APRIL 2021    

4/1/21                                                 IT IS FINISHED!                                               1             

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
John 19:30

Recommended Reading: Acts 1:9-11

⁹ Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, ¹¹ who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

COMMENTS:  The prophecies, the birth, the life, the death, the resurrection, and the ascension of Christ are well known and documented in scripture and even in other discovered and documented parchments.   Of course, not all parchments are accurate based on their source.  Whether old documents or more recent, their credibility should be based on their source.  Many have successfully worked hard to objectively determine if our bible is accurate or not.  If it is divinely inspired and a reliable historic account of events or not.  If the Genesis account of creation, if the account of Job and Noah and Daniel and Joseph and Moses and Esther and David are accurate.   If the accounts of God’s intervention are valid.  Did the prophecies of things to come indeed come to pass and if indeed written before fulfillment?

New Testament documents, likewise, have undergone great scrutiny as well.  Result of exhaustive scrutiny over many generations in order to “make the cut” to be included in scripture was a great work of genuine discernment and discipline.  The result of more recent efforts of scholars like Lee Strobel, who started his investigation as an atheist fully expecting to discover the Bible to be inaccurate or at least have significant deficiencies with known verified history. 

The consistent result of genuine investigation has been proving credibility of scripture and converting the researchers and investigators.   Lee Strobel is one such convert. 

Likewise, shame and loss of credibility have come to those who attempted to discredit scripture and it stories and teachings by distorting or omitting parts that contradict preconceived beliefs of investigator.

Scripture is indeed accurate and able to withstand attempts to destroy or quiet its message and teaching and messages because:

1. Scripture is God’s inspired Word and Message to Mankind.

2. Scripture has transformed the lives of countless millions in every generation and continues to do so.

3. Scripture came from God and is His Word to and for us.

4. Scripture provides the consistent standard every generation needs to judge good from evil, provide time proven wisdom and good council to live by and prosper.

5.  Scripture provided wise council and insights time proven to resolve life’s changes – life’s challenges and problems.

6.  Scripture provides discernment to recognize and avoid dangerous and destructive lures and temptations and traps.

7, Most of all scripture provides knowledge and way to life –   eternal life that only God can provide.

If we doubt the importance and value of scripture, we should look at and talk to Christians in countries where Bibles are not available or permitted or available.  There scripture is precious and shared and copied and cherished.

The existence of God, evidence of what He is like and how well scripture helps us discover what He is like and wants of us, we only need to look at His creation and how wonderfully made and sustained it is.

God’s justice demands death to all who sin but Christ’s sacrifice satisfied that consequence without each of us needing to face that consequence ourselves.   The cost was great but Christ paid that price so we don’t need to.  But we do need to accept His redemption in order to have and enjoy it.

The work of Christ is to secure mankind’s redemption, which continues even now by being our advocate intervening and praying for each of us before and to the Father.  

On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished,” referring to His death for our sins. He had said earlier that His mission was “to finish [the Father’s] work” (John 4:34). But His death would have been incomplete without the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17). And the final “finish” in Christ’s work came when He ascended to heaven forty days after the resurrection (Acts 1:9-11). He came to earth, completed the Father’s work, and returned to the Father in heaven.

Nothing remains to be done to secure our redemption for eternity. Nothing except for us to believe and embrace this gift.

“Nothing needs to be added to Christ’s finished work, and nothing can be added to Christ’s finished work.” Francis Schaeffer

4/2/21                               FAILED, BUT NOT FINISHED                                  2            And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly.
Luke 22:61-62

Recommended Reading: John 21:1-23

BREAKFAST BY THE SEA

21 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: ² Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. ³ Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”

They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. ⁴ But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. ⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”

They answered Him, “No.”

⁶ And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

⁷ Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. ⁸ But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. ⁹ Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” ¹¹ Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.

¹⁴ This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

¹⁵ So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

¹⁶ He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. ¹⁸ Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” ¹⁹ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

²⁰ Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

COMMENTS: The disciples were common men with common weaknesses and strengths.  But they had an amazing opportunity to study and learn at the feet of Jesus, not only by instruction but by example for a 3-year period of time.   Because of their limited faith, their fear of death and prison – fear of Roman justice and brutality.   The cross was a Roman invention designed to bring terror and obedience.  The cross displayed a long painful execution in full view of all who passed by.  

This method of execution was highly effective and compelled most into subjection to Roman rule.  So, when Jesus was arrested, terror filled their hearts too.  To witness this slow agonizing method slowly draw life out of their Messiah and Friend whom they highly revered and respected.   They saw His miracles and character and love.  They saw how He lived and how Good He was.   They saw what a sinless life in constant fellowship with God looked like and both respected and envied

But Jesus’ example was so far above them that they saw no hope of reaching that pinnacle. They also saw Jesus as their protector, so when He was physically removed and imprisoned and executed, they felt abandoned and helpless and so vulnerable. They felt directionless and alone.   They felt like Jesus as He prayed in Gethsemane, but the difference is they didn’t prepare first in fellowship before God.

Well, they did have that time with Jesus and all the opportunity to build a relationship with prayer with the Father too, but instead depended on Jesus.   To rely on our parent’s relationship with God or our pastor’s relationship or even our spouse’s relationship with God is no substitute for our own relationship with God.  It wasn’t for the disciples either and they fell on their faces when Jesus was taken.   Sure, the sins of Judas and Peter stand out because they are recorded for us to read and even judge, but that doesn’t mean the other disciples didn’t sin too.    Their sin is hidden from us since not recorded, but we have a hint because they did go into hiding.   The big difference between then and Peter compared to Judas was Judas killed himself and lost his opportunity for redemption.   He failed to understand and believe Jesus was dying for him too.  When his plan to force Jesus’ hand to defeat the Roman invaders failed, He felt the guilt of his betrayal of Jesus and wrongfully concluded the only escape of the horrible guilt and regret he felt was death.

If he had waited, He too would have encountered the risen Savior and the opportunity Peter discovered for redemption.  The opportunity His followers discovered and Christians in every generation since have and continue to discover:  HE IS RISEN AND OUR REDEMPTION IS JUST A PRAYER AWAY.

As much as Jesus wants to forgive us and redeem each and every one of us, our forgiveness and redemption depends on our willingness to admit to Him our regret and request His Forgiveness.  We must be willing to accept His forgiveness and redemption. Doing so also invites the Holy Spirit of Pentecost into our soul to guide and strength and encourage each.   The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit transformed Peter and the other disciples into courageous witnesses and preachers that led 3000 to conversions at Pentecost and then they led neighbors and friends and family to Christ and so on over the centuries.  Likewise, Saul became Paul and transformed from a passionate persecutor of Christ to a leader and key person evangelizing and leading millions to Christ by his life and words initially in person and over the centuries through his recorded manuscripts preserved and included in New Testament scripture.

The credibility of the Resurrection Story is in the lives of those impacted by it compared to their lives before that influence.   Not only the impact of the Resurrection Story first hand in the first century but equally dramatic impact in each and every generation since including today.

We wouldn’t expect anything less if story was the plan of God Himself and Jesus was and is who He said He is.  Also, if story is the creation of human imagining, this impact would never be possible then and especially since.

What about experience of your loved ones (family and friends and neighbors) and those you know personally who stand out as being sincere Christ followers?   What impact has Christ made in their lives and what influence has their lives made in lives of those who know them?  If they are not genuine, their impact will be minimal but if sincere including a personal relationship with Christ, that impact will be powerful and lasting.  What about you?   AMEN?  AMEN!

Aren’t you thankful God has a different perspective on our failures? Granted, most of our failures may be small. But the principle of holiness is that to fail in one thing is like to fail in everything (James 2:10). If God judged us on our works, none of us could be saved. Before he came to understand grace, the apostle Peter probably thought he was finished when he denied knowing Christ three times. Yet Jesus, after the resurrection, reached out to Peter and embraced him, recommissioning Peter in His service (John 21).

Never forget: We are saved by grace through faith, not by works. Our salvation, and our ministry, is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Remember that failure is an event, not a person.   Zig Ziglar

4/3/21                           DAY OF PRAYER – A GATEWAY TO GOD                                         3

Now it came to pass in those days that [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.  Luke 6:12

Recommended Reading: Matthew 14:22-23

²² Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. ²³ And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.

COMMENTS:  Jesus felt a need to retreat to a quiet and private place to pray often.  That was difficult since the crowds would not leave Him alone.  They longed to be with Him.  Some wanted healing, some forgiveness, some to learn and listen to His Words of wisdom and life, but some just to be with Him and enjoy His company.   Jesus enjoyed their company too but in His humanity needed recharged and energized by God the Father too.

As the cross approached the need for fellowship with the Father grew more urgent for Him but He had to endure separation from the Father without any fellowship while enduring and carrying the guilt from all our sins.   At that point He had to rely only on His own human discipline and Will power and strength.   It became enough to reach the Goal of His life and sacrifice, but only because Jesus’ passionate love for each of us was enough.

Comparing our challenges to Jesus’ seems insignificant but not to us. Some are very specific and others are broad and general. For example, we might be faced with a decision, a problem, a need, or a burden urgent at the moment. Generally, we are often faced with the challenge of keeping life’s priorities in order amidst the busyness of life. Either case is a good reason to plan a spiritual getaway to pray so we can take advantage of the help and council and resource God has available to us.

Jesus made time to pray for both reasons. In Luke 6:12, we read that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer. We aren’t told why, but the next morning He chose His twelve disciples (verse 13). Did He set aside time to pray specifically about whom to choose? Generally, we read of another prayer getaway—again, no reason given (Matthew 14:23). But His night in prayer followed the day of “feeding the five thousand”—an exhaustive day of teaching and ministry. Perhaps that night in prayer was simply to rest and refresh, alone in fellowship with God.

When was the last time you planned a spiritual getaway to pray? Whether for an hour, a night, or a day—it will be time well invested.

“If you are too busy to pray, then you are too busy.”  W. E. Sangster

4/4/21                          A GLIMPSE OF GLORY                                                            4                                            

Such a one was caught up to the third heaven…. He was caught up into Paradise. 2 Corinthians 12:2-4

Recommended Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-6

THE VISION OF PARADISE

12 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: ² I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. ³ And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— ⁴ how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. ⁵ Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. ⁶ For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

COMMENTS:  Heaven is a wonderful place Christ is preparing for us.  Christ describes the place He is preparing for us as our mansion in the Father’s House.  Is this mansion like an apartment in the New Jerusalem which is 1500mi x 1500mi x 1500mi (Revelation 21:1-16) or is heaven our “outside” surroundings?  Well, we are told enough to know it is beautiful and we will enjoy it along with loved ones and most of all His abiding presence.   We will have work to do, which we will be well prepared and suited for.

Well, God doesn’t intend for us to know exactly what heaven is like.  After all, I believe HE is looking forward to seeing our excitement, like a Father and Mother watching their children open their Christmas presents.  So, He isn’t telling us everything He is preparing for us in heaven.  We only need to know it is good and beautiful and perfectly suited for each of us.  To also know we will be with loved ones and with Him in perfect immortal bodies.

Hope of heaven is to encourage us and give us something to look forward to at life’s end and during times of difficulty or tragedy.

John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” is an amazing insightful book from the time of Pilgrims and that gives us a unique perspective on life’s journey – tragedies – experiences – dangers – choices. Bunyan keeps in focus the fact that life’s journey is brief and transient while our celestial home, heaven, is eternal.  He also reminds us to follow the distractions and temptations along the path will lead to eternity in a terrible place.  The main character, Christian, encountered people who guided him and helped him as well as those who hurt – discouraged – tempted him to take an appealing but a deadly path to destruction.  Christian, who represents you and me and each day of life and choices we make are what book describe of Christian’s journey.

A glimpse of the “celestial city” gave Christian strength and motivation to continue.  2 Corinthians 12 records vision God gave Paul of heaven. We have so many wonderful experiences of those before us recorded in scripture to help and encourage us and give us wisdom too. They are enjoying that “celestial city” and continual fellowship with Christ.  Likewise, as we get older, we discover more and more close friends and relatives joining them too, making heave more real and more like home to us too.

If you have some mountains ahead of you, take a moment to peer through the telescope of Scripture and get a glimpse of the glory to speed you on your way.

“Heaven is there, not far from our sight, beautiful city of light.” Charles E. Pollock

4/5/21                                    SOUND OF THE  TRUMPET                     5  

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  1 Corinthians 15:52

Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

⁵⁰ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹ Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

⁵⁵ “O Death, where is your sting Hades, where is your victory?”

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

COMMENTS: 

Scripture gives us ample warning to be ready for eternity, for we never know when our last day of life will come.  Those who are terminally ill know that day is approaching and some even are conscious and aware of that last day.  Yet, even many of them have rejected Christ so much and for so long that even then they refused to repent.

It is best to accept Christ early in life so a multitude of wise and good choices will follow, in contrast to waiting and enduring a multitude of regret of foolish and evil choices.   It is true that Christ specializes at making wrong choices into detours back to right choices and then redeem lost time, but in order to do that, we must yield to His will, including accepting His forgiveness, and then following His council and Will.  This includes stop making foolish choices and start making wise choices. His Holy Spirit will provide needed council and guidance but also needed strength and support in making wise choices.

We have just completed Lent and Easter Sunday is also history, but we are now in the 50-day period of time leading up to Pentecost.  Pentecost was life changing for thousands of lost people, but also for Christ followers and disciples like Peter and John and even Thomas.  That transformation has not diminished nor diluted in generations from then until now.  It has strengthened during increasing persecution.

Today the Gospel and Scripture is more accessible than any time in history but persecution globally is worse especially in Muslim and communist and dictator governed countries. 

Christ has promised to return to rapture His church home to heaven.  That rapture is described in 2 Thess 2 and 1 Thess 5.    Christ’s return will happen suddenly and without warning but after ample warning signs of its approach.  Persecution of Christians and secular unpopularity of Christianity will get worse with indifference in less persecuted countries and revival in severely persecuted countries.

When I was a teen, I studied bible prophecy and was convinced I would not live to see retirement or even marriage and completion of formal education.   I believed the rapture would happen based on prophecies being fulfilled then back in the 1960’s.   

Well, the world has gotten worse and likelihood Christ’s return is imminent is even more likely than then.  The evidence of world news compared with prophecies is even more convincing Christ is returning soon.  But no matter if death takes us first or Christ takes us while still alive, the eternal result will be the same for us.  We will be greeting by our Savior who will open His arms and greet use into our eternal home and bodies He has been preparing for each of us. Then any sacrifice or hardship will seem insignificant and worth it.  Then satan will no longer have a pull on us and all the pain and grief and suffering we endured under his influence will be gone. I am so looking forward to that but am also asking He delay longer so more family and loved ones will come into His Fold too.  He waited for you and me and is still waiting for our loved ones.  AMEN?  AMEN!

One day the trumpet will sound, signaling the return of Jesus Christ in the skies above our planet. The Bible says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). It’s going to be a trumpet loud enough to awaken the dead!

Despite the chaos of the world around us, we can be confident that Christ will return for us. We can almost hear the trumpet sounding now!

“Human history, as we know it, will end with Your loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the blast of Your trumpet.”  Anne Graham Lotz

4/6/21                            DISCOVERING WHAT MATTERS MOST                                                               6

For the love of Christ compels us.  2 Corinthians 5:14

¹² For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. ¹³ For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. ¹⁴ For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; ¹⁵ and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

COMMENTS: Some of my all-time favorite television shows of years past like “Walton’s” and “Mayberry”.  Many child stars were created only to disappear in anonymity in a few years.  “Little Ricky” from “I Love Lucy” was one of them, falling into deep depression and drug abuse in his teen years.  He was on a path to self-destruction when he was invited by his mother to attend a revival meeting in Louisiana. There he accepted as was transformed.  Today Keith Thibodeaux with his wife have a “fine arts ministry” using ballet as a gateway to sharing the Gospel.

Overnight sensations often awaken the next morning to find the glamor tarnished and the success fleeting. But when we’re filled with God’s compassionate love, we’re happier, stronger, and useful. True success isn’t overnight; it’s eternal. Fame and fortune may be God’s will for a few. It’s the devil’s trap for many. Only the love of Jesus satisfies us forever.  His redeeming love  makes all the difference and is what matters most.  That is the life transforming Gospel (Good News) we are called to experience and share.

“There is no fullness of joy anywhere except in Christ. God has made the human heart so only He Himself can fill it. All the pleasures of the world, all the riches of earth, though they may bring a temporary thrill, leave unsatisfied the longing of the heart.”  Bob Jones, Jr.

4/7/21                     HE IS RISEN!! HALLELUJAH TO THE KING                               7

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene: John 20:11-18

¹¹ Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb ¹² and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.¹³ They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” ¹⁴ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.¹⁵ He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.”She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).¹⁷ Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

A new reflection and a bigger challenge on this day

As we read this paragraph again and again apart from regular resurrection(easter) day message, this year we were led by Holy Spirit to a new revelation about the strong devotion and love of Mary towards Lord Jesus. This paragraph not only explains about the story of RISEN KING JESUS but also challenges us to have a deeper relationship with Him in deepest darkest and unknown moments of our lives. We could see here that when dead body of Jesus was taken into the tomb, Mary passionately continued seeking her Lord restlessly from her heart. In this paragraph as we dig deeper we could sense the feeling that she was so much drowned into the love of Jesus, at first she couldn’t figured out that Jesus was talking to her but when Jesus calls her ‘Mary’ she instantly recognizes Lord’s voice, wow…do we remember that greatest sacrifice and the resurrection of Christ everyday and recognize Lord’s voice in today’s chaos filled earth? How passionate are we seeking Lord and being into His presence as we remember and celebrate this glorious day? So many times good Friday and Easter have been only a part of fancy and fun filled party celebrations which we could easily see people around us celebrating this Holy Day in hotels, disco clubs etc.. And the sad thing is people are unknow about the meaning what Good Friday or Easter Sunday really means.. but aren’t we supposed to have that same passion and devotion which Mary had? Yes, we are called to have that deeper relationship with Christ. Resurrection day is not only about celebrations or proclaiming the victory of Christ over the power of Death but also equally filled with that challenge to continue grow into stronger relationship with Jesus, and also proclaim- preach Christ to unheard and unreached, Amen? Amen.

HE is RISEN and HIS Spirit dwells in us forever. We are challenged more everyday to share this love story of Christ to every human kind. He is the only living God, Glory to Messiah. Let us rejoice and celebrate together this glorious day together, HE overcame the death so now we have eternal life in Him, Hallelujah! to our RISEN KING, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Happy Ressurection Day from us to your family and Church.Joy, Peace & Blessings from our family to yours.
Lomas & family
Pastor, New Church
connectingworldtoday@gmail.com
Lalitpur, Nepal  

4/8/21                                  When Failing is not an Option                                                     8      

My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:26

Recommended Reading: Psalm 73:25-28

²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but You?And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.²⁶ My flesh and my heart fail;But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

²⁷ For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish;You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.²⁸ But it is good for me to draw near to God;I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,That I may declare all Your works.

One of our most majestic hymns, “O Worship the King,” says: “Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, / In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail.” 

COMMENTS:  Heaven is our “for sure” hope – God’s promise to any and everyone who simply admits and repents of their sins and accepts Christ’s gift of forgiveness.  Such a simple thing to do, but so profound and life changing.  Christ’s plan and work was extremely hard and costly while very simple and easy for us.  That is because that is exactly how He intended it to be.

But His work and gift to us does not end with salvation.  It continues and grows each day we grow in our relationship with Him and become more like Him and more obedient to Him.   Pentecost was when God provided His sustained and abiding presence for each believer through His Holy Spirit.  Christ’s paid plan has enabled everyone the option to have and be in relationship with Almighty God completely forgiven and accepted by Him.  But any barriers to that relationship lies with us because we still tend to neglect that relationship and give attention to temptations and distractions satan still lures us with.   Yet, even then His mercy and forgiveness continues.  Satan only can make inroads into our lives when we let him.  The sure and only way to defeat and stop him is to keep our eyes on Christ and follow and obey Him and turn from satan.   To get as far away from temptation as we can.

To admit and recognize that we are frail and feeble, and our flesh and our heart may fail. Some people feel like failures, and others face failures beyond their control. We’re sometimes tempted to think God has failed. Even the prophet Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 15:18, “Will You surely be to me like an unreliable stream, as waters that fail?”

But later, in Lamentations 3:22, Jeremiah affirmed, “His compassions fail not.” Nor do His promises. Joshua 21:45 says, “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” Jesus echoed that truth, saying, “And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail” (Luke 16:17).

If you’re encountering failure right now, turn around and encounter your matchless Lord. Take courage! Jesus never fails.

“Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, / Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.”  Robert Grant

4/9/21                                  A BUILDER IS BETTER THAN A DESTROYER                            9       

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
Romans 14:19

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22

¹⁹ Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

COMMENTS:  We live in a time when builders are taken for granted but attention and even respect at times goes to those who destroy.   Terrorists are not builders but destroyers.   Anyone, with the right tools can blow up a building or bridge or a car, but only a few have the skills to build that bridge or building or car.  Taking a life is so easy but only God can truly create life.

Well, God is the only creator of life who can create or destroy life by speaking the word. Yet, He values and holds life more precious than any human.  Human life is the most precious to Him so why shouldn’t life be even more precious to us.  Abortion is all about the   rights of the mother without any regard of the life of the baby.

The New Testament words edify and edification are based on a compound biblical word: house and build. More than a dozen times, the apostle Paul applied this “building” idea to Christians and the Church. On the large scale, he compared the Church to a building—a “holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). At the personal level, he exhorted all Christians to “build up” one another—to build up the Church by building up (edifying) the individual members (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV).

Look for ways today to build up—strengthen, encourage, love—other members of the Body of Christ. In doing so, you build up the whole Church.

If you build upon yourself your edifice will be a mere ruin.   Augustine

4/10/21                         DAILY BIBLE READING – SPIRITUAL GETAWAYS                             10

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.  Psalm 1:2

 Recommended Reading: Joshua 1:7-8

⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

COMMENTS:  There is much in scripture we don’t understand and probably won’t until such is revealed to us in heaven.   But there is so much we do understand, for God has made clear to us all we need to receive His redemptive salvation and daily guidance through His Abiding Holy Spirit and His Word directly.  By exposing ourselves daily to His Word, by opening our minds and soul to the Holy Spirit’s council and instruction, by praying and seeking His council and discernment and wisdom, but judging such council by Christ’s life example and words, and by seeking council and encouragement and accountability to trusted fellow believers who have a history of obedience to God’s council all provide each of us opportunity to live and follow the straight path to eternal life. 

There are many wonderful commentaries and life examples available to help believers learn and grow, but there are many that deviate from God’s instruction and sound doctrine.  So how do we discern and avoid satan’s deception.   Well, Paul gives us council directly from our bible in His letters, 2 Corinthians 11 as one such example.

It is dangerous to substitute books and sermons of even well-meaning pastors and evangelists for bible reading and study directly.  Why?   Because “second hand” study is not as good and is at risk of misinterpretation or missing insights God intends for us to receive.  The Bible, being a living document, has a wonderful way of instructing each believer directly with His written word.  Commentaries and written and audio messages of pastor and evangelists play a good source of added insights and instructed and council if judged by God’s Word and especially by Christ’s own life and words recorded in scripture.  The “red letter” edition is especially helpful since Christ’s own words are highlighted in red so carry added weight for us.

So daily bible reading and study is necessary and profitable because the need for God’s council and guidance daily is vital especially since everyone is exposed and affected by Satan’s influence and temptations every day.  A daily spiritual “getaway” to refresh and re-direct and give fresh clarity is essential and life giving.  I don’t know about you but sustaining such a discipline is hard because distractions always compete with daily commitment even though benefit consistently shines through.

So, how about a spiritual getaway devoted to a deeper dive into Scripture? The Bible speaks of meditating on God’s Word “day and night,” which doesn’t mean 24 hours straight. (It means often or continually.) But what about a day, a night, or a weekend retreat to immerse one’s heart and soul in Scripture?

Plan a spiritual getaway to enjoy the “delights” that come from reading and meditating on God’s Word (Psalm 119:16, 35).

“The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection.”                    A. W. Tozer

4/11/21                            BUILD WITH GOD’S WORD                                            11

So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.  Acts 20:32

Recommended Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-2

4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: ² Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

COMMENTS:  We live in a world where power to destroy is more respected than power to build.   Yet, this has been true of human nature throughout the centuries.   God, however, loves to build and create, doing so constantly while delaying destroying until necessary.  Judgment is solely in God’s hands but He longs to forgive, but can only do so if His forgiveness is received with a penitent heart.                                                                                      When the apostle Paul wrote his final letter to young Timothy, his priority was clear: “I charge you…. Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). As a young leader, Paul reminded Timothy how best to build up the Church—by preaching and teaching the Word of God. Paul’s reasoning? There would be many who would use false teaching to tear down the Church (verses 3-4).Only the truth of the Word can build up and make the Body of Christ strong.

Building the Church relies on building church members. Build yourself up daily by studying the Word of God.

The best way to revive a church is to build a fire in the pulpit.  D. L. Moody

4/12/21                                HE PROVIDES EVERYTHING WE NEED                                                   12

 

As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.  2 Peter 1:3

Recommended Reading: 2 Peter 1:3-11

³ as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, ⁴ by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

FRUITFUL GROWTH IN THE FAITH

⁵ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, ⁶ to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. ⁸ For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; ¹¹ for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

COMMENTS:  This summer our family is planning a trip to western part of US.  Time demands of work and life make this a challenge for our children and their families and our slowly but surely failing health persuaded us that we should do so this year and not wait another.   Planning all the details is more a challenge for us than was a few years ago so our children are doing most of that.   Deciding what to take and still pack as lightly as possible but traveling for a 3+ week period of time makes it hard not to pack too much.  But the journey of life God has called us to and final destination He is guiding us to and preparing us also includes His assurance recorded in scripture that He not only is planning and preparing and established the best route, but also is providing all we need both at our destination as well as daily along the way on that journey.

 Jesus instructed His disciples to travel light and relay on others they encounter along the way to provide for their needs.  History has proved how wonderfully faithful God has been to them but also to Christ followers in every generation since.   Dangers and hardships and even tragedies along the way don’t always come with answers to the    question “why” or “how long” or “what is next” but they come with His promise to “provide all we need to reach the destination He is preparing for us.  Every disciple died.  Some at the hand of evil persecutors, some in a foreign land at the prime of their life and some even from illness at an old age, like John.  Looking back from the perspective of 2000 years of history, what matters is not how long we live or how successful in acquiring worldly possessions and influence.  Instead, what make an eternal difference is accepting Christ’s gift and help and then obeying His commands and following His plan from then on.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Try as we might, it’s hard to be fully prepared for life.  Or is it? The apostle Peter wrote that God has “given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” That isn’t a guarantee that our checklist for every life circumstance will be perfectly completed. But it does mean, when it comes to living a godly life, we have everything we need in Christ. By knowing God through Christ, we have access to His character and resources that abide in us. Paul characterized these traits in Galatians 5:22-23 as the fruit of the Spirit. Peter’s list includes faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7).

Just as Christ lacked nothing in His life, we have everything we need for our life through Him.

“Let God’s promises shine on your problems. “   Corrie ten Boom

4/13/21                                    LETTERS FROM HEAVEN          13                      

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven… so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth.
Isaiah 55:10-11

 Recommended Reading: Isaiah 55:8-13

⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,So are My ways higher than your ways,And My thoughts than your thoughts.

¹⁰ “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,And do not return there,But water the earth,And make it bring forth and bud,That it may give seed to the sowerAnd bread to the eater,¹¹ So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;It shall not return to Me void,But it shall accomplish what I please,And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

¹² “For you shall go out with joy,And be led out with peace;The mountains and the hillsShall break forth into singing before you,And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.¹³ Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;And it shall be to the Lord for a name,For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

COMMENTS:  During this morning’s devotions, I read of an experiences of a woman, Katrina, from Youngstown, Ohio.  Since I live about 45 miles from Youngstown, the story hits a little closer to home.   In her post office box she discovered a birthday card from her mother with a note written in her mother’s own handwriting.   The postmark on the envelope was dated “June 20, 2015.  The card had been lost for nearly 5 years in the post office system.  However, the impactful timing was that her mother had passed in 2018, two years before receiving this card but 5 years after written.

We can only imagine how precious that card became to Katrina and the verse written in it “ I know the thoughts I have towards you sayeth the Lord. Thoughts of peace and not of evil.”JEREMIAH 29:11

To receive this card after all that has happened in 2020 and continues in 2021 speaks of God’s wonderful timing and ways of speaking to us through loved ones and directly through His Word and Holy Spirit.

“This is the power of the Scriptures—personally. They speak, and if we will listen and heed them and let them take us over, they will transform us, forever.”Mark Clark 

4/14/21                                             ETERNAL LOVE                                    14

Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.  John 17:24

 Recommended Reading: John 17:23-26

²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

²⁴ “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. ²⁵ O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. ²⁶ And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

COMMENTS:  The disciples had a unique privilege to get to know and gain instruction directly from Christ.  They not only became loyal subject but dear friends to Him.   Knowing and being with Jesus in human form. Also, to experience Christ who also desires to be with them and expressed genuine love and compassion towards them. What a precious privilege and opportunity.  They all experienced Christ’s forgiveness too.   They also felt the remorse – regret and grief of betraying Christ, but tragedy fell on Judas for killing himself before knowing and experiencing Christ’s forgiveness.   The grief was too much for him to bear but what if he had only waited a couple more days like Peter?

John 17 preserved for us insight into Jesus’ heart and mind  as soldiers and priests came to arrest Him and ultimately kill Him by cruxifiction.  His prayer is a mystery because He was one with and equal to the Father but as He bore our sins, He separated Himself from the Father and no longer was one with Him until the price of His life was paid for our sins.  Jesus, for the first, prayed to the Father without enjoying the intimate fellowship He was accustomed to.   But that did not sway Him from volunteer submission to death on the Roman cross. As Jesus walked toward Gethsemane, He paused at some point to offer the most phosphorescent prayer in the Bible—John 17. Every word glowed in the night. He prayed for Himself and for His disciples, and He spoke of the love He shared with the Heavenly Father from eternity past.

The deepest truth in Christianity involves the Trinity—there is one God who eternally exists in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The reason we need to give and receive love today is because we’re made in the image of God, and God is not solitary. He is plurality. In His essence as the Trinity, He is a God of community, communion, and communication. 

Think of what that means! When we love others, we reflect the work of the Trinity, and we are engaged in everlasting relationships. So stop quarreling and start loving!

“I have often used John 17:24 as a text for funeral meditations. How do we know that Christians go to heaven? Because of the price that Jesus paid and the promise that Jesus made, and the prayer that Jesus prayed.”      Warren W. Wiersbe

4/15/21                                      BE AN INFLUENCER                                                                               15

• Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:18

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 10:24-25

²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

COMMENTS:  The influence Christ had on the disciples, on all who met and made contact  with Him during His brief 33 year life is amazing. But when we look at the impact of the disciples after Pentecost , we discover their impact exceeded Christ’s.   But Jesus even foretold that.  Yet, the impact in the centuries after their death has grown and exploded.  Christ’s   redemption power and story has not diminished nor diluted but continues to transform lives.  The stories and transformed lives documented in scripture continue to impact and inspire and guide lives today.  

Today we are His disciples called to do the same work  of living and sharing Christ  with others.

The apostle Paul seems to have thought of Christians as influencers. In his description of the Church as the Body of Christ, he viewed all Christians as being connected, as having influence on others. Indeed, 33 times in his epistles (63 times in all the epistles), the phrase “one another” occurs. The New Testament expects believers to (1) be in proximity with one another and (2) to stimulate and influence one another to become spiritually mature. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts Christians to meet together to “stir up love and good works.”

Are you living in close proximity to other Christians? It’s the only way we can influence one another to strive for spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.

“The serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world next to the power of God. “

Blaise Pascal

 

4/16/21                THE VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF JOURNALING   16

 

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.
Psalm 143:5

Recommended Reading: Psalm 77:10-11

¹⁰ And I said, “This is my anguish;But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”¹¹ I will remember the works of the Lord;Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

COMMENTS:  A familiar hymn seldom sung today is “Count your many blessings, see what God has done.  This hymn was written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1897.  He wrote over 5000 hymns and never charged more than $1 each, but this hymn is the most familiar over the years and is most effective in reminding its singer or hearer just how important an attitude of gratitude and realization of all God consistently does for us.   Such realization builds faith and confidence to trust and obey Him going forward. 

Journaling is a formal way of documenting all God does, preserving for future reading and recollection while establishing solid memories in our mind to sustain us each day.   The habit of journaling enables God’s “quiet voice” to speak to us and remind us of His faithfulness especially when He tests our faith with difficulties and even tragedies.  How we respond and strength we demonstrate during those times gives us strength and courage and gives credibility to our witness and message.

In the publishing world, memoirs are selling better than ever. People love to read about a slice of another’s life. And that’s what separates a memoir from an autobiography. An autobiography covers a person’s entire life; a memoir focuses on a theme from that life: a struggle, a dream, a quest, an adventure, or other event.

Books of such memories from centuries past give us a glimpse of what it was like to live in those long gone times and imagine how we would respond to their situations and circumstances.

From that point of view, every Christian has the ability to write a memoir of his or her own. Granted, it may never be published, but writing it will help you focus on the most important theme in your life: your relationship with God. And it will leave a legacy of spiritual growth and victory for your family and others. How do you write a memoir of your spiritual life? Take up the practice of journaling—the discipline of creating a written record of your relationship with God. “Remembering” is a consistent theme in Scripture—remembering God’s faithfulness and His works.

Consider a spiritual getaway to begin (or continue) your practice of journaling. Not only will it bless you, it will bless those who inherit your memoir.

A Christian should always remember that his mercies are greater than his miseries.   John Blanchard

4/17/21                           FEAR GOD, NOT MEN                                               17

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 29:25

²⁵ The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

COMMENTS:  We have been living in dangerous and unsettling times.  Covid 19 has caused families to isolate themselves from others and even from each other.  Elderly members are isolated from family to avoid exposure to Covid 19 while being exposed to Covid 19 through caretakers or use of portions of convalescent homes when hospital capacity exceeds demand from Covid patients.

Gatherings like church worship and eating in restaurants and sports and family reunions, to mention a few, have been outlawed or discouraged or fined by government to discourage spread of Covid.   Even now as vaccinations expand, isolation is still encouraged.  Virtual family gatherings and church worship have become the norm but are not a substitute for face to face.  

So, what would God have us do?  The answer may not be clear or consistent from our vantage point.  We can’t see the impact of timing and  circumstances and affect on others or future events.  The choices made will likely continue to be life changing for good or for bad.   Is Covid 19 evidence of God’s judgment for sinful rebellion and disobedience or is it a test to motivate a greater dependence and reliance on God?   Well, I think the answer is yes because both are the result.

God is on His throne with authority over all and insight and wisdom and awareness of everything everywhere all the time and every time.   He is also not confined too or limited to time.  His love for us is infinite but His authority and power to heal or destroy is not equaled or exceeded by anyone, not even satan himself. To follow satan puts those doing so at great peril of judgment from God.  Judgment that is permanent and eternal.  But to follow Christ places us under God’s protective shield.  Nothing endured as a follow of Christ will last and will be replaced for eternity with blessing and reward and joy beyond our imagination and for eternity.  Likewise, any suffering God will use for good – both good that will strengthen us and strength those we influence.

Our scripture tells us to fear the One who has control of our eternal future instead of the one who can only do what God permits, which will be stopped after a brief trial or time.

David poses the question in Psalm 27 “Whom shall I fear? . . . Of whom shall I be afraid?” (verse 1) David is making a statement in the form of two questions that imply a “No” answer: “I shall fear no one; I shall be afraid of no one.” It’s a powerful way to say, “Since I fear God, I will not fear man.”

If you fear (honor, respect, obey, worship) God, then you have a divine Protector. Why would you fear anyone or anything else?

“Only he who can say, “The Lord is the strength of my life” can say, “Of whom shall I be afraid?””                        Alexander MacLaren

 

4/18/21                              DON’T FEAR TROUBLE        18            

Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.  Job 5:7

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 50:7

⁷ “For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.

COMMENTS:  No one likes or wants troubles, but reflect on how often we are grateful for the lessons learned and faith strengthened and relationships impacted positively as a result of those troubles and way God used them for good.  No, we all would prefer life lessons be learned through blessing and health and prosperity and peace instead of by trials and troubles.  But truth is that troubles are a far better teacher, as history and experience will remind us if we listen.

Granted, tragedy like “911” or Covid 19 came as a result of evil actions or a consequence of satan’s evil work.  The loss of life is tragic and causes great harm.  But God also brings good out of evil if we take the time to notice and receive that good.  To trust God enough to put tragic situations and life’s troubles in His hands and let go of temptation to retain control and act ahead of God’s timing and Will.

On “911” people were running away from the twin towers to escape danger and save their own lives while others were running to the towers to save lives. Many lost their own life trying to escape while others lost their life try to save others.   Some may say it didn’t matter because both died that day.  Some would say, what is the point of putting ourselves in harm’s way to save others? 

Well, the impact of the sacrifice of those who died trying to save others is a legacy that has inspired and compelled others to give as well.

Fear of danger and death is a natural – human emotion.  But courage comes with overcoming fear with a decision to go a path into danger for a greater purpose.   Christ, as a human did so on that cross for a purpose that resulted in a path to redemption and eternal life for any and all who will simply accept that redemption and life.

Well, it is human to fear trouble.  Even Christ faced that temptation to fear, but we too have a choice of either running from fear to running to face and conquer that fear to achieve a greater purpose.

We live in a time of making heroes of those undeserving.  Of those who destroy instead of those who build.  Heroes of those who do evil instead of those who do good.  Heroes of those who kill instead of those who save.   Jesus is the ultimate and best Hero and sets the standard for us to strive for, but not alone.  His Holy Spirit is here all the time guiding and encouraging and strengthening and warning.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Do you fear trouble? Don’t! Better to be with God in trouble than to be without trouble and without God.

“Down through the centuries in times of trouble…God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him.”  Billy Graham

 

4/19/21                       DURING LIFE’S DISAPPOINTMENTS!                                 19

Now 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.  Romans 5:5

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:1-5

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now 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.

COMMENTS:  Life is full of disappointments.  Circumstances didn’t turn out like we wanted.  People let us down.  Jobs and goals didn’t accomplish what was promised or intended.  Disappointments likely will happen to each of us often, maybe even daily at times.   Planning and working toward goals is good and important.  Goals give us a path and enable setting reachable stepping stones that will also reveal and point us to those available and able to help along the way.

I tend to gravitate and prefer setting goals and then working alone to reach them, but missing those opportunities to be blessed and be a blessing to others by accepting and maybe even soliciting the help of others.   Asking for help not only makes the task easier and quicker to do, but helps build relationships with others, which make us stronger and more able but also more willing to discover and access resources from others willing to help again.  

We are living in a time when working together toward common goals is less common, but is needed more now than in past. 

Disappointment is defined as a “feeling of dissatisfaction that follows the failure of expectations or hopes to manifest”.  Failure to meet an expectation.   Dr. Bill Thrasher defines disappointment as “God’s way of dimming the glamour of this world and deepening ability to enjoy Him.”

Disappointments can, and often, destroy hope and cause us to abandon long term dreams and goals.

That is when it is important to have a sturdy depth of faith and trust in Christ so we can weather those disappointments and continue striving and working toward important goals and achievements.  To put our trust and faith in an unfailing God but a God who is not a “magic genie “granting our wishes but a loving Father providing what we need to accomplish goals He sets for us and helps us not only achieve but embrace as our own goals.

“The Lord allows us to go through disappointments not to frustrate us but to… lead us into a greater intimacy with Him and giving us what we really desire.”  Bill Thrasher

4/20/21                   SAFER THAN A FORTRESS                            20

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  Colossians 3:1-4

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-4

3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

COMMENTS:  We are living in very dangerous times.  Hatred and intolerance are rampant while biblical standards of right and wrong are judged as being “intolerant and hateful”.   Yet, Christ demonstrated love and compassion without condoning sin or showing approval for sinful activity.   He forgave sin but told offender to sin no more.

Christ’s example is the standard to judge and determine best practices for Christians and Churches.   Judgmental approach or silence or approval for sinful behavior do not fall in line with Christ’s example.  But practicing Christ inspired behavior and conduct does not mean protection from the world’s response.  In fact, the way Christ was treated, and the way Christians have been treated in the first century and since are a pretty good indicator of how we can be expected to be treated, especially in hostile environments.

The world does not like to be called sinful or wrong.  They want to preach tolerance of sin while practicing intolerance toward sincere Christ followers.  So why would we expect treatment of kindness and understanding.   They only offer that to Christians who condone sin and even support such behavior.

But Christ has not called or commanded us to be tolerant, but to be loving while holding to a standard He exampled.  Doing so will mean some will reject our message and even reject us.   It will mean persecution will be in our future to some degree and likely increasing in intensity as time continues and as approach His return.

So what should we do?   Prepare for that reject and persecution.  Pray and choose                                   response wisely and including His council.  We should be mindful this world is not our permanent home but Christ is preparing our eternal home for us and knows the date He will be greeting us into that home.  

That means we are safe and secure even when, or especially when, facing life threatening or life ending circumstances.   The courage and joy demonstrated by faithful Christians before us reminds us that such courage and confidence is not only possible but common or can even be expected by us when we face such circumstances.  Should such courage not only help us face death, but inspires non-believers to seek out such a relationship with Christ too. 

True security is only found in our relationship with Christ. Psalm 27:5 says, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion.” Our lives are hidden with Christ in God, and when Christ who is our life appears, then we will also appear with Him in glory. In Him, we are safe and secure from all harm.

Our only strength, our only security is in Christ; our only hiding place the Rock of Ages.  Frederick Whitfield

4/21/21                           MORE GRACE STACKED ON GRACE!                                     21

. And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.   John 1:16 Recommended Reading: John 1:14-18 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. COMMENTS:   We have a wonderful God who has given us a wonderful Gospel and recorded history of His works and faithfulness throughout generations and centuries.   We have the experiences of His followers from Adam to present, all who testify of God’s sovereign authority and power but also of God’s unfailing and perfect love.   So why do most still reject His Word and redemption?   Why do most still refuse to fellowship with Him?  Would it be more effective for God to be seen instead of invisible to us?   Well, He did just that and the world rejected and crucified Him. No, the evidence in His creation and in testimony and lives of His followers is ample to convince us He is real and has done and continues to do what He says. We can never exhaust God’s grace or wear out His promises. The phrase “grace for grace” conveys the idea of reoccurring waves, like an ocean. Someone put it like this: “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” Raymond H. Davis wrote, “Every spiritual blessing we have prepares us for a greater blessing. Every filling with the Holy Ghost creates a capacity for an additional filling with the Holy Ghost. Every experience of the presence of God we enjoy leads the way to a richer experience of the presence of God. As long as we live in this life we can go on from blessing to blessing, from filling to filling with the Holy Spirit, from experience to experience of God’s presence until, finally, we see Him face to face when He returns to receive us into His glory.” We have His waves of grace amidst the storms of life. “Grace upon grace?! I’m floored. What can I say? His grace upon grace not only lets me live, His grace lets me serve, it lets me worship, it lets me take His name as my own, it called me by name, it grants me fullness of life.” Joni Eareckson Tada

4/22/21                                              GLOWING PERSONALITIES                                            22                                                     

Darkness which may even be felt.  Exodus 10:21

Recommended Reading: Philippians 2:13-18

Philippians 2:13-18 (nkjv)

¹³ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

¹⁴ Do all things without complaining and disputing, ¹⁵ that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

¹⁷ Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

COMMENTS: One of the names given Christ is the “Light of the world”.  Christ brought light and hope and love to a dark – hopeless – hateful world.  Darkness that hid dangers and treacherous cliffs and potholes.   Hope of a bright future and blessings in a world with no experience or evidence to encourage hope.  Love demonstrated that brings healing to a world that knows only hate and doing harm instead of good. 

Those who build and heal and love unselfishly without condition vs those who hurt and destroy and harm and only show love when it benefits them.   God brings judgment only as a last resort.  The damage and destruction sin causes on both offender and victims gets worse and worse.  God’s preference is to forgive, not judge.   He finds joy in forgiving and grieves when exercising judgment.  But He knows that continuing to all sin to spread and get worse unrestrained or judged, will bring even worse consequences and destruction.

When the Lord judged Egypt, the ninth plague was darkness, which fell over the land like a blanket. The Bible says the darkness could be felt, and “they did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exodus 10:23). Later the same phenomenon happened again at the Red Sea. The Angel of God “came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other” (Exodus 14:20).

Those who are followers of Christ walk in light. Their lives are radiant, for the Light of the World lives within them. The rest of the world abides in darkness, and the darkness is deep enough to be felt. 

I had personal experience at feeling darkness.  One time in a coal mine in Virginia, my miner’s light went out.  I was alone and a few hundred feet from others in a different mine entry of the mine.   The darkness was so complete that I could feel it against my body and face especially.  I could not see dangerous conveyor belts or other obstacles I knew were nearby, so I had to call out and wait until another with a good light came to rescue me and share their light until I could get another.  Only with light exposing dangers did walking become safe again.

There is a supernatural fluorescent light with the smiles, the actions, the words, the service, and the personalities of God’s children. Let’s make sure we are “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

If you have only a little ray of light, show out distinctly that you are for Him.  G. V. Wigam

4/23/21                                 THE VEIL IS REMOVED                                                         23

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.  2 Corinthians 3:18

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:2

² And 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: The old testament gives us evidence that humans could not survive being in God’s presence and survive.  Moses encountered God at the burning bush and again on Mt. Sinai. But God had to shield his eyes for Moses’ physical safety.  So, why could people be with and touch and look at Jesus without fear or concern.  I think it is because, while on earth in a physical body, He relinquished His divine power.  The Veil was ripped and the Holy of Holies, which was previously not permitted nor survivable to enter unprepared, was now open to all seekers.  Jesus became our Advocate and accessible bridge to the Father and the key to unlock access to the abiding Comforter and Counselor – the Holy Spirit.

No longer was it necessary to go through a priest to commune and talk to God.  No longer was annual animal sacrifices necessary.  Now everyone had equal access to God and the opportunity to have a relationship with God like only a  few like Daniel and Joseph and Jeremiah and …. enjoyed.

Nature holds many mysteries that gives us clues of what God is like and His purposes. One such mystery is how a caterpillar spins a cocoon around itself and exits it as a beautiful butterfly.  Another is how the Holy Spirit enters a willing human sinner and transforms him or her into a Christ like person. (Romans 8:29).

Paul gives us the necessary preparation for that transformation – Faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:13-18).  When Moses came down after encounter with God on Mt. Sinai, his face glowed and had to cover his head with a veil to shield the people from afterglow of God’s glory.

Now, seekers have opportunity to enjoy God’s abiding presence without fear of death or judgment or punishment.

Removing the veil means seeing God’s glory in Christ and embracing it by faith—and being transformed into His image.

“Nature forms us; sin deforms us; school informs us; Christ transforms us.” Anonymous

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4/24/21                                                 DEFINING SPIRITUAL GOALS                                                24                                         

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: James 4:13-17

¹³ Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; ¹⁴ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

¹⁷ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

COMMENTS:  It is normal and productive to plan each day’s work and set goals and work toward their completion.  Every great invention and accomplishment, whether personal like working to receive education and training and skills and necessary certifications in order to achieve professional career goals.   Likewise, ambitious people like Adolf Hitler likewise had goals and achieved those goals for a time, but were of evil intent and devastated the world for a few years until stopped by force.

But what happens when we include God in setting and working towards goals?

When we seek and follow the Holy Spirit’s nudging and council that includes confirmation from scripture and Christian family and church family, then the results will have positive results of lasting duration.  

For most days, the option of planning our days is straight forward and consistent or the same most days, requiring little need for council or outside direction.  However, that doesn’t mean you and I shouldn’t seek God’s input each day.  In fact, doing so each day opens our minds and soul for God’s direction to opportunities often on our daily path to witness and encourage and listen.   The timing of the right person crossing paths with you is amazing, going against the odds of chance but will happen regularly if we simply seek and open ourselves to recognize and take advantage of those opportunities.  But when we take those opportunities, blessings of eternal duration and benefit will result even if those benefits are delayed or unnoticed for many years.   God is looking at long / eternal term instead of short term, so trusting Him for opportunities as well as results needs to happen too.  That takes off our shoulders a heavy load of responsibility and guilt or pressure since the results of our flawed / half-hearted acts of obedience are also His responsibility and in His hands.

A ship cannot change direction while anchored in port.  It must be moving in order to be steered in a different direction.  Likewise, God can guide us to change directions once we take a needed step out to get moving.  The exception, of course, is when God tells us to wait.

Is goal setting biblical? Or should we just wait to see what the Lord has in store for us? Solomon devoted a string of nine proverbs to the subject of goals (Proverbs 16:1-9). And his words there are consistent with his words in Proverbs 3:5-6. Make your plans and goals, but submit them to God’s guidance, trusting Him to direct your steps. Our task is to discern, through Scripture, prayer, and counsel, what God wants us to do—and then step out in faith that He will guide us. That is also the theme of the parable in James 4:13-17.

Where do you start? Plan a spiritual getaway to pray about your goals and plans. Write them down; lay them before God; and commit yourself to following where He leads.

God’s overriding goal is to glorify Himself.   J. I. Packer

4/25/21                              ABIDE AND GROW                                                    25   

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.  1 John 2:28

Recommended Reading: John 15:1-8

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

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COMMENTS:   A few weeks ago we were in an area called Northeast about 75 miles north of where we live getting my wife’s long arm sewing machine repaired.  Northeast is a community just north of Erie, Pennsylvania located off Lake Erie.  We noticed the miles and miles of grape vines neatly trimmed back and in perfectly straight rows.   The work and care they demand in order to bear fruit is obvious but the magnitude of the size of those fields is impressive.   The vines look dead but we are certain in a few short weeks they will come to life as warmth and spring rains bring them to life.  The bitter cold winters render them dormant but life is still ready to restore them.   That life is not evident on outside but is hidden in their roots beneath the ground surface.   Pruning is vital, even to the point of making the novice wonder if they will live and grow again. But they will be given the proper nourishment.  To go unpruned results in old dying branches taking life away from young fruit bearing branches.

You and me are much like those grape vines.  The quality of the soul and water source our roots are planted in enables us to grow and bear fruit.   Being planted and groomed and pruned and nourished by the vine keeper enables us to grow and become strong and fulfill our purpose.  But if we don’t, we (like dead vines) are cut down and burned to become fertilizer for new vines.  Today’s scripture calls God our vinedresser.

In Jesus’ parable of the vine and branches (John 15:1-8), He talked about grape vines. And modern grapevines don’t bear fruit forever; they have a season of growth which are then harvested. But He introduced an important spiritual concept: abiding, or remaining. As long as we (the branches) abide (remain) in Jesus (the Vine), and His words abide (remain) in us, we will bear much fruit. We will know the Father (the Vinedresser) so well that we can ask for whatever we need and it will be given to us (verse 7). His will becomes our will as we pray and ask.

What does it mean to abide in Jesus? It means to live in close fellowship with Him—in worship, in obedience, in service, in love, and in ministry. In that way, we are always prepared for His Second Coming. 

Jesus longs to abide with us and is preparing a place as He prepares us so we will be able to do just that.  He not only is preparing an abiding place but new bodies for us free of all the death and disease and pain resulting from sin and satan’s involvement spreading it to all willing victims.

Better to be pruned to grow than cut up to burn  John Trapp

4/26/21                           WAIT PATIENTLY                                                             26

You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  James 5:8

Recommended Reading: James 5:7-12

⁷ Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. ⁸ You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

⁹ Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! ¹⁰ My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. ¹¹ Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

¹² But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

COMMENTS:  It is impossible for you and me to comprehend God, but so many think that some comprehension at times means full comprehension.  God has revealed much of His character and personality and purpose through His Word and His Holy Spirit in each generation.   Jesus’ life and teaching recorded in scripture reveals much of God’s personality and character and Plan but not enough to justify our thinking that we know and understand God or His Will.

But the most important realization is not “how well we know God” but “how much we trust and obey Him”!   Just obeying to the degree we understand Him is limiting our willingness to trust Him far short of His desire, thereby limiting the benefit.

Families that live in farming communities learn the importance of faith in order to achieve a bountiful crop or harvest.  Such was the case in early days of the Christian church, so scripture identifies examples people understood to help them gain understanding of God’s ways.

James used such an illustration to help those early / persecuted Christians learn patience and gain strength in faith needed to remain faithful while looking forward to Christ’s return or heaven at the end of life on earth.  James 5:7 identifies early and latter rains and their purpose in growing plants that bear fruit at the appropriate time.  Our part is preparing soil, planting in that soil and keeping soil free of weeds and loose to receive water and nourishment.   Waiting for harvest requires patience but also requires work / labor.

Our labor is living a Christ – centered life, sharing His Good News / Gospel message and ministering to others – doing the work He calls us  to while waiting for His return or our welcome at heaven’s gate, whichever comes first.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

I am packed, sealed, and waiting for the post.  John Newton

4/27/21                     Learning to Fear and Love God                                      27

Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.  Psalm 34:11

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 31:12-13

¹² Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law, ¹³ and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land which you cross the Jordan to possess.”

COMMENTS:  The fear of the Lord involves being aware of His abiding presence and influence in our lives and in our world and universe all around us.   To begin to grasp just how involved God is and the awesome power He has and uses all the time helps us begin to develop a love and trust and reliance on Him.  But the ultimate power and control He demonstrates also makes us aware of how much we are at His mercy and completely exposed and vulnerable to Him, which naturally causes us to fear Him.   That fear is not a fear of terror but a fear of love and respect from knowing Him.

Formal education varies for each of us.  For most it involves up to 12 years of undergraduate studies.  For some it then includes college or trade school training to gain knowledge and skills necessary for a desired field of employment. For some, formal education then includes post graduate studies for a master’s or even doctorate degree.  But education is not complete or sufficient without the instruction of experience.  Christian experience as we learn from our study and fellowship with God, our ability to live and conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner is stretched and strengthened and duration.   Sustaining a Christ-like conduct in actions and words and even thoughts is an            impossible goal but one that can certainly achieve regular and even daily improvements as we strive towards as we walk and fellowship with Christ and allow His Holy Spirit guide and council and strengthen and guard us.

Yet, in doing so we may not notice or recognize the importance and value of maintaining a genuine and healthy fear of God too.  We recognize God as a true friend and counselor but forget that He is also Almighty God – Creator of the Universe and all that entails and                                               includes.   There is no-one more powerful nor greater than He and no-one ever will.  Lucifer thought enough of himself to believe himself to be equal to God even though a creation.  His lies have deceived even himself, but one day soon he will discover God’s judgment and authority will not be delayed forever.  Then even he will be forced to bow and submit to God’s Will and Authority and Commands.  So will we either by free will or by force.   Oh how much better it will be for us if we do so now before God’s judgment instead of waiting until it will be too late to repent.   His delay is not due to weakness but do to passion for each of us to not miss out.   The offer of forgiveness and redemption is open to all who will receive it, but most either refuse or postpone making that choice too long.   Easter is quickly approaching and with it a perfect time to accept Christ or to return to Him.   He is still patiently waiting.

Citizens of Israel were expected to be taught how to fear the Lord—how to honor Him, trust Him, love Him, worship Him, and more. And the main vehicle for that learning was the Word of God—the words of His law (Deuteronomy 31:12-13).

When you read and study your Bible, think of it as learning to fear the Lord—a curriculum that lasts a lifetime.

“Let us learn to trust [God] for who He is.”  Elisabeth Elliot

4/28/21                                      COMPASSION DURING CRISIS                                  28       

The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.  James 5:11

SCRIPTURE: JAMES 5:7-11    “ ⁷ Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. ⁸ You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

⁹ Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! ¹⁰ My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. ¹¹ Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

COMMENTS:  Paul tells us that we are “Christ’s ambassadors” speaking for Him (2 Corinthians 5:20).  Paul was such an ambassador writing and preaching the Words God gave to and inspired to share by pen and by mouth.  Because Paul’s words did accurately represent God’s Words, they were preserved in writing   and were included in scripture and are still available and used in the generations since, including today – thereby transforming countless lives in every generation since and including Paul’s generation (Acts 9:15; 23:11; 26:15-18).  Paul wasn’t the first nor the only Ambassador for Christ.   The 12 disciples (Matthew 10; Mark 6; and Luke 9) were so called.  So were a group of 70) Luke 10.  Their instruction and calling – commissioning from Christ was to preach the Good News – Christ’s message and Gospel and heal the sick in His Name.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Like Paul, we are ambassadors, sent to represent King and kingdom in this world. And He is with us, until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Imagine that you have saved for years for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure vacation. You’ve researched your destination and talked with a travel agent about the best places to stay. You know where you are going, what to expect, and can’t wait to get the most out of your dream adventure trip.

Now compare that pre-trip strategy to this one: do no research or reading and talk with no one about your destination. Just pack a bag and go. Which trip is likely to be the most fulfilling—before, during, and after? The trip for which you prepare diligently, of course! And the same is true for our ultimate and final trip as Christians: our trip to our eternal home with Christ in New Jerusalem (Revelation 21). But even after reading everything the Bible says about heaven, 1 Corinthians 2:9 says we can’t imagine all that God has prepared for us!

Learn all you can now about heaven, but don’t be surprised if it turns out to be beyond your wildest expectations!

“The more spiritual we are, the more we shall think about heaven”.   D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

“God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”

Max Lucado

4/29/21                                                NO CHANCE                                        29

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah.
Luke 1:5

Recommended Reading: Luke 1:5-17

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. ⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

⁸ So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, ⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. ¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. ¹⁴ And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. ¹⁶ And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

COMMENTS:  God has a wonderful way of blessings His followers.   He tends to keep them partially in the dark delaying promised or requested requests in order to prepare and provide beyond our expectations.   Joseph, when he was betrayed and sold as a slave to Egyptians, suffered for a number of years.  His prayers for redemption and freedom went unanswered, but he knew God would answer his prayers.  By remaining faithful during temptation, he grew in faith and influence.  His influence over people of power and influence in Egypt even up to and including Pharaoh himself became more and more evident.   But the power and beauty of Joseph’s story wasn’t fulfilled until after Jacob’s death and Joseph’s forgiveness was reinforced toward his brothers.   The power of Joseph’s story has impacted people in every generation since because it is recorded and taught in scripture.  Joseph’s legacy continues today.  

What wonderful legacy does God have for you and me?  Maybe not as significant as Joseph’s but who knows?  Joseph didn’t demonstrate great strength or power of speech but changed the world by the authority and connection he gained from pharaoh.

Today is our, Arlene’s and my, wedding anniversary.  43 years ago we began a wonderful life journey together.  The choices we each made and choices we made together were a result of God’s encouragement and council provided by His Word, by His Holy Spirit speaking to us, and through wisdom shared to us from other believers and family.   As we continue in the late fall of our lives, we know His faithfulness will continue.  We know Christ is preparing our eternal home for us and are looking forward to that, but most of all looking forward to being greeted and welcomed there by Him.

So, the life lesson, we should take away is discovering and following God’s guiding hand each day, whether seemingly insignificant and routine or unusual and life changing.                                                                                                                                            

God’s ultimate providence over our lives places us where He wants us and when He wants us there. Each of us is born at the exact moment in time that God has ordained. Our times are in His hands. We are here on earth for a reason.

Look around, then, and see how God wants to use you!

Indeed, all things come to us not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.  The Heidelberg Catechism

4/30/21                                                  IT COULD BE TODAY                                                   30                        

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.   Matthew 25:13

Recommended Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. ³ Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, ⁴ but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. ⁵ But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

⁶ “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. ¹¹ “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ ¹² But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

¹³ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

COMMENTS: Jesus shared many parables during His time on earth that are preserved for us in scripture.  Life has a way of teaching us valuable lessons too.

Old Testament prophecy clearly foretold the birth of Christ, the Messiah.   In hindsight, the prophecies were accurate and clear, but at time of Christ’s birth, even the “experts” missed His birth and were unprepared.   Instead, shepherds and the wise men were among the few who were prepared enough to follow instruction God provided to Christ.

Likewise, Herod’s efforts to destroy the Christ child were doomed to failure.  He felt threatened by the Christ child even though he misunderstood Christ’s mission and the nature of the kingdom He would be king over.   Herod ordered the death of a generation of infants attempting to find and destroy the Christ child instead of doing what he told the wise men.   To worship the Christ too.

Tremendous prophecies still remain to be fulfilled relating to His return to rapture the church, face and destroy satan’s armies and bind him and ultimately judge him and his allies.   Someday we too will discover every prophecy fulfilled 100% but for now the details of how and when are not revealed.   Each sunrise and sunset brings us one day closer to their fulfillment.  The time of sharing Christ’s Good News is now and the day when judgment falls and redemption is withdrawn is coming.

Christ could come at any moment. I believe that with all my heart—not because of what I read in the newspapers, but because of what I read in Scripture.  John F. MacArthur

Today’s devotion completes another month of studying God’s Word and sharing.  Covid 19 has been causing sickness and death in every country.  In USA, over 600,000 have died thus far since entered USA nearly 1-1/2 yrs. ago.  Families have been ordered to stay home in many countries and communities with loss of income and employment resulting.  Gathering in groups, including churches for worship, have been outlawed even in democratic countries. 

Now as freedom to work and gather and worship begins to be restored, what have we learned?  Has it drawn us closer to family and to God or further away?  I pray the first. God uses disaster and trials to draw us closer to Him if we let them.  I pray that will be the case in every community and country and in every family and in every church.

As previously, below is the Gideon Bible Reference I have been included in monthly devotions for some time.  I decided to continue including this for benefit of new readers and to continue to make it accessible to any and all who read and share this journal.  I encourage you to use and share as God directs.  If you wish to contact me or access more devotions, below is link to access.   

In His Service,

Don McDaniel

Email: dmcdaniel12@zoominternet.net

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

If you wish, you can access my blog at “https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com“. There you will find 630+ 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.

My hope and prayer are, my blog and devotional materials will become a source of encouragement

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                                Mtt. 26:36-46
• The Betreyal of Jesus                                              Mtt. 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