JUNE 2021    

6/1/21                                    Refreshed by Prayer                                               1         

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: Acts 1:12-14

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. ¹³ And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. ¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

COMMENTS:  Prayer is our lifeline of communication with our Creator / Savior / Councellor.  Jesus is the perfect and wonderful example for us.  Because Jesus shed all His divine powers and abilities when on earth as a human, He not only was motivated by His own plan to be our example but also for a personal need to be in fellowship with and gain strength and encouragement from the Father too.  By relinquishing His divine abilities while on earth as a human, He also allowed Himself to be exposed satan’s temptations and suffering / pain we all experience daily.  Likewise, by being refreshed and strengthened and uplifted by praying and doing God’s Will, Christ shows us both how and when to pray but what to pray about and  reasons to pray.

Stress comes with lack of confidence in outcome of work or effort to reach a goal.  Stress also comes with lack of help or council or direction needed to reach that goal.

Jesus came to earn to fulfil a mission to bear the burden and punishment God the Father required for our sins.   Christ sought the Father’s fellowship and encouragement in order to face and endure successfully that burden of sin’s guilt and punishment.

Prayer can be a sure way of relieving stress. David poured out his heart to God as his circumstances dictated. When Jesus was faced with choosing twelve disciples to follow Him, He spent the night resting in God’s presence and in prayer (Luke 6:12-16). When those same disciples experienced the ascension of Jesus into heaven, the culmination of the forty days following Jesus’ resurrection, they gathered in a room in Jerusalem to pray (Acts 1:12-14). The previous forty days, as well as the day of the Ascension, were no doubt taxing. They found refreshment together through prayer to God.

Whenever life drains you of strength, let God be your source for refreshment (Psalm 23:1-3). Make prayer your first choice when it comes to unburdening your soul.

The hotter the time of trouble, the greater the dews of refreshing from God.     John Trapp

6/2/21                                                 A NEW KIND OF ARMOR                                                          2       

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11

Recommended Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Comments:  Armor in ancient times armor was shiny and heavy designed to deflect arrows. King Saul had armor too heavy for David to wear and Goliath had armor even bigger and heavier made of bronze (! Samuel 17:5-7 & 1 Samuel 17:38-39).  Saul offered his armor to David to help protect him while battling Goliath, but David instead put his trust in God using the skills God gave him and had been using to  protect his father’s flock of sheep.

Paul wrote that we Christians “do not war according to the flesh [physically]. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal [physical]” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Paul wrote of a  different kind of armor God provides to protect the Christian: spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). Like physical armor, our spiritual armor—the “armor of God”—covers us from head to toe. Our armor consists of truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Clothed in this armor, we are “able to stand.”

Do not consider spiritual battle (the daily Christian life) without being fully dressed in the armor of God. Fully clothed, we are prepared for any spiritual challenge!

Our enemies are on every side, and so must our armor be. 

William Goral

6/3/21                                   SATAN’S SWAY                                                                   3

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.  1 John 5:19

Recommended Reading: 1 John 5:18-21

¹⁸ We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

¹⁹ We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

²⁰ And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

²¹ Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

COMMENTS:  Why are people and universities and public media like TV and radio and even governments so bent on refusing Christ and His Gospel of forgiveness. So determined to, in the name of inclusion, to embrace idea of all religions are equally true.  Even history is being rewritten to delete historic facts that conflict with current world view of public media or controlling companies.

Why are our public universities, the global media, the global economy, and the governments of the world gripped by wrong thinking and godless conduct? Why is the persecution of Christians reaching unprecedented levels? Why are people screaming at each other on television, and why has pornography overtaken our technology?

It’s because the whole world is under the sway of the wicked one.

He is the father of lies (John 8:44), the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13), the ruler of this world (John 14:30), the prince of the power of the air, and the spirit that works in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). His craft and power are great. But, as Martin Luther said, “Though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us, we will not fear for God has willed His truth to triumph through us.”

We are the children of God, and He has provided us with all we need when we face spiritual battles. Let’s be armored up, prayed up, and filled up—so we can stand up.

Our Commander in Chief has already won the war, and He wants us to get in on the victory every day that we live.  David Jeremiah

 6/4/21                          AIR POLLUTER                                                            4                                            

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
Colossians 1:13

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:9-14

⁹ For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ¹⁰ that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; ¹² giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. ¹³ He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

COMMENTS:  48 years ago today I began what was to be a 39 year work career.  As I reflect over these years, what have I noticed?

1.  Time passes so quickly and seems to pass more quickly as I grow older.

2.  God has been faithful to provide the best guidance / wisdom / council daily in all situations but especially during times of major decision.

3.  God’s protection and warnings have spared me and guided me away from dangers and harm.

4.  Temptations and distractions can’t be avoided but best managed  when take the time to pray nd study God’s word every morning.

5.  Times of discouragement are unavoidable but best deal with by prayer and rallying around other Christians.

6.  God’s Word – Jesus’ teachings – life examples recorded in scripture all give us timeless – wise council.  God offers not only wise council and strength and protection from dangers and lures that put us at risk of sin and resulting suffering.  As we encounter worsening crisis as a society:   Devestating wars, storms and severe weather devastating entire communities,  epidemics like Covid 19 that have robbed families of loved ones and isolated family from loved ones. 

God’s Word supports and examples situations when God’s protection shielded Israel during times they were faithful to Him but also suffering  loss of freedom or family or health or property or even loss of life during times of rebellion and sinful rejection of God’s council.

Satan is called the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), and he poisons the atmosphere wherever he is. He pollutes our minds, our media, and our whole planet. But God has a system for protecting His children and purifying the air around us. He covers us with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. He provides the helmet of salvation, and He pipes into our lungs the holy atmosphere of heaven.

Our Savior has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. The devil may try to tempt us, try us, oppress us, and defeat us. But when we’re clothed with Christ, we’re under divine protection. And that’s a breath of fresh air!

When we fill our minds with Scripture and live according to its principles, Satan’s schemes lose their power over us.  Charles Stanley

6/5/21                                                       GREATER IS HE                  5  

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.   1 John 4:4

Recommended Reading: 1 Peter 5:8

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

COMMENTS:    A common misconception is to think satan is the opposite of God or that God’s good and satan’s evil are opposites of equal strength.   Well, satan is the opposite of the angel Michael since both were created by God, but God is all powerful and not a creation so is at an infinite level above satan or Michael.   Evil is the absence of good like darkness is the absence of light.  Evil is what happens when God is left out of our lives,  but satan is ready and aggressive in filling that vacuum God is not invited to fill.   Satan is the result of a creation God designed and made to be good, Lucifer, that became a completely dark evil creature from the lack of God’s presence and influence.   God didn’t want or will or create evil, but evil and use of that evil is limited by boundaries God has binded satan to. Evil that satan has pondered and spread in the thousands of years since he was removed from  heaven along with the angels  who followed him.

Perhaps Satan’s greatest trick concerns his own identity. He has enabled the world to think of him as an impish demon, dressed in red, with a pitchfork and a pointy tail. He is pictured as sitting on one’s shoulder, whispering suggestions into the ear—a cartoon character worthy of a laugh. But nothing could be more wrong.

Instead of a red-dressed imp, Satan is a powerful being, portrayed in Scripture like a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He can destroy, divide, and discourage using that which reveals his character: lies, counterfeits, and deception. He was given the name “devil” (diabolos—accuser, slanderer) in Scripture because of his tactic of slandering us before God and slandering God before us. But for all his schemes and power, we do not need to fear him. For the God who is in us is greater than the devil who is in the world.

Be ready for spiritual battle by submitting to God and resisting the devil—and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

I fear not the tyranny of man, neither yet what the devil can invent against me. John Knox

6/6/21                                               AUTHENTIC SPIRITUAL GROWTH                                                         6

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

Recommended Reading: Psalm 70:4

⁴ Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;And let those who love Your salvation say continually,“Let God be magnified!”

COMMENTS:  As I write this devotion, I am enjoying a beautiful sunny morning.  The clear sky allows the sunshine to brighten the lush landscape all around.  Trees are fully clothed in green leaves,  grass is green and lush,  flowers are fully bloomed and displaying wonderful colors and shapes and sizes.  As the sun comes up over the horizon in the east, the hillside in the west displays it’s beauty enhanced by shadows created by the sun being low in the sky. 

The birds are chirping, giving added atmosphere and excitement and joy.  Taking time to let the sounds and sights of dawn and morning speak to God’s love and mercy and love expressed in His involvement each and every morning and throughout the day.

Each morning gives a new opportunity to enjoy and do God’s will.  Noticing and taking advantage of opportunities God provides during day.  Taking opportunity to correct missed from previous day.  Taking time to fellowship with Him in prayer and devotion and reflection before the responsibilities ands duties and tasks (planned and not) overtake the time (hours and minutes) God provides each day.

Each day is a gift of 24 hours gifted to each of us each morning.  No guarantee that gift will be given again tomorrow, so each day is viewed and treated as precious as it should.

Think about what the average adult would like to accomplish in the morning: showering/grooming, exercising, tending to pets, checking online traffic/weather reports, checking the morning news, dressing for work, eating breakfast. What about responsibility toward family and children and preparing them for their day?

So, if that’s a typical morning, how does the average Christian squeeze in rejoicing and being glad in the day the Lord has made? There’s only one, long-term way—by prioritizing the item missing from the list above: a daily quiet time. Christians who grow to maturity, who reflect authentic discipleship, are Christians who prioritize spending time with God in prayer, worship, and Bible study. Yes, it’s a challenge. Who can find the time? Somehow, we find the time for all the other items on our morning to-do list, so it really comes down to choices and priorities.

It’s not that God is keeping a checklist in heaven to see if we have our quiet time. It’s more that, over time, the best things in life require good choices and good work. And being an authentic follower of Jesus is surely one of life’s best things.

Ten minutes spent in the presence of Christ every day, aye, two minutes, will make the whole day different. Henry Drummond

 

6/7/21              TRUTH BRINGS FREEDOM – LIES BRING SLAVERY                                  7

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  John 8:32

Recommended Reading: John 8:31-36

³¹ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

³³ They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

COMMENTS:  Martin Luther King Jr. made the words “You shall know the truth and the truith will make you free” famous.  But those words didn’t originate with Martin Luther King.  He was a pastor first and a civil rights advocate second, so His speeches were laced with scripture.  These famous words originated with Christ and preserved in our Bible.   Christ’s words are words of life – words of truth – words that give life and nourish life both during human lifetime and eternal life beyond human life.  Our Bible gives accurate life stories including both the good and bad and the ugly and  even the funny parts.   Lives of both obedient and evil people.  Lives of faithful and those  who neglected or even abandoned their relationship with God.  Those who changed from sinful – disobedient to faithful – obedient servants of God.  Those who made a major impact for good and others for evil in  their world and families.   Those who had such a close relationship with God that God revealed powerful life changing things but also allowing freedom to make both wise and foolish choices. 

The prophet Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a power encounter on Mount Carmel. The contest was to see who was greater—the God of Israel or the god Baal. When Baal couldn’t deliver, Elijah spared no sarcastic efforts to humiliate the false god and his prophets (1 Kings 18:16-45).

Jesus spoke to a group of Jews about spiritual freedom (John 8:31-36). They retorted, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” (verse 33) Never been in bondage?

How about the four hundred years their ancestors spent enslaved in Egypt? How about the northern tribes of Israel being enslaved to Assyria? How about the two southern tribes spending seventy years enslaved in Babylon? And as they spoke, they were in bondage to Rome! It would be funny if it weren’t so sad.

The spiritual freedom of which Jesus spoke comes only by grace and truth. It is possible to be free from the bondage of sin (Galatians 5:1).

Spiritual darkness is spiritual bondage.  Matthew Henry

•                                     IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH                                                     8      

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth.  Ephesians 6:14

Recommended Reading: John 14:6

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

COMMENTS:  If we were driving on a beautiful highway at 65mph unaware that a high bridge ahead had just collapsed and cars were driving off the edge to their death.  Warning signed or baracades had not been installed yet.   Would you rather be warned or would you rather enjoy the last few miles of uninterrupted highway until you went over the same edge those ahead of you fell off?

Would you rather know the truth  before it was too late?  Of course!  Would you consider telling you that you were heading on a path to your destruction being wrong or discrimination or ??  Of course not.  Well, many influencial persons and organizations say for  Christians to quote John 14:6 as Christ’s own words proclaiming He is God’s Son and His sacrifice on the Cross is the only way to receive God’s forgiveness of and redemption from the consequences of judgment for our sins.  Many would say such a claim is wrong because there are many paths to redemption via a number of alternative religions and holy books.  So is it better to listen to those who say Jesus is a liar and rely on other paths to redemption or is it better to believe the Bible and believe Jesus when He says that He is the one and only way? 

What about spiritual armor? Is there a most-important piece? Theologically, no, since to put on God’s spiritual armor is to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). And it’s impossible to divide Christ into “parts.” But it is interesting that in Paul’s description of the believer’s spiritual armor the girdle (belt) of truth gets first mention. In reality, a Roman belt was not really considered armor at all; most Roman men wore a belt of some kind to cinch up their robes. It was part of basic Roman dress; no one—civilian or soldier—would dress without a belt. Perhaps that’s why Paul compared the belt to truth. We can’t go anywhere without God’s truth. It is truth that informs us about all the rest of the spiritual armor.

Jesus is the living truth (John 14:6). God’s Word is the written truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). Truth is foundational to victory in the spiritual life.

The truth of Scripture demolishes speculation.   R. C. Sproul

6/9/21                                          NO CONDEMNATION!                                                        9         September 12, 2013                   

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.  Romans 8:1

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:1-11

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. ⁸ So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

⁹ But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ¹⁰ And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Notice the word “now” in Romans 8:1. The moment we receive Christ, we’re immediately given the righteousness of Christ. 

COMMENTS:

I recently read a story about man unjustly sentenced to death by a Spanish court many years ago.   He had dual citizenship in US and in England.   Ambassadors from both countries visited the man on death row and wrapped him in their flags.  Spanish authorities would have to shoot through those flags in order to execute the prisoner, risking war with both countries.  They decided to release the man.

When we receive Christ as our Savior, Christ wraps us in His banner of the cross, shielding us from judgment and punishment for our sins.  The man in the story was innocent but we are guilty and deserving of God’s punishment.                                                    Though we don’t become perfect or sinless the moment we receive Christ (hopefully we’ll grow in righteousness during our life, then we’ll be made totally pure and perfect in heaven), in God’s sight we’re wrapped in the flag of Jesus Christ and covered with His blood. The devil cannot have us. We belong to our Lord, and our citizenship is in heaven!

There is now no condemnation!

There is never a day in any man’s life but that he is dependent upon the grace of God for power and the blood of Jesus for cleansing.  Alan Redpath

•     6/10/21                     PERFECTLY CLEAN WITHOUT ONE SPOT                             10

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Romans 5:9

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:1-11

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.

⁶ For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. ¹⁰ For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. ¹¹ And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation

COMMENTS:  There are many wonderful Christian devotional and study and discipling books available on just about every topic and area of Christian living today but there is something to be said about the timeless teaching of Christ directly in scripture and also many of the bible teachers and preachers of last century and previous centuries.  Holiness preaching took deep dives into identifying and dealing with sinful behavior and choices and how to live consistently a Christ-like life.   Such is just as relevant today if not even more so even though the topic or even meantion of the word “sin” or “repentence” or “Holiness” or “Sanctification” or “justification” or “Salvation” are all topics and words offensive to current world views and teaching in society.  Even the mention of such brings a response of passionate hostility and anger in many groups and from many individuals. 

Well, genuine Christian disciples and Christ followers are still making an eternal positive difference in the lives of loved ones and friends and neighbors and relatives in their field of influence.  Their conduct and compassion is being noticed but not without opposition from some, usually a very small minority.

But there are those who try to imitate genuine faith by pretending or by trying to imitate genuine faith by their own strength.  As in Christ’s day and in generations since, they end up doing harm and hinder the work Christ longs to do.  But Christ is still on His Throne and His Will will prevail.  Satan’s inroads into society and into souls of peoples will not continue unchecked.   God allows us to make either wise or foolish choices.

So, our task is to focus on our relationship with and surrender of remaining sinful areas of our mind and soul and will to Him. Until we do that, we too are at risk of becoming one of those doing more harm   than good.  Are you and I reflecting the character of Christ or satan?  It may not appear that obvious but truth is there is still spots on our white cloths needing cleaned by Christ.  Spots that may not seem that obvious to us but likely are to others.

That was true in ancient times, it was true in each generation since and still is true  today.

That is why often the richest devotions are from dusty books. Listen to what the British preacher William Romaine (1714-1795) said about the blood of Jesus: “Sins as red as scarlet, sins as numerous as the stars, or as the sands upon the sea-shore innumerable, and nature as black as hell, a heart as wicked as the devil, the divine and eternally precious blood of Jesus can so cleanse and purify, that not one spot shall remain; for he is Almighty.”

All of us look back with regrets at our imperfections, mistakes, moments of failure, and times when we said or did the wrong thing. But we shouldn’t! God has erased all those from the ledgers. When we look backward, we should say: “Praise the Lord! Everything sinful is gone, and everything is working out for good through the mercy and grace of our God.”

Our past is forgiven; our future is forever; today is for Him!

If I had been guilty of all the sins of Adam and Eve, and of all their descendants to this day, yet believing in him I should be safe, because his blood cleanseth from all sin.  William Romaine

•    6/11/21                    Honor to only One Worthy                                                          11

John 3:31b – He who comes from heaven is above all. COMMENTS:  It is nice to receive credit for doing a good job.  Some enjoy praise so much they take credit for another’s work or exadurate results in order to gain praise or other rewards.  But Jesus said that those who do good works or pray in public in order to gain praise from others end up with only that praise at best but without the appreciation and reward God has planned for those faithful and obedient to Him. We live in a world that loves to pat itself on the back. How unfortunate that our lives are often lived and measured in terms of what we accomplish and how great our reputations become. Consider John the Baptist. He was a powerful and influential preacher; he was a very important person in the kingdom of God. During his ministry he was becoming well known by hundreds of people who heard his words and were baptized by him. It would have been easy to latch on to this fame and bask in the recognition he received. However, instead of looking to increase his own honor and glory, John knew there was Someone else more important than himself: Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. John knew that God’s kingdom wasn’t best served by putting himself first; rather, it was all about Jesus—who He is and what He would do to rescue self-serving sinners everywhere. John the Baptist is a wonderful example for us as we live as Christians in this world. He puts into clear perspective the most important Person in our lives. When giving testimony about Jesus, he said this: “He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:30-31). John knew that everything hinged on the Person and work of Jesus Christ. As the Son of God and Savior of the world, Jesus is preeminent in all things. Through faith in the salvation we receive by virtue of His blood—shed on the cross on our behalf—our sins have been pardoned by the Father’s grace. For all that Jesus has done, He alone is worthy of our honor and praise. THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, teach us genuine humility of spirit and make us, like John the Baptist, voices proclaiming Your mercy and salvation to those lost in the wilderness. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. Reflection Questions: 1. Have you ever taken a back seat to someone else more important? 2. In what ways did John the Baptist defer to Jesus? 3. How can we show that we put Jesus first above all things in our lives?

6/12/21                                                BEAUTIFUL FEET                                                   12

And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.  Ephesians 6:15

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 52:7

⁷ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,Who proclaims peace,Who brings glad tidings of good things,Who proclaims salvation,Who says to Zion,“Your God reigns!”

COMMENTS:  God doesn’t need us to partner with Him in doing His Will, but He desires – wants us to.  He also knows how much we need, for our own wellbeing to do so.  Because He loves us and enjoys fellowship with each of us, partnering brings opportunity to develop and exercise that fellowship.   Witnessing and making disciples are natural responses to that partnership and fellowship because we do so out of a motivation to please Him instead of from obligation or duty.

In this day of instant news, it’s hard to imagine how information traveled in the ancient world. For example, when armies went out to battle, runners would be dispatched from the battle scene to return and inform the king as to the outcome of the battle (2 Samuel 18:26). The prophet Isaiah wrote about the beauty of feet that came with good news (Isaiah 52:7).

Isaiah was speaking prophetically of the good news that Israel would be returning to her homeland from exile in Babylon. How beautiful were the feet of those who would bring that message! And Israel’s return from exile prefigured the spiritual release from sin provided by Christ. Paul quoted Isaiah 52:7 when he noted the Good News of the Gospel of salvation (Romans 10:15). And he also referred to the Isaiah passage when listing the believer’s armor: shoes that carry the Good News of the “gospel of peace.” How does the Gospel protect us? Because it is Good News! We are free from the captivity of sin.

Make sure to carry the Gospel of peace with you daily. Be ready to share it with those who need and want to hear good news (Luke 2:14).

Jesus didn’t commit the gospel to an advertising agency; he commissioned disciples.  Joseph Bayly

6/13/21                                    AUTHENTIC FAITH                                                            13                        

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.  John 13:35

 Recommended Reading: James 2:14-26

¹⁴ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! ²⁰ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? ²³ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. ²⁴ You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

²⁵ Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

COMMENTS: Christianity is the only faith that teaches salvation or passage to heaven by grace and not by works or earning passage or redemption.  This theology was confusing to people then and continues to be confusing today to those who haven’t experienced Christ’s forgiveness.  Some could accept Christ’s redemption and forgiveness but couldn’t get past need to earn that redemption.  Others could accept His redemption and then ignored the need to work for Him.  Paul battled such errors in his letters.  Good works is necessary to be obedient but, in a healthy relationship with Christ, motivation is to please Him with a “want to” motivation instead of a “have to” or “ordered to” motivation.   Love is a stronger motivator than fear, especially sustaining Christ-like conduct and labors. 

Let’s face it, being Christ-like is the goal but doing so continues to be limited by our wills and humanity.   Want to is hampered by physical strength and weaknesses.  But, like physical exercise, progress improves with practice.   Paul tells us to run from temptation but run to Christ.

So, instead of asking ourselves how close to the cliff edge can we venture in exposing ourselves to temptation and rejecting Christ or indulge in sinful or non-Christ-like behavior choices, we should really ask ourselves how far can I get from or remove myself from them?

Instead of asking how little I can do for Christ, we need to ask how much can I do.

Let’s face it, we all have weaknesses that remain a struggle even if we have a strong faith.   For some it may be a short temper, some substance or eating disorders, for some may be ease or pleasurable activities, for some work or career persuits, for some even family.

Well, reflect and take a serious and honest review of our own status – our own personal relationship with Christ.  Christ is eager and ready to forgive, but not without our willingness to repent and open ourselves to receive His redemptive Grace and Spirit.   The Holy Spirit is able and willing to change us and empower us and guide and instruct us, but will not unless invited to do so.

Such is not a one-time change.  Salvation is not just a one time choice and experience, but the beginning of a relationship.  Wedding vows begin a lifetime relationship. So is our  relationship with Christ when we accept His redemptive salvation. 

 In the first century, there were many religious groups with which one might identify—and they were all known for something different. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Torah, the laws of Moses. Sadducees were known as the political party among the Jews. Zealots advocated for the overthrow of Rome by violent means. Samaritans would worship only on Mount Gerizim and considered only the five books of Moses to be from God.

And then came Jesus and His followers. They had no geographical, political, or zealous agenda; they were mostly lower-class people. At first, they were known only as “the Way” (Acts 9:2); later they were known as “Christians” (Acts 11:26). Was that their only distinction—a name? No, Jesus told them if they were His true followers they would be known by the love they had for one another. This was totally new! A religious movement based on love, like the love Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13. That “brand” of love still applies today.

What ought to distinguish Christians from the world? Authentic love—love for one another, for enemies, and for neighbors.

Authentic Christianity is not sophisticated but simple.  R. T. Kendall

6/14/21                            SOLID GROUND                                  14

Therefore whoever hears these saying of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.  Matthew 7:24

Recommended Reading: Matthew 7:24-29

²⁴ “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: ²⁵ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

²⁶ “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: ²⁷ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

²⁸ And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, ²⁹ for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

COMMENTS:  What is the most important to you and most precious to you?  Our lives become preoccupied by our job and by obligations and tasks we commit to.  Weekdays are dominated by our employment and weekends by house and car and other things requiring repair and maintenance.  Friends and family and church and other organizations and recreation all demands our time and attention and work.   Obviously they all, or at least most, are good and needed but balance and priorities are necessary.

Instanbul is one of the most beautiful cities on earth and a coveted place to build and live.  Wealthy people built  their homes and lives  there because of it’s beauty and because of it’s strategic location between Europe and Asia.  But Istanbul is located on one of the most vulnerable places on it due to the fault line it sits on.  Major earthquakes are inevitable resulting in devastation to property and lives of those living there.  Thousands of beautiful buildings stand but will fall to rubble in minutes when the inevitable earthquake comes.

Building on a stable foundation and at a location without historic natural and even unnatural disasters is important.  History does tend to repeat itself both when it comes to natural disasters and man made disaters.  Finding such a place free of a history of any disasters is nearly impossible but at least avoiding locations more prone to earthquakes and volcanos and tornados and hurricanes and foods and wildfires is a good start.

Millions ignore the danges and continue to build their lives and homes in dangerous areas like Istanbul. Likewise, millions also put their trust and build their spiritual lives on unstable ground too.  Building their faith and world view based on flawed doctrine and beliefs and religions.  Modern society thinking says all world views and religions are equally good or equally flawed, so it only matters how sincere and faith we are to what we believe in.

So how do we know what is true and what is not?  Are all religions equally valid or invalid?  Is there one that stands above all others as true?  If we think ours is that one, are we wrong or discieved or being closed minded or even discriminating against those who believe differently?

Posing such questions force us to take a deep look at what we believe and why? Sincere seeking scholars and even athiests have taken the deep journey of discovering how Christianity compares to other religions and world views.  Many have made that journey starting with expectation to discount the Bible and Christian faith, but instead discovering Christianity to be true and the God Christians worship is real.   You and I may not be ready or able to make such a personal journey but can  learn from and benefit from the work of discovery of those before us.  Lee Strobel is one of those in recent years who tried to prove the Bible to be a book of lies or fairytales but instead discovered it to be a accurate book of history and documtation of a real God being involved in the lives of people from the beginning on.

Millions of people continue to build their lives on unstable ground in a spiritual and moral sense. Only the Gospel provides a worldview that will sustain us when our world shakes. Jesus made this point visually in His story of the two men in Matthew 7. Both men listened to His teachings. One man followed through with faith and obedience, and he built his life on solid ground. The other listened, then went his way without trusting or obeying what Jesus said. The ground beneath him collapsed.

The Gospel brings steadfastness to those who trust it. Those who build on Jesus are on stable ground. As the hymnist said, “When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.”

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.  Edward Mote

6/15/21                                      THE UPENDED CRIB                                                                              15

 

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.  Ecclesiastes 3:1

Recommended Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

3 To everything there is a season,A time for every purpose under heaven:

² A time to be born,And a time to die;A time to plant,And a time to pluck what is planted;³ A time to kill,And a time to heal;A time to break down,And a time to build up;⁴ A time to weep,And a time to laugh;A time to mourn,And a time to dance;⁵ A time to cast away stones,And a time to gather stones;A time to embrace,And a time to refrain from embracing;⁶ A time to gain,And a time to lose;A time to keep,And a time to throw away;⁷ A time to tear,And a time to sew;A time to keep silence,And a time to speak;⁸ A time to love,And a time to hate;A time of war,And a time of peace.

COMMENTS:  Into the lives of everyone of us disruptions happen.   Disruptions of tragedy and loss,  disruptions of loss of loved ones, job, home or other property,  friends, …  The list is endless.

The purpose of such loss seems puzzling or meaningless at the time, but time has a way of revealing a deeper and greater purpose often as God reveals and unfolds that purpose to us.

Scripture has a wonderful way of giving us a glimpse of God’s perspective.  He views us and our circumstances from a eternal past and eternal future perspective, realizing we don’t have nor comprehend that perspective.  So, He reveals enough to persuade us to trust Him, He provides historic accounts of how He guided and worked in the lives and circumstances of those before us, He gives us memories and recalls of past personal experiences, and enough of a glimpse into the future to convince us He knows and is in control.

Steven Huang, an Australian writer, describes his experience last year of losing his job. “It was a moment that turned me upside-down,” he said. “The crib was upended and I came tumbling out.” 

After the initial shock, Steven realized this was an opportunity to put Christian faith into action. “I had no choice but to trust God,” he said. “Which was surely what God was trying to tell me all along.” Steven found comfort in Scripture, especially in Ecclesiastes 3, which reassured him that God has an appointed time for everything in our lives. Shortly afterward, Steven found a job that captured his heart, working for a Christian ministry.¹

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with our Father, and with it we can conquer anything. God has an appointed time for every aspect of His will for us. On those occasions when we feel like a child tumbling from the crib, how wonderful to know we have no other choice but to trust Him. Beneath us are the everlasting arms.                                                                                                             I can see God working through the heartache, and I have learned many lessons from what I experienced. He needed to get my attention to show me where I needed to be.  Steven Huang

6/16/21                                     FAITH THAT DEFENDS                                                                16

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:16

Recommended Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:8

⁸ But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

COMMENTS: Like it or not, we are in  a spiritual war with satan.   The battle between Christ and satan is raging but outcome is certain.  The only question remaining is  which side will each of us go  to and ally with?  To chose the losing side would be foolish.   Jesus knows and understands the power and skillful deception satan uses to persuade us to follow him.  Jesus was likewise tempted too, so He understands the power of that deception even though He never yielded to that temptation and deception.  So His willingness and desire to forgive and equip us to successfully resist those temptations is what He provides 24x7x365 for us.

We have history books and modern movies to help us understand what it was like to fight battles and wars in ancient  times.  Well made and placed shields would deflect arrows. (See 1 Kings 22:34-36 where the lack of a shield resulted in death.)

Paul used the Roman shield to illustrate the power of faith to defend us against the “fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16). Why “fiery” darts? Because often arrow points would be dipped in pitch and set alight before being shot to set fire to whatever they struck. Roman soldiers would soak their leather shields in water to extinguish these fiery missiles when they landed. And why “faith”? How does faith extinguish Satan’s hellish attacks? Because Satan’s attacks are against the character of God—His words and works. When we have faith in God and His promises, as Jesus did when tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), we can extinguish Satan’s attacks.

How is your faith today? The stronger it is, the quicker Satan’s fiery attacks will be extinguished.

Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God.  A. W. Tozer

 

6/17/21                           PROTECT YOUR MIND                                             17

And take the helmet of salvation.  Ephesians 6:17

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 59:17

¹⁷ For He put on righteousness as a breastplate,And a helmet of salvation on His head;He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing,And was clad with zeal as a cloak.

COMMENTS:  Helmets are used in a variety of contact sports like football to shield the head and face from harm.   Bicyclists use helmet for protection in case they wreck or lose control of their bike from holes or even small stones encountered on the path.  Truth is no one can foresee the dangers until upon them, so protection is necessary,

Soldiers need helmet and armor to protect vulnerable areas of their body from harm both from the environment as well as from attacking enemiesssss.  Paul identifies the helmet of salvation as part of our spiritual armor God provides for each believer.  Paul draws much of his armor imagery from Isaiah where God is pictured as wearing spiritual “armor” (Isaiah 59:17) as well as the coming Messiah (Isaiah 11:5). Why the helmet of salvation? Because of the emphasis in Scripture on the mind. We have “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). We are to renew our mind (Romans 12:2). The main battleground of spiritual warfare is the mind, the thought life (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). If Satan can cause us to have thoughts of doubt concerning our salvation, the battle tilts in his favor. We protect our mind with God’s promises concerning salvation.

When you have doubts or insecurities, go to the Word! Renew your mind; protect your thought life. Meditate on what is true (Philippians 4:8).  We have tools God provides to each believer, a guide and instruction book in our Bible.  But we also have His abiding Holy Spirit as our guide and helper and seasoned defender.   We just have to learn how to recognize and lean on Him, but also how to lean on and trust Him – how to listen to Him and then obey His instruction.    That is a lifelong learning struggle and process.

Salvation is a helmet, not a nightcap!   Vance Havner

 

6/18/21                                              ONLY ONE WAY          18            

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.  Acts 4:12

Recommended Reading: 1 Timothy 2:5

⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

COMMENTS:  John 14:1-14 “ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.” ⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know^[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”⁸ Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”⁹ Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. ¹¹ Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. ¹² Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

Jesus removed all doubt when He told us that He is the one and only way of redemption and way to the Father.  We live in a world demanding tolerance and acceptance of all religions and world views.  To not only accept but the world demands that we agree with those views.

Jesus did not approve of sinful behavior of others, but instead taught them a better way to live while showing them love and compassion.   Jesus didn’t approve of the lifestyle of the woman at the well. He showed her, and us through her encounter with Jesus, that Jesus loves enough to offer eternal life and forgiveness.  By offering a better life instead of showing tolerance and/or approval of current life styles and world view, Jesus demonstrated a nuch higher level of love and compassion towards all he encountered from all races and backgrounds and origins.  Samaritans were considered second class citizens and were avoid by Jews BUT NOT BY JESUS!   The woman at the well encountered Jesus and was transformed, as were many in your home town she shared her new faith with.

To recognize and state that Jesus is God and the One and Only Way to God the Father.  To believe and accept this is also to believe and accept the fact that the Bible is the One and only source of scripture.  To believe and accept Christianity is the One and only True religion.   To believe and accept that all other religions and world views come short.

The Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus established a “zero-mile” monument in Rome to measure distances throughout the empire. It eventually led to, “All roads lead to Rome.” A variant on that idea is found in modern computer and phone software that maps various routes from “city A” to “city B”—different roads leading to the same destination.

Sadly, this idea of “multiple roads, one destination” has made its way into theology: “All roads lead to God.” Proponents of this idea suggest that all religions have the same ultimate destination. Said another way, “There are many ways to get to God.” However, the Bible doesn’t support this idea. The apostle Peter was clear when speaking to the Jewish elders after Pentecost. He stated clearly that the Name (Person) of Jesus is the only means of salvation. Paul echoed this position when he wrote that there is only one Mediator between God and man, “the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

Don’t be confused by non-biblical positions on salvation. There is only one road to God and His heaven. That road begins and ends with Jesus.

Nobody can call himself a Christian who does not worship Jesus.  John R. W. Stott

 

6/19/21                          AUTHENTIC FATHERHOOD                                          19

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
Galatians 4:6

 Recommended Reading: Romans 8:15-16

¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

COMMENTS:   The idea and creation of the family was God’s from the beginning.   The role of the father and of the mother in the family was also the idea and creation of God.   God, as our Heavenly Father and God as the Son demonstrates the perfect example of to show us the goal we should follow in these roles as an earthly father and son.  My earthly father was a very good Christian example and role model for me as a child and teen and young man and adult.  God’s design was for fathers to live long enough to guide their sons as they too became fathers.  Now I am the older family patriarch being that example to my children in their adult years too.

The Holy Spirit is the abiding God who comforts and councils and nurtured and inspires much like an authentic mother.   I also had a nurturing and supportive mother who was always near and encouraging and loving.  When we have a good mother and father as well as a relationship with God to help and guide us, huge benefits in resources are accessible in our battle with temptations – satan’s deceptions and lures, which impact us directly and indirectly by others.

We all have a father and mother, whether we know them or not, living or passed on, good or not, helpful or abusive.  We are commanded by God to honor our father and mother no matter if they were good or not.

So, as we honor the fathers in our lives this weekend, it’s a good time to ask: What is an authentic father like? Books are available on the subject, but is there one infallible source by which to evaluate fatherhood?

Not even the Bible says, “These are the traits of a good father.” We have something else, however. We have the example of our divine Father, our Heavenly Father, who is the spiritual Father to all who believe. And “all” includes today’s dads. The Bible makes a clear point of saying we have been adopted into God’s family, the head of which is God the Father. So we do have a perfect example of the traits of an authentic father: God Himself. There are many traits of God revealed in Scripture, but how about the traits manifested by God the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Dads, the more you know and spend time with your Heavenly Father, the more like Him you will become.

A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.  Billy Graham

6/20/21          “LORD, TAKE MY HAND AND LEAD ME”                            20

“Lord, take my hand and lead me, Upon life’s way; Direct, protect, and feed me, From day to day. Without Your grace and favor, I go astray; So take my hand, O Savior, And lead the way. “Lord, when the tempest rages, I need not fear, For You, the Rock of Ages, Are always near. Close by Your side abiding, I fear no foe, For when Your hand is guiding, In peace I go.” “Hold my hand,” a parent may say to a child as they prepare to cross a street. A child might make the same request of a parent as they approach a dark place or a scary situation. In frightening or dangerous circumstances, we want to know that someone is right there beside us, someone who will protect us. In times of loneliness and fear, a little handholding is appreciated! Our hymn’s request has a childlike quality as we say to Jesus, “Take my hand and lead me!” Equally childlike are the needs expressed, “Direct, protect, and feed me.” Day by day, we need Jesus. As baptized children of God, we live every day in the shelter of His grace and favor. Without His gentle, guiding hand, we would go astray and wander from His Word and ways. Storms of life are inevitable but seem to come to some people more than others.   Yet many face them with faith and hope and courage and a few even with joy.   The ability to do so doesn’t depend on the level of faith but the willingness to obey as Christ through the Holy Spirit guides.  Knowing times of suffering and pain and grief are brief compared with eternity in heaven.  Yet, even with Jesus holding on to us, we still encounter dark and scary places in life. To walk with Jesus is to walk in the way of the cross. Yet we need not fear “when the tempest rages” because Jesus our Savior endured a tempest of hatred, rejection, and betrayal for us. As anger raged around Him, soldiers took His hands and nailed those powerful, gentle hands to the cross. Jesus hung from the cross, mocked by enemies, surrounded by darkness and abandoned by His Father to suffering and death. He endured all this so that we would never be condemned for our sins, so we will never suffer the darkness of eternal death and separation from God. Our crucified and risen Lord is the Rock of Ages, “my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2b). Tempests will rage around us. These may be literal tempests—storms, floods, and other natural disasters. There may be personal and family disasters—broken relationships, illness, and death. Some tempests are the heart and mind, unseen but terrifying. Through all of these, Jesus, the Rock of Ages, is “always near.” Close by His side, we need not fear tempest or foe. Before we pray, “Lord, take my hand,” He is already there beside us. Jesus said of those who follow Him, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). When tempests, loneliness, and scary darkness surround us, Jesus holds us securely in His strong, nail-scarred hand. THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, take my hand and guide me according to Your Word. Amen. Reflection Questions: 1. In what areas of your life do you sense a need for God? 2. What does it mean to you when Jesus says, “and no one will snatch them out of My hand”? 3. Are there people who turn to you when life gets scary?

6/21/21                           SUNKEN TREASURES                                     21

Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.  Acts 27:25

Recommended Reading: Acts 27:21-26

²¹ But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. ²² And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. ²³ For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, ²⁴ saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ ²⁵ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. ²⁶ However, we must run aground on a certain island.”.

COMMENTS: 

Modern technology and equipment has enabled treasure hunters to find and retrieve priceless treasurers from sunken ships like the Titanic and thousands others lost at seas during storms or caused by battles of war or hidden dangers of natures like large ice burgs.   In order for modern explorers and treasure hunters to be successful at discovering and recovering these treasures,  study and preparation and learning how to acquire and use needed equipment and properly skilled help are all needed and essential.

Apostle Paul’s ship on route to Rome sank in 59AM.   Paul was a prisoner on route to Rome for trial when a severe storm destroyed their ship.   But God revealed to Paul no life would be lost, which calmed his soul and opened the door for Paul to witness to his fellow prisoners and guards.

Life is full of storms, some give warning to prepare but many come  quickly and unexpected.   Physical storms are one thing, but spiritual storms can be much more dangerous.  But God gives us priceless and effective help and preparation for these storms. Our Bible gives us the path to God and plenty of examples of those before us who those who did seek God, follow His council and accept His help, and resulting blessing and benefit and transformation – the eternal good that results.

Likewise, also included are countless examples of those who didn’t and terrible consequences that resulted.  Every other religion and world view teaches and preaches hard work and setting and working towards goals is secret to succees.  Even being “good” and “kind” for some is one way of reaching success and/or earning passage to heaven.  For others, that passage or goal is believed to be reached by “ambition and strength and vision and strong will and creating and implementing a strong plan. 

But no matter how or what people create or set as the standard they believe will get them to success or to heaven, THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY – THE WAY GOD CREATED AND ESTABLISHED AND IMPLEMENTS EVERY DAY.

THAT WAY IS PROPHECIED IN OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE AND REVEALED IN NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE!  That way has a name – JESUS!   The plan to redemption and salvation was created by God, implemented by Jesus, and transformed the lives of new believers enduring terrible suffering and persecution.   Witnessing the lives, the hope and joy  during crisis, the courage and way faced death,  the impact those lives had on  others all is evidence of truth and genuineness of the Christian faith – the Bible as God’s Word – Jesus as God and one and only Way to Heaven – to Grace / God’s forgiveness – to a personal relationship with God.  All this and so much more are benefits and blessing to following and being in relationship with and obeying God.

But the trip other faiths use appeals to our selfish nature.   Jesus did not live for Himelef but for others and to  Honor His Heavenly Father.

We accept Christ as our sacrifice for sin and seek and accept the resulting relationship with God, with God the Father, with God the Son, and with God the Holy Spirit.  When we accept God’s gift of forgiveness and redemption, we then gain the capacity to love God and others without selfish motives or sinful goals.    Heaven gives us hope and something to look forward to, but as we approach that time, anticipation of being with Christ and with loved ones and with saints of long ago and more comes into view.

So, why then do good works and acts of kindness  since salvation is a free gift not earned?  If salvation comes at a cost we cannot pay nor earn, why bother trying to do good and be good?  Paul gives us the reason and Jesus showed us the reason by example.

We accept Christ’s sacrifice because it is the only one God the Father will accept.  We strive to become more Christ-like and do good as a way of expressing our gratitude and love for God the Father – for God the Son – for God the Holy Spirit.  For God!

To trust and obey God – to follow the council and instruction in scripture – to learn from the examples of Christ Followers of long ago and more recent examples teaches and prepares us to face life’s temptations – life’s struggles and obstacles – following God’s plan and purpose for our life…

In the storms of life, we not only have a word from God; we have the Word of God. No matter what storms are sent by Satan, there are verses to keep us afloat. 

Acts 27:25 gives us one of the simplest definitions of faith in the Bible—believing that it will be just as God has told us in His Word. His promises are unsinkable, and they will always keep our heads above water.

The Word of God is sure to give up its treasures to prayerful, humble search.
M. Rhodes

6/22/21                                              SUSTAINED!                                            22                                                     

Sustain me, my God, according to your promise…. Uphold me. Psalm 119:116-117

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; ³ who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴ having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

COMMENTS:  What or who inspires and motivates you?  The word sustain means “to be held up”.  Hebrews 1:3 reminds us that Jesus sustains all things by His powerful Word. Sustaining all things includes you and me!  God’s Word is living and powerful, so we can turn to It for help  and council  during any  circumstance we encounter and face.

King David was fleeing a rebellion instigated by his son, Absolom.  David ended up in a desolate corner of the desert.   He laid down there and slept, but awoke  realizing the Lord is sustaining him – Psalm 3:5.

David wrote in Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall neve r permit the righteous to be moved.”

Acts 27 records the story of Paul’s ship sinking while on route to Rome.   Everyone onboards was spared but  some had to clink to timbers or pieces of wood from the ship. As they survived by clinking to wood, so can we sustain spiritual life by clinging to God’s Word – unsinkable promises from God. Promises that give life but also sustain life.  He holds us up with His powerful promises.  He will sustain you today if you put your faith and trust in Him.

I know, perhaps as well as anyone, what depression means, and what it is to feel myself sinking lower and lower. Yet at the worst, when I reach the lowest depths, I have an inward peace.  Charles H. Spurgeon

6/23/21                                 MISSING!                                                       23

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.  Ephesians 6:18

Recommended Reading: Luke 11:1-4

11 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

² So He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.Your kingdom come.Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven.³ Give us day by day our daily bread.⁴ And forgive us our sins,For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.”

COMMENTS:  The lessons Jesus used were short and concise and simple, but the  truth and instruction and wisdom  they imparted were both profound and timeless but also life changing.  Also, their meaning continues to unfold as study and reflect on them.  The Lord’s prayer was a response to the disciple’s request for Jesus to teach them to pray like He prayed.  Volumes of study materials have been written on this simple prayer that most Christians know and can recite.  Yet, few prayers bring hope and strength like this simple prayer.

Sam James was a missionary in Vietnam.  His wife, Rachel, took a trip in an old DC-3 prop. Plane into the mountains of Vietnam.   On her return, Sam went to the airport to welcome her home but the plane was terribly late and Sam became concerned and then fearful as hours passed.  Sam went to a quiet place and prayed.   Finally the plane landed at 11:30PM.   The plane had been delayed due to a flat tire but that information was not available all that day to Sam or other families of passengers on that plane.  But God not only knew but was in control but not only answered Sam’s prayer but gave him the faith and strength wait on God’s way and God’s timing to respond. God was working even though Sam could not see that work.  Sam was not abandoned by God but it felt that way to Him for awhile. 

Even if Sam’s wife would have lost her life that day, Sam still would not have been abandoned by God even thought it would have been awhile longer before he would have  been reunited with her.  So with us when we face trials or even tragedy and loss.

When we face turmoil, we always have direct access to heaven through prayer. When we can’t control our anguish, we know God is in control of the answers. When we’re afraid of the outcome, we can pour out our soul to God, knowing He hears every plea, knows every cry, and cares for the need of every frightening moment.

I firmly believe that God has something to teach us through every experience.  Sam James

6/24/21                                             PRAY WITHOUT DELAY!                          24                                         

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.  Romans 12:12

Recommended Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies. ²¹ Test all things; hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil.  ²³ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.²⁵ Brethren, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. ²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

COMMENTS:  Praying without delay and praying without ceasing.  This is good advice and a worthy goal, but also an impossible goal to reach and sustain while dwelling in human bodies in this broken world.  In our weakness, we are easily distracted and discouraged and weakened with fatigue.  But we serve a God who not only loves us like none other, but has sovereign authority and power over all.   His knowledge and wisdom and power and discernment and … has no limits or equal, so we need not doubt He can and will do what He promises. 

THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD AND HE HAS NO EQUALS.  THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO BE FORGIVEN AND ADMITTED INTO HEAVEN AND THAT WAY IS JESUS AND PASSAGE WAS PAID BY HIM AT THE CROSS.

Is it being intolerance not to accept other theories or faith?   Society is quickly moving to the left with a response of yes to that question.  However, a few years ago even the most liberal politicians and advocates would not have supported such a position. 

But the biblical position is to love people and offer the path to life Christ offers. But even well meaning people often respond poorly, causing misunderstanding and harm to others.

Likewise, Christians often pray for God’s council and help but become impatient and respond ahead of God.  Ahead of the preparation in circumstances and in hearts of others that would make a huge difference in outcome.

During the past year, the U.S. Postal Service has grappled with serious delays, partially because of COVID. One Connecticut landscaper nearly went bankrupt because his post office box was empty for 45 days. When he complained, postal authorities found some of the missing mail—nearly a hundred pieces, many of them containing checks from customers. At the time of this writing, he was still waiting for more of the lost mail to be found.

Sometimes we feel God’s answers to our prayers are lost or delayed, but, no, each comes as a special delivery at just the right moment in His blessed will. The King James Version tells us to be “instant in prayer.” We can pray in an instant, and God instantly hears. No request is ignored, no plea is unheard, and no prayer is unanswered if we pray with humble hearts in Jesus’ Name. 

In a day of instant communication, nothing is more instant than our connection with the Heavenly Father.

If we are “instant” in [prayer] and faithful in it, every little circumstance awakens the disposition to pray, and desires and words are always ready. Felix Neff, devotional writer

6/25/21                              FREEDOM FIGHTER                                                    25   

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.  Galatians 5:1

Recommended Reading: Galatians 2:4-5

⁴ And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), ⁵ to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

COMMENTS:  God sets boundaries with His laws or commandments for our benefit and wellbeing. Freedom to enjoy life and be fulfilled with our family and loved ones becomes a natural result.   But when God’s laws are broken, God’s protection is removed and the resulting consequences result instead of freedom.   Sin and evil conduct may be enjoyable or fun or exciting for a time but will bring suffering and misery and destruction as it’s natural fruit.

Freedom fighter s are those to strive to overthrow oppressive or evil government  authority.

Apostle Paul was one such freedom fighter.  He preached and taught and wrote about the Gospel of Grace through Jesus Christ. Christ’s example and sacrifice enabled each of us to experience God’s grace – forgiveness – restored relationship, thereby empowered and protected by His abiding Holy Spirit  to do His Will out of a desire to please Him and bless others instead of  satisfying evil desires satan imposes on us.  Satan gives us weakness against hinder doing good and stop doing evil.  Christ offers strength to resist temptation and a far better resulting life and confidence of Heaven.

 “To whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue” (Galatians 2:5). Paul took the Galatian Christians to task for replacing freedom in Christ with an obligation to the requirements of the law. Once Paul tasted true spiritual freedom, he never looked back.

If you have found freedom in Christ, “you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Join Paul as a spiritual fighter for the Gospel of freedom!

Liberty has brought us the freedom to be a slave of righteousness.
Charles Ryrie

6/26/21                           CHOOSING REAL COMMITMENT                                         26

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.  1 Corinthians 4:2

Recommended Reading: Luke 14:25-27

²⁵ Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, ²⁶ “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. ²⁷ And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

COMMENTS:  So which is Christ calling us to?  To being faithful to and responsible to our families and parents and church or to Him?   What does the above scripture in Luke 14 mean?  Are we to hate our own families?   Well, we usually come to wrong conclusions if we focus on one scripture and ignore others.  This is one of those examples.  Christ is calling and asking us to love and serve and obey Him above all others.  When we put priority of our family above Him, we hurt Him but also ourselves and our families.  When we put Him first, all others fall in line and He then shows us how to love Him and our families.  We then actually have more capacity to love and serve our family when we put Him first.

The stories of Navy SEAL training are legendary—perhaps the most demanding of any military branch. Why do the SEALs (along with the Army Rangers, Deltas, Special Forces, and others) endure such rigorous training? So that trainees will count the cost before committing. So they will be faithful in the heat of battle. It’s why the Marine Corps motto is Semper Fidelis—“Always Faithful.”

Faithfulness. It’s at the heart of every mission statement—military, business, family, or church. The apostle Paul said only one thing is required of stewards: to be faithful. Paul was a steward of Christ’s commission to take the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 26:17-18). But of what is every Christian a steward? The Great Commission, to begin with (Matthew 28:19-20). But also, we are stewards of the love and grace of God that has been poured into us by the Spirit (Romans 5:5). Such love and grace was given at great cost—the life of Jesus Himself.

Jesus warned the crowds that followed Him to count the cost before committing (Luke 14:25-33). Once committed, faithfulness is all that matters. Authentic Christians are true stewards; true stewards are faithful forever.

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

6/27/21                                           HAVE MERCY                                     27

Psalm 123:1, 3-4 – To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens! … Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. COMMENTS:  God has a strong and firm attitude and judgment prepared for  those with a prideful attitude.   Maybe because such an attitude tends to spawn contempt for others, looking down on their abilities and accomplishments.  Humility spawns, by contrast, empathy and an attitude of encouragement and assistance towards others. “We have had more than enough of contempt.” We may feel the same way. Christians around the world suffer severe persecution, facing not only contempt, but the loss of homes and employment, violence, imprisonment, and death. Although we may not endure the suffering known by many of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we too bear the world’s contempt. We live in a culture that claims many “truths” and views with disdain any claim to an absolute truth. People embrace many gods and beliefs, and our allegiance to one God and Savior is often viewed as intolerant. We know the world’s contempt because we live in a world that has “exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25a). The earliest followers of Jesus also endured “the scorn of those who are at ease” and “the contempt of the proud.” The apostles, eyewitnesses to the resurrection were arrested, beaten, imprisoned, and most, according to tradition, suffered martyrdom. We should not be surprised by the world’s scorn and contempt. Jesus told His disciples, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). Jesus suffered hatred and scorn. He was rejected as Israel’s Messiah and, according to God’s plan for salvation, Jesus was condemned and crucified. Overcoming the world’s contempt and evil, Jesus rose from death on the first Easter morning. To the Lord now enthroned in glory in the heavens, we lift our eyes and plead for mercy and help: “We have had more than enough of contempt!” Calling a persecutor to be His ambassador, the risen Savior asked Saul, “Why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4b) Our crucified and conquering Lord knows the hatred and grief endured by His body, the church. Warning His followers of the trouble to come, Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Through the power of His resurrection, through His victory over the world’s hatred, over death and the devil, Jesus has had mercy on us. His victory is our victory. We now proclaim—in the face of the world’s scorn and contempt—the message of the cross. It is a message that many consider to be weak and foolish, but we know that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). The world may express its scorn and contempt, but we know and confess the Word of the cross as the Gospel truth! THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, have mercy and deliver Your followers who endure persecution. Keep them strong in faith and encourage them through Your Word. Amen.

6/28/21                                                 SECURE IN HIS HANDS                                                 28         

Psalm 139:7-10 – Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.

COMMENTS:  Those who break the law flee from crime sights and hide to avoid being arrested by police. Fleeing prosecution and punish is the short term goal of criminals.

Adam and Eve hid from God after their initial sin of eating the forbidden fruit the serpent  tempted them with.  It was folly for them to try to hid from God

Why would we want to run away from the Holy Spirit? Why would we ever flee from the presence of God? Still, we may think we have a reason to run. Like our first parents, we may feel guilty and ashamed of our own rebellious thoughts and actions. Weee may try to hide, feeling unworthy to be in the presence of the Lord, we can be certain that He eagerly waits to forgive every repentant sinner.

Yet the psalmist David is not really trying to escape judgment. He has already confessed that the Lord knows him inside and out, and certainly knows where he is: “You hem me in; behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me” (Psalm 139:5). David could not get away if he tried, and he knows it. But His question, “Where shall I go?” is not an attempt to run. It is a statement of assurance and trust that we, too, confess. There is no place we can go where God will not be. If we ascend to heaven, well, of course God is there. Any place we might go on earth, north, south, east or west, God’s mighty hand still keeps a firm hold on us.

Even when we lie down in death, making our “bed in Sheol,” the place of the dead, God is present with us. He is there because our Savior Jesus Christ has been there ahead of us. Jesus took onto Himself the sins that threatened to separate us from God for all eternity, every sin that makes us want to run and hide. On the night He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus may have sung the words of another psalm, words that expressed His desolation as the hour of His death approached: “The snares of death encompassed Me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on Me; I suffered distress and anguish” (Psalm 116:3; see Mark 14:26). For the sake of our salvation, the Son of God suffered the penalty of death that we deserved for our sins and made His bed in Sheol.

But the place of the dead could not hold our mighty Savior and, on the first Easter morning, Jesus rose in triumph over death and the grave. He ascended into heaven to reign as King over all things, over every place in heaven and on earth. He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, the Shepherd who promises, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). Wherever we go, Jesus is there, holding us in His strong right hand.

THE PRAYER: Almighty God and Savior, wherever I go, hold me safely in Your strong hand. Amen.

6/29/21                                                        GRACE ALONE                                                         29

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23

Recommended Reading: Romans 6:20-23

²⁰ For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. ²¹ What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. ²² But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. ²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

COMMENTS:  The prevailing world view is earning passage to heaven by good works.  Some believe good works cancels bad works.  Others believe Grace is sufficient so it doesn’t matter if do good or bad.    Still others believe being better than the worst sinners is sufficient to get into heaven. 

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.  Acts 4:12

 1 Timothy 2:5 ⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

John 14:1-14 “ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.” ⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know^[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”⁸ Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”⁹ Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. ¹¹ Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. ¹² Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

Jesus removed all doubt when He told us that He is the one and only way of redemption and way to the Father.  We live in a world demanding tolerance and acceptance of all religions and world views.  To not only accept but the world demands that we agree with those views.

Jesus did not approve of sinful behavior of others, but instead taught them a better way to live while showing them love and compassion.   Jesus didn’t approve of the lifestyle of the woman at the well. He showed her, and us through her encounter with Jesus, that Jesus loves enough to offer eternal life and forgiveness.  By offering a better life instead of showing tolerance and/or approval of current life styles and world view, Jesus demonstrated a nuch higher level of love and compassion towards all he encountered from all races and backgrounds and origins.  Samaritans were considered second class citizens and were avoid by Jews BUT NOT BY JESUS!   The woman at the well encountered Jesus and was transformed, as were many in your home town she shared her new faith with.

To recognize and state that Jesus is God and the One and Only Way to God the Father.  To believe and accept this is also to believe and accept the fact that the Bible is the One and only source of scripture.  To believe and accept Christianity is the One and only True religion.   To believe and accept that all other religions and world views come short.

The Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus established a “zero-mile” monument in Rome to measure distances throughout the empire. It eventually led to, “All roads lead to Rome.” A variant on that idea is found in modern computer and phone software that maps various routes from “city A” to “city B”—different roads leading to the same destination.

Sadly, this idea of “multiple roads, one destination” has made its way into theology: “All roads lead to God.” Proponents of this idea suggest that all religions have the same ultimate destination. Said another way, “There are many ways to get to God.” However, the Bible doesn’t support this idea. The apostle Peter was clear when speaking to the Jewish elders after Pentecost. He stated clearly that the Name (Person) of Jesus is the only means of salvation. Paul echoed this position when he wrote that there is only one Mediator between God and man, “the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

Don’t be confused by non-biblical positions on salvation. There is only one road to God and His heaven. That road begins and ends with Jesus.

So, trying to earn passage to heaven by good works is like swimming acorr the pacific ocean. According to Guinness World Records, the longest distance ever swum without flippers in the open sea is 139.8 miles—a remarkable feat by Veljko Rogošic of Croatia in 2006. But it’s 9,600 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Even if his life depended on it, Veljko would still have come 9,460.2 miles short.

We can never get to heaven on our own efforts. Only the good ship of grace can take us there. Many people try to live good enough to merit heaven, but we’re too flawed, too sinful, and too imperfect for God’s presence. The wages of sin is death. But through Jesus Christ, God offers us the free gift of eternal life.

We can’t earn our salvation any more than we can swim across the seas, but Christ has done the work so that we might receive the gift. We don’t have to swim or struggle. We simply trust the Captain of our salvation.

Toward the stout ships that have carried me across the seas I have ever cherished a grateful feeling. How much more do I love the good ship of Grace that has borne me thus far on my way to the Fair Havens.
R. A. Torrey

6/30/21                                 good night!                                              30                        

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.  Psalm 4:8

Recommended Reading: Psalm 4

4 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!You have relieved me in my distress;Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

² How long, O you sons of men,Will you turn my glory to shame?How long will you love worthlessnessAnd seek falsehood? Selah³ But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly;The Lord will hear when I call to Him.

⁴ Be angry, and do not sin.Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah⁵ Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,And put your trust in the Lord.⁶ There are many who say,“Who will show us any good?”Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.⁷ You have put gladness in my heart,More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. ⁸ I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

COMMENTS:   Sleep is a necessary part of life.  Depriving needed sleep deprived our bodies of needed time to replenish and restore needed strength and energy and damaged body cells.  Sleep also requires a safe location and surroundings, since we are more vulnerable to attack and dangers while sleeping.

Likewise, difficulty sleeping often comes from worry and spending time preparing for difficult, but lack of sleep weakens and leaves us less prepared for those difficulties and dangers.   Nearly half of us admit to losing sleep over anxiety or do to anxiety over love ones or even lonliness.

God’s Peace for When You Can’t Sleep, by Christina Vinson, suggests focusing our hearts and minds on God’s promises and on the sweetness of prayer as the day ends. 

“Take in a deep breath. Exhale the stress you are holding, and breathe in the peace of God, letting the promises of His Word flood your tired soul. And then, as you close your eyes and lay your head down, know that He is right there with you; He is your rock, your strength, your ever-present help in times of trouble, even in the quiet hours of the morning.”

God’s eternal peace will cover all our troubles in this world and carry us into eternal peace.

Lord, You are the Giver of rest. Help me trust that You have everything under control, and that my job is not to juggle everything, but to hand all of my burdens over to You, the all-powerful, able, strong God.
Christina Vinson

Today’s devotion completes another month of studying God’s Word and sharing. 

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 590 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

Don McDaniel