save his people from their sins.”

So, we should not take lightly task of naming a infant nor take lightly the meaning of our name. Of course, that doesn’t mean we are eternally destined to fulfill the meaning of our name nor unable to change a destiny to fulfill an undesirable meaning.

Christ’s redemptive work on the cross bought our freedom from sin and satan’s evil work and influence, so we are each free to choose either the sinful destructive path satan lies out and tries to persuade us to continue on, or a different path. A path to eternal life and healing and joy fulfilling God’s dream and purpose for our existence. A path that will not only give us life but give opportunity for others we influence to choose life eternal too.

Saul’s name was changed to Paul after his encounter with Christ and conversion. Saul means “Prayed For” and Paul means “small or humble”. When look at Paul’s life before and after conversion, we can see this name change was appropriate. The influence of prayer for others is powerful and does influence God’s persuasive measures to guide us and others to do positive work in lives of others and preparing for that work. Often answers to our prayers is delayed until God finishes preparation work either in us or in others. Often answers come in different approaches and end up being a better solution than one we pray for. The wisdom and beauty of prayer is partnership prayer establishes between us and our Creator and Lord and God. Prayer provides a connection and communication link enabling us to receiving council and insight from Him but also for us to know He knows and understands our concerns and needs and desires.

Many stories of old share how God guided and influenced individuals to fulfill a God Given purpose for their name and life. In other examples, God guided individuals to change the purpose of their current path to a better purpose of His choosing. To change their name was God’s way of making that change memorable and significant for that individual and for his family but also for those who came after him or her so they could be ministered to by their example.

Our lives are not set in stone but are predestined. They are not sealed in stone until recorded in God’s history book when earthly life is completed. Until then, you and I have opportunity to change our path either for better or worse. Even from a good path to the best path.

So let’s be honest with ourselves and with God and go to Him today asking if our current path is His best or one that will end up a “dead end”. What is the name God wants us to be identified with and destiny He wants us to fulfill?

Temptations to replace the will of God with one’s own should be resisted immediately. God’s will will be done, even if it results in painful lessons.

“No wickedness on earth is more common than the various forms of deceit.” William S. Plumer

8/11/19 From Weakness to Strength 11 And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel.
Genesis 35:10

Scripture Reading: Genesis 32:22-32 “²²That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. ²³After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. ²⁴So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. ²⁵When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. ²⁶Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”²⁷The man asked him, “What is your name?”“Jacob,” he answered.²⁸Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,^[^a^] because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”²⁹Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.³⁰So Jacob called the place Peniel,^[^b^] saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”³¹The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel,^[^c^] and he was limping because of his hip. ³²Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was touched near the tendon.”

COMMENTS: Today’s scripture and the life of Jacob is a topic of debate and speculation for Christians of the many generations from the early church. God did bless Jacob by renaming him Israel and making his 12 sons the foundation of establishing the nation of Israel along with the promise of sustaining it as his chosen people. Jacob was a schemer and trickster who would wheel and deal to his advantage. But he met his match with his father-in-law Laban. He was tricked into marrying two sisters but loved Rachel more than Leah. He tricked his brother, Esau many years before in order to steal his older brother’s birthright.

Wanting something someone else owns and using deception and other ungodly means may seem justified but always ends up with disappointment and regrets.

God doesn’t condone nor approval of unethical and sinful deeds and schemes and ambitions, but He can and does use them to accomplish His means. That doesn’t mean He doesn’t nor wouldn’t prefer to use better paths to accomplish His goals and plan.

Jacob’s redemption didn’t come through Leah’s sons but did through Joseph. His son who did not follow his father’s example but followed God’s guiding hand instead. He learned from his father’s mistakes and sin consequences and did not allow satan’s influence to push him down a path to regrets and suffering. Joseph didn’t allow short term injustice and misery distract or hinder him from following God’s direction and plan. Joseph didn’t know nor understand why he must endure some mistreatment for a time but had a relationship with God, whom he trusted and knew. Jacob should have known God and should have trusted Him, but allowed his ambitions and selfishness cloud and corrupt his choices and path.

Our bible includes both stories and how God’s loving but firm hand prevails and both overcomes evil while sustaining and causing good to prevail. REVELATION IS GOD’S PROMISE AND ASSURANCE THAT OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT AND WE WILL PREVAIL WITH HIM IF WE ARE AND REMAIN FAITHFUL AS JOSEPH AND DANIEL DID! So we must not allow discouragement or shortcuts to personal goals or ambitions or desires distract or pull us from God’s path and God ‘s plan.

A popular worship chorus is titled “What the Lord Has Done in Me”. The song has one line “Let the weak say, I am strong ” . This line is taken from Joel 3:10. We are given assurance Christ will not abandon us and will prevail fighting our battles for us. In the midst of trial and suffering, He endures that suffering with us but also goes ahead to remove any and all obstacles in our path too big for us to go over or move away. Satan can and does make those obstacles look bigger than they are but Jesus calls us to trust Him and move forward. AMEN? AMEN!

Paul (2 Corinthians 12:10) had this same thought in mind when he wrote “For when I am weak, then I am strong (in Christ)” Paul never forgot nor took for granted Christ’s abiding and prevailing presence and influence and spirit.

Jacob could have received the blessing the angel gave on his knees worshipping God instead of fighting that angel for it. Then he would have been in an attitude for God to provide more and not just what he asked. If he would have chose a more honorable path.

“Real true faith is man’s weakness leaning on God’s strength.” Dwight L. Moody

8/12/19 Double Crossed 12

I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness.
Psalm 89:33

RECOMMENDED READING: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 , ” ⁷But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. ⁸We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— ¹⁰always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. ¹¹For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹²So then death is working in us, but life in you.”

COMMENTS: It is very important but also very difficult for humans to take a “eternal” perspective. Life is so brief. Flies have a life expectancy of a day or two. Dogs and cats have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. For humans to have a life expectancy of 75-85 years leads us into the trap of thinking we are immortal. It is common to think that until we reach our late 40s or 50s. At that point we begin to feel the early affects of age and consequences of abusing our bodies. The realization of mortality and brevity of life starts to take shape and by our late 60s discovery takes full form.

Wasted years of self indulgence wasting time and finances and talents is tragic but not as tragic as facing eternity without redemption. But no matter what our age, as long as we are breathing, Christ’s redemptive plan is available along with His willingness to help and guide us to use our resources and time and talents for eternal purposes and with eternally lasting results. Results that will so impact us and impact generations coming after us.

Consider some who are known by their acts of betrayal. Examples like Brutus, who betrayed Julius Caesar; Benedict Arnold, who betrayed the American Revolutionaries; Joseph’s brothers, who betrayed him; and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Joseph’s brothers lived to enjoy Joseph’s forgiveness and learn eternal wisdom of following God like their younger brother did. Joseph learned this early in his life but impact of his brothers learning this enabled God to fulfill His plan and make his brothers the beginning of the 12 tribes of Israel going forward.

Jesus predicted that the Last Days would be full of people who “will betray one another, and will hate one another” (Matthew 24:10). We have this prophetic warning but also the confidence God will never betray those faithful to Him.

He has been faithful to Christians even to death since Christ walked on earth in human form. He has been faithful since Adam before Christ’s revelation. He has promised to remain faithful to us and those who come after us. We can count of Him and His promises. Death is not an end to be dreaded. It is our opportunity and door to a life free of sin and temptation and all the misery and suffering satan has imposed on us. Death is the door to eternal life or the door to eternal judgment. The choice is ours and opportunity to make that choice remains until we go through that door. Then our choice is final. Since we don’t know when death will come, being prepared is so important.

Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.
Wilbur J. Chapman

8/13/19 The Load of Guilt 13

We are truly guilty. Genesis 42:21

Recommended Reading: ROMANS 5:1-8 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.⁶For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. ⁸But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

COMMENTS: Guilt is a terrible burden to carry. In Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan depicts Christian carrying the heavy burden of sin until released at the cross. John Bunyan knew both the burden of sin and freedom of forgiveness and was able to describe the difference Christ makes so well in this book. Paul effectively described that difference as well and experienced in his own life. He didn’t know how heavy his burden of sin was. He thought he was doing God’s will but in reality he was God’s enemy passionately fighting as satan’s pond. BUT AN ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

Today Muslims in oppressed countries are having a similar encounter with Christ and are equally transformed as well. Countries where it is illegal to be a Christian and illegal to share Christ’s gospel with a Muslim, a crime worthy of death. BUT CHRIST PERSONALLY MEET THOSE WHO HIS CHILDREN CAN NOT REACH, BUT HE EXPECTS AND CALLS HIS CHILDREN TO REACH THOSE THAT THEY CAN REACH AND WHO HE CALLS TO REACH. He honored the even half hearted efforts His children make to witness but loves the lost too much to let the unlovable-lost die without opportunity to receive His redemptive forgiveness.

Joseph enjoyed a life of gratitude instead of a life of regrets. He showed his father and brothers the benefits of obedience to God instead of rebellion and scheming. His example also shows us the benefits too, so Joseph’s legacy lives on even today because his example is recorded in scripture recorded in Genesis. That means the salvation of millions who were born in centuries since are part of his legacy of faithfulness.

But Christ convicts us all that we are all guilty, for we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. We’ve all like Joseph’s brothers and like Jacob and have disobeyed God and hurt other people. What, then, can we do with guilt? We can either bear it ourselves, blame someone else, or nail it to the cross of Christ like Paul and Peter did.

We also learn that lying sows destruction, but the truth is liberating. The Bible says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Live under the blood of Christ and above the reproach of the world. Your guilt is no match for His grace.

No child of God sins to that degree as to make himself incapable of forgiveness.
John Bunyan

8/14/19 God Is Not Mocked 14

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Galatians 6:7

Recommended Reading: Genesis 38:1-30 ⁸It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah. ²And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went in to her. ³So she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. ⁴She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. ⁵And she conceived yet again and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him.⁶Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. ⁷But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord killed him. ⁸And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.” ⁹But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. ¹⁰And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He killed him also. ¹¹Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.¹²Now in the process of time the daughter of Shua, Judah’s wife, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. ¹³And it was told Tamar, saying, “Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” ¹⁴So she took off her widow’s garments, covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place which was on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife. ¹⁵When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, because she had covered her face. ¹⁶Then he turned to her by the way, and said, “Please let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law.So she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?”¹⁷And he said, “I will send a young goat from the flock.”So she said, “Will you give me a pledge till you send it?”¹⁸Then he said, “What pledge shall I give you?”So she said, “Your signet and cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” Then he gave them to her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him. ¹⁹So she arose and went away, and laid aside her veil and put on the garments of her widowhood.²⁰And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. ²¹Then he asked the men of that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was openly by the roadside?”And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.”²²So he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place.”²³Then Judah said, “Let her take them for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.”²⁴And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry.”So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”²⁵When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.”²⁶So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.²⁷Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her womb. ²⁸And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” ²⁹Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez. ³⁰Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.

COMMENTS: We live in a society with little or no moral restraints or ethical standard, but not so 75-100 years ago. Sex before marriage was considered adultery and sinful behavior. To have a child outside marriage was shameful even among non-shameful families. Such is still true among devout Muslim families and communities.

In radical Muslim communities women caught in adultery are executed while men caught in adultery get off without consequences. Such a double standard was the case during Jesus’ day. His response was not to condemn women involved in adultery but offer forgiveness and a better life if willing to confess and turn from sin.

Jesus didn’t change God’s standard, but instead offered redemption and forgiveness. He didn’t tolerate sin nor lower acceptable standard but, instead, offered a way to achieving the standard God required. Such a way could only be possible if Jesus paid the price for our sins.

Today, society and most are not willing to admit being wrong or admit their sins. They would rather either deny their guilt or justify their evil behavior by lowering the standard of judging wrong from right. But relative ethics always slides downhill, encouraging evil worse behavior.

Today, abortion is considered as better way of birth control than abstention. The value of life has deteriorated to ignore human life before birth and even now beginning to disregard human life at birth if mother doesn’t want to take care of newborn.

But what does God require and what is His standard. His standard was established with the 10 Commandments, but began in Eden. Adam and Eve had one simple rule to keep – don’t eat of the tree of knowledge. If Adam and Eve had remained faithful to obey that one rule, they would have shielded themselves and us from many other sins and temptations. We could also have enjoyed Eden and immortality enjoying and hearing the stories and life lessons directly from our ancestors because death would have remained foreign.

But they sinned and everyone since has sinned too. Death did enter the world and sin has been rampant since. BUT JESUS CAME AND DIED AND WAS RESURRECTION IN ORDER TO PURCHASE OUR FORGIVENESS AND REDEEM WHAT WAS LOST WHEN SIN ENTERED THE WORLD. To redeem immortality and an eternal home and bodies and redeem eternal fellowship with our ancestors. To redeem life and fellowship as God originally intended and designed for us.

Sin always comes at a cost far greater than known or willing to pay. The price of sin is always underestimated or even believed. BUT GOD HAS WARNED US AND IS SO WILLING AND ABLE TO PAY THAT COST FOR US IF WE SIMPLY ACCEPT HIS REDEMPTION.

Scripture is full of examples of those who chose foolishly and faced that cost and God’s judgment, but also including examples of those who also chose wisely God’s redemption and freedom from judgment but also the restoration of all God intended for them to have and enjoy.

God’s harvest principle—we reap what we sow—is illustrated more than once in Scripture. But nowhere as sadly as in the story of Judah, one of Jacob’s twelve sons who fell away from God and reaped a terrible harvest.

Judah’s actions sent ramifications, like ripples across a pond, throughout the story of God’s chosen people. God is not mocked: What we sow, we will also reap.

Sow holiness, and reap happiness. George Swinnock

8/15/19 WEARING KINGDOM CLOTHING 15

Now John [the Baptist] was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist.
Mark 1:6

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: 2 KINGS 1:7-8 “ ⁷Then he said to them, “What kind of man was it who came up to meet you and told you these words?”⁸So they answered him, “A hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”

COMMENTS: Camel hair or fur was the common source of clothing material in ancient times and even yet in underdeveloped countries or nomadic tribes of people. The outer layer of fur is very stiff and rough. The inner layer, by contrast, is soft effective as a warm comfortable garment for humans. So for Elijah and John the Baptist to reportedly use such for their cloths is not only realistic but likely.

It is not necessary that we wear camel skin cloths or clothing derived or processed from wild furs or camel hair, but we should remember the reasons why Elijah and John the Baptist did. They lived very modestly in order to focus on being faithful to their calling not to distractons of pursuing material possessions or comforts. Instead they deprived themselves to show others how to be faithful and give up things that distract from following the God of Elijah and God of John the Baptist.

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, “

“I will place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the kingdom of Christ.” David Livingstone

8/16/19 Repairing Grace 16

For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah. Hebrews 7:14

8/20/19 THE TIME IS NOW 20

She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. Genesis 39:12

RECOMMENDED READING 2 TIMOTHY 2:22 ²²Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

COMMENTS: We live in a society and culture where morality is considered obsolete and self gratification and indulgences are considered acceptable as long as no harm is done to others. To judge any behavior as sinful is to be called intolerant. Relativism calls moral standards obsolete with no place in society. But absolutes are mandatory both in nature and in society. Gravity will make anyone who steps off a tall building or a cliff fall to their death. Stepping out in front of a speeding car will do the same since no two objects can occupy the same space at the same time. Denying or not believing in gravity or a law of physics will not make it go away nor change. These laws are absolute and unchanging from one generation to another. So why do many people think God’s moral code of conduct would be different when His word declares them absolute and unchanging?

Well, stories like Joseph’s and Paul’s instruction to Timothy recorded in scripture identified above are evidence that God’s standards of moral behavior. Scripture and countless examples from every generation including ours should warning of dire consequences of disobeying God’s laws. God is eager to forgive the repentant and empower them to change from their sinful ways but bringing judgment on those who have an unrepentant hard soul. Joseph’s brothers would have faced a much darker end if they had not confessed and repented of their sin against Joseph and against God. Joseph would have had a darker future if he had yielded to his master’s wife’s advances. The ripple effect of that choice would have been Egypt and Joseph’s family would have face 7 years of family unprepared.

The time for salvation is while we are alive. It will be too late after we die. The time to buy life insurance is before we die. To install smoke alarms before a house fire happens.

Because Joseph remained faithful to God in the midst of personal t trial and hardship and temptation, God used him to prepare both His enemies and loved ones and friends for the coming famine that no one but God know was coming.

Timothy heeded God’s warning through Paul and fled youthful lust and remained faithful (2 Timothy 2:22). Joseph followed that advice long before Paul gave that advice (1 Corinthians 10:13).

God still holds us to the same standard and Paul’s warning is still in force and appropriate. To flee youthful lusts and remain faithful to God. But the cross provides the only way of redemption for sin.

Draw a biblical line in the sand today, beyond which you will not go. Don’t wait for the crisis to consider your convictions. The time is now.

No temptation is more frequently before us than that of easing up. Sinclair Ferguson

8/21/19 Wearing Garments of Faith 20

And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment….And the woman was made well from that hour.
Matthew 9:20-22

RECOMMENDED READING MARK 6:53-56 “⁵³When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. ⁵⁴And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ⁵⁵ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. ⁵⁶Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.“

COMMENTS: Scripture tells us that the miracles Jesus did was just a small portion of miracles He did during His ministry. That means doing miracles was a regular part of His ministry but only to support that ministry. Miracles were connected to doing God’s Will and fulfilling His plan but also were connected to belief and faith individuals had in Christ as God’s Son. Motives for desiring healing impacted their faith and purpose for desiring healing had to support God’s plan. Granted, the individual seeking healing likely didn’t understand much or any of God’s redeeming plan, but only understand their need and believed Jesus loved and wanted them to be whole. Peter and John and Paul were among a good number of first century Christians able to perform healings too. Jesus said they would be able to do so in greater frequency and numbers than He was. Why and how? Well, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowered them. That is the biggest how. Why? Well, because Jesus said they would and He keeps His Word! Yet, the reason for Jesus doing miracles reflects His compassion and also His purpose of coming and sacrificing and redeeming. His focus was in redeeming His creation so they could have eternal life and enjoy that life in relationship with Him and He with them. His focus was and is for them and us to be capable of and be in full loving relationship with Him.

So why doesn’t and didn’t Jesus heal everyone in need He encountered? Why doesn’t God heal everyone who comes to Him in need? Well, He does but in His time and in His way. Sometimes He said No, but often it is Not Yet. He designs each healing in a way that supports His plan and has most positive impact in many lives as well as person seeking healing. His perspective is eternal and inclusive of everyone. Yet everyone does not seek or desires the healing and relationship He desires and offers. God does not force but only offers and urges. Salvation is available but only is used when received. For most, salvation remains on the shelf collecting dust because it is not used. That is not God’s fault but those of us who leave it on the shelf.

So if healing is part of the redemption Jesus taught and the cross bought, than what are some of the “guardrails” or limits or conditions that define the terms of God’s healing?

Healing Guardrails:

Not all suffering is due to sin but remains for a greater divine purpose: Examples are Job and Paul’s thorn in the flesh.
Jesus puts a higher priority to soul healing than physical healing when physical suffering is a catalyst for soul healing.
Jesus puts a higher priority to soul healing of others when our physical suffering is a catalyst for them. Example Joni Eareckson Tata.
Some suffering is not healed until the cause or source of suffering is addressed and removed.
Timing and method of healing must bring Glory and Praise to Christ.
People in Jesus’ day had limited access to medicine so need of healing of disease was greater then.
Sometimes there are better reasons not to heal than to heal.
Healing requires approaching the Lord with boldness but also with humility. The proud are not open to be healed or to comply with necessary conditions for healing.

The announcing of God’s Kingdom saw many miraculous verifications. Garments belonging to Paul, which were carried to the diseased and demonized, brought healing (Acts 19:12). Others were healed in Jerusalem when the shadow of Peter fell upon them as he passed by (Acts 5:14-16). And a woman who had been sick for twelve years was healed as she reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment (Matthew 9:20-22).

Touching Jesus’ garment for healing is not a precedent for the Church to follow since He is no longer here on earth. But touching Jesus Himself—reaching out by faith through the crowded confusion of emotions and distractions of this world—is a precedent we can, and should, follow. If the prophet Isaiah refers to putting on “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3), might not we also consider wearing a “garment of faith”?

Since Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), let us clothe ourselves with faith in Him, whatever our need. By doing so, we open ourselves to enjoy potentially greater miracles in size and amount but also greater understanding of the boundaries and conditions (guardrails) that keep us on the narrow path to eternal life. After all, 100 years from now it won’t matter if we are cured of cancer or heart disease but will matter where we and our loved ones are residing – in heaven or in hell. Taking the eternal perspective helps us see as God does and prioritize time and energy where God would like and has called us to. AMEN? AMEN!

Faith is knowledge passing into conviction, and it is conviction passing into confidence.
John Murray

8/22/19 Pressed Beyond Measure 22
How can I alone bear your problems and your burdens and your complaints? Deuteronomy 1:12

RECOMMENDED READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:8-11 “⁸For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. ⁹Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, ¹⁰who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, ¹¹you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.”

COMMENTS: Everyone faces challenges and obstacles to finishing daily goals or tasks or expectations. Each morning provides a fresh – new opportunity and beginning. Sunday is God’s opportunity to rest – reset – recharged so Monday enables us a better opportunity for success. How we use each new day and Sunday is vital. Some use Sunday as another work day with expectation to get ahead of schedule or get caught up. But doing so results in further draining of needed energy for coming week. Abraham Lincoln once said “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.” He knew, from personal experience a sharp axe will enable task completed with far less effort and faster than a dull axe. He also discovered this advice applied to all life’s tasks and goals.

There is no better way to prepare for each new day and each new week than being in fellowship and communion with God in prayer using His Word as source from God to enlighten and inspire and instruct us. Examples of benefits of this practice are evident all through scripture. Joseph prepared himself for unknown and unexpected evil his brothers were planning, evil Potiphar’s wife was planning to tempt him with, mysteries hidden in dreams of Pharaoh’s baker and wine tester and Pharaoh himself. Daniel likewise was prepared to interpret king’s dreams and for lion’s den by daily prayer and devotion. Esther, Mary, Paul, Peter, and even Jesus Himself are all some of the many examples recorded in scripture for our benefit. How about examples from our family or our own past? God is faithful and available but still requires our full attention without distraction. After all, doesn’t He deserve our full attention and isn’t His council more important and valuable and effective than any other’s?

Well, we first need to recognize and appreciate the importance and value of getting up early enough and sacrificing enough time to “sharpen our axe each day so we can and will cut through each day’s obstacles and diversions and tasks” effectively – efficiently – energetically”. We have no greater work or goal than to accomplish God’s Work, so getting His instructions each day and focusing on them is most important. To be in communion with Him each day as we walk and work through daily duties and work and journey, we can do no better than to be open to His nudges as we go through our day. Even routine stops will give new opportunities and contacts with others that might just need a word of encouragement or a listening ear or a friendly greeting that might just make a huge difference in their lives.

It is easy for us to be overwhelmed with challenges. Moses was overwhelmed at task of leading 3000 fellow Israelites across the desert, especially confronted by their complaints and rebellion. Paul said “We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). ”

Problems and anxiety when facing them is a testing ground necessary to prove our dependence on God and willingness to receive instruction from One who gives us each new day first. We gain much by casting our cares on Him first and open ourselves to be prepared for far more than we are presently able to endure.

He can and will carry your cares today and He can and will also carry you in His omnipotent arms if we only take the time to open our arms and minds and souls to Him.

“The devil sometimes goes too far. He drives us straight into the Lord’s arms.” Ruth Bell Graham

8/23/19 CONFIDENT LIVING 23

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Recommended Reading: PROVERBS 3:1-10 “My son, do not forget my law,But let your heart keep my commands;²For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.³Let not mercy and truth forsake you;Bind them around your neck,Write them on the tablet of your heart,⁴And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding;⁶In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct your paths.⁷Do not be wise in your own eyes;Fear the Lord and depart from evil.⁸It will be health to your flesh,And strength to your bones.⁹Honor the Lord with your possessions,And with the firstfruits of all your increase;¹⁰So your barns will be filled with plenty,And your vats will overflow with new wine.”

COMMENTS: Today’s proverb shares wisdom that has been proved true over the centuries since written. Countless millions have followed it’s advice and enjoyed the fruit – blessings that came from doing so. But there have been far more over the centuries who have not headed it’s council and endured – suffered consequences and so have their families. Tragedy is not just the guilty suffering consequences of their actions, but the consequences are commonly endured by innocent family who had no choice. Joseph enduring suffering for sins of his brothers but his brothers later enjoyed forgiveness and blessing because of Joseph’s faithfulness. Daniel was instrumental in his fellow Israelites returning to God and their land and even for redemption coming to his conquerors.

There is something about scripture that brings healing and peace, especially the Psalms and Proverbs. They help us during crisis to go from fear and even panic to seeking out help from God and Christian friends to help them find and follow the right path to solutions and healing.

When you don’t know what to do, you can say, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” When you can’t bear the pain or withstand the pressure, you can remind yourself to “Trust in Him with all your heart.” When the devil is relentless in attacking, you can calm your nerves by repeating Proverbs 3:5-6.

So, what does it mean to lean on His understand instead of ours? It means seeking His council in His Word – seeking council from fellow Christians – seek council directly from Him by prayer, including taking time to wait and listen. Taking time waiting nd listening instead of proceeding with response that we come up with. Often the wait not only brings the right answer but gives God necessary time to prepare us and circumstances and even other people for the best response and impact on all concerned . He can open doors, solve issues, resolve problems, and guide us step by step. He can direct our paths.

Trust in Him with all your heart!

“It is just as important to trust God as it is to obey Him. When we disobey God, we defy His authority and despise His holiness. But when we fail to trust God we doubt His sovereignty and question His goodness.” Jerry Bridges

8/24/19 I Understand 24 And Joses…was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement). Acts 4:36

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE Acts 4:32-37 “³²Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. ³³And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. ³⁴Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, ³⁵and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.³⁶And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, ³⁷having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

COMMENTS: Do you have a “nickname”? A name others call you? Some pick their own nickname but most are given one by family or friends. Name usually sticks for a lifetime if reflects an obvious quality or characteristic evident to others. For me the nickname co-workers called me for the nearly 40 years of my working career was “chuckles”. Since I normally easily laugh and usually conveyor positive attitudes and good humor, that name stuck.

Joses was known by his gift of encouragement so the name adopted for him was Barnabas, son of encouragement. We now know and remember him from scripture as Barnabas instead of by Joses. What a complement and testimony of his life and character. What a legacy to build and maintain. A legacy that continues to ripple into today encouraging all who read scripture to be encouragers too. Have you ever been so encouraged? Have you ever so encouraged others? Last night Arlene and I went to Franklin to visit and encourage a school class mate from our childhood – a dear friend – a fellow Christian, who is battling pancreatic cancer. We went to encourage him and his wife but they encouraged us more. Their faith and gratitude and praise are bringing them great joy and peace that is so evident. As we reflected on God’s faithfulness over the years, the wonderful Christian legacy all our parents demonstrated, and reminders of that all around us. He and I also reflected on reminders of positive impact of many others when stroll through our local cemetery seeing names of those who have passed on but still leave fresh impressions of their Christ – Centered lives on our memories.

What impact and legacy and memories will we leave on those who outlive us? Will our legacy live on in them and with those who they positively impact? That is how our legacy becomes immortal. God desires and is working hard so our legacy does live on. Satan is working hard to make our legacy one of sin and evil. He can’t stand seeing God’s Will being accomplished and for us to be in close fellowship with Him. Satan can’t stand seeing his evil – destructive mischief defeated. Well, his fate is sealed and God’s Will will prevail. We will to when we support and partner with Him in doing His Will.

Pat William is a famous writer doing a book tour when he learned he had cancer. He announced this news at a press conference shortly after in Orlando, Florida. Arnold Palmer saw that announcement and wrote a letter of encouragement to him. Pat was so encouraged that he framed and often referred back to that letter. Arnold was surprised and humbled in learning the impact of that letter.

We may never know the impact of our words and acts of kindness and encouragement. When you speak a kind word or write an encouraging note, it goes to the heart of the recipient. Any one of us can be like Barnabas and be a willing servant of God, blessing and encouraging others and glorifying the Lord through our actions.

We never know what a humble word will mean to others.

It is good for me to have been afflicted, that I might know how to speak a word in season to one that is weary. Charles H. Spurgeon

8/25/19 Invasive Threats 25
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. Matthew 13:7 RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING MATTHEW 13:18-23 “¹⁸“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: ¹⁹When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. ²⁰But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; ²¹yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. ²²Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. ²³But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” COMMENTS: Today’s parable – scripture gives us Jesus’ teaching in regard to receiving God’s Word as seed planted in the soil of our souls. There are four types of soils or gardens identified. First is the soil of not understanding nor taking the time to inquire or study to gain understanding. The Second is stony soil that God’s Word cannot take root in. The third is soil already growing thorns of deceit and worldly passions. In each case God’s Word does not have sustained attention to take advantage of its treasures and nourishment available. But the fourth soil is soil prepared by removing thorns and weed and tilling it so God’s Word can take root and grow in this good soil. The result noted is bearing fruit 100 X the amount of the seed planted. It is pretty plain what the difference is with the soils and impact resulting of preparing the soil of our soul so hearing and reading God’s Word will change us into more Christ-like people. But, as a garden needs more than the initial tilling and weeding, so does the soil of our soul. Likewise, planting seed of God’s Word is a daily task and obligation and blessing as well. So each day needs to including planting God’s Word, tilling and weeding our soul by reflecting and move away from temptations and distractions that drain and corrupt our soul. As thorns grow fast and choke good plants of nourishment and light and space, so sin also chokes out God’s influence and presence in our lives because He will not abide with sin. But He will help us weed our soul of sin and corruption if we ask Him too and sincerely desire to be rid of satan’s snares and temptations. But even when we force Christ out by continuing to harbor and practice sin, He remains nearby ready to respond when we again seek Him. Spring and summer is a time when flowers and crops grow abundantly but weeds and thorns grow faster if allowed to do so. I’ve noticed that especially this year because rains normally experienced in spring have been sustained throughout the summer months too. Yards and gardens given proper attention revealed a much better and more beautiful result than those neglected. Weeds and thorns quickly outgrow and overpower the desired plants and, if unchecked, will soon be the only plants visible or alive. Such is also true of our spirituals lives and personal lives. We soon will be unrecognizable if we neglect our time with Him in prayer and study and devotion and fellowship. We thrive when we spend time with Him daily and wither and die when we don’t. We have so much to gain when we do and so much to lose when we don’t. Jesus warned that the worries of life and the deceitfulness of riches are highly invasive threats to our spiritual health. When it comes to worry, we have to trust Him with our cares and keep His peace guarding our heart and mind. When it comes to the deceitfulness of wealth, we need to give generously to God’s work, which helps to keep our possessions in perspective. To keep your spiritual health strong and vibrant, avoid earthly distractions that occupy your time and obscure your vision. [Our hearts are] filled with a vast quantity, and, as I may say, a thick forest, of thorns… I do not say to root out, but even to cut down the thorns! John Calvin

8/26/19 Patience in Preparation 26

And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such as one as this [Joseph], a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Genesis 41:38

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: GALATIANS 1:15-2:1 “¹⁵But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, ¹⁶to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, ¹⁷nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. ¹⁸Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. ¹⁹But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰(Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)²¹Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. ²²And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. ²³But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴And they glorified God in me. 2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. “

COMMENTS: We have many wonderful examples in scripture of those who chose to follow God and remained faithful to Him all their lives. Examples like Daniel – Joseph – Esther – Josiah – Mary & Joseph – John the Baptist. They all and many more show us how God blesses those who remain faithful to Him. Those God recognized and honored and used in mighty ways. Ways that are still changing lives today. Ways far beyond what they could imagine or dream of or know. But they all fell short of Jesus’ example.

Well, even though we have details of their lives, scripture doesn’t give a complete account of their lives, especially background of how God prepared them and guided them to make such a choice and remain faithful to that choice often at great cost while others weakened and failed to stay true to such choices. Others who didn’t remain faithful during trials and persecution. Those who missed out on God’s fullest blessings because they didn’t trust God enough to maintain them during trials and persecution. Those like Saul and Judas.

We know little about the life of Christ from His infancy until His public ministry began with exception of encounter in the temple recorded in Luke 2:41-52. The same is true of John the Baptist. Even Moses spent forty years as a shepherd before becoming the Hebrews’ deliverer. And after the apostle Paul was converted to Christ, it was fourteen years before he was welcomed fully by the leaders of the Jerusalem church (Galatians 2:1). Preparation for ministry takes time and patience. Times of trial and even persecution are necessary to test and strength faith so will empower individual to remain faithful in crisis and remain open to hear and obey God’s council and instruction during those dark and vital times.

Joseph had the same experience. Prior to becoming second-in-command in Egypt, he was a prideful teenager who was sold into slavery by his brothers. In Egypt he was thrown into prison based on a false accusation, where he languished for two years. But during these times of testing “the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2-3, 21). Finally, God’s favor gave him an audience with Pharaoh, and his ministry in Egypt began. Joseph reached maturity on God’s perfect timetable. All this, including receiving the dreams and interpretations of those dreams that empowered him to gain authority needed to save both Egypt and his family from starvation – but also to forgive and heal his family and relationship with his brothers.

If you want to be used by God in ministry, be faithful where you are. Faithfulness in little things leads to faithfulness in much (Matthew 25:21, 23).

“God never places any real emphasis on the present—except as preparation for the future.”
Joni Eareckson Tada

8/27/19 Wait for the Lord 27

RECOMMENDED READING: PSALM 27:14 “¹⁴Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

COMMENTS: The Bible is full of examples of those who put their trust in God and WAITED UNTIL HIS TIMING AND WAY WAS PAVED AND COMPLETED. Consider how Joseph responded to the dream God gave him concerning his brothers submitting to his authority. Joseph was not the oldest son so would not have inherited that position. But Joseph knew the dream came from God and trusted God enough to trust enough to “WAIT FOR THE LORD” even when sold as a slave by his brothers, even when thrown in jail due to lies of the wife of his boss and slave master. Even when enduring years in that prison. God needed to prepare situations and others so Joseph would shine when God fulfilled His promise to Joseph.

Learning to trust requires Christian maturity only sustainable when we have a deep personal relationship with Christ and enough understanding of Him and His motives and ways to wait without seeking any end in sight or relief in sight. Waiting needs to be productive by praying while waiting. Continuing to do our jobs faithfully and fulfilling our obligations while praying and following instructions God’s word guides us. He promises to do His part and fulfill His promises but in His perfect time an in His perfect way. We should be encouraged in knowing He also understands our discouragement and anxiety and fears, so He is open to hear and respond to us when we honestly come to Him with needs seeking His help.

Learning to wait with patience and without grumbling, like the Israelites did. Grumbling takes us down the patch of doubt. Doubt that God can or will respond with best response. Not rebelling because things are difficult or miserable, but praising Him even during affliction and even considering affliction as a privilege since Jesus endured far greater affliction to accomplish the Father’s Will, which is our redemption.

Learning to wait in faith. Giving Him praise and thanks while reflecting on His faithfulness in past and thanking Him for what He is going to do. Keep in mind God not only sees clearly all things in the past and present but also all things in the future, so can and does respond knowing the outcome He will accomplish.

Saul was asked to wait for Samuel to return to seek God’s blessing and perform animal sacrifice God required before going into battle. Saul got tired and impatient and performed the sacrifice himself. He convinced himself God was late and it wouldn’t matter who did sacrifice. Saul had seen it done many times. BUT GOD WAS TESTING SAUL’S FAITH AND SAUL FAILED THE TEST. Result was Saul lost God’s blessing and God’s blessing on his leadership.

Judas grew impatient waiting for Jesus’ kingdom rule to begin. He didn’t understand God’s goal and purpose for Jesus’ life and decided to take matters in his own hands to force Jesus to set up His kingdom in way and time Judas was expecting. When he discovered Jesus would not do it his way, he took the coward’s way out by suicide instead of the way Peter did – waiting on Jesus even after His crucifixion. Judas didn’t live to see Easter morning but Peter did! Judas didn’t live to receive Jesus’ forgiveness. Peter did!

8/28/19 Garments of Righteousness 28

And to [the Bride of Christ] is was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Revelation 19:8

RECOMMENDED READING ISAIAH 61:10– “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

COMMENTS: When royalty marries, it is a big event with much ceremony – lavish dress – much preparation – and great expense. Famous people attend from all over the world but admission is extremely selective which security enforces with military precision. The bride is wearing an expensive beautiful dress and wears precious jewels and items in memory of those who had influence in her life. The groom is dressed in an expensive suit selected for just that occasion.

We have all been at a number of weddings, probably none of which were for or attended by celebrities or world renown people. But none the less, the couple to be married were beloved and well known to all attending.

A grander wedding ceremony is coming: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The groom will be Christ Himself, and the Bride will be His Church. John saw this scene in heaven in a vision and describes to us in Revelation. He saw that the Bride of Christ was dressed in “fine linen, clean and bright” which symbolized “the righteous acts of the saints.” No white wedding dress on earth can make a bride pure and righteous on her wedding day, but nothing less than clean, bright linen will do for the saints-made-holy when they meet the Lord Jesus Christ to be united forever.

Are you prepared for that day? Do you anticipate being made completely pure and righteous in heaven? Your garment of righteousness is waiting for you.

Our guilty spirits dread to meet the wrath of Heaven; but, in his righteousness arrayed, we see our sins forgiven. Isaac Watts

8/29/19 WALKING IN THE LIGHT 29

John 1:7
If we walk in the light, as He is in the light.

COMMENTS: What does it mean to “walk in the light?” Well, the second part of this verse gives us a clue by identifying Jesus as being in the light. Jesus, while on earth in His human body, walked in His Father’s light constantly, enabling Him to live a perfect sinless life fully obedient 24×7 to His Father’s Will. He not only fully knew His Father’s Will but He consistently without fail obeyed His Father’s Will. I know, it is hard to understand and comprehend how Jesus could be God and still be separate from the Father while on earth. We can’t because we can’t comprehend God or His capabilities. Jesus was one with the Father before Christmas and again one with the Father after His Ascension. But while on earth in a human body He relinquished all His divine attributes and connection to the Father so He would experience temptation and be able to be the human sacrifice necessary to pay for our redemption. In order to meet the Father’s requirements for a worthy sacrifice and fulfill the Father’s Will, Jesus had to come and be and do when He did.

Well, I have to admit I lack adequate comprehension of such as well, but scripture shows us what He did. You and I enjoy redemption and a relationship with God because He did make such a sacrifice and bore our sins.

So, as He is in the light, can we ever attain to this? Shall we ever be able to walk as clearly in the light as He is whom we call “Our Father,” of whom it is written, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all”? Certainly, this is the model which it set before us, for the Saviour Himself said, “Be ye perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect”; and although we may feel that we can never rival the perfection of God, yet we are to seek after it, and never to be satisfied until we attain to it.

The youthful artist, as he grasps his early pencil, can hardly hope to equal Raphael or Michael Angelo, but still, if he did not have a worthy ideal before his mind, he would only attain to something very mean and ordinary. But what is meant by the expression that the Christian is to walk in light as God is in the light? We conceive it to import likeness, but not degree. We are as truly in the light, we are as heartily in the light, we are as sincerely in the light, as honestly in the light, though we cannot be there in the same measure. I cannot dwell in the sun, it is too bright a place for my residence, but I can walk in the light of the sun; and so, though I cannot attain to that perfection of purity and truth which belongs to the Lord of hosts by nature as the infinitely good, yet I can set the Lord always before me, and strive, by the help of the indwelling Spirit, after conformity to His image.

A famous commentator, John Trapp, said, “We may be in the light as God is in the light for quality, but not for equality.” We are to have the same light, and are as truly to have it and walk in it as God does, though, as for equality with God in His holiness and purity, that must be left until we cross the Jordan and enter into the perfection of the Most High. Mark that the blessings of sacred fellowship and perfect cleansing are bound up with walking in the light.

7/30/19 NEWS WORTH SHARING! 30

Acts 4:19-20 – Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

COMMENTS: The disciples were witness to amazing miracles. Miracles channeled through them but orchestrated and implemented by God Himself. Miracles of physical healings and even raisings from death. But the greatest miracles they witnessed was spiritual healing done in the lives of thousands at Pentecost and years after. Healing that enabled suffering Christians to face persecution and death boldly praising Jesus and with confidence of their home in heaven – a place with Jesus for eternity – a new eternal body that will not grow weary or endure sickness or die. An eternal destination free of sin and with family and friends known and yet to meet. Death becomes a door opening to new life instead of a door to fear or dread. That is the good news and wonderful message early Christians knew and boldly shared at great cost to them. We too have the same wonderful message to know and experience and share too.

I don’t know what ordeals Satan has placed before you. But I’m sure things haven’t always turned out like you thought they would when you were young. You wanted to make a difference with your life, but now it seems you might have to settle for second best.

The things in which you had hoped are threadbare and in need of attention. Things you thought would keep you secure are shoddy and no longer safe. Your once bright future has clouds on the horizon. Your happiness has been scarred by stress and sorrow, and you are no longer sure what the outcome of it all will be.

You have tried—tried as hard as you could—to hold onto what was good, to be a compassionate and concerned individual, a faithful family member, a loyal employee, a responsible and reliable citizen. You tried, but it hasn’t worked out as you had once imagined.

If this is your life, then it’s time for the Holy Spirit to refresh you. It’s time for you to be brought closer to the Savior who gave His life for your redemption. He is the One whose love can lead you up, over, and around Satan’s stumbling blocks.

Years ago, about half way through my working career, I was at a crossroad contemplating going into full time ministry motivated by disappointment in professional accomplishments and doubting effectiveness of my influence at work. After much prayer and reflection, the thought God gave me was, “If I can’t be effective being a witness for Him at work now, why would I think I’d be any more effective as a pastor?” I then realized my job gave me opportunity to meet and interact with many I otherwise would not cross paths with. That realization gave me peace I was were God wanted and could be an effective witness if I only yield to God’s call and be in deeper fellowship with and obedience to His direction.

I can’t say circumstances changed dramatically but my attitude and motivation did change over time, enabling me to convey a more positive attitude and take opportunity to share Christ more often and more sincerely.

We need to embrace and use the good news Christ gives before we can effectively share it. Truth is, we are sharing more than Good News. We are sharing and even introducing our Lord and Savior and dearest friend on a personal level to others.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, make us ever mindful of the good news You have given us to share-that we are forgiven and accepted on account of Jesus’ perfect life, death, and resurrection. In His Name I pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. When’s the last time you shared some really good news with someone?

2. Have you ever heard some news so good you felt compelled to share it?

3. Salvation in Jesus is certainly good news. What holds you back from sharing the Gospel more?

7/31/19 ADOPTED INTO GOD’S OWN FAMILY 31

“You are members of God’s very own family . . . and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian” (Ephesians 2:19)

COMMENTS: Our relationship with others is normally based on family position, job title, etc. Examples are: grandson-daughter, son-daughter, husband, father – grandfather, mother, grandmother, sister-brother… related to family position or relationship.

Work relationships relate to job titles, employer – supervisor, owner, employee. Also earned titles like doctor, engineer, nurse, lawyer…

I think you get the idea. Each title and position that carries a level of status and privilege and responsibility. When a member of a group or family or organization or company, result is ability to be a part of an accomplishment that individuals can not accomplish alone and share in rewards and benefits of those accomplishments. Benefits of employment and family are common accomplishments we are all familiar with and need. The need to be part of a church family is not always recognized or accepted, but look at lives of those who are involved in and participate in ministry of a viable church that faithfully preaches and examples Biblical values and teaching. A Christ centered church.

But even more important is accepting offer of adoption and being a part of God’s family.

We know who we are in relationship to other people. People who have gone through a divorce or the death of a spouse know this. When that relationship ends, many people have trouble coming to grips with who they are. Or if they’ve been laid off from a job that’s been tied to their identity, it can be really tough to get clarity with their identity.

That’s why God wants us to gain our identity from a relationship that’ll never end: our relationship with his family.

The Bible says, “You are members of God’s very own family . . . and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian” (Ephesians 2:19 TLB).

It doesn’t matter what family you’ve had in the past. Your identity doesn’t come from it. Your identity comes from your relationship with God’s family, a relationship that does not end in death but goes on to be far better and fulfilling and eternal on the other side of the grave. Imagine what it will be like to meet and listen and discover first hand how Daniel and David and Joseph and Mary and Elijah and Moses and Esther and …. remained faithful and enjoyed God’s helping hand and protection. So many wonderful stories to hear and discover God’s wonderful plan unfolded through generations. To reunited with family and friends. Then to meet and worship with the host of heaven.

AMEN? AMEN!

Well, we just completed another month of devotions together. August 2019 is now history and maybe even many more months depending on when you read and use this devotion. My hope and intent is to write to satisfy God’s desire for fellowship and learn from Him, but to record so others may be edified as well. If in some small way this journal has helped encourage you in your walk with Christ, I am grateful to Him above all. But I also need to remind you that scripture if the ultimate authority of truth and individual interpretation or insight, including mine, must be weighed in prayer and directly with scripture and with other trustworthy believers to confirm is worthy of sharing and using in ministry.

GIDEON BIBLE REFERENCE SCRIPTURES:

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: 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 308 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.

Published by donsdevotions

Don McDaniel - Who am I? Hello everyone and welcome to my devotional journal blog. In order to get acquainted and help you get to know me a bit better before considering following my blog, let me give you some background. I am a 74-year-old male and a retired engineer. I worked for a major supplier of underground mining equipment for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2012. Arlene and I have been happily married since April 1978 and have two grown – married children, one granddaughter and 2 step grandsons. I joined the local United Methodist church at age 12 after accepting Christ as my Savior at age 10 during revival services in that same church in 1961, so I have been a “Born Again” Christian all my teen years and adult life. Christ has helped and guided me all that time. He guided me in choosing my wife and life’s career. My life journey has included regrets and failures, but God has picked me up and protected and spared me from life threatening consequences and dangers more times than I can recall or count. But many I do recall and encourage and motivate me to trust and follow Christ with more passion than ever. Christmas 2011 our daughter gave Arlene and I each a devotional journal. Journals were books with devotion for each day and space to give personal impressions and thoughts related to each devotion. Her desire was to have a lasting legacy she could refer back to and share with her children and grandchildren especially after we are gone. I was touched by that gesture. My parents and Arlene’s were devout Christians, so we would have greatly treasured having that from them, so we felt a sense of urgency to honor her request. I finished my journal first and returned it to our daughter the following Christmas. I’m glad I did it then because Parkinson’s has caused my hand writing to deteriorate since then. The exercise was such a blessing for me. Discipline of keeping journal helped me gain a deeper walk with Christ and greater discipline in honoring my time of prayer and devotion with Him each day. So, I decided to continue the practice but since I could not find a paper journal I liked, I decided to create my own. I had already been receiving electronic devotions by email every day from several sources, my favorite being “Turning Point” from Dr. David Jeremiah. What I decided to do was to include devotional scripture but add my own thoughts and comments only so there would be no issue of copyright infringement. Creating and maintaining journal by computer also addressed my deteriorating handwriting ability. I started an electronic devotion journal January 1, 2013 and have been faithful to that practice every day since. I prayed about method and level of distribution. My initial intent was to only share it with my two children by email, but quickly discovered others in my family, my church, and friends from work (both retired and still working) who knew me and wanted to be included in distribution when they learned what I was doing. I now distribute by email my daily journal at the beginning of each month to over 150 friends and relatives. God has richly blessed and encouraged me. I am concerned with the state of our church and nation, and world for that matter, believing we are living in the end times the prophets of old and Christ have talked about in scripture, so time is short. I desire to be true to my Savior and a witness to help others come to a saving knowledge of Him and equipped to share His Good News too. If my journal can encourage and help others, I believe God wants me to share it. I struggled, for a time at first, because I know many others keep similar journals but only for their own edification and do not want to share them because they are private. However, Christ has stirred my heart to share it as a witness tool. Our son and daughter have a long-time friend who grew up with them who we also befriended nearly 25 years ago. He had a lot of family problems, so would gravitate to our family as a refuge and eventually thought of us as his adopted parents and he as our adopted son. We lost contact with him for some time when he grew up and left home. He traveled around the U.S. and eventually ended up in Ukraine where he resided for next 10 years. He had to return to the US to renew his visa and took opportunity to recommend I begin a blog of my devotions and helped me set it up. He is also an active blogger and has been an email subscriber to my journal for several months, so he has been suggesting I expand my distribution by starting a blog to get broader exposure. After reflection and prayer, I concluded God was in this, so he is helping me set up my blog site. This brief autobiography is my first entry. He returned to Ukraine, then resided there until circumstanced made him decide to move back to US with his young son. This biography was my first post February 29, 2016 . I have published 600 posts from 2016-2023 automatically sent to all my Facebook friends, published on WordPress to be accessible to anyone curious or seeking a deeper walk with God. I decided to take a sebatical to prepare for a new chapter. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease which affects patient ability to walk, drive, do physical work, and eventually talk. By mid 2023 it became evident our home for last 42 years (previously owned by my parents for previous 44 years and by my mother's grandparents for 39 years before that) would eventually not meet my needs so we decided to sell it and move into 1st floor of a duplex we also owned that was the town school from 1855-1913. Likewise, the property was requiring more maintenance that I was no longer able to keep up with. 2023 involved selling our home and moving into apartment next door and then in early 2025 an opportunity to move closer to our daughter and granddaughter in Kentucky which was completed in May 2025. For a number of months I have been seeking direction seeking God's direction and timing to return to blogging as my journey with Parkinson's continues to unfold with God's guiding hand in mine. I hope and pray my devotions will continue to be a blessing for you. God certainly has become closer and more real to me since started this blog in 2016. I have spent time with Him studying scripture and praying and listening and writing this journal. I will continue seeking God’s help and will welcome your input to make this site as meaningful as I can and true to God, who is motivating me to create and maintain it. I will also welcome input in order to make format more meaningful going forward. Don & Arlene McDaniel In His Service, Email: mcdanieldonald769@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Don1951 If you wish, you can access my blog at “https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com“. There you will find 600+ blog posts I have made plus a link to my devotional journal material archives from 2013 to present (https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com/2016/03/02/link-to-dons-devotional-journal-entries-2013/ ) 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. View all posts by donsdevotions

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Christian Devotional Journal – Ministry Resource Source

DEVOTION JOURNAL AUGUST 2019 – DON MCDANIEL

8/3/19 The Garments We Wear: Joseph’s Robe of Sonship 3

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me. Psalm 143:10

8/20/19 THE TIME IS NOW 20

8/21/19 Wearing Garments of Faith 20

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8/3/19 The Garments We Wear: Joseph’s Robe of Sonship 3

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me. Psalm 143:10

8/20/19 THE TIME IS NOW 20

8/21/19 Wearing Garments of Faith 20

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