1/1/22 A NEW YEAR – A NEW OPPORTUNITY 1

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland… [for] the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”

Isaiah 43:18–19, 21

COMMENTS: Luke 15:11-32 gives us the story (parable) Jesus shared about the prodigal son – forgiving father – angry brother. Jesus reveals much to us about each individual in this story but also much to reveal about Jesus’ mission and His motive related to this parable. Are we to totally forget our past or just our sinful past? To what extent and degree is remembering our sinful past beneficial? New Years is a good time to reflect over last year remembering both blessing and tragedies – good times and sad times – times of triumph and times of failure. We have lost loved ones in 2021. Many things have changed dramatically while other things have not changed. Learning from past mistakes and traps and distractions and temptations that lured us into sin. Satan doesn’t change his methods, so learning from past lures and temptations should include recalling and recognizing temptations and running away from them. Avoiding temptation is the most effective way of winning battles with satan, but keeping our focus and eyes on Christ and running to Him when we flee assured us that we will be successful. Satan is no match for Jesus but we must yield to Him, inviting Him to take over our battles with satan before He is free to do so. Christ will fulfill His mission and Will, which matches and is identical to the Father’s Will. However, whether that Will includes us depends on our willingness to submit to that Will and our choices line us up to be included . Jesus wants us to do so more than anything but will not force us to submit.

“Lord of beginnings, I’m ready to have you do something new in my life this year. Thank you for leading me into the untouched days ahead. I’m ready to follow.”

1/2/22 SINCERE HEARFELT PRAYERS MATTER 2

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

John 4:24

COMMENTS: It is so foolish to think God is not already aware of our inner thoughts and passions when we pray. We are not informing Him of anything when we pray that He doesn’t already know. But by praying we know that He knows and open line of communication so we can know what He knows and His instruction and words to us. But also His fellowship with us too. The most powerful and effective prayers are not the longest but are the ones given with focus and sincere earnest hearts. Unfortunately, they are more commonly those prayed during life threatening and desperate situations when we see no good outcome without divine intervention. In those times, often seconds remain before disaster so little time is available. God does respond quickly when necessary but often delays answer for a greater need or purpose. We can’t surprise God but we commonly disappoint Him. Even though He already knows the outcome of our actions and thoughts, He still acts and reacts to them.

It’s been said that faith may move mountains, but prayer moves God. I’m convinced the Lord is touched deeply by our short, simple prayer. Why? When we push ourselves out of the way in order to rely on his Spirit; we open a door to our soul He can enter. You might not have the strength to say much more to God than a simple prayer. God is not looking for a lot of fancy words. He simply wants you to approach him in spirit and in truth. That means heartfelt honesty. You may not change overnight after you offer a prayer in heartfelt honesty, but change, you will. When we approach God in spirit and in truth, we touch his heart and move him in a special way. When you offer your earnest prayer to him, mean it! Then observe a change in your outlook. You just might start living the impossible. “Lord of the impossible, I come to you with an open heart. I want to be honest and truthful with you. I expose my life, I share with you my need. Please glorify yourself through all the situations and problems I will face today. And thank you for caring about my prayers.”

1/3/22GROWING IN GRACE3

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

COMMENTS: Becoming more like Christ in thought and conduct and even in personality / compassion does not come easily or naturally. Time is not a common ingredient, but process takes a lifetime. Growth in stature or strength requires exercise and nourishment, purpose and goals, friendships and regular fellowship. COVID has caused isolation, resulting in negative results in both physical health and emotional health. Growth spiritually requires fellowship with God through His Word, through prayer, through spending time with good role models including Christian friends and family. The importance and positive impact of other Christians is vital both to help us be accountable and to be a positive role model for others of our strengths. It is amazing how God blends believers so our strengths can help overcome weaknesses in others while their strengths help us overcome our weaknesses. So we can gain greater purpose and passion from each other but especially when we together seek Christ’s fellowship and involvement. Praying and praising and worship and study of scripture together empowers us to do His Will, but together we are stronger and more able to give Him the praise He deserves. Together we are also better able to receive from Him too. Granted, praying and worshipping alone is needed and necessary for personal growth, but equally important is to do so regularly corporately too.

We can be transformed into his likeness; something fundamentally different can happen in our lives from year to year. Change is possible, and a new and improved you is within reach. This is how it happens: Behold the Lord’s glory and you will grow in grace. “Lord Jesus, I behold you today in all of your majesty and splendor, your excellence and purity. Transform me into the person you want me to be as I grow in your grace.”

1/4/22 EXCHANGE THE MEANING 4

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.’ Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”

Exodus 14:15–16; 17:9

COMMENTS: God has a wonderful way of changing the function or purpose of common things in our lives into something far greater in results and in purpose. Moses’ staff was for shepherding sheep but Moses used it to release each of the 10 plagues in Egypt, to part the Red Sea, and to release water from dry rock to satisfy the daily thirst of a million Israelites. The cross was changed from an instrument of pain and punishment and execution into a way to fellowship with and relationship with and forgiveness from God because of the redemptive sacrifice Christ endured on that cross for us. God changed Moses’ shepherd staff from a reminder of being cast out of Egypt into a reminder of God’s abiding presence and provision. The cross no longer would be a reminder of death and rule by tyranny. Instead, the cross is a reminder of God’s love and abiding presence and faithfulness with and for us. What are the reminders of tragedy and sin in your life? Reminders that God has changed into symbols of hope and joy and love for you.

“Father, I present to you today the disappointing things in my life that hold sad or tragic meaning. Turn my darkness into light. Exchange the sadness for hope. Let me see these things as symbols of your loving and sovereign touch. I will praise you, for you are the God who turns weeping into joy.”

1/5/22 DON’T FORGET – ALWAYS REMEMBER! 5

“Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: ‘I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.’”

Exodus 15:1–2

COMMENTS: We do well when we place visual reminders of God’s provision and faithfulness. To recognize and plan these reminders knowing we all are prone and vulnerable to forget or take for granted God’s provision and faithfulness. Praise and worship first thing in the morning and key times during the day are also helpful in reminding us, but they also praise the God who is so worthy of our praise and gratitude. Remembering ways and times of God’s intervention and abiding presence are pleasing to Him and so helpful to us. Doing so strengthens our faith and confidence as we walk and journey life’s dangers and obstacles and challenges and opportunities with Him. Scripture is full of such opportunities and examples that help guide us In ways we can do so. Exodus 15 is such an example. God protects and provides for us. We need to take the advice God gave the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:9: “Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen.” The next time you’re tempted to grumble or complain, think of your favorite praise song and then sing it. It will be God’s way of helping you not to forget his protection and provision in your life. “Lord, forgive me for having such a short memory of all the marvelous ways You’ve protected and provided for me. I thank you for all that you’ve done in the past and all you’ll do in the future. I’m grateful to you.”

1/6/22MAGNIFICENT VISION 6

One of my favorite songs begins with these words: Magnify the Lord with me, Let us exalt his name together…

COMMENTS: We are encouraged and even commanded to give God praise and worship. But truth is that God’s commands are designed to give us life and joy. Yes, our praise gives God joy too but sincere praise given motivates by gratitude does give us joy and life back as God’s response to our praise. Obedience to all God asks of us is vital to reach and thrive in relationship with Him. Scripture is full of examples of consequences in lives of those who neglect or refuse to be obedient to God as well as benefits and blessings to those who do. PSALM 34:1-5 “I will extol the Lord at all times;     his praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the Lord;     let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me;     let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;     he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant;     their faces are never covered with shame.” Praise and worship is required privately alone as well as with other believers in public. Our relationship with God is a private intimate one but also a family relationship with each other. It doesn’t matter where we worship but it does matter if we are sincere and disciplined in doing so. If we are not filled with emotion or insightful or inspired words, that should not discourage or cause us to feel or think we are failing ourselves or Him. We should not allow ourselves to be discouraged or to give up. The discipline will bring “dry” times which are also in God’s purpose to build a spirit of obedience and passion to be obedience in all ways and commands coming from God. Even Christ, as a human, continued to pray to the Father in the midst of grief and despair. Our emotions are fickled and will betray us if we depend on them to guide our conduct and decisions. Scripture is full of evidence of that as well.

“Lord, enlarge my vision of you. Clarify my hazy notions of your power. Sharpen my focus on your holiness. Empower me with a picture of your majesty. And when I see you, may I accept you as king of my life”

1/7/22 FEED ON HIM 7

“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. On hearing it, many of his disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?’”

John 6:53, 55–57, 60

COMMENTS: This is one of the most difficult scriptures to read and accept for us, as was for first century church and disciples as noted in this verse, until we realize as they did what Jesus was saying and doing. When he shared his last supper with His disciples and instituted that first communion that would be observed by Christians that day forward. So what does this commandment instruct us to do? There is a barrior and huge gulf between God and us caused by our sins. This gulf prevents us from having a personal and intimate loving relationship with God as our Lord and Creator. God’s law requires death as the punishment for sin but does allow for a substitute sacrifice. The method God created to bridge that gap and redeem any and all who will accept that method will find a bridge and open door across that gap. That method required the death of a perfect human without sin. That was not possible since no man was able to refuse temptation from birth and God knew that. So, the only option even for God was to become human and live that perfect sinless life and then pay that price for our sins. God’s law allowed that human substitute be sufficient for all humans and not just for one, but requires each one of us to either accept or reject that sacrifice. Satan tried to imitate and distort Jesus’ words and mission as only he could imagine. He interprets those words to convince cannibals to kill and eat their enemies or drink their blood to gain their life force or other evil motives. But Jesus was so graphic to get our attention so we would finally realize the cost to Him for our redemption and damage our sins cause. The cross was not designed to be pleasant but a place of death and terror. It was just that for Christ too but did not remain that for those who He redeemed and continues to redeem. Truth is that every Christian desperately needs and depends on the indwelling presence of God for everything. Jesus asks us to feed on him or, as Psalm 34:8 invites us, to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” And when it comes to drinking his blood? Song of Songs 1:2 says, “For your love is more delightful than wine.” In other words, we must abide in him and let his Word abide in us if we are to know Christ in a deep and intimate way. Deep devotion to the Lord Jesus energizes service that is tiring or rigorous. Affection for him that is warm and heartfelt gives boundless joy to every task. Fervent love for Jesus takes the squeamishness out of every duty that seems distasteful. This sort of life that sustains and invigorates service can only be realized through an intimate fellowship with him. “Sometimes, Lord, I expect intimacy with you without taking time to feed on and drink in your life. This day, I want to abide in you and have your Word abide in me.”

1/8/22SEATED WITH CHRIST 8

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 2:6–7

COMMENTS: Have you ever imagined the scene in heaven when you pray? Christ as our advocate as we pray and conversation between Him and the Father during our prayer? Have you also imagined how you will respond with at heaven’s gate you see Christ face to face waiting to greet you? Will you greet Him on your knees or prostrate in worship to Him? Well, I can’t help but believe I will fall to my knees in worship of Him and so look forward to then. But I have to admit prayer is usually not that overwhelming yet at times I sense His presence and His words speaking to my mind and soul. Prayer is much like talking on a phone. We can’t see Him but hear His voice and feel His presence. Yet, prayer is so much more if we are serious about gaining a deeper relationship with God and are determined to do the work and give the priority and time and will to do it consistently without fail. There is and will continue to be dry periods when it seems our prayers bounce off the ceiling. There are a lot of reason for those dry periods, which are experienced by all Christians. Scripture records some of those experiences from our ancestors. Unconfessed sin and distractions are common causes. Sometimes lack of desire or indifference is a cause. Emotions are fickled and unreliable but often hinder hearing God’s response. But there are times when God withholds His fellowship for a time in order to prepare us for coming challenges and trials. The reason may not be as important as our faithfulness to the practice of prayer. JUST DO IT! Pray til you pray through!

1/9/22SORRY DEVIL9

“‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’ Satan replied. ‘Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.’”

Job 1:9–12

Comments: I’ve pondered the story in Job a few times and wondered why God would give satan an audience or listen to him let alone be persuaded by him. Afterall, God saw through satan’s motive and purpose for suggesting God remove His protection over Job and allow satan to do his mischief. I noticed Job was not in that discussion or even aware that conversation took place or the affect on him and his family. Instead, Job was faithful and full trust in God and appreciated all God’s blessings. Well, no one has a perfect relationship with God because no living human is perfect even though Job was head and shoulders everyone else, or at least scripture gives us that impresession. But he still had to endure hardship and even tragedy at the hand of satan. Job helps us better understand trust God more fully. Seeing things from God’s perspective means a perspective from eternity past to eternity future without infinite power without bounds. Yet, He still allows us to make our own choices and will forgive as often as we honestly seek that forgiveness. Job shows us the rewards of obedience and faithfulness and faith. Today Job is enjoying the fruits of his faithfulness and the countless millions impacted by his story and example over the many centuries since. God

“The circumstances may be mine, but the glory is yours, O Lord”.

1/10/22A SACRIFICE OF PRAISE10

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Hebrews 13:15-16

COMMENTS: Animal sacrifice was God’s way of sacrifice satisfying God’s justice for sin while sparing repentant sinners. But when Christ came as a human and became the perfect sinless substitute or sacrifice for us, He not only satisfied the justice part of His Law for one but for all who will repent of their sins and accept His sacrifice for themselves. IT IS NOT TOO MUCH FOR GOD TO ASK FOR OUR PRAISE AND WORSHIP AND OBEDIENCE IN RESEPONSE! Besides, doing so gives us joy and life, which is yet another precious gift God gives us. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for which such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16) “Lord, thank you for your gift of salvation and for your precious Son. May my lips and my hands be ever ready to sacrifice a praise offering.”

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1/11/22 DOING ALL FOR ETERNITY 11

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
John 15:16

¹⁶ And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. ¹⁷ He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

¹⁸ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. ¹⁹ And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

²¹ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

LUKE 12:15-21

In the October 8, 2012, issue of Forbes business magazine, the annual list of billionaires appeared. Prominent attention was given to those billionaires who have made significant charitable contributions toward education, medical research, poverty, and other critical human needs. One billionaire was profiled in a separate article because of his commitment to supporting evangelical Christian causes. Speaking of his business success, he said, “So I have learned to say, ‘Look, this is yours, God. It’s all yours. I’m going to give it to you.'”

All good works are good, but not all good works will last forever. The ultimate joy in life comes when we invest in things that will bear fruit both now and for eternity. That means investing in spreading the Word of God so that the souls of men can live with God forever. Meeting human needs now often provides an open door for the Gospel. Feeding body and soul provides the ultimate satisfaction, physically and spiritually.

Consider your own work and good works — and keep the eternal perspective clearly in focus.

We do all for eternity. Thomas Brooks

COMMENTS: Planning and saving for the future and future needs is wise and not sinful. The extremes, which have consequences, is on one side not planning and saving at all and spending our resources foolishly, like the prodigal. The other extreme is identified in Luke 12, which is hoarding selfishly without charity to family and others as well as giving back to God. This also goes for our relationships.

This morning on Haven Today Gary Chapman discussed the “5 love languages” – time, acts of kindness, gifts, words of affirmation, and touch. Long term love is a choice that will result in feelings more than a feeling that will result in love. Our choice of spouse is a fundamental choice that requires time and work to develop-nourish-sustain. Marriages that last require attention to the “love languages” of each as well as making wise choices. This holds true with large and small choices we make all the time that creates either a positive or negative path. Our relationship with God also requires a choice but His involvement in subsequent choices we make makes all the difference between wise and foolish choices we either are blessed by or suffer from.

Tithing has been a frequent devotional topic so far this year. As we see money and time and even life as owned by God and on loan to us, it helps us hold on to them with open hands and become more charitable with others with them. God has reminded us many times in scripture and life examples that the more we share and give, the more we receive and are blessed. Returned blessings may not necessarily be the money or time we gave but what is returned will ultimately be more valuable and lasting. Love, eternal life, friendships, relationship with others and especially with God is priceless and eternal.

1/12/22THE SUN ALSO RISES12

The sun also rises, and the sun goes down … The wind whirls about continually … There is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:5-6, 9

²⁴ A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, ²⁵ for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? ²⁶ To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. ECCLESIASTES 2:24-26

Start to finish, it took Ernest Hemingway eight weeks to compose the draft of his novel about a group of decadent expatriates in Spain. He originally titled his book Fiesta, then changed it to The Lost Generation, a phrase coined by Gertrude Stein about those unhinged by World War I. But the title that stuck was from Ecclesiastes: The Sun Also Rises. Hemingway began his book by quoting this passage about the transient nature of the cycles of life. His point was that day after day the sun rises over succeeding generations of lost humans who seek to be brave in the approaching darkness.

Ecclesiastes is a warning that if we reject God and live as if everything were “under the sun,” we’re a lost generation whose fiestas merely distract us from the futility of life. But when we develop God’s vision for our lives — His plan and purpose — everything changes. Our daily mood and morale soars. We can say, “The Son also rises, with healing in His wings.” And because He lives, we live also.

Our only boast, our only confidence, our only hope must be in Christ.
R. Kent Hughes

COMMENTS: I think Ecc2:24-26 is more significant given the background and history of Solomon. God gave him great wisdom, which is where these verses came from. However, his relationship with God and great wisdom did not insulate him from the dangers and temptations that came from opportunities from the great wealth God gave him. Even though he would likely have been much better off and stayed truer to God if did not have great wealth, God gave him the responsibilities and accountability that coming with being entrusted with wealth. If Solomon would have been a better steward of that wealth and used it to evangelize the world, it could have made an eternal difference in history. Even though God knew what Solomon would do, He still gave Solomon the choices, as He does us.

Think about the opportunities God gives us and resulting path when make poor choices and path when we make good choices. I have done both so can testify of how positive the results will long term be when we make wise choices. The most significant good choices I’ve made: Choice of accepting Christ early when 10 yrs old and commitment to be faithful and date and marry a Christian girl and let God lead me to her. God lead me to Arlene thru a mutual Christian friend, Katie Campbell, who was a secretary at work at Joy and knew Arlene from Pleasantville Free Methodist Family Camp. That choice resulting in a blessed marriage over past nearly 35 years and two children (Debbie and Donny) that have been such a blessing to us. Our prayer and dream is we will enjoy them and their families in heaven someday. We can see the influence of our parents, grandparents, pastors and so many others that influenced us and decisions we made. I believe their prayers continue in heaven and still have an influence here so we are adding our prayers to theirs. That means so much more than gaining wealth or things

1/13/22 MY HOUR HAS NOT YET COME 13

John 2:1-4 – On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with His disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” COMMENTS: The wedding in Cana is a familiar story, but has some insights you and I may have forgotten or missed. Jesus had not begun His ministry yet, but Mary had raised and became familiar with Jesus as His mother but also of His mission. She probably had already seen Him do miracles in the past, but we don’t have any recorded in scripture. Yet, notice a clue here of Mary making a suggestion to Jesus implying she knew what He was capable of. Turning water into wine didn’t seem to surprise Mary but also notice that Jesus listened to her and decided on a way of honoring her request that did not compromise or hinder the timing of completing His mission. Jesus was human, which means He, even though God, was not able to see the future or do miiracles without receiving such from the Father. He accessed the Father through prayer, the same way we can and do. He, as a human, lived without sinning or mistakes but only because He maintained such a continuous and perfect relationship with the Father and the Father with Him. By doing so, He then qualified to be the only sacrifice or offering for our sins the Father could accept. Mary had a powerful and unique relationship with Jesus but also with the Father, but not as perfect as Jesus did. But then again, she was not God, so she not perfect. She was still a sinner and subject to poor judgment and even sinful choices. Choices that would require Jesus’ sacrifice for her and His correction and even discipline too. Mary had Jesus’ love and respect not only as His mother but also as His creation and child. This is a difficult concept for you and me to comprehend, so take some time to reflect and see what He wants to reveal to you and to me too. Well, when we make requests in prayer to Him for healing or help in lifes situations and He responds no or not yet or in way different than we requested, or even as yes, consider this scripture and how Jesus responded to Mary and be open to receive and accept His response to you. I am going to use today’s devotion to help me see His Will and insights for me too. AMEN? AMEN!

1/14/22SATAN’S PENDANT14

Luke 4:5-8 – And the devil took Him [Jesus] up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to Him, “To You I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If You, then, will worship me, it will all be Yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.'” COMMENTS: Satan showed Jesus what he thought was his kingdom on that mountain of temptation. Satan came to tempt Jesus after 40 days of fasting and prayer, thinking He was the weakest and most vulnerable. This devotion pairs with this weekend’s Lutheran Hour sermon, which can be found at lutheranhour.org. Most of what I experienced as a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy was positive, with one notable exception. Near the end of the first year, all the new cadets face a final challenge: Hell Week. And if we made it through together, we’d each receive a badge—a small metal pendant to wear on our uniform to signify our accomplishment. At the beginning of that week, an older cadet pulled me aside. He said he had selected me for a special honor—a secret  honor. If I wanted to prove myself superior to my classmates, I could have my badge early. But, during Hell Week, I’d have to wear it under my shirt, pinned to my chest—literally—with the two metal prongs on the back exposed and pounded into my flesh. He made it sound very prestigious, and regretfully, I agreed. He takes me to a dimly lit room, tells me to take off my shirt, punches the un-sanitized pins into my chest, and gives me a piece of athletic tape to put over it. For what proved to be the worst two days of my life, I secretly wore that badge in my chest—like a festering, unforgiving, metal splinter from hell. On the third day, we’re in our room changing, and my roommate sees the grimy athletic tape on my chest and says, “What is that?” I explain the secret honor that I’d been chosen for, thinking he’d be impressed, and he says to me, “That’s dumb.” And just like that, his words shattered the harrowing house of mirrors I’d been living in. And the truth set me free. When we first meet the devil in the Bible, he’s promising secret honors. The badge the devil promises, the little pendant he pounds into your flesh, is pride. Pride isn’t satisfied with being good. Pride wants to be God (see Isaiah 14:12-14). Pride wants to be superior, a self-satisfied, cheap, knock-off of God. And it shows in your petty criticism of other people, displayed like un-sanitized medals pinned in your chest. It infects you with self-justifying excuses, like a festering metal splinter from hell. But Jesus has come to pull it out, to shatter that house of mirrors and set you free. I thank God for my roommate who spoke the truth and set me free. The relief I felt, having that pin pulled out, was indescribable. It’s like that with pride. The reason God is opposed to pride is not because He’s afraid someone might steal His glory. God doesn’t need to protect His prestige. And His voluntary, shameful death on the cross for us is proof of it. God is against pride because He wants to give you Himself. And pride is the one thing that will keep you from seeing how desperately you need Him. THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, set me free and guard me from pride and from self-loathing. Amen.

1/15/22PERSCRIPTION FOR WEARINESS15

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

COMMENTS: We live in a fast moving and anxiety covered world. We are able to travel and communicate at a speed and accessibility that could not be comprehended 100 years ago or even 50 years ago. Accessibility is becoming possible even by the poorer of us too. More and more of us are able to work from home too. We would think this would make these times would make living now far better and more wonderful than previous times. Technology has made diseases of previous generations almost non-existent and longevity longer. But morality and quality of life and value of the family and church family and integrity in living and working show a different side. Crime and stress and anxiety and hatred is getting worse. However, history and human nature tells us that humans turn from God and deeper in sin during times of peace and prosperity much faster than in times of war and poverty and sickness. Why? Well, one of the big reasons is in good times the need for God and dependence is not so urgent. When this happens, our guard is weak or gone and satan is ready and skilled at rushing in with temptation and step by step but deliberate pulling us from God and His Word and His standard of conduct and into a standard only based on what feels good or satisfies selfish desires or motives and without regard for what pleases God or is commanded by Him. Then the path to sin and death and God’s judgment becomes our journey – a path slippery and downhill. That is unfortunately the path our world and country and even most people are on without any will or desire to turn back from. God tries to get our attention to warn us and persuade us to repent and turn back to Him. No time in history has temptations been stronger but also has so many and powerful warnings from Him. Stress and anxiety can be real due to dangers and problems plaguing and affecting us, but many of those dangers and resulting stress can be avoided or removed if only draw close to Christ, begin seeking and discovering and following His commands and instruction. His forgiveness and abiding presence is available to any and all but we must first turn to Him, admit and repent of our sins, ask His forgiveness and then for help to go on God’s path – a path to life. When weariness or anxiety threatens to overtake you, place your cares in the arms of Jesus. First Peter 5:7 was a simple prescription for weariness penned almost twenty centuries ago, and no one has improved on it since! Thank you, Lord, for carrying my cares today!

1/16/22 GOD’S PROMISE: PRE-POST AND DURING BLIZZARD 16

“He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.”

2 Samuel 23:4

COMMENTS: Blizzards are a dangerous experience. Driving danger from not being able to see ahead far enough to stay on the road while avoiding obstacles. Likewise, heavy fog and heavy rain and high wind speeds present same dangers. The protection of secure shelter becomes more important and precious then because exposure to the storms without protection can be life threatening. The shelter provides same protection but on sunny – warm days the environment outside is safe and peaceful. The environment inside is the same regardless of environment outside, but more important when outside environment not safe. When venturing out during a storm, proper clothing and equipment is needed to assure safe return Having a snow plow or repair crew removing obstacles or snow and providing salt to melt ice all serve to enable traveler to reach his destination safe and sound. For us, that journey relates to obstacles and dangers satan would put in our path while ways God provided to guide and lead us around or even through those obstacles as we followed His directions. Take some time to reflect on some of those examples. God promises never to leave or stop protecting us, but we need to get and stay under His protective wings and stay with Him through life’s storms to avoid the harm those storms attempt to inflict. Then reflect on the calm and sunny skies that tempt us to forget God soon afterwards. Those skies should help us rejoice that God is in control and faithful all the time. He deserves our attention and praise both on sunny days and during stormy days. We need Him all the time but He desires fellowship with each of us all the time too.

“You are the Lord who calmed the storms and brought peace to fearful hearts. Praise you for being the light of morning at sunrise. Thank you for being the brightness after rain.”

1/17/22THE STAR PROCLAIMS THE KING IS HERE17

COMMENTS: We’ve discussed some of the ways and examples of lies and deceptions and even illusions satan effectively uses to lure and even compel humans to make harmful and destructive choices with results opposite promises illusion promised.

Herod was given the opportunity to meet and worship the new born Messiah and His family. But instead, he fell prey to temptation of believing his reign would be threatened by this Messiah, so the solution satan tempted him into doing was to kill all boy children 2years old and younger. By doing this, he assured a early end of his reign and inflicted great suffering and misery on a lot of innocent families. Matthew 2 records his fear and evil response.

But God will have His way either in spite of or because of our choices. Herod failed in his attempts to find and kill the Messiah, but only was able to bring God’s judgment on himself. Herod may have been filled with “senseless fear,” but his throne was in no danger from the new King. The Child born in Bethlehem was “to be ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2b), but Jesus did not come to seek the kingdoms of the earth. The devil would later offer to Jesus what Herod feared, tempting Jesus with “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” if only the Savior would worship the evil foe (see Matthew 4:8). Jesus refused. Worship is owed to God alone. A crowd that Jesus fed with bread and fish sought to “take Him by force to make Him king” (John 6:15b), but the Lord withdrew from them.

Finally, betrayed into the hands of His enemies, the Savior was accused of making Himself a king. When the Roman governor questioned Jesus’ Kingship, the Lord replied, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36b). Then, for the sake of our salvation, Jesus was given a crown and a royal title that He did not refuse. Soldiers mocked Him, crowning Him with thorns. He was lifted up on a cross, with a notice posted above His thorn-crowned head: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19b).

The crucified King was taken down from the cross and buried in a borrowed tomb. But on the first Easter morning, Jesus rose victorious over death and the grave. The devil, so confident in his power and his kingdoms, fell in defeat. The crucified and risen Savior ascended to reign at the right hand of God the Father. Through Jesus Christ, exalted now as King of kings and Lord of lords, God “has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).

Long ago, a star proclaimed that the King had come, but when Jesus returns on the Last Day, no starry decree will be needed. We will joyfully announce: “The King is here!”

PRAYER: Jesus, I worship You as King of kings and Lord of lords. Come quickly, Lord. Amen.

1/18/22TIME TO WAKE UP AND GET ON THE WINNING SIDE18

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.”

Isaiah 54:2

COMMENTS: God requires faith and obedience out of His children – His followers. When they do this, God historically would protect and bless them. Israel historically didn’t manage those blessings well and would respond to God’s blessings with neglect first and then disobedience. God’s patience often withheld His discipline but ultimately cost Israel’s dearly when that judgment did come. Israel isn’t the only example in history or in scripture or even In each and every country and community of believers. When we follow and obey God, we too enjoy His protection and blessing, but so much more too. We enjoy fellowship with Him as well as access to His wisdom and council. Job’s example shows us that prosperity and peace and comfort are desired and a part of God’s blessing but not always because preparation and growth are even greater and more important in making us more Christ-like. God tells me in Isaiah 54:5 that my maker is my husband, and he desires my company under a larger tent that I might expand his kingdom with him. And as I do so, I find the fresh breeze of new strength to deal with my pity, frustration, and anger. I am renewed. “Lord, expand my vision today. Let me see the light of day from your perspective. Drive home the tent pegs of hope deep and far. Stretch my life to conform to the potential you see.”

1/19/22 THE ENEMY’S STRATEGY19

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:14

COMMENTS: Have you ever taken some time to reflect on how amazing and perfect God designed and built our world and universe including all the creatures, including us and our bodies. Consider how amazing our bodies are and how well it repairs and heals itself and operates without much thought from us. Sure, we need to eat right and exercise and care for our body but knowledge of how it works. If it has been awhile, I encourage and invite you to take some time to reflect again and express your gratitude and praise and worship to the One who is responsible for blessing you so much. As I get older and notice stronger limits imposed by Parkinson’s and natural physical limits in senior years. I see illnesses taking many who are much younger than I while also seeing a number who are older than I but able to work and do things I now struggle doing, I then realize just how mortal and how depending on Him I and every one of us are. I also am reminded mortality and disease and death is not God’s fault but satan’s. That old devil has a stategy to discourage and hinder us so we take our attention and focus off God and the agenda and mission and work He has for us, and towards despair and pursuing destructive and selfish and hurtful temptations and choices. The Devil is only a fallen angel. He is a deceiver. He is doomed for destruction. And until then, he has one goal in mind: your spiritual defeat, emotional malignment, and physical frustration. If he tries to get you to agree with him today… don’t. se be to God for his Son, the Lamb that was slain. And praise be to God for giving us the privilege of presenting a new and joyful sacrifice of praise. “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, O Lord.”

1/20/22 YOUR STRENGTH 20

Nehemiah 8:1b, 5a, 8-10 – And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded Israel. … And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people …. They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” COMMENTS: Israel enduring 70 years of exile and captivity in Babylon, as God foretold. This was God’s judgment to Israel for their sins. God had wanted them to be God’s example and witnesses of God’s transforming and loving Hand on His children so pagan people would decide to become God’s obedient children too. But God will always do His Will either in spite of us or because of us. Through Daniel and his 3 friends and Esther and a few others faithful were able to fulfill His will. Oh, how much better would it have been for Israel and Babylon and generations later if God’s children would have remained faithful and been true to their calling and mission. That is still true today. Anyway, after 70 years of captivity, doors began opening doors and the captive Jews began to return to their promised land, now in ruins. Nehemiah and Ezra were chosen to lead the people as they returned home. Nehemiah was to be their governor and Ezra their priest and teacher. Ezra would also oversee rebuilding of the temple and focus on guiding people in worship and obedience. Nehemiah’s focus was on rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and city while making sure they honored the Sabbath as well as making sure people treated each other fairly and lawfully. Nehemiah and Ezra had different jobs but were guided by and followed God’s law and instruction. Together, Nehemiah and Ezra become God’s hand of redemption and healing both for the people and Jerusalem. God’s protection and blessing and healing would be restored. The people repented of their sins and followed these two leaders, resulting in praise and joy and blessing God intended for them to express and enjoy. We do well to stop following their example of disobedience and begin following their example of obedience!. If we do, He has promised to provide eternal life and a home with Him forever. PRAYER: “Dear Savior, stay with us and be our strength always. Amen.”

1/21/22BEING GOD’S CHILDREN 21

“‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise”?’”

Matthew 21:16

COMMENTS: A young teacher at a Christian school had a 12year old student named Jeremy, who was mentally handicapped. She tried unsuccessfully to convince his parents to place him in a special school better equipped since he was not able to learn beyond the 2nd grade level. After teaching the class about the Resurrection, she gave her students tan assignment. She gave each child a plastic egg and told them to bring it back the next day with something inside it showing new life. The next day they all came to class with their eggs ready to discuss what was inside their egg. One had a flower. Another a butterfly. One had a rock with moss on it. However, Jeremy’s egg was empty. She didn’t want to embarrass him, so waited until the other children went outside before asking him why he didn’t put something inside his egg, but Jeremy asked her why she didn’t ask him just before she dismissed the other children. He replied the egg was empty because THE TOMB OF JESUS WAS EMPTY. Miss Miller was moved by his answer and realized Jeremy was learning but was also teaching her and the other children too. Three months later Jeremy died and all the other students placed an empty plastic egg on his casket. Miss Miller did too! Such a beautiful story and lesson and insight for us too. AMEN? AMEN!

1/22/22SUPERNATURAL ENCOURAGEMENT22

“The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”

Isaiah 50:4

COMMENTS: Jesus told us He is exactly like the Father in character and conduct and thought and mission and decisions, so how Jesus reacted and interacted with the disciples and others shows us exactly what the Father is like and the Holy Spirit is like. Jesus shows deep compassion and love for the poor and defenseless and weak – children, widows, poor, persecuted, and defenseless, and the weak. By contrast He came down hard on those who inflicted pain and suffering and too advantagae of the above. Even sinners and pagans He showed love and compassion and forgiveness toward when they showed sincere repentance. Jesus was born, grew up, and endured human limits and temptation, and obstacles the poor endured and still endure. He had to provide for His family when His earthly father died. Also, His access to the Father was the same way we access Him, prayer. Paul, in His letters, helped us understand both Trinity and way each both reveals God to us and provides for our needs and companionship and guidance and direction – wisdom and help each day but especially during crisis and urgent needs. Scipture and history and contemporary examples show us the difference God has and continues to make in the lives of the faithful – His children. He promises both fellowship and abiding help while living on earth but then new bodies and home and life for eternity with Him and without the devil and influence he does to hurt us directly and indirectly by influencing others. There also is no better teacher and encourager than God Himself, Isaiah 50:4

So, what does God require of you, his student? “Listen like one being taught.” That means active listening, not passive. It means cooperating with the Lord when he nudges you to say a kind word to an unsuspecting friend. Folks all around you are facing failure; you can add richness and meaning to their lives as you offer supernatural encouragement. Ask God to show you today that special person who needs a word of hope. Ask the Lord to give you his words and then keep your eyes open through the morning and afternoon. It may be someone who is discouraged about his job–remind him of past successes. It may be your spouse who feels overwhelmed with the workload–how about an extra hug? Encouraging others costs no more than a bit of time and effort, yet who can put a price on its value? Sovereign Lord, please give me an instructed tongue. Awaken me and teach me how to listen. Help me to look for those who need your help.

1/23/22WEIGH THE COST AND CHOOSE WISELY 23

“And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Matthew 10:38-39

COMMENTS: What does it mean to take up our cross. We are clear what Jesus’ cross was and cost doing so He paid, but what is our’s and what cost will it be for each of us? In countries where being a Christian means prison and torture and even death, countries like North Korea or China or many Muslim dominated and controlled countries. The cost there is high and yet it is in these countries that conversions are growing the fastest. Why? Because the contrast between good and evil, between the impact of tyranny and evil vs impact of a life transformed by Christ draws people to Christ instead of away from Him. That was true in first century Rome and is still true today. The harder Rome and even Jews under satan’s influence tried to exterminate Christianity, the faster it’s numbers grew. By contrast, in countries where persecution is mild or non-existent, churches are dying and closing. Why? Because people, like old testament Israel, slipped away from God and into sin when peace and prosperity created an atmosphere of little motivation or need for God or His help. Those who ran to and sought out Jesus were the sick and desperate who had great need, while those like the “rich young ruler” were content with their lives and circumstances and unwilling to risk changing to be a Christ follower. Is it worth taking up your cross, losing your life, and following the Lord? Jesus wraps his loving arms around us, reminding us, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29) What was true for the rich young ruler is true for us. God seems to always be pointing to one more area of our life that needs to come under his domain. “Ouch,” we reply, “Lord, haven’t you asked enough of me?” You can be sure that at whatever point you resist, God will persevere. “Lord, what area of my life still needs to come under your rule? Please show it to me, and then help me to place it under your domain. May I look to the Apostle Paul, who counted everything a loss in order to know Jesus. Please help me to understand that I have everything to gain when I lose my life for your sake.”

1/24/22 BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Romans 14:10-12 – Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. COMMENTS: Christians and churches and Christian based businesses are under increasing attack, causing many followers to doubt or become silent, especially related to abortion and same sex marriage and sex before marriage. Attacks go even deeper challenging validity of scripture. The sad thing is churches are closing in large numbers and pastors are leaving pulpits especially in “free – democratic” countries because people do not see need to attend and support them. By contrast, in poorer countries and countries where Christians face worst persecution, revival is underway and seekers and soul winning churches and pastors and followers are on the increase. Well, we shouldn’t be surprise because history recorded in history books and in scripture tell us humans turn from God and follow sinful and destructive paths in epidemic numbers during peaceful and prosperous times and repent and turn to God during times of trial and suffering. Well, it is becoming more evident satan is working harder and bolder in distracting and deceiving and destroying God’s followers and seekers. The contrast of scripture to common world view held by public and news media and government leaders is increasing and on left is becoming darker and even on right is becoming more militant especially when Christ is not help at center. We need to focus on what Jesus taught but also on how He dealt with people at levels. Sincere seekers, especially the poorest and children and even sinners, He showed compassion without judgment while not condoning sinful or harmful behavior or choices. He did not condone adulterous relationship while offering forgiveness and healing and a better path and choice toward a meaningful relationship with God and with other believers and to life. A path from destruction and to life eternal. His example and words will serve us well if we choose to learn and follow them and seek His help to guide our witness and position and world view we share and live by. Every human being is born with a conscience. We know distinctions between good and evil without being told. If the voice of conscience is ignored, however, it can become very weak or nearly still. In fact, with persistent wrongdoing and by stifling the inner monitor of what we know to be right and wrong, the conscience can be seared, burnt to the point of malfunction through misuse (see 1 Timothy 4:1-2). As God’s Law convicts us of our sin, so do our consciences confirm the verdict. But that is not the end of the matter for us. More than an unsettling voice within, our conscience is a gift. With stunning clarity, it reveals our attempts to hide our sins and exposes us to God’s righteous judgment, and (thanks be to God!)—it reveals our need for the mercy He offers you and me in His Son Jesus Christ. We are sinners through and through. King David, among countless others, knew this to be true: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be justified in Your words and blameless in Your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:3-5). The apostle Paul felt the pricks of his conscience as he wrestled with doing right and wrong. Like David before him, Paul understood his human condition before God. “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:18-19). Paul’s finely tuned conscience was a blessing; it informed his ministry and gave integrity to his message. “So I find it to be a law that when I do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the Law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the Law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin” (Romans 7:21-25). PRAYER: Holy Spirit, use my conscience to guide my actions as I seek to serve Jesus with my whole being. In His Name I pray. Amen.

1/25/22 STEP OUTSIDE25

“So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.”

Galatians 3:24–25

COMMENTS: God’s Commands (Law), the conduct and judgment of Israel over the generations of history recorded in the Old Testament in contrast to the perfect live Jesus lived and recorded for us to learn from all serves to show us how sinful and destoned for judgment and destruction we all deserve and will face without Christ’s redemption. Our sins are many and sometimes hid and sometimes evident to each other. But they all are known by Him and recorded by Him until He forgives them.

Sometimes the sins we commit are not moral ones but spiritual. We cultivate a legal attitude toward God, and that’s wrong. Christians start out in the Spirit, but when it comes to daily living, we try to perfect ourselves by the flesh.

The Law says, do these things and you shall live, but the Gospel says, live and these things you will do. The Law commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind; the Gospel says that this is love: Not that we have sought God, but that he loved us and sent his son to atone for our sins.

The Law demands holiness, but the Gospel gives holiness. The Law makes blessings the result of obedience, but the Gospel makes obedience the result of blessings. Under the Law, the old man was restrained, but with the Gospel, the new man is given liberty.

If we are right in our inward being, we shall certainly do right in our outward actions. This is what Christian liberty is all about.

Picture a woman who is a servant in a house and under the law of her master whom she tried to please. She’s paid a wage. She does her duty. But then, the master offers her his love and lifts her up from her place of service to be his bride and share his wealth. She may continue to do the same things, but now she does them with a different motive–love not duty!

Lord, my old sense of duty is now lost in my new sense of love.

1/26/22JESUS, MY FRIEND 26

“A friend loves at all times.”

Proverbs 17:17

COMMENTS:  A wise and trustworthy friend is a rare and precious gift. Being such a friend can be just as rewarding as having such a friend. Such a friend who will give wise council and hold us accountable. Who encourages and notices and warns us when we start down a wrong path. Christ is such a friend for us but having a spouse and hopefully more such friends to support and guide us is life giving and life sustaining. A safe place to re-energize us too.

If you have a friend like that, you have a treasure. Someone with whom you can peel back the layers of your heart, knowing that he or she will handle tenderly and loyally everything that’s revealed. That’s why I consider Jesus to be my friend. Of course, there used to be times in prayer when I would get tongue‐tied over whether or not I was praising him properly. I would measure my words far too carefully, wondering if my prayer was progressing the way it should, in a tidy order of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Sometimes I just gave up in frustration. All the while, Jesus must have been waiting for me to simply peel back the layers of my heart and openly share a tumble of thoughts and confessions, like chaff and grain. He wanted to assure me that with his faithful hand he would keep what was worth keeping in my prayer and gently blow the rest away. Jesus is a friend with whom you can feel safe. “Oh, the comfort of feeling safe with you, Jesus. Thank you for inviting me to pour out my thoughts to you in a tumble of praise and confession, thanksgiving, and petition. I praise you for being a true friend who loves at all times”

1/27/22THE PLAN OF THE CROSS27

“Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”

Acts 4:27–28

COMMENTS: Could you imagine being able to live nearly 1000 years and see and meet all the generations over that time. Well, before you let your imagination get head of you, think about the ocean of humanity who would your descendents if you were Adam or Eve who experienced just that. I think the most painful thing would be to witness the rampant evil and destruction and death and disease and evil actions getting worse and more widespread knowing their disobedience caused. To know how perfect their life and fellowship with God was and how perfect Eden was and then to see the consequences of their sin. They lived long enough to meet and know Noah’s father. We are told that in the time of Noah, the thoughts and actions of people was evil continuously except for Noah. Noah stood out as the exception and am sure he stood out and endured ridicule and some level of persecution, along with his family, long before God equipped him and instructed him to build an ark, a boat in the middle of nowhere or near a body of water. God warned him that it would rain enough to flood the whole earth when no one had ever seen or heard of rain. Satan was definitely the mastermind behind all the evil of all those generations and all the evil since. Satan was responsible for the invention of crucifixion Rome used to punish and intimidate people and countries they conquered. Satan used crucifixion to kill Jesus. He thought he outsmarted God but God transformed the cross of being a symbol of death to the symbol of redemption and forgiveness and eternal life. Early Christians believed the satan motivated men who killed Jesus did not defeat Him and their evil actions became the method of fulfilling God’s Will and bringing redemption and eternal life to any and all who would seek and receive these gifts made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Such was what gave them joy and confident hope of a future brighter than they could imagine. Satan thought he would outsmart God but he didn’t have a clue how God would respond. He should have known, but his pride keeps blinding and blocking logical thinking and reasoning abilities. Think about the story of Joseph. His brothers intended Joseph to suffer and most of them seemed to be ok with dying as a slave in a foreign – pagan land. They just wanted rid of him due to their jealousy of the love his father had for him. But God honored Joseph’s obedience to Him and enabled and lifted him to a place of great authority and ability to save both Egypt and his own family. He both learned and taught Egypt and his own family forgiveness but most of all about God’s forgiveness.

“Lord, I realize that although satan was a secondary cause behind the cross, it was the Father who ultimately willed it and allowed the devil to carry it out. It’s a mystery… and I praise you for your mysterious ways… We have salvation because of them!”

1/28/22 EXPLANATIONS 28

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

Isaiah 46:4

COMMENTS: When I was young, I wondered who I would one day marry and what my children would be like. I wondered what it would be like to have a full time job with all it’s responsibilities and obligations. I wondered if I would live to retirement and what that would be like. I also recall times of prayer and reflection seeking the purpose and calling God had for me. Lack of purpose and just going through the routines and habits that are repeated every day is the way most people spend their lives without knowing or doing the work or doing the things God wants and has called them to do. Yet, landing a good paying job that can fund purchase of a nice home and a reliably car and supporting a family can and does over shadow and demand so much time and energy that there is no room to seek God’s Will or purpose for our lives until one day we discover we’ve wasted precious time and opportunities that can not be retrieved. It is so much better to seek and follow God first than to follow our own desires and plans and then go to Him later after the damage from following our own sinful path becomes too great or avoidable or fixable on our own. Warren Wiersbe once said, “Nothing is harder to heal than a broken heart shattered by experiences that seem so meaningless. But God’s people don’t live on explanations; God’s people live on his promises.” Knowing or seeking to know the reasons or purpose behind suffering doesn’t always help when you’re in the midst of enduring them. What does help is knowing the promises of God. Even though God’s promises are usually devoid of standard explanations and don’t always detail the blueprint behind his plan, they do point to the loving character of our good and kind Lord who made and keeps those promises and recorded history of how He brought those before us through their dark times. Isaiah 46:4 – Even for someone bent over with old age and arthritis, God’s explanation is simple and powerful, “I am he, I am he who will sustain you.” God wants us to understand that He alone is the source of help and hope. God owes us no explanations. He did enough explaining on the cross to show that His love is sufficient to meet every need. Look again at our verse for the day. In one short sentence, God promises that he will rescue, carry, and sustain you. How? At least six times, God uses the personal pronoun to point to himself. His promises are signed, sealed, and delivered on the basis of who he is. And he is faithful. He is loving. He rescues you and carries you. It’s a promise. “Lord, I don’t survive because you roll out in front of me the blueprint behind my painful experiences. I don’t live on reasons why. I live on your promises. Draw me to them today and help me to lean on your loving faithfulness. This will be enough.”

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1/29/22 WORRY 29

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:25–28, 31, 33–34

COMMENTS: Today’s scripture tells us 6 times NOT TO WORRY. Satan is very skillful at compelling us to worry. Satan is very skillful at compelling us to worry, believing doing so is our only way to find a solution to a crisis or be ready for a crisis or danger when it comes. Truth is, worry weakens us and blinds us from seeking and discovering real solutions and needed preparation. Worry has been doing dit’s destructive work in humans since Adam instead of pointing them to God, who not only knows future. God, who loves us and so desires to be with and face our future hand in hand with us. So, why do we continue to let worry gripo and control us? Why haven’t we learned from history? Well, why haven’t you and I learned from just our own experience and experience of those close to us? Maybe it is because God often waits longer to intervene than we like, including withholding physical evidence He is going to intervene until “the last minute too”. Well, God’s timing and methods and ways are all perfect even though at the time they may seem late. So,what are we going to do? How were those before us like Joseph and Daniel able to trust God even to the point of prison or a lion’s den? Was it easier for them? I think not but what they had in common was a determination not to let emotions or fear or worry change their resolve to follow God’s commands and instruction and path no matter what the cost, Notice, Daniel was not sure God would spare him from the lions nor did Daniel’s 3 friends when facing a fiery furnace.. They knew their future after death was far brighter than while on earth whether God spared or took them. Even if it meant being torn apart or burnt alive. God chose to spare them while allowing martyrs before and after them, even today, to be burnt, shot, tortured, or crucified. So, how do we overcome worry knowing that uncertainty? How do we have enough faith to fully trust Him no matter what comes? How do we exercise faith like Daniel or his 3 friends or Joseph or Jesus’ mother Mary? They were in close and ongoing relationship with God. They didn’t allow room in their time or minds for worry and when doubts came, they ran to their God and Friend and Lord. That doesn’t mean they were immune from worry. It just means they didn’t try to deal with it alone. The sacrifices of a few years compared with eternity was welle worth sacrifice for them, especially when good God brought from their sacrifices unfolds. How many came to God for salvation after hearing or reading about their stories and experienced? How many will be impacted from our stories? “Lord, I admit that I’m so prone to worrying about things that happen in my life. Help me today to trust you. Receive glory as I turn from my anxiety and turn to you. Thank you that Jesus has given me this solemn warning not to worry.”

1/30/22 GRIEVING GOD’S HEART30

“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.”   Psalm 51:4     COMMENTS: Have you ever lost your temper? Have you ever regretted doing so? The answer would be universally yes to both and I would say in most cases the regret would come almost immediately afterwards or at least soon afterwards. Common expressions of regret are: “I don’t know what came over me” or “I didn’t mean it” or “I’d take it back if I could” or “the devil made me say that” or “I didn’t know what I was saying” or “I couldn’t help myself” or … I’m sure you can think of a few others. Well, what are most saying with these comments? “It wasn’t my fault” or “I was justified saying what I did so don’t really regret it” or “I feel strong and in control when I’m angry” or “it’s the only way I get what I want” Jerry Bridges said in his book “The Pursuit of Holiness”: “We are more concerned about our own victory over sin than that our sins grieve the heart of God. We cannot tolerate failure in our struggle with sin, chiefly because we are success-oriented, not because it is offensive to God.” We are more motivated to war against sin and resist or avoid temptation when I consider the pain and cost of our sins on Him, even more so than knowing hurt our sins do to others. Why? Well, most or all of us want to believe we are better or less sinful than most and not as wretched as others who commit more harmful sins. But in God’s eyes and standards, all sins are equally bad, grieve Him, and worthy of damnation. Sin is self-centered instead of God-centered. Everyone goes through time of discouragement and despair but choosing to give Him our struggle and then follow and obey Him each step is key to positive change and progress in becoming more Christ-like.

1/31/22 TAKING SIN SERIOUSLY31 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1   COMMENTS: Society and most people would much rather hide or deny their sins instead of admitting / confess and repent or turn from those sins. Demanding “the right” to do what they want or choose without regard for what others think or are impacted by. Such thinking takes on a path to lack of concern for others or the impact of poor choices on others, even family and other loved ones. Such a path leads to judgment and hatred toward those who oppose or share concern about consequences. The path then leads to denial that sin or God’s commands or even God exists or are true. A sense of right and wrong is vital to provide a compass to guide our lives. The magnetic north and south poles have not changed so they enable a good compass to always point consistently north, allowing traveler to make right choices to reach his destination. But what happens if a strong magnet close to that compass? It can no longer be trusted. Same is true of our consciences when we allow world views or our own desires to guide our choices without letting God’s Word and Commands set and point our consciences. We tend to sweep small sins under the carpet without regard of how they impact us, others, and especially how they affect God and His relationship with us. Small sins may not be as impactful as big sins right away but eventually will become just as destructive. A small or “white” lie or “silly spat” or harsh words or neglect may pass unnoticed but not forever. Psalm 51:4 “Against you, you only, have I sinned.” This pray came from David after his downward spiral that started when he decided as king he no longer needed to lead his army into battle. But idle time exposed him to opportunities and temptations that pulled him into sins of adultery and murder, which he tried to hide and blinded him and deprived him from fellowship and life giving relationship with God, who had been his guide and protector for so long. When Nathan exposed David’s sin and David finally realized what he had done and magnitude of sin he was guilty, he ran to the time and fell prostrate before God in repented and prayed the above words on Psalm 51:4. God then forgave him and restored that life giving relationship with Him. He will do so with you and me and anyone who will, like David, go to Him with a repentant mind and soul.  “You, O God, are holy, and sin is a great offense to you. You hate sin because it cost you the life of your precious Son. It has marred and stained your beautiful creation, including all of the human race. Today I refuse to sweep small sins out of my conscience without bringing them before you in sincere confession. Help me to take sin… seriously.” “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”   Psalm 105:4

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):

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

SUGGESTED READINGS (SPIRITUAL STANDARDS)

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

DYNAMIC DOCTRINES

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

PRACTICAL PRECEPTS:

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

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT:

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