NOVEMBER 2021

 11/1/21                                                                                 NO ESCAPE                                1 

Psalm 139:7–8

COMMENTS:  You’ve heard the statement “out of sight – out of mind”?  That is   easy to do when it comes  to seldom used tools or things.  Even may be true of people we see infrequently – even within our own family.    Even those we’ve invested in materially or emotionally can gradually get lost in our   infrequently accessed memory over time.     How said when that becomes true of children towards their parents or parents toward their children.   But even more tragic is when we neglect and forget about our God and fellowship daily with Him.   Habits help us sustain regular behaviors and practices.  Some habits are easily a reinforced  when includes some chemical or emotional  stimulation.   Such becomes a reinforcing stimulus to strengthen the habit sufficiently to make it difficult or even impossible to break or stop.  Smoking or drinking or drug additions as well as other additions fall into this destructive category of habits. But there are good habits that we should try to develop too, one very important is daily prayer and bible study.    One other very important one for me is devotion journaling. Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to break bad habits like smoking or drinking alcohol while good habits are so easily broken?  Why is that?  I think it is because of the spiritual battle satan is waging.  He is allowed by God to create chemical dependencies and emotional dependencies to compel us to continue destructive habits. God, in contrast, desires to build healthy relationships based on compassion and unselfish love.  To be motivated out of a sense of love and gratitude and desire to bless others, which requires more determination and discipline to sustain.  Satan uses additions so determination and discipline becomes necessary to stop bad habits while determination and discipline is necessary to sustain good habits.  Satan knows his only power over us is based on lies and deceptive lures.  We would never choose to do his evil. God has a more powerful and wonderful way – the way of                             free will choice and then an abiding relationship with Him andwith other believers to strengthen and enable sustaining “good habits” Suffering pain and hardships either self inflicted or due to external sources, are something everyone must endure.  Suffering like poor physical health or bad finances or bad relationships.  Even Christians look for ways  to escape their suffering, using distractions like tv or daydreaming or sleep instead of dealing with and addressing the source of that suffering in order to bring healing.   Suicide is the ultimate lie satan uses to convince us there is no other solution. Job and Elijah faced suffering and reached their breaking point when God intervened.  The book of Job gives us Job’s lament and purpose of his suffering.  Elijah’s lament is recorded I Kings 19. Circumstances and degree of suffering and even frequency of suffering vary for each of us, but God is still able and willing and ready to aid us in our suffering when we open ourselves and seek His help and direction. Elijah’s story and experience serves to guide and encourage us to know God’s angels are on duty on our behalf.  Also, know that God is everywhere with more than enough will and wisdom and power and ability and awareness to solve and resolve and heal any and all our suffering and meet all our needs.

Notice Elijah’s prayer: Lord, if I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn and settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me and your right hand will hold me fast. There’s no way I can escape your love… I praise you for that!

        

                   

 

11/2/21                                              Shaking the Status Quo                                 2 

 

“Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Then Jesus asked them, ‘Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?’ But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.”

Mark 3:1–5

COMMENTS:  Jesus, in today’s lesson, performed an amazing miracle. The crippled man’s hand had withered beyond any hope of recovering it’s use.  The man was known so there would be little doubt it would take a miracle to heal the man’s hand.  Scripture seems to indicate those in authority present  believed Jesus as able to do a miracle but they were convinced their interpretation of the law was right,  which meant it was wrong for Jesus to heal on the Sabbath.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Human tendency is to gravite to earning the respect and friendship and  even love of others.   To believe such is also necessary to win approval and affections of God. Jesus was moved with compassion for the crippled man but not for those  watching because   they just wanted to witness Jesus disobeying their man-made laws to entrape Him.  They didn’t know or understand that if Jesus had shared their interpretation of the 10 Commandments, which had grown to 649.  Jesus knew it was impossible for anyone  to obey the 649 Commandments or even just the 10. The Father knows that too.   He knew Jesus was only One able to pay the price for redemption of all or even one human.  Well, That price  would be sufficient to redeem one cripple and those present or anyone seeking redemption.    The leaders felt self-righteous, so they saw no need for a savior for them.  Instead, they saw the One God chose the Savior to be evil. Some might think Jesus hated those self-righteous scribes and pharisees but Paul’s conversion from being the self-righteous persecutors of Christians into the Apostle Paul demonstrated God’s love for  all motivating Him to confront and offer redemption to even the self-righteous.  To those with enough sense to accept it. But God is also angered and disturbed when His children receive persecution by others so influenced by satan to do so.           There are many reasons for reaching out to meet the needs of people around you. One reason may be to simply lend a helping hand. Another may be to put your gifts and talents to use. But a valid reason could be that you must take action against the nonchalance and indifference others have toward the needs at hand. Many a church has been sorely convicted when a believer steps out and shakes up the status quo! Lord, help me to move fellow believers beyond the careless neglect we often show toward those in need. Give me courage to take action against apathy, and may your body become stronger for it.

11/3/21                                 Shaking the Status Quo                                          3

“At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’”

Revelation 19:10

COMMENTS:    How would you respond if an angel visited you?   What would you say or do?  Well, accounts in scripture indicate a natural response is to bow in worship.   Yet, I  think it would be amazing to learn from them and listen to their experiences and rejoice and praise Christ with them.  Peter tells us in Acts, “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy… Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy” (Acts 2:17–18). These are the last days. We are God’s sons and daughters. And whether you give the Gospel to a bunch of residents with cerebral palsy at a care facility or witness alongside Billy Graham at a gigantic crusade, the Spirit of God rests upon you as you testify of Jesus. On second thought, maybe I am a prophet of Acts. And you could be, too. So get out there and prophesy! The pouring out of God’s Spirit on his sons and daughters has been happening ever since the last days kicked off with the book of Acts. But something is now shifting in God’s timetable… his Spirit is being poured out abundantly and in a special sense… now is the time to hold to the testimony of Jesus, the spirit of prophecy. Give me, O God, a sense of urgency to hold to the testimony of Jesus in these last days.

11/4/21                                             WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS                                               4

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”   Philippians 1:2     COMMENTS:  I’m sure at one time or another someone has disappointed you.  Betrayed your trust by doing or saying something hurtful or betraying a confidence by revealing a secret or private conversation.  The betrayal may be in a variety of other ways.  Take a moment to reflect on some personal examples and how that betrayal impacted the relationship you had. At such times our emotions tempt and compel us to respond with harsh words or physical actions intending to inflict the same level of hurt as we are suffering from. But Jesus exampled and taught a different way of responding.  A way that diffuses escalation of hurtful conduct. Yet, even minor disappointments often discourage us from doing and being all God wants us to be and do.  Yet, actions can be contagious resulting in the emotions motivating them also being contagious too.  Angry words or actions cause that anger to spread to others affected. The other approach that Jesus taught and lived was the choice to love and forgive.  When we turn to His Word and follow His example by praying and focusing on Him, especially when we don’t feel like it, we soon discover our emotions cooling and our minds gaining the ability to make wiser choices that diffuse anger and make healing and forgiveness possible.  Now let’s reflect on a time we were given grace and forgiveness when we hurt someone else.  A time we said something carelessly that hurt or forgot or failed to meet an expectation.  Well, the longer such failings continue, the harder to forgive and maintain relationship.  Putting relationships with others at risk is to priceless to our welfare to be justified by anything we might gain.   Relationships like family and friends and spouse are the God designed way of working and encouraging and helping and living together in community.  Such       enables us to more effectively live and be in relationship with God more effectively too.   That is why neglecting our devotion time with God impacts negatively our relationship with each other and neglecting our relationship with each other negatively impacts our relationship with God. God compels us to prayer to improve our relationships with others and with Him.  We don’t notice that because of the noise of our own emotions – feelings and distracting circumstances.  So, quieting ourselves – removing ourselves for a time from distractions to pray opens us to opportunity to hear and respond to God’s voice and instruction and help.  Then praying with others brings them into discussion and opens all participants to God’s voice together. Such a wonderful privilege and blessing to have access to our Creator and God whenever and wherever we desire.  God is so accessible and we are so dependent on Him that it is so easy to take Him for granted and loose appreciation of how involved He is giving and maintaining our life and quality of life.  Involved in all that makes life enjoyable and fulfilling and worth living too.   When we neglect Him and take Him for granted, we diminish the quality of life we live and the quality of life we inspire in others.

John Bunyan said, “In prayer it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart.” I praise you, Lord Jesus, that grace and peace are your abundant gifts to us. My heart kneels before you today as I receive these precious gifts.

11/5/21                                                         PRESENT AGE PROBLEMS                                        5

	“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 COMMENTS:  Everyone has a bad day once in a while.  A day when circumstances seem to fight us.  Days when obstacles prevent us from completing tasks or obligations or reaching goals set for us or by use for completion. Yet, when I look back, I  realize that most if not all those goals seemed vitally important and even urgent at  the time, but time had a way of fading their importance and sense of urgency.  Sometimes, God needs to slow us down and redirect us and our priorities to be in line with His again.   When His priorities conflict  with ours, scripture and history (biblical and historic and even personal history) consistently proves God’s will is best and   perfect in way and  time.  Today Joni Eareckson shared one of her bad days.  “I was all ready to go to work and as I powered my wheelchair onto the mechanical lift of my van, I pressed the toggle switch to raise the lift and… nothing happened. It broke. My dear friend, who was standing by nicely dressed for work, had to hand‐crank the lift with me on it. That was no easy feat. That was the same day my corset snapped a fastener, two people canceled important appointments, my computer erased two pages of work, and, I broke a tooth. I went immediately to the dentist, only to suffer his accidentally cracking another tooth right next to the broken one.Can you identify? The cost of living is sky‐high. Interest rates are up. Washing machines don’t last as long as they used to. The mice are back in the garage. Parking is becoming a nightmare. Stress is a daily companion, and you feel like you’re holding the loose ends of your job together by your fingers and toes. Well, listen to this twentieth‐century prescription in Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Consider what Paul meant by “our present sufferings.” When he wrote those words, Christians weren’t facing cost‐of‐living increases, they were counting the cost of their lives. People were living under a cruel system that got its kicks from throwing believers to lions. Talk about stress! Thank you, Lord, for giving me a “Romans 8:18″ perspective on my problems today. The struggles I face are not worth comparing to the trials of the early church – and I realize that my problems aren’t worthy to be compared with the glory that will one day be revealed in me. Thank you for this hope. “

11/6/21                                                         LOFTY AND LOWLY CALLINGS                                           6

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:2
COMMENTS:  Everyone wants God to greet them at heaven’s gate as a faithful servant but most have not learned from scripture how to insure that will be  the case.  Most think they must earn or work their way to heaven  and  hope their good deeds will be enough to achieve that.  Most also tend to rational their own beliefs and sucessfullness by comparing to lives of others. But Jesus lived and taught a much different life and doctrine.   His teaching fulfilled old testament prophecy and teaching.  God has a standard of perfect conduct that is more than difficult to achieve.  It is impossible.  Then He taught  and showed mercy and forgiveness. God knew we could not live sin free lives, so instead He provided the means of taking on the guilt and punishment required for our sins on Himself so we could face the Father forgiven.   He would then only see and judge us through His Son’s (Jesus) blood.   That is the only way He can judge us forgiven as a good and faithful servant. How could we compete or compare ourselves to the martyrs of the first century church or Christians enduring great persecution in China or in North Korea or in many Islam middle east countries?  Yet, Jesus taught that even they will only be allowed into heaven if they accepted Christ’s redemption bought with His death so everyone is judged and admitted based on the same standard and same requirement. What an amazing and wonderful blessing and promise, giving us freedom to praise and worship and serve Him without worrying if it is enough to get into heaven, but motivated out of a desire to please Him and encourage others to know and enjoy His mercy too. A famous and common statement “misery loves company” no longer applies.  Instead “those who know God’s mercy love company” or “those forgiven want others to be forgiven too”
God is only looking for you to be faithful in what he’s called you to be and do. No matter if your calling is lofty or lowly, it is faithfulness for which he will commend you on that day when all believers stand before him. That means that your faithfulness may be rewarded by God with as great a glory as that reserved for the Billy Grahams of this world! And one more thing: If your calling in life seems lowly, you are likely to receive a greater commendation. Why? Because a deeper kind of obedience is necessary when submitting to God in a low calling – it’s tough to remain faithful to God through poverty or pain. The one who is faithful in tough times catches God’s eye. Jeremiah Burroughs says, “You have a principle within you of grace, a principle that raises your lowest actions to be higher in God’s esteem than all the brave, glorious actions that are done in the world.” That means that in God’s eyes, Alexander the Great can’t hold a candle to your faithful service as you maintain a godly home. Julius Caesar’s victories pale in comparison to your victories over temptations and trials. So remember: God requires you to be faithful. That’s enough. That’s everything.

  11/7/21                                             TRIPLE TROUBLE                                        7

“Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distresses.”

2 Corinthians 6:4

COMMENTS:  We in USA, compared to citizens of most of the world’s countries enjoy prosperity and freedom never seen before by such a high percent of it’s people.  Sure, the USA has violence and crime and injustice and persecution and poverty , but the severity of each is endured by a higher percent and much worse in degree and intensity in communist and pagan countries than in countries ruled by and where it’s people live by God’s law and world view.   But there are those passionate and determined to remove any history or influence of the Bible or those who follow and believe in God and His Word.   History gives clear examples of the bad results of doing this and consequences of not worshiping and following God’s commands.  But  people keep being fooled by and destroyed by satan’s tricks and promises.  God warns us but continues to allow us to make bad and destructive choices.  Not what He wants passonately but what He allows us to choose .

11/8/21                                                                    HUNGRY FOR HOME                                               8     

“We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”

2 Peter 3:13

COMMENTS:  Home is a special place.  My home is a special place for me.  The place my parents raised my sister and me in.  The place of many fond memories growing up.  The place where we raised our children and all the memories Arlene and I made with them.   The place my great grandparents raised my grandmother – my mother’s mother.  I cherish all the pictures I have of all those generations. The memories of all these generations include stories of Christ’s faithfulness and work of redemption and council and protection and encouragement and help in so many more ways including salvation and forgiveness. Well, as the years continue to fly by, I have concluded the wood and nails, the bricks and mortar, the glass and paint all are no more than that.  Sure, they remind us of past days and experiences and people, but that doesn’t hold a candle to the relationship I enjoy with family and friends and church family and with their God and my God.   Heaven continues to be more real and approaching as more and more I know go on there ahead of me.  The home Christ is preparing for me and my loved ones there is so much more important and valuable to me than our home here.  As evidence of Christ’s approaching return and fulfillment of prophecy comes closer to reality, the less important our earthly home becomes – the more heaven feels and become home… How tragic it is for those who fall prey to satan’s trap and deception of sacrificing family and body and soul  spending precious time God intends for worship and family and service to Him to acquire wealth and power and position and other measurements of success the world values and offers while sacrificing pursuit of what God values and judges successful.

Revelation gives us promise and and idea of what Christ is preparing for us and coming to take me to.  1 Corinthians 15 tells me of the new and immortal body He has for me. He also tells of the perfect nature and person I will be free of temptation and deception satan has persuaded me to destroy myself with, all of which I  will be free from to enjoy heaven and a relationship with Him and His people and creation without sin. Would you please help me to see heaven as my home, Lord? Make me hungry for heaven so that I can honor you better down here on earth.

11/9/21                                              GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE                                         9 

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4

COMMENTS:   “Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.”  Have you ever heard that famous quote before.  I have and even have used it.   God does want to give you the desires of your heart but not if those desires are evil in motivation and if His Will opposes it.  Yet, often He will permit us to go down a destructive path of our own choosing or even a consequence of another’s destructive path for a time.  Take some time to reflect on examples.   Certainly the path of Germany during 1930’s to mid 1940’s is an example – following the evil path Adolf Hitler lead them on.  The path that reigned destruction and tyranny and death on the world and especially Jews.   Such was true in the first century with the death and persecution of faithful Christians – Christ follower under the reign of Rome. But that end began when Caesar’s mother was converted and ultimately when Caesar too was converted.   The conduct and example reflected in the lives of those persecuted was a powerful weapon again satan and those who followed his deceptions and lies and lures.  Same is true today in Korea and mainland China and many Islam countries and Communist governed countries. But when God’s people are obedient and faithful in worship and service and conduct, God enables them to do great things and leave a legacy of eternal duration.  A legacy that may not be noticed immediately but will.

Ask any young Christians what God’s will is for their life and you’ll probably hear this: “I don’t know, but I sure would love to know.” Well, we can know the will of God in a general sense, for God’s will is that we be saved, Spirit‐filled, sanctified, submissive, and suffering. God’s Word makes all this clear. But what about God’s specific will for your life? Which career should you pursue? Which college? I love Dr. John MacArthur’s advice: “If you are lined up with God’s general will, those five basics, then do whatever you want! If those five elements of God’s will are operating in your life, who is running your wants? God is! The psalmist said, ‘Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.’ God does not say he will fulfill all the desires that are there. He says he will put the desires there! If you are living a godly life, he will give you the right desires.” *1 Simply put, if you are operating in God’s general will, you can confidently move forward to pursue the desires God has placed on your heart. And once you are rolling, God can then grab the steering wheel with the strong arms of his will to direct you to exactly where he wants you to go. Finding the Lord’s specific will for you may mean pushing down the narrow line until you hit a dead‐end, but at that point, God will open a door so wide that you won’t be able to see around it – only go through it. Lord, fill me with your Spirit, sanctify me, help me to submit and follow you when I suffer. I can then have every confidence I’m wedged securely in the center of your specific will.

11/10/21                                                       GOD’S PEROGATIVE                                           10 

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Matthew 7:1–2

COMMENTS: Have you ever jumped to a negative conclusion without knowing all the background or facts?  Maybe someone treated you unfairly or accused you of something you didn’t do?  Have you ever been guilty of this as well?   I have to confess I have both experienced and been guilty as well. What hope would we have if God would treat us like we treat others. Well, don’t  we treat Him that way all too often.  We blame Him for treating us or others unfairly for consequences either our own sins or sins of others have caused. Satan is determined to destroy and lay the blame on God.  I know, the common comment is “God can do anything, why doesn’t He intervene sooner?”  “Why doesn’t he judge evil sooner or protect innocent from evil deeds sooner?”  “Since He doesn’t, doesn’t that make him culpable?” Well, He is God and has ultimate authority to do as  He wills!  To judge and act as He pleases and when He pleases!  We are not qualified nor have any right to judge God or His actions! But history proves to us He is faithful and His purpose of delaying judgment or even intervention is for a greater purpose, which  will result in greater good both for all of creation as well as each and every one of His faithful children.   Truth is we are all guilty of sin and worthy of His judgment.  We need to plead for His mercy instead of demanding His judgment, for we would face His judgment too if He did that.  But because He sacrificed, we can now enjoy His mercies.   His forgiveness is offered to any and all who simply repent and accept it.  That is Good News for all!

“Judge of all hearts, I love your heart of compassion and tender mercy. Thank you that I have been judged at the cross and there is no need for me to pass condemnation on others. Help me to have a compassionate attitude toward those who need your forgiveness. Help me to pray for them rather than to pass judgment on them.”

11/11/21                                           NO DARK PEWS                                                   11

“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 13:47

COMMENTS:  This morning I read a devotion that spoke of a church in England that has not inside lights.   Visitors are impressed by the building’s architecture, but all wonder why no provision was made for lights in the church.  The window light is insufficient to give adequate light to do little more than see to navigate interior furniture and obstacles. What visitors are told is that each pew has a lamp and each family is assigned a pew.  When that family attends, their light is lit, but if they miss weekly attendance, their pew light is off and their pew is dark. When the church is full, all the pew lights are lit and the church is illuminated sifficiently.  Even one unlit pew is noticable and a few pew lights are not enough to illuninate the whole church, but together all the pew lights provide sufficient light. This is a good illustration of the body of Christ when individuals use the gifts God has entrusted to each and obey His calling and direction.  The body is blessed when all do so, but the body suffers when even one fails to do so.  So also is God either blessed or suffers.  The impact of one individual may seem insignificant or unimportant but God has a wonderful way of making one  person’s contribution of time or money or talent or love multiply to overcome the failing to do so by many others.    But oh how much better when many all obey and share their talents and gifts and resources. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26) Help me to know, Lord, what it means to be a part of your body, to function with others for the good of all and the glory of the Son. Help me to understand my place in the body, including my responsibility to brothers and sisters around me. Help me to realize that my role, no matter how small, is significant. Shine through me, Lord, so that the lives of my friends and family will be brightened.

11/12/21                                                                            WE WILL SHINE                                                 12

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

Daniel 12:3

COMMENTS:  Today’s scripture is taken from the Old Testament book of Daniel.   Daniel is the person in the old testament I respect and desire to model the most.  Daniel was faithful through the  reign of 3 invading pagan kings, force to live and serve a pagan government and people ruled by those kings for over 70 years far removed from his country and family.  He had nothing tangable to hold on to that would  remind him of his home and faith except the memories preserved in his mind, a few friends from home.  But he had a personal  relationship with God that made all  the difference.  He fellowshiped with God and obeyed Him consistently and faithfully even though he had witnessed the violent invasion and murder of his family and friends and piers at the hands of his Babylonian captures. He was exposed to the pagan ways and beliefs of his captures and was forced to submit  to those ways.  But he did not budge in his faith in God and obedience to His commands and direction. Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, God witnessed to both Daniel’s countrymen and to the pagan Babylonians and even to the powerful and feared Babylonian king.  Daniel’s example has impacted and encouraged and given hope to generations since his lifetime and still do today.  I often wonder why God chose David to be his “blood line” to Christ and His eternal kingdom instead of Daniel.   Yet the focus of the gospel message and sacrifice of Christ lines up with the “blood line” He chose.  The blood line of those who repented of their sins and then began following God’s lead even when included many periods of “backsliding” or rebellion along the way.   David is such an example but also included are some repentant pagans like Ruth and Rahab too.  Christ’s message  is that all are invited and given opportunity to become a part of Christ’s family and blood line which includes His inheritance from the Father for eternity. You and I should take lightly nor take for granted just how wonderful and important Christ’s invitation and gift of salvation is but also how devastating rejecting that invitation will be. I believe we are entering dark times when good will be judged by society as evil and evil good.   I believe being a Christian will justify persecution and even martydom as a punishment by society.  It already is in many parts of the world but soon, I believe, it will move quickly to be so in the “free world” too. As Daniel had to face the lion’s den and his 3 friends had to face the fire of King Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, Christ followers will face pain and hardship and even death for their faith as well on a global scale with few places to hide.  Yet, like Daniel, we know God is faithful and eternity with Him will be the prize and reward and goal that overshadows any short term suffering or even death. The world won’t be able  to ignore the witness they will see in Christians during that time, as they could not silence Daniel’s witness and example either.  Daniel left a eternal legacy that is still bearing fruit and so will we and those before and after us if we remain faithful. Joni Earackson Tata shared in her devotion of enjoying the night sky with all the stars and a moon showing just enough to appear to be a smile on the horizon.  Joni has endured paralysis for nearly 60 years and cancer and a multitude of other painful ailments but as she peered into that night sky, she whispered “Jesus, wait for me, I’m coming home, I belong up there”  She saw the night stars and the moon smiling telling her it won’t be long and Jesus is lovingly and patiently waiting for her.   He is waiting for you and me too… He has given us in the Bible the glimpses of heaven He showed Daniel and John and others what He is preparing for us.   Those glimpses encouraged and motivated them to face a short term future of danger and suffering and even death with hope and courage and even joy.   So, look up at the sky and know He is waiting for you too! AMEN?  AMEN!

11/13/21          CONSTANT TROUBLES                13

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8—9
COMMENTS:   Everyone endures trials and difficulties but some seem to get more than their share.   Yet, it has been observed that we are either coming out of a trial or about to go into one or enjoying  the calm in between trials.   The  length of trials varies as does the time of peace or calm between trials.  Trials either strengthen us physically and emotionally and spiritually, as God intends; or they weaken and cause us to weaken and stray from God.   God intends for us to seek His help and council but we prefer to deal  with trials alone depending on our own wisdom and experience and strength until we are forced to seek help. The Bible devoted much of it’s verses to reminding us that God is a strong dependable rock, a firm defense and sure refuge for the weak. The reason is the magnitude of our weakness and desperately in constant need of His help. It is good for each of us to be in relationship with each other, knowing we each  are weak and strong in different area so being accountable to each other empowers and enables us to overcome our weaknesses and sharing our strengths.   Being in relationship with God connects us with our source of life and eternal wisdom.  Romans 8:28 assures us that even though evil and trials doesn’t come from God, God uses them as opportunities to do great good to those who put their faith and obedience and worship to Him.   When we grumble and complain, we limit the good God w ants to do instead of seeking resources He provides to help and bless us.

11/14/21                                             OUR ADVOCATE                                      14 

“We have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
1 John 2:1
COMMENTS:  Advocate is the person who pleads for another’s cause. Advocates are used to help clients receive either justice or mercy in a court of law, trained and authorized to effectively represent their client and present facts and viewpoints the client is not able or trained to give himself. Jesus, as our advocate certainly does that representing us each before the Father, but continues to take on all our sin and guilt onto Himself, thereby rendering  us clean of all that and forgiven.  Not only does He persuade the Father to forgive us, but results in the Father not seeing our sin any longer because Jesus has completely taken and removed it all from us and put upon Himself.All our sins and evil are recorded and presented.  Satan delights in anticipation of the Father pronouncing judgment on the creation He dearly loves, us.  But Jesus presents His blood and sacrifice, resulting in the Father granting forgiveness in place of judgment. Imagine Jesus as your advocate saying to the Father “Don is mine. I died for every sin he ever committed.  I’ve paid his debt, but now am asking You, Father; to credit his account with all my righteousness.”Jesus not only paid our sin debt on the cross, He also bought for us the privilege  and access to the Father that He has enjoyed.  Such a gift can never be paid back, only praise offered to the generous giver, to Christ our Savior and Redeemer.  “Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.” (Job 16:19–21) Blessed is “the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.’” (Romans 4:6–7)I kneel in my heart, Lord Jesus, at all that you’ve given me. Forgiveness of sin. And righteousness with our Father.

11/15/21                                                          BREATH OF LIFE                                                     15

“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

John 20:21–22

COMMENTS:  God began human life by breathing on the body He had just formed and created / built for Adam.  Life has continued from one generation to another because of God’s words instruction His creation to reproduce. The ability to do so was given directly from God to humans, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t involved in each and every birth even though sin and evil is commonly involved in and influences each new life created.  Satan may be involved in many of those births, he is certainly involved in deliberately taking that life by abortion too.   God has a wonderful and sure way of making all we say or do turn out to bring good if we put our faith and obedience in Him.  When we do that, God responds in ways we may not notice right away but historically consistent in bring a good outcome. Humans tend to wonder away from God during peaceful times when it is easy to coast along but when life’s storms strike, obedience to Him is vital to keep us from crashing into dangerous rocks and traps along the path and journey of life.

Sometimes when we are gripped by fear, a good prescription for peace is to pray for others. Especially others who are pressured by circumstances more confining than yours. Think of someone who needs your prayers today and ask the Lord to breathe on that friend his breath of life and peace. I am reminded of a familiar hymn: “Breathe on me, Breath of God. Fill me with life anew, That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do. Breathe on me, Breath of God. Until my heart is pure, Until with Thee I will one will, To do and to endure.”

11/16/21                                             PARTY SPOILER                                                         16

“When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, “Friend, move up to a better place.” Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’”
Luke 14:7–11
COMMENTS: Last Sunday at Sunday School our adult class discussed Predestination vs Foreknowledge vs Free Will.  God responds to our conduct and level of faith and obedience.  So how does God balance and have relationship with each of us knowing when  we will sin and disobey Him?  A clue is how He treated those in previous generations.  Scripture also gives us instruction of what God  requires and consequences of not accepting His redemption as well as consequence of turning away from His Grace. I believe those examples underscore the great patience and determination to pursue each of us like Hosea pursued Gomer or how the Prodigal responded to the prodigal’s return.  However, we must not forget or loose the realization that God is too perfect and powerful and wise and loving and just to comprehend fully what He says and does.  For God to perfectly and personally manage each of our lives at the same time using our wise and foolish choices to accomplish His Will while still allowing us to be tempted and make those choices both good and evil.  Likewise, He exposes us to good influences and individuals to wisely guide and council us.   There is no room in Scripture for a one‐sided view of our Lord. Jesus always oversteps the comfort zones of people. He hits the light switch in stuffy rooms of darkness and evil. He barges into our lives, tearing aside the curtains we’ve tried to pull over secret sins. He heaves his shoulder against the doors we’ve locked to protect private habits from his scrutiny. Jesus urged some inconvenient, untimely change in people’s lives and He still does. And did they and how are we to respond? “He who humbles himself will be exalted.” Lord, I’m grateful that, when it comes to my sin, you leave no stone unturned. Although it hurts when you expose my impure motives, thoughts and actions, I know that you are bringing my wrongdoing to light so that, with your help, I can change my ways. This is difficult to ask, Lord, but keep elbowing in on my comfort zones until I am the spotless, blameless, pure child you want me to be.

11/17/21                                                       IMMITATING OR REFLECTING?                                 17

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
John 15:4
COMMENTS:   The parable of the prodigal and of the lost sheep and of the lost coin give a clear image of God as  a loving Father who understands and pursues each of us.  The God who spoke the world and all it’s life into existance.  The God who created and manage the entire universe in it’s vastness as well as the smallest atom in that universe also desires to be in personal relationship with each one of us even to the point of seeking and being close to each one of us.  There are times when we don’t feel close to God but pretend to be close.   When God feels near along with  His strength and influence, doing difficult things is so much easier.  But God doesn’t want us to act as though nothing is wrong when we don’t feel close to Him. Afterall, He knows are weaknesses and discouragements. Yet, He also wants us to recognize and acknowledge our need for Him and let that struggle become a part of our tesmimony and faith journey.
Nothing is more mechanical than when we attempt to live a supernatural life apart from God. I’ve done it. You do it. When we live apart from him, prayer becomes dull, witnessing becomes dry, and relationships sag under the weight of selfishness. Our jobs become routine, and even performing an act of kindness becomes an unpleasant duty. Our relationship to the Lord even becomes a chore. In case you’re feeling a little self‐sufficient, remember that in him you live, move, and have your being. Apart from him you can’t do a thing. So count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ. Lord Christ, you were raised from the dead through the glory of the Father that I, too, might live a new life. Forgive me when I go through the motions. Let me live through you today, always and only in your power.

11/18/21                                    PERSPECTIVE                                               18 

“They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

COMMENTS:  How is a plane able to fly and how is as boat able to float especially when made of heavy still plate? For a plane or for a bird flight is due to uplife created by air going under wings at high speed creating an updraft or force greater than weight of plane.   For a boat the weight of the water displaced by the volume of the ship including the air is less than the weight of that same volume of water. Why is it then that so many Christians fail to dangers and trials and challenges of life? Perhaps it’s because we fail to mount up and soar with wings and choose instead to live on the same low level as our trials. Little wonder we blunder when the battleground we choose is on an earthly plane. Christians are powerless there; that is, unless they shift to a higher battleground and choose weapons of warfare that are spiritual. What we need is perspective. We need to see what birds see. When, like eagles, we soar on wings, trials look extraordinarily different. When viewed from their own level, trials look like impassable walls, but when viewed from above, the wall appears as a thin line, something easily overcome. We have wings and don’t need stronger, better ones. We don’t need more wings, or larger ones. You and I possess all we need to gain a heavenly perspective on your trials and thereby overcome. A passive or inactive trust in the Lord won’t do. To use our wings is to actively trust in God. Lord, I don’t want to trust you in theory or in word only. I want my trust in you to be as active and as strenuous as “mounting up with wings.” As I do, thank you for the higher, heavenly perspective you give me over my trials

 11/19/21                                                        JESUS AS A HUMAN                                                             19

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:5
COMMENTS:  Jesus, by taking on human form and limitations, made Him vulnerable to human emotions and physical limits including pain and fatigue and only able to do and be at one place at a time.   So for Him to develop a close friendship with His disciples and with some individuals like Mary-Martha-Lazarus or like Zaccheus or like many others named and unnamed in scripture.  Now He is able to have and maintain a personal relationship with each and every person willing but now without human limitations. Jesus invites us to relate to Him as the Son of Man – human while worshiping and loving Him as God and Creator and Savior. The essence of Christianity is knowing Jesus Christ the Lord as priest and king, head and husband, shepherd and life‐giver. He is cornerstone of the church; that is, his body and bride and building. Knowing the Son of Man in all these respects has a relational and affectional dimension – yes, we can love God, and yes, we can love a Man. Thank you that, as the Son of Man, you understand every human passion, you feel every hurt, and you sympathize with every tear. O, Jesus, may your favor of friendship rest upon me.

11/20/21                          IN THE POTTER’S HANDS                                                            20

“‘Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.’ So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.”

Jeremiah 18:1–4

COMMENTS:  Today Joni Eareckson Tada shared a story similar to her’s.   Joni was permanently paralized below the neck as a teen but not only came to terms with her handicap but surrenders to God’s Will and even His calling. Over the years her life and witness and resulting ministry have inspired and blessed and encouraged millions of both paralyzed and  whole followers.  Cathe Chermesino is one example.  On November 19,1991, she awoke a young healthy 13 year old possessing many YMCA swimming metals and a beautiful singing voice but became a parapalygic when a fast moving car hit her on the way to her school. She was condemned to a life sitting and being tranported by wheelchair and breathing  through a ventilator/ But she, like Joni, decided to surrender to God’s Will, which  resulted in a wonderful God given testimony.  On the first anniversary of her accident, she gave a testimony at her church, “ “I’m like the potter’s clay,” she said. “I’m being reshaped into something that I believe will be far better. What looks harmful for me will actually turn out to be good. Before the accident I was an awful snob, but now God has given me an inner peace. I’m giving my voice a rest until I get to heaven.” Recently Joni wrote Cathe and gave her a verse from Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Lord, if you can help Cathe to rise above her circumstances, I know that with your grace I will rise above mine.

11/21/21                                                            BE THANKFUL                                                             21

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Romans 1:20–21

COMMENTS:  I am amazed at how intelligent scientists and educators, who are well  trained and skilled at research and deductive reasoning can believe in evolution and fully reject any consideration of creation.   The complexity and precision of everything from the universe to galaxies to solar systems to our  own earth and  all that live and function down to ability to live and sustain life and complexity of our bodies and create designs and build and invent things. As a retired engineer who was responsible for overseeing designs of equipment to meet need of specific customers,  to believe in evolution without a creator would be like customers expecting and supply companies to develop and build equipment to meet the needs of those customers without skilled designers and builders. So, why would we think everything from  the earth and all life on it would be possible and sustainable without a designer and builder?  I think the answer lies within each of us.   To admit a creator and designer and builder of something as majestic as our universe to our galaxy to our solar system to our world to the variety of life down to microscopic life and then down to atoms exists.  Then we would be forced to believe such a creator would be greater than His creation. The result would  be admitting God exists and is still involved in His creation.  Other religions have tried to explain this but none come close to explaining such a Divine Being (God) capable of doing  what we see all around us and even in our own bodies. So, instead of trying to deny God exists or trying to come up with or find a religion or world view that justifies or matches and condones the world we live in, why don’t we investigate and consider the God of the Bible.  Many great minds like CS Lewis and Lee Strobel started out with a atheistic world view but eventually coverted to Christianity because the evidence of God’s involvement in creating and maintaining our universe is so overwhelming. To then start studying and believing in and following the teaching and instruction of the God of the Bible becoming transforming and healing. Yes, we need to be thankful for all God has done and continues to do and to notice and take note of all He has done and continues to do for each of us. Gratitude is essential to  healthy and joyful life but also is key to being in relationship with God, who so deserves our love and gratitude and worship, but also has so much more to offer us if we surrender to and follow His council and instruction. Scripture is full of examples of those before  us of those who rejected God and followed their own desires and selfish  wills as well as those who turned to God and followed Him.  The consequences  in contrast to blessings are dramatic but still apply today. Thanksgiving and Christmas is quickly approaching.  Make Thanksgiving a time of taking note and thanking God for all the blessings He has bestowed on us this year.   I’m sure your list will be much longer than you realize and will make this Thanksgiving and Advent season much more meaningful and joyous as a result.  He so deserves our worship and gratitude and love, but  we need to give it to Him even more.  Look around you. The blessings abound: The smiles of children, the beauty of a glorious sunset, the comfort of a warm bed at night. Small and great, there are plenty of reasons to say to God, “Thank you.” Lord, receive glory today through my thankful spirit. I am so grateful for who you are and what you’ve done. Show me more reasons today for which I can give you thanks.  AMEN?  AMEN!

11/22/21                                                            IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL                                              22

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:5
COMMENTS:  Emotions are a powerful but fickled influence and force. They can be a positive force to drive us to exert more effort for good than possible otherwise.  However, more commonly, when left unchecked, lure us to say and do things that deeply hurt or even are fatal.  Such unrestrained passions / emotions do not regard consequences to either victim or perpetrator.  Satan would have us act out our passions  while God would have us control or direct our passions by our minds and will using scripture and His guiding spirit so His Will and desire to bring us good and use us for good would come to pass. Have you ever felt downhearted or blue for no obvious reason?Today’s  scripture recognizes and responds to this question by guiding reader to our Creator and God and Sustainer – the source of true wisdom and live. Using a familiar hymn of praise is an effective way of changing our perspective and opening ourselves to let the Holy Spirit give us insights and encouragement and wise council and change our attitude and perspective and even emotions for the better. Granted, the choice is in our hands but power and will to make good choices requires outside help.  Besides, He is so worthy of our praise and worship and we so need to do so. The psalmist advises us to put our hope in God and to do it by praising him. Nothing lifts our spirits quicker or higher than to place our praise at the feet of the Lord Jesus. Why don’t you do that right now by saying from your heart (or singing, if you know it) this familiar hymn of praise? Though Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, Let this blest assurance control: That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. It is well, it is well, It is well, it is well with my soul. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll: The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, “Even so” – it is well with my soul. Lord of Hope, I place my trust in you and I praise you for making all things well with my soul. Please receive glory as I magnify and adore your name, lifting my soul before you. With you, there is no reason to be downhearted.

11/23/21                                                                    A GOOD WIFE                                                23 

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30

COMMENTS:   Proverbs 31 gives a example and standard high enough to render Proverbs 31 – I’ve learned, and am still learning, to fear the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and it is wisdom that gives any marriage depth and meaning. You and I may not be able to match the work level of the Proverbs 31 woman, but we can have her character. No matter what we do, we can be faithful, supportive, sensitive, kind, observant, creative, and loving. The best way I can love my family and friends, Lord, is to first fear you. May I be faithful and loving today to those whom you’ve placed in my life.

11/24/21                                      STRETCHER BEARER                                                           24         

“Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.”
Mark 2:3–4
COMMENTS:  God gives each of us different strengths and weaknesses.  We know that from scripture and from history and from our own generation and personal experience.   Today’s scripture tells us the story of a paralyzed man unable to reach Jesus but crowd and his own limitations prevented him but the strength of his friends enabled him to not only reach  Jesus but receive healing and, I’m sure, redemption from Him too. That day, not only was the paralyzed man blesses but also his friends and even the overlookers.  Jesus’ response showed them, and us that we are all  equally unworthy, undeserving, and equally in need of Jesus.  Jesus  recognizes that and shows compassion and love to any and all willing to accept His love and compassion.  He administers that love and compassion in a time and way so as to strengthen us and our relationship with each other but also with Him both individually and together. Scripture and history  /  life also shows us that serving and obeying Christ isn’t easy nor without cost.  Often    He asks us to do things alone ( with some help and encouragement and guidance from Him) but some times He asks us to do something to big for us to do alone so we must seek help – help from others but certainly His help. Persistence is  also important to God, as revealed in many of Jesus’ parables as  well  as personal examples.  Persistence does many things:  shows value of what seeking,  motivates required cost in both money / time / help from others.  Side blessing or benefits from seeking help of others as well as from God. So,  what is it you seek and are working persistently to have?  When we are young, it may completing school or achieving a career and good job or finding that special person to marry / start a family.  Obtain a nice home and secure future including a secure income and savings – a nice car ….  How about a secure retirement?   Sure, there is an endless list of things or goals we humans have an appetite to                         possess.  Sure, some or most are not evil or harmful by themselves, but satan has a sinister way of making even good goals or ambitions evil,  not as God intended.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       One of  those evil consequences often is spending too much energy or resource to acquire things we don’t need by spending money and time God intends for another purpose, to give or share to help someone else in need.  “To be a stretcher bearer to someone in need as a way of serving Christ and obeying His call and Will.  Would you be my stretcher bearers, when I can no longer stand? Would you each pick up a corner of my pallet in your hand? This burden’s just too heavy, I find I cannot bear Its pain, its grief, its sorrow; and so I chance to dare– To ask if you would carry me through valleys dark and wide; Then set me safely down again where peace and hope abide. God said His yoke was easy and His burden would be light; That’s surely why He sent you each to lead me through the night. And now I just lift others and the burdens they may bring; I’ll be a stretcher bearer carrying wounded for the King.” Bev Engeldinger Lord, help me to bear the burden of another today; show me a stretcher I can help carry

 11/25/21                                  BE STILL                                                      25

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

COMMENTS: One of the hardest things for the Christian to do is “wait on the Lord”.  At times it seems He has forgotten because He seems to like to give the impression of ignoring the prayers of His followers for a time before following through with a response.  Over time we do discover the reason for His delay or slow timing. God’s ways are far wiser and impactful than ours.  His will and goal is more than just answering our requests because He is working to fit our needs into needs of others and transforming our wills so they fit into His Will as well as fitting other’s wills as well.  When He does this, the wonder of His response starts to shine through. So, how do we “wait on the Lord” and what are we to do in the meantime?   Being consistent and persistent in prayer is important until His answer is clear.  If it is no, we need to move on but if it is silent or not yet, prayer continues to have a purpose.  Praying for the other situations and individuals who will be impacted by His response to us needs to become a focus on our prayers too. Reflecting and realizing the impact of God’s response 50-100 years in the future often helps me visualize the value and wisdom of God’s response more clearly.  The urgency of my needs or for those I pray for often becomes clearer or difference when I visualize that perspective, so suggest you take that approach when “waiting on the Lord” for your response to your prayers. “An intercessor means one who is in such vital contact with God and with his fellowmen that he is like a live wire closing the gap between the saving power of God and the sinful men who have been cut off from that power,” Hannah Hurnard Lord, I quiet my soul before you. I am still. I lie down in your love and open my heart and mind to your word. My prayer, this day, is to know you more intimately and personally.

 11/26/21                                                          THE OLD LAMPLIGHTER                                            26 

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Matthew 5:14–15

COMMENTS:  If you ever watched a movie depicting life before modern conveniences like inside plumbing or electricity or cars or planes or computers, you will likely notice life was more challenging physically but simplier.  Family and church and friendships were a higher priority.  As I reflect on memories as a boy growing up, I realize that in spite of the lack of those modern conveniences, the time my great grandparents, my grandparents, and even my parents was a better time to live.  The reason  was the results of great revivals that transformed the lives of many for the good and caused an explosion in church attendance.  I have pictures from those days showing over 150 in both churches in our home town but I also have memories of the stories my parents told me of life during those days. WW I and WWII were times of great sacrifice and danger and poverty, but also a  time of neighbor helping neighbor and churches. Today, automatic dust to dawn LED street lights replace old gas street lamps that required a person to light and turn off lights on each street pole.   Paved roads instead of mud and cobble stone roads.   Cement sidewalks instead of wood or mud walks.   No more outhouses except in a few Amish homes.  Cars with many comforts instead of horse drawn carts  or noise – rough riding model T cars and trucks.  But Jesus is still offering mercy and forgiveness and a new life for eternity as He has been doing in every generation since the first Easter.  The time of Christ’s return to bind satan and judge unforgiven sin is sooner now but Christ’s story and offer remains unchanged and just  as powerful.  We have so much to be thankful for and grateful for since God’s provision and help and protection and redemption is so consistent and unfailing.   What would we do or face if Christ gave up on us or took a break or withdrew His hand of forgiveness and protection.  What would we do if He quit being our advocate before the Father?                                I shutter to imagine.  It was not a mistake or coincidence that Thanksgiving holiday comes just before Christmas and Christmas Advent ends just a few weeks before Lent begins.  In order to truly enjoy and be blessed by the Christmas and Easter seasons and holidays, we must recall and express gratitude and thanksgiving for all God’s blessings and deeds.  HE IS SO FAITHFUL AND HIS LOVE DOES NOT DIMINISH OR FAIL OVER TIME. Take some time each day to remember and cherish old and new memories of God’s handiwork and be grateful to Him for all He has done and ways He does so and continues to do so.  AMEN?  AMEN!

11/27/21                                   ALL THE  WRONG REASONS                                         27  

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10

COMMENTS:

My sister Jay, as a teenager, was famous around our home for whining, “Daddy, I’ve got a problem.” We knew what that meant. He would laugh, reach for his wallet and say, “Okay, Jay, how much?” It irritated me that she seemed to take advantage of Dad’s kindness, but Daddy didn’t seem to mind. That’s often the way we are with God. We run to him for all the wrong reasons. We go to God because someone has snubbed us and our feelings are bruised. We go to God when we’ve failed and our pride is wounded. We run to God for sympathy, hoping that he’ll understand our point of view. I know I sometimes run to God because I’ve procrastinated, I forgot to prepare a message, and I don’t want to appear stupid before a whole bunch of people. None of these are good reasons for running to the Lord, but thankfully, God doesn’t hold against us our wrong motives. The Lord doesn’t even want us to waste effort trying to clean up our act before we come to him – that’s his responsibility. Whether it’s silly pride or self‐centered disappointment, run to the Lord. Come to the cross for all the wrong reasons. It is there God will redeem every impure motive. Lord, when I have a problem, I know you are the place to go. You are the person to reach for. Thank you for not demanding that I clean up my act before I come to the cross – I trust that you will do that for me when I kneel at Calvary, confess my sins, and bow before your will. Bless you that your name is a strong, high tower. Your name gives me safety. I thank you for that.

11/28/21                                       MAJOR PROBLEM WITH MINOR SIN                                       28    

“No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”

1 John 3:6

COMMENTS: Sin becomes a crime, not against law but against love; it means not breaking God’s law so much as not breaking God’s heart.*1 –William Barclay What hurts me most about sin is not that it breaks God’s law but that it breaks his heart. Sin is not weakness or a disease. Sin is a mockery of his mercy and a disdain of his love. Sin grieves God. That’s why our battle against even minor sins is always major. Our sin is an offense to God. The battle may mean putting a lid on backbiting gossip. No more flirting with your best friend’s spouse. No more saying one thing to your Christian friends and quite another to your co‐workers on the job. It may mean tackling subtle sins – curbing your appetite, reining in your daydreams, and ceasing to make copies of disks that say, “Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.” Does tackling small sins seem too minor? If so, remember that any sin is a choice to fellowship with the Devil. That’s why once the Spirit convicts you of some sin… the minor becomes major. Lord Jesus, I want to delight you. I no longer desire to give my sin a smooth‐sounding name and I turn from doing things that displease you. Give me power to obey.

11/29/21                                             SCALING THE HIGH BAR                       29

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable… and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3–6

COMMENTS: We live in a time of decaying moral standards. Premarital sex was considered sin and shameful in my grandparent’s and even in my parent’s generation.  My generation rebelled against moral standards and premarital sex and premarital pregnancy and, yes abortion became acceptable and even “badges of acceptance” in some circles.   Today not condoning and accepting and even approving such behavior is considered “wrong” and discrimination and worthy of persecution or some form of punishment in a growing portion of the population and organizations. To be Christian and accept scripture and God’s commandments  is reason for emprisonment or worse in many countries but even in US such is becoming less popular even among government leadership. At this rate, persecution could become universal within another generation of time. But God has not changed and His standard and Jesus’ standard sets the bar much higher.   Much higher than what my grandparents considered acceptable.  Much higher than what you and I are capable of living. So what are we to do?  Surrender to God’s Grace and Mercy.   Accept His redemption and forgiveness.  Follow His instruction and turn from sin and accept His help and walk away from temptation and go to your knees in prayer when you lack strength and will to do so.

Lord, take me now to the level of excellence that you desire for me. Lift me up. Encourage and empower me to take these small but important steps of obedience in order to more easily scale your high standards.

11/30/21                            Where Are the Simons?                                                              30

“A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.”

Mark 15:21

COMMENTS:  Simon was a passerby who was chosen by  the Roman guards to carry Christ’s cross when He collapsed exhausted while carrying that cross. We don’t know much about Simon.  We don’t know if he was or ever become a christian but have to believe the impact of carrying the cross and witnessing the brutality and death Christ experienced had to be a huge impact on him.

“What a privilege it was for Simon to carry your cross, Lord. In a way, I have the same privilege as I bear the burdens and carry the hurts of your body, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let me be a Simon to someone today” This month was a month of Thanksgiving.  As we reflect on memories of this years gathering and time and meals shared with family and loved ones, as we also reflect on past Thanksgivings especially with loved ones no longer living, take some time to praise and worship and thank our Lord and Savior who gave them and gives us the confident hope and assurance of eternal life and home He is preparing us for us to enjoy with each other and with Him.  AMEN?  AMEN!!

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 650 blog posts I have made plus a link to my devotional journal material archives from 2013 to present (https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com/2016/03/02/link-to-dons-devotional-journal-entries-2013/ )

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

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

GIDEON BIBLE REFERENCE SCRIPTURES:

HELP IN TIME OF NEED:

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

SUGGESTED READINGS (HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS):

SUGGESTED READINGS (SPIRITUAL STANDARDS)

DYNAMIC DOCTRINES

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

PRACTICAL PRECEPTS:

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

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT:

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