FEBRUARY 2022
2/1/22 BIBLICAL FAITH VS SECULAR FAITH 1
| “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” |
| Hebrews 11:1 |
| COMMENTS: Faith is defined in scripture as being certain something will happen that can not be seen currently. However, the secular definition conveys a desire but little confidence. Biblical hope reveals confidence and trust in God, but real hope is in having confidence and hope in outcomes and destinations and goals that support and are included in God’s Will. Secular hope can not convey that same confidence because it doesn’t reflect influence and involvement of God but also belief in God or trust in Him. That is one of the most wonderful treasures in scripture. To have many details examples to help us know and understand God and how He works and helps those who put their faith and trust in Him and follow – obey Him. Humans exercising biblical faith reflect more confidence in reality of a goal prior to seeing or holding or possessing it than other humans having while actually seeing or holding or possessing the object of that goal. They can do so because of knowing and loving and trusting and believing in God. Faith opens our eyes to see the overwhelming evidence of God’s involvement in nature and in lives and circumstances of others. Without faith, satan is skilled at keeping us blind and closed minded to seeing that evidence, missing out on great joy and blessing and wisdom and power – divine resource God has for those willing to accept that help and resource. Faith gives substance to invisible things. Spiritual concepts then become embodied and tangible through faith. Faith gives us realization that we are not physical beings striving for spiritual experiences but spiritual beings dealing with and managing physical experiences. No wonder the world can’t understand Christian faith. The New English Bible states Hebrews 11:1 this way “And what is faith? Faith gives substance to our hopes and makes us certain of realities we do not see.” Faith is what will enable us to see God as a God of love at work through hurt and hardship in our lives. So, how to we cultivate and nourish such faith? Faith does come by hearing the Word of God. Seeking and finding / discovering faith that gives invisible things substance, enabling us to live triumphantly. Faith discovered from God’s Word but also sustained and strengthened – grown from God’s Word too. Since faith is living, it requires nourishment and exercise to become strong and healthy. “Lord Jesus, increase my faith as I behold you, the Word of God.” |
2/2/22 CURE FOR DEPRESSION 2
“The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, save me!’” |
| Psalm 116:3-4 |
| COMMENTS: Winter months, especially January (after Christmas decorations come down) through February, are confining due to weather and seasonal flus and especially with Covid. Depression magnified from shorter days and confining weather conditions, become worse. Joni Eareckson Tata shared the deep depression that overwhelmed her in the early years of her paralysis. She shares the impact Psalm 116 had on her. We are not sure who wrote Psalm 116 but certainly reflects the heart and writing style David demonstrated in psalms we know he did write. This psalm reflect real dangers and real approaching death with little or no way of escape until God came to the rescue. The praise and gratitude expressed uplifts and encourages the writer and encouraged Joni and will encourage you and me if we take the time to read and meditate and open our minds and souls to receive and praise Him too. Psalm 116 is the cure for the deepest depression but does require time and determination and discipline. We, like Joni, must learn to seek – yield – surrender to the Will and relationship with Christ He designed and made and wants to prepare us for. Today is “Ground Hog Day” in Pennsylvania. The day Puxy Phil predicts if spring weather is near or if 6 more weeks of hard cold snowy winter is ahead. Well, no matter which is our future, God not only knows our future, but is already living in that future as well as in our present and past. So, He is more than able and prepared to implement that future as that future becomes our present. There are still choices we must make that will set us on the future God want to become our present reality and so wants us to abide with Him so we’ll let Him guide us hand in hand to that future. You may ask, if God knows how we choose and will ultimately make choices that will reject Him and result in facing His judgment instead of His Forgiveness, what hope do we have? That is a mystery but scripture and history tells us God’s longsuffering and grace and opportunity to repent continue, delaying judgment as long as possible. That is because God’s desire and love, even for the most sinful and evil of us, to repent compels Him to delay judgment. Instead, He uses even evil deeds to become a plea to repentance and redemption. God turned Joni’s tragedy into a fulfilling ministry and a platform to guide millions of others to Christ as well as herself. Her journey of faith and obedience adds to the many inspiring stories from scripture to lead millions to let God implement inspiring stories in each of our lives too. “Gracious Lord, I praise you for offering peace and hope in the midst of depression. Save me from deadly feelings that entangle and pull me down into a grave of defeat and despair. Your powerful name saves!” |
2/3/22 GOOD DREAMS 3
2/4/22 EMPOWERMENT 4
| “When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.” |
| Acts 19:17-18 |
| COMMENTS: The first century church Christians were equipped – empowered – instructed – guided – shadowed – led – annointed – embraced and loved – inspired – transformed… and so much more by the abiding Holy Spirit and by each other. They endured and even thrived in terrible – dark days of evil persecution and torture and death at the hands of priests and Roman soldiers and even by friends and neighbors and fellow Jews. But both in spite of and because of this, they grew quickly in numbers and in maturity and knowledge and ability to live Christ-like lives. Many, because of their faithfulness to Christ, saw their loved ones tortured and killed before enduring the same, but still lived and died confident in their faith and future. Yet they were human and gripped with fear at times, but didn’t allow that fear to pull them from their resolve and focus on obedience to Christ and His commission to spread the Gospel. Acts 19 gives us the results of their obedience and power of God’s Word that was unlocked by their obedience. Who communities were transformed as a result. That transformation did not just include praying and sharing and helping and encouraging and loving each other. It meant living and demonstrating genuine and consistent Christ-like conduct and motives and even thoughts. Miracles were not done in every situation nor were the primary objective. But winning new conversions were and that was, and still is, a far greater miracle and objective than all the other miracles put together. They only served to support the greater miracle of forgiven and transformed souls. God’s life-changing power shakes a community when a church directly addresses the needs in the streets, schools, and homes. The Gospel is best declared when it is demonstrated toward the people closest to you. “Empower my church, Lord, to make a difference in my community. And please begin with me!” |
2/5/22 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HUMAN SUFFERING? 5
| “The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?’” |
| Exodus 4:11 |
| COMMENTS: If God is not behind human suffering, then why does He permit or allow it? Scripture gives the answers. Satan is behind sin and all it’s consequences. He is permitted by God to tempt and deceive, within limits, humans to turn from God – from His Love and protection – His life giving Will and Law but then to satan’s will and sinister plan which includes suffering and disease and death. Satan wants us to blame God for satan’s own deeds. Yet, God continues to permit us to make choices, wise or foolish, but not without warning and opportunities to change and help to do so. God doesn’t want disease and tragedy for us, but quite the opposite. But satan does! Satan appears to be winning, not because he is stronger but because we let him by listening to him and following his lures. God promises to limit satan’s mischief and bring it to an end one day. So, why does God allow sickness and suffering and pain? Such is not God’s Will but He does use them to mold stronger Christian character and faith in His followers and empower them to share His Good News of redemption and forgiveness to others. Grief for past sins and loss is an effective motivator drawing many into a closer relationship with God. “Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.” (Lamentations 3:32-33) Does God ordain? Permit? Plan? Allow? The more important question is does God love and care? The answer is YES! His Word gives example after example in Old Testament scripture, in Jesus’ example and teaching, in New Testament teaching and examples in every generation, including today, that He is the loving – forgiving – redeeming Father and we are his prodigal children whom He is waiting eagerly for our return to Him. “Your ways are higher than mine, Lord, and your thoughts are unsearchable. I praise you that one day you will give us the key that will unlock sense out of seemingly senseless suffering.” |
2/6/22 GOD ALLOWS SUFFERING 6
| “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” |
| 1 Chronicles 29:1 |
| COMMENTS: God is sovereign and all powerful. That means none are more powerful nor govern over Him, but He governs over all everywhere. His authority or control or power is over all everywhere without bounds. That means we should and can have confidence He will accomplish what He says and promises to mankind but also to each one of us. When we put our faith and trust in Him, His promises will come to pass. Yet He fulfills and implements them in a way and time that is a mystery. Yet, history and experience of those before us reveals that God’s ways and timing reveal a wisdom and knowledge and purpose and goal far beyond and above and better both for us and for those impacted by His promises to them and to us that He fulfills. We can not comprehend nor know nor understand but He simply asks us to trust Him and do what He asks of us in obedience. By doing so, we learn to follow His lead and grow in our trust and love and obedience. Well, that is a life long growth involving times of progress and some setbacks when our faith becomes weak due to fear and doubt and weariness or simply lack of will. He knows how hard it is at times but never is far from us “Rooting for us” and ready to lend a helping Hand but just beyond our sight so we still need to reach out to get hold of Him. But it is the daily reaching out in devotion and prayer and obedience that we grow in strength and will and also in success. Have you ever taken a trip on roads and destinations you’ve never been before. There are sights beyond your expectations and maybe a few disappointments. But isn’t there also places you go regularly and once in a while you notice something you missed and hadn’t noticed before? Such we discover and observe on our journey with Christ – our life journey, but He gives us the assurance that He knows the way and will not lead us to stray. God is sovereign both over peace and war, light and darkness, health and sickness, prosperity and calamity, and even comfort and suffering . Someone once said that satan may exert limited power over the ship of calamity, but God steers it to serve His own purposes. When it comes to God’s purposes, we have His promise that nothing will be allowed in our lives that is not for our good or ability to bear (Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 10:13). Job may give us the impression satan twists God’s arm until God allows Him to do his mischief on us and then running behind satan to patch up what he has ruined. God is not hindered by satan’s schemes, but God actually uses the devil’s own deeds to advance His kingdom and bring glory to Himself. Such may not be evident immediately but will, again, in His time and for His purpose. “I bow before Your sovereign majesty, O Lord, praising You that all power and glory and splendor is Yours. Only You can reach down into what otherwise would be evil and pull out of it good for Your children and glory for Yourself. So be it!” |
2/7/22 PSALM 23 7
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” |
| Psalm 23:4 |
| COMMENTS: If you grew up in a Bible centered Church, you likely still are able to recite the 23rd Psalm and the Lord’s Prayer and even the Apostles Creed. You likely know many childhood hymns – Bible School or Sunday School songs even if you haven’t recited or sung them for many years or even thought about them. But memories of those years will come flooding back at just the thought of them. Am I right? It certainly is from my personal experience. To limit only them to memories is a good thing since God can and does bring them to the surface during trying or dangerous times or times of hardship if we are open and sincerely seeking help. There is, of course, so many more priceless treasures and life giving scripture recorded and available in scripture if we take the time to look and read and open our minds and soul to receive with the Holy Spirit instruction. Can you recall a time when Psalm 23 gave you comfort or direction during a trying or perilous time? Take some time to reflect and give Christ praise. Verse 4 is especially important when facing potential life threatening times or situations and especially when approaching our own death. Being mindful of our own mortality, we all need to make sure we are prepared and ready when that time comes. As we get older, we begin to realize we have lived more years than many of our friends or relatives or family. But we must not stop there, but let that motivate and lead us into a deeper relationship with Christ and fellowship through prayer and devotion to His Word and with other Christ-followers daily. It may look dark and gloomy right now, but please remember that God does not intend for you to stay in those shadows. The valley He has led you into is the same valley out of which He will lead you. You will, by His grace, go through it. There is, thanks to our Shepherd, a smile on the other side. “Lead me, Shepherd, through the dark times. I promise to follow You closely and to stay on the path, to remember that Your rod is with me and Your staff is there to comfort and guide. Thank You for that little word, “through” in this beautiful psalm… I trust that You will lead me to the other side of the dark times to safety, rest, peace, and joy.” |
2/8/22 PHILIPPIANS 8
| “I thank my God every time I remember you. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart.” |
| Philippians 1:3,7 |
| COMMENTS: Paul was a key leader in spreading the Gospel to the known world of his day. He started his career as a leader in discovering and emprisoning Christians. His name would stir fear in the minds and souls of Christians until being confronted by the risen Christ. Then he was transformed from being Saul the terrorist of Christ followers to being the brightest evangelist for Christ. He was so influencial in leading countless thousands to Christ during his ministry but through his letters preserved and included in our New Testaments in the centuries since he is responsible for the gospel reaching and transforming millions to become forgiven Christ followers. The numbers have multiplied as those he impacted then impacted others and they many more. We, by reading and allowing his words inspired by the Holy Spirit impact and transform us, are added to those numbers. Paul put high expectations and demands on himself but also on others. He never forgot the magnitude of his sin and magnitude of the cost Christ paid for his forgiveness. That drove him to share the Good News more passionately for the remainder of his life. However, that passion was also reflected in his letters when churches became distracted or decieved by false teachers or indifference when he wasn’t with them. He knew how his ancestors strayed from God at great cost to them, so he knew the risks and danger of the young church congregations he started succoming to these same temptations too. That is why in Galatians he was stern telling them that they had strayed. He spoke like a seminary professor in Romans and like a youth leader to the Thessalonians trying to keep or draw each into deeper fellowship and service to Christ. Philippians is a bit different. His words express gratitude and encouragement since they had remained faithful and had grown in faith and fellowship with Christ. They had met his expectations but he wants to encourage them to go even deeper. Paul knew they too would face persecution and hardships and temptation, but instead of being disappointed and anxious for them, he encouraged them to go even deeper and bolder. Paul was not just writing for the present. He didn’t likely have a clue his letters would become scripture, but he likely knew his letters would have a impact after he was gone. He tells them to be content with material possessions and trust God to provide for material needs, but strive for more spiritually, to not be content with the depth of relationship with Christ. |
You may feel chained to a few unpleasant circumstances. If so, are you still able to write a thank-you letter to God? If you need help composing your words, take time to flip open to the book of Philippians and peruse the finest thank-you letter ever written. “Lord, I want to thank you for every good and perfect gift with which you’ve blessed my life. For friends and family… for smiles and sunny days… for the promise of heaven… for your grace, which gives joy and peace… and most of all, for the example of people like Paul, whose example inspires us all.” |
2/9/22 GOD’S INTENDS HIS GIFTS TO BE SHARED 9
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” | |
| 1 Peter 4:10 | |
| COMMENTS: Do you know what your God given gifts are? With gifts comes responsibility and accountability, so all to many Christians, especially those who have no desire to teach or preach and are insecure or are awkward around people, to settle into a mentality of believing they have no gifts and are not accountable. But scripture tells us different. God gives each believer at least one gift and most more, not to be a burden weighing us down, but a source of joy and opportunity to be a blessing to others. Below is a story Joni Eareckson Tata shared in a recent devotion that shows an example of how simple things like a compassionate word or smile or hug can and often makes a huge positive impact and difference in lives of others. Gifts may not be recognized or notice simply because they are hidden or not recognized as such. | |
| “So what’s your gift? Before you give me a theological list or a shrug of the shoulder, let me share a story with you about a six-year-old little girl. Her daddy serves as a pastor in the United States. Daddy was busy studying at the dining-room table for a sermon the next morning on the chapter from which today’s verse is taken. He looked up to see Bethany watching him with a smile. “What you are doing, Daddy?” “I’m studying for tomorrow’s sermon.” “Well, when you get done, I’ll give you a big hug.” With that, Bethany wrapped her arms around her father and squeezed the biggest hug she could muster. “Why did you do that?” my friend responded, “I’m not finished yet.” “I know,” said Bethany, “I just wanted you to know what it would feel like when you do get done.” What a wonderful picture this little girl provided for her father’s sermon the next day. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” The pastor was employing his gift when he sat down to study and stood up to preach. But do you see the employment of yet another gift? Bethany put her arms to work and exhorted her father with comfort and the promise of reward. Now that’s what I call teamwork! Our time here is so short. Our chances to put our gifts to work are fleeing fast. The question of the day is not how to find your gift. It’s where and when you use it. Only in that way will we be “faithfully ministering God’s grace.” Lord, I know my gift. Let me use it. Place me into paths of oncoming problems or new opportunities that I might exhibit the manifold grace of God.” |
2/10/22 THE JOY OF THE LORD 10
| “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” |
| Nehemiah 8:10 |
| COMMENTS: Nehemiah had good reason to be joyful. Finally his people would be returning to their home. The 70 years of captivity and exile God had decreed in judgment for their sins had been fulfilled. Obstacles would continue and people would continue to make sinful choices requiring discipline, but God’s discipline is tempered by His longsuffering Love and Forgiveness. The joy of being forgiven and in fellowship with Christ is beyond human comprehension if never experienced it. We should never take for granted or get used to His mercy or to the fellowship He offers and sustains with His followers. Such joy is only attainable or sustainable if Christ is the source of that joy It is not possible to always be happy, but it is possible to always have the joy of the Lord. A solid assurance that builds a solid and confident hope in a bright and sure future. Unwavering confidence that can’t help but look on the bright side. Think of all the things that make up the joy of the Lord, and your smile can’t help but last. If I need a reason to smile today, Lord, it will be found in you! |
2/11/22 BETRAYAL 11
| “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” | |
| Luke 22:31-32 | |
| COMMENTS: Jesus knew Peter would betray Him even when He chose him to be His disciple, but He also knew he would also die by crucifixion too. What happened to Simon that transformed into becoming the rock his new name, Peter, means? To volunteer to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die by same method as Christ died. To go from denying Jesus 3 times for fear of dying to dying by crucifixion boldly without fear or regrets. But what about Judas, who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver but soon afterward tried to return payment but couldn’t and was overwhelmed with guilt and regret. But he chose to relieve his pain by killing himself, thereby sealing his fate and judgment instead of waiting and having opportunity to accept Jesus’ forgiveness and healing. If he had only waited a few more days, he would have witnessed the Resurrection and then opportunity of Jesus’ forgiveness. Satan convinced him first to betray Jesus and then that his sin was to great to be forgiven. In spite of spending 3 years with Jesus, he made one bad choice after another, resulting in his own destruction. He intended to force Jesus’ hand to become the ruler Judas dreamed of instead of the Savior He came to fulfill. He could have been Judas’ savior too, but Judas failed to allow himself that opportunity. Oh how Jesus must have grieved for Judas. Will He grieve for you or many in your family and loved ones and friends? It’s scary to think that we have the potential to betray our Lord. We will sing, “What a Friend We have in Jesus” in one breath, and then we act as though he’s anything but a friend. We end up behaving like Judas when we dishonor the Lord’s name and discredit his reputation. It should concern us all that Judas, one who knew the Lord so intimately, could fail him so completely. This is why we can appreciate the intercessory prayers of Jesus. He knows all about those times when we are tempted to betray him with an act of stubborn disobedience. Jesus knows very well that our faith can fail. That’s why he prayed for Simon Peter… that’s why he prays for you. Enemies of the Lord may mock him, agnostics may scorn him, and atheists may laugh at him. But only you, his friend, can betray your Lord. In short, don’t you dare. One backstabbing is enough. Lean on your Lord’s intercessions for you, and that will give you all the resources you need to love and obey. “Great Intercessor, I praise you that you are living to intercede on the behalf of your children that they might remain strengthened by your grace and obedient to your will. Thank You for including me in your prayers… for praying that my faith today may not fail. You are all the resource I need to make that happen!” |
2/12/22 SECURITY AND SIGNIFICANCE 12
| “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’” |
| Acts 17:27-28 |
| COMMENTS: God is still a mystery even to the most seasoned Christians because He is perfect and thinks and acts and loves and knows so infinitely far above and beyond us and our comprehension. We can know and love and have fellowship one on one with Him often and even daily whenever we want, but that doesn’t change the fact that we are still greatly influenced by our fraility and sinful nature. God knows that and made our relationship with Him and forgiveness not dependent on our performance but upon our willingness to accept His gift(s) and help. Judas was eternally lost not because of the magnitude of his sin, which was great, but because he took his own life before accepting Christ’s forgiveness. It is normal and human to be tempted and to easily be distracted away from daily fellowship with God and path He is guiding you, but the difference between faithful followers of Christ and unfaithful is not the temptation or even degree or intensity of the temptation, but in the choice to look away from the temptation to Christ instead of trying to resist that temptation or yielding to that temptation alone. Being accountable to a fellow believe helps by forcing us to seek and accept help from others who typically will be stronger in some area and weaker in others but more likely stronger than us at the time we are weakest. Christian psychologists say that good mental health springs from two things: security and significance. Security inwho we are and significance inwhat we do. Since Christ is the source of peace, joy, strength, and rest, and in him we live and move and have our very being, we can be secure and feel significant when we place our trust in Jesus. “Lord, there are so many times when I feel afraid and insecure. Today I recognize that in you I live, move, and have my being — my life is secure and significant because I am your child and your servant.” |
2/13/22 WHAT DOES GOD ASK OF YOU? 13
| “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” |
| Deuteronomy 10:12 |
| COMMENTS: Does God ask anything more or less or different from us? Joni Earekson Tata has endured constant pain both physically and emotionally over the 50+ years with a body paralyzed from her neck down. Enduring bed sores and cancer treatments and being dependent on others for her care. But she can talk and turn her head and even drive a car or paint or write using her mouth. What if God asked as much of us as He asked of Joni? Well, living in a human body means living in a structure that experiences pain and disease and limitations and death. Isn’t that more than we could bear? Well, Joni thought so in the early years after her accident and am sure more than once since. So how has she endured such a life for so many years? Simply by fearing the Lord, walking in all His ways, loving Him, serving the Lord with all her heart and with all her soul. (Deut. 10:12) By fully surrendering and trusting her will to His Will. Trusting without knowing what and surrendering without knowing how long. Remember, He has promised to never leave or forsake us and is waiting for us at life’s end to take us home. If we’re fainthearted, remember that God has promised us power to help us do all that he asks of us. Even if it is everything. Lord, you gave your life! You ask me to do the same. Bless you for giving me the power to love and serve you with all my heart and soul. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. |
2/14/22 LOVE HAS TO GROW 14
| “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” | |
| 1 Corinthians 13:4, 6-7 | |
| COMMENTS: Genuine love, as God designed and created is called “Agape” and is defined and described in 1 Corinthians 13. Agape is still evident in the lives of Christ-followers and even during Old Testament times and in every generation (past – present – future). Today is Valentine Day, remembering St. Valentine, a priest who lived during 3rd century under Roman rule. Emperor Claudius II banned marriage of Roman soldiers, believing marriage distracted effectiveness of his soldiers in battle. Valentine de Terni was jailed for secretly performing such marriages. Valentine’s jailer, Asterius, asked Valentine to pray for healing of blindness for his daughter. Asterius converted after his daughter’s healing of blindness. He then began releasing religious prisoners from jail. The angry Emperor had Valentine and Asterius beheaded on February 14, 271AD. In order to fully understand Agape love Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13, the only perfect example we have is the life demonstrated to us with Jesus Christ. Before and after His life was demonstrated by God’s influence and and forgiveness given to individuals in scripture and in every generation along with the transformation of those who experienced that love. When we compare the agape love demonstrated by the best examples we know or read about, we soon discover flaws that render their example short of being “Christ-like”. The closest example I can think of is when Corrie TenBoom was speaking to a group in Germany when, after giving the altar call, saw a man kneeling at the altar, who was a Nazi guard she remembered from the death camp where she was tortured, where her sister died as well as rest of her family. She recoiled but Christ gave her the will and courage to lead that man to Christ and His forgiveness. Agape love must grow. It can’t stand still, and it certainly cannot go backward. Love must flourish or else it withers and dies. In fact, growth in a relationship is very much like growth in a tree or flower. If a flower doesn’t bloom, if a tree doesn’t sprout leaves, it signals a problem. So is our love for Christ and for each other. Other types of love are not God inspired and if allowed to grow will keep agape love from sprouting or growing. God’s love will not be stopped but His love in us can only sprout and grow if we invite / welcome His love in us. An angry Emperor Claudius II then decided to behead St. Valentine and Asterius on the inauspicious date of Feb. 14, 271 A.D. Valentine de Terni reportedly wrote a letter to Julia signed “from your Valentine,” giving rise to the celebration of his martyrdom. St. Valentine was also known for his powers for curing epilepsy, a disease involving dramatic seizures that plagued and terrified people over the centuries. Believed to be caused by demons, St. Valentine would perform exorcisms to rid people of the demons and thus cure their epilepsy. Chapels and art all over Europe depict St. Valentine and his mystical healing powers, but St. Valentine’s legacy has been enshrined as a day for people to celebrate romantic love. What’s everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day You can reach the author Michelle Shen @michelle_shen10 on Twitter. |
2/15/22 HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE HANDICAPPED? 15
| “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” |
| Matthew 13:14-15 |
| COMMENTS: We all know people who are better off physically or financially or in relationships, but how often do we reflect about those less blessed than us. I know many who are older than me but are stronger and more agile in ability to do things and work, but know many who are not as well of as me in these areas. Joni Earackson Tata has been paralyzed from the neck down since 17 years old and was asked recently (after living paralyzed for 55 years) if she could go back and choose differently, would she choose another path that didn’t include paralysis? Her response was honest and human but also insightful. “I don’t think so. I can’t think of anyone who desires to be paralyzed. Who would be foolish enough to choose not to have use of his legs and hands? Can you imagine someone wanting to be blind, choosing darkness over the brilliance of a clear blue sky? Who would want to deliberately shut his eyes against the sight of a glorious rainbow? And who would want to be deaf? Who in the world would desire silence instead of the beauty of a waltz, or the soothing voice of a loved one? Yet there are people who choose to disable themselves. If you were to challenge them, they wouldn’t have it any other way. They deliberately determine to be disabled. Theirs are very serious disabilities, not physical but spiritual. Jesus even talked about such people. O God, it’s foolish to think that someone would choose a physicalI don’t think so. I can’t think of anyone who desires to be paralyzed. Who would be foolish enough to choose not to have use of his legs and hands? Can you imagine someone wanting to be blind, choosing darkness over the brilliance of a clear blue sky? Who would want to deliberately shut his eyes against the sight of a glorious rainbow? And who would want to be deaf? Who in the world would desire silence instead of the beauty of a waltz, or the soothing voice of a loved one? Yet there are people who choose to disable themselves. If you were to challenge them, they wouldn’t have it any other way. They deliberately determine to be disabled. Theirs are very serious disabilities, not physical but spiritual. Jesus even talked about such people. O God, it’s foolish to think that someone would choose a physical handicap. I certainly wouldn’t. But forgive me when I foolishly close myself off from you and your Word. Help me to open my eyes and ears. To look for you and listen to you today. I choose not to be paralyzed by indifference or doubt. handicap. I certainly wouldn’t. But forgive me when I foolishly close myself off from you and your Word. Help me to open my eyes and ears. To look for you and listen to you today. I choose not to be paralyzed by indifference or doubt. |
| “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” |
| 1 Peter 5:7 |
| Well, no one would choose such a life but there are many examples like Joni of those who surrendered to Christ and were transformed because of their handicap. We all have regrets of foolish or sinful choices. Consequences of those choices are not considered before making those choices, but surrender to Christ with repentance often becomes the human choice made because of those consequences. Would Joni grown spiritually and had the powerful ministry if she had made a different choice that would have spared her the accident resulting in her paralysis? Only God knows, but I’m sure Romans 8:28 applies to both wise and foolish choices we make and the blessings or consequences those choices bring. So much better when we follow God’s Will completely while enjoying His blessings but better to endure suffering to compel us to obey than to face God’s judgment for unrepented sin. |
2/16/22 FEARLESSNESS 16
| “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” |
| Ephesians 6:19-20 |
| COMMENTS: Paul was a bold missionary of Christ’s Gospel. His words expressed the Gospel so well, that his letters were included in what became the New Testament portion of our Bible. Yet, as today’s verse tells us, Paul was so concerned that he didn’t not allow his own humanity dilute or corrupt the message Christ put on his soul to tell. Paul was not a “superman” and did not have “superhuman powers” other than the same inspiring and guiding Holy Spirit available to you and me. God did give him a special ability and calling that empowered him to endure and say what was beyond his human thoughts and ability and strength, but not beyond what God offers to each one of us to do and say what He puts on our minds and hearts. God has and continues to use faithful followers, especially in Communist and Islam controlled countries where Christianity is outlawed and Christians face severe persecution. The result has consistently been growth in strength and numbers of Christians in those places. The reason is the joy and confident hope and future Christ gives and assures them of for their faithfulness. But most all, forgiveness not earned but given to all who accept it from the crucified but risen Christ. Not other religion or secular goals can give that because they are not given by the eternal God and creator and sustainer and ruler of all for all time. Sometimes we are fearful of not only declaring the Gospel but of demonstrating it. Compassion may have suited our Lord, but perhaps we would rather drop coins in a Salvation Army bucket and remain at an arm’s-length distance from people with real hurts. Fear is natural for humans. Fearlessness is a supernatural grace God gives when we, like Paul, pray and ask for courage. We may fumble with what to say, when and how to say it; we may struggle with what to do, when and how to do it. That’s why prayer is the best preface to either declaring or demonstrating the Gospel. The Lord is our resource for courage. Lord, I need your courage today. Help me to look for opportunities to make known your Gospel. And when I open my mouth, please give me words so that I can fearlessly declare and demonstrate your Gospel of love. |
2/17/22 SAYING YES TO JESUS 17
| “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” |
| Joshua 24:15 |
| COMMENTS: Life as a Christian has never been an easy or comfortable life, but some do enjoy a safer and more comfortable life than others. The 1st century Christians endured prison, torture, painful execution for their faith, even at the hand of those claiming to be doing so in the name of God. Today is no different. Persecution and torture and death is common among Christians living in Communist and Islam dominated and controlled countries. Leaders in these countries may view Christians as a common enemy, Communist controlled country leaders also tend to view any religion – even Islam as their enemy too. Scripture warns us of dangerous times coming along with signs to look for as those times approach with purpose of giving opportunity to prepare for those dangerous times. I first said YES to Jesus at age 10 at a revival service at my home church. That was 1961 yet, I can remember coming home and readying the King James “Rainbow” Bible my parents had given me. I can remember noticing I could then understand the words in that book in a deeper and clearer way than the day before. Over the years there have been many more yes responses but also a few “no” and some “not now” responses that I regret and had to repent of. God has every time forgiven and helped me heal from the consequences of those choices – choices that hurt or disappointed those I love and care about and choices that hurt myself and choices that most of all disappointed and hurt my Savior. Consistently saying NO to temptation and YES to the nudging HOLY SPIRIT even now, 61 years after my first YES to JESUS is still a battle with mixed success. I know I am not alone. Every Christ-follower has this battle but improvement is dependent on how well and consistently our eyes and focus goes and shifts to Him and following the Holy Spirits lead and instruction and commands. |
| “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:11-12 “Dear Lord, I choose you right now. I will be faced with many challenges today, and so in the power of your Spirit, I say “yes” to following you each moment.” |
2/18/22 LOVE GOD 18
| “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” |
| Luke 10:27 |
| COMMENTS: Jesus did not come to this world as a human with human limitations to learn what it is like to be human. He already knew that and so much more. His purpose was to provide the way to spare us from enduring punishment for our sins. Provide a way for us to realize the severity of our sins without enduring the punishment for those sins. Jesus became fully human so we can realize how much God understands and Loves us and relates to us. Marriage was designed and created by God with intent of two individuals combining time and talents and gifts and resources to become a family unit that will be stronger in service and ministry than two separately plus create and raise the next generation. The family unit God also designed to teach and guide the next generation to create their own family unit based on God’s laws and instruction. The family unit, established and guided by and with God at the center, to not only shine and fulfill God’s Will and Purpose but be a strong – bright beacon guiding and drawing others into a relationship with God too. To be a stronger unit in battle against satan’s temptations and deceptions. Satan is attacking the family unit with greater viciousness than even because he knows the power and value God is entrusting to it. When we distort or misuse the gifts, including the family unit, we dishonor God, who gave them to us. But when we use them as He intended, we not only honor Him, but open door of blessing and fulfillment from Him not available any other way. God’s ways are mysterious but the path of faith and trust in Christ is a journey of fellowship and joy to eternal life with Him forever, but also a journey of choices that includes satan’s desceptions of what appears to be safe or comfortable or enjoyable ends but end in death while littering God’s paths with traps of misery and distractions and persecution. Job is such an example. His relationship with God was so close that he stood out above everyone else and above his friendships with others. “A certain degree of reserve and distance seems to be the suitable thing in certain friendships. But there are other relations in life where… the friendship becomes love and two souls become one. For Job his relationship with his God was even closer than the marriage relationship with his wife. A union of soul takes place when grow to point in relationships where separate interests and separate paths in life are no longer possible. Things that were lawful before become unlawful now because of the nearness of the tie that binds. The reserve and distance suitable to mere friendship become fatal in love… the wishes of one become binding obligations to the other, and the deepest desire of each heart is that it may know every secret wish or longing of the other in order that it may fly on the wings of the wind to gratify it.”* If you have ever known this kind of friendship, if you have ever loved another enough to find sacrifice and service on his or her behalf a joy, then let it be the same toward Christ, the Lover of your soul. He loves you with far more than the love of friendship. He loves you as his bride. What passion! How can we not be passionate in return? Be generous in your self-surrender and be eager to throw yourself unreservedly at his feet. Jesus is calling you to close felloweship with Him. Don’t hesitate! “Lord, I don’t want to go where you cannot go with me. I don’t want to pursue anything in which you cannot share. I want to love you with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind. echo the words you said to our Father, “I desire to do thy will, O my God.” (Psalm 40:8).” |
2/19/22 A LOSS FOR WORDS 19
| “Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.” |
| Ezekiel 1:26-27 |
| COMMENTS: How long has it been since you a beautiful display in nature and took the time to enjoy it? A beautiful sunrise or sunset or rainbow or overview from a high vantage point. Fresh laid snow on ground and trees, new growth in spring, or a especially clear night full of stars. Did you feel a special sense of God’s presence during those times? Me too! God’s majesty and presence and character and personality are on display in His creation if we take the time to notice. Doing so reminds me just how powerful and how close He really is. Such realization is to wonderful and overwhelming to express. How about you? How would you describe God the Father? Try groping for the right words and you’ll fall short because he’s not exactly like anything or anybody. The prophets strained to come up with words to describe what they saw. A.W. Tozer puts it this way, “When the Spirit would acquaint us with something that lies beyond the field of our knowledge, He tells us that this thing is like something we already know…”* Even when Ezekiel hunted through his dictionary for adequate nouns and adjectives to describe God, he had to fall back on language that was old and familiar. Thus, he talks about something that looks like a throne or someone who looks like fire. In fact, read the first chapter of Ezekiel and you’ll discover that the nearer the prophet approached God, the less sure he was of his words! When you read a book like Ezekiel, Daniel, or even the book of Revelation, please don’t be confused by the strange and mysterious descriptions of God, or heaven, or terrifying accounts of the last days. These descriptions are man’s best effort to explain the unexplainable. Instead of avoiding those books, rejoice that your God is high and lifted up, and will never be reduced to terms that we can manage. Great and Sovereign Father, I acknowledge that your glory and majesty cannot be reduced to mere words. Yet I feel I must offer up words about how great and grand you are. Teach me to know what I cannot know and let my faith take over when words fail me. |
2/20/22 WORD OF THE FATHER 20
| “Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.’” |
| John 14:8-9 |
| COMMENTS: Philip’s question to Jesus reflects the hunger and yearning of every human – to know and be in relationship with their creator. Jesus gave Philip and us the eternal answer to that question. Jesus is One with the Father in Creation and in every way and in every time. By knowing and receiving Jesus as our Savior and Friend and Lord, we know and receive the Father as our Friend and Lord too. Jesus is our one and only Advocate. There is no other through whom we can know God and received His forgiveness – salvation – redemption – eternal life. Every soul feels the void and the emptiness until it connects with its Maker. Yet God is incomprehensible. How then can our longing for Him be satisfied? How can we know Him? Thankfully, our longings are satisfied in Jesus, for He has said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” We can know God’s love when we look at the love of His Son. We can understand mercy and compassion when we look at the way Jesus demonstrated it. The Father, through the Son, does not permit us to know Him by scrutiny and rationale. Tozer says, “That God can be known by the soul and in tender personal experience while remaining infinitely aloof from the curious eyes of reason constitutes a paradox best described as ‘Darkness to the intellect but sunshine to the heart.’” “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3). “Jesus, to Thee be all glory given! You are the Word of the Father now in flesh appearing. I sing a hymn of praise, saying, “O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”” |
2/21/22 WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON? 21
| “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other.” |
| Galatians 5:16-17 |
| COMMENTS: The battle for our family and children has been going on since Adam and Eve and continues to war on. Satan is passionate about dividing and destroying our families and children but God is even more passionate and committed to not only preserving but helping our families and children flourish. The battle is becoming more intense and differences between the forces of evil and forces of good are becoming clearer – obvious but also extreme. Evil is no longer conveyed imitating attractive parts of Good but are offered as “good” while calling the “Good” evil. Such was prophecied by prophets of old in latter days. Jesus evil prophecied this would happen. Today those prophetic scriptures are unfolding before our eyes and ears as never before. As I write, Russia continues to gather a huge military force of troups and war machines at the borders of Ukraine preparing to invade. Many area saying invasion will not happen but forces are there to intimidate the free world and Ukrainian government to comply with Russia’s demands. Satan too is gathering his forces around Christians in every place, intimidating and compelling them to comply to demands of those evil forces. Battle lines continue to be drawn and contrast between good and evil, as scripture defines, is becoming clearer and more obvious. The Tug-of-War grows more fierce as as people gather on both sides and join their strength pulling on the rope on each side. Some go from one side to the other and other stand back and watch and some pull with less than their full strength. Scripture tells us that we must choose our side but also that God’s side will win! To either choose side of evil is to be on the side destined to lose. To avoid choosing also sets us on that side. God’s requires that we weigh the cost and choose Him in order to be on His side. To do so means we must shed the carnal – evil filth and litter that has accumulated in our soul. God will do the cleaning and removal if we allow Him, but must be both an initial surrender as well as a ongoing process. The choice is our but the eternal future of ourselves – our families – our children and future generations is impacted by our choices, as our generation was impacted by previous generations, both individually and globally. Every moment of the day, each decision you make, every choice and every thought is a chance to crucify the old and encourage the new. Remember, you can’t be neutral; you can’t remain in the middle. You are either walking in the Spirit or you’re not. “Lord, as I begin this day, I want to choose You and Your promises. As each hour, each moment passes, help me to keep choosing to walk in Your Spirit and thereby starve the desires of my sinful nature. I praise You for the difference. You will make in my life.” |
2/22/22 LOWLIEST SERVANT 22
“But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry.” |
| Matthew 3:11 |
| COMMENTS: The custom was in first century Israel to untie and remove a guest’s sandals when entering the host’s home. The lowest servant in the home would be given the task of performing that task. It was a humbling task which showed honor to the guest as well as humbling the servant. For the owner of the house, especially among the wealthy, was not considered proper. John the Baptist had gained much respect and recognition among the crowds he preached it, but chose to humble himself before Jesus as He prepared for ministering and beginning the work He came to earth to fulfill. John used the opportunity to do this for Jesus to show as well as tell his followers that he would decrease and Jesus would increase. That John only would be preparing the way for Jesus. The John’s followers would become Jesus’ followers. Jesus also showed humility when he removed the sandals from the feet of each disciple and washed their feet. He was showing and teaching them, and us, of the importance of being a servant. A job description for a lowly servant can be found in Philippians 2:3-4, which says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” How appropriate that a couple of verses later we are told that Jesus took on this job description, made Himself nothing, and became a servant. Your attitude today should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Lord, I want to be Your servant. May I serve others today as You would, always considering my brothers and sisters as better than myself. Give me Your servant’s heart, please. |
2/23/22 REDEFINE HAPPINESS TO JOY 23
| “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” |
| Romans 5:2-4 |
| COMMENTS: Most people define Joy as stronger and more fulfilling happiness. However, God defines happiness as an emotion dependent on circumstances and not confident faith in God that is sustained both in good times as well as in times of hardship and suffering and even tragedy. Some people are never g oing to be happy because emotions never allow them to be happy or content. Life, to them, seems to be a never-ending drudgery of the same, sad routine. Are you this way? Does happiness, like a butterfly, almost flutter within reach but just when you think you have grasped it… it’s gone? Or perhaps you feel your marriage is okay, and your job is acceptable. Yet you feel as though something’s missing. Perhaps you think this is real happiness. Well, life is hard. For some, it is downright hard. Unhappiness seems to be here to stay. But it doesn’t have to be this way, because the answer is not to get rid of unhappiness but to find a new definition for it. Happiness is fleeting and elusive, but joy is an overflow of the perseverance and hope that comes from demonstrating faithful sacrifice and committed service. “Lord of Joy, will You help me redefine happiness in my life? You promise joy in the midst of our suffering, so please let me know Your joy today as I persevere in faithful service and as I demonstrate true commitment in my tasks. Give me Your smile, let me feel Your peace dancing in my heart. That, for me, will be true joy.” |
2/24/22 TWO MOUNTAINS 24
| “You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm. But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” |
| Hebrews 12:18, 22-23 |
| COMMENTS: Mt. Sinai was not approachable by anyone. Only Moses was permitted and only when God instructed and prepared Moses. But even then Moses dared not look upon God, but even being in the presence of God caused him to glow. Mt. Zion is also the place where God resided too. Sinai was the place God resided and provided the Law – 10 Commandments, the standard of defining and identifying sin as God defines it and standard He requires His people to live by. By contrast Mt. Zion is also where God resides but also the place where sacrifice for sin was paid by animal sacrifice in Old Testament and by God Himself (Christ). The place where Christ died but also Resurrected – where New Testament Christianity was born. The place Christ will rule one day with us. Mt. Sinai reveals the standard of perfect conduct and living God requires while Mt. Zion reveals the way and place where God enables us to do that. |
The twelfth chapter of Hebrews reads like a topography of mountains. Mount Sinai burns with fire and is surrounded in darkness and lightning. Even Moses was afraid of it. But then there’s Mount Zion, a place of angelic joy and happy assembly. This mountain is one glorious destination. Two mountains. Two views of life. One depicts a God of gloom and doom. The other represents a God of joy and forgiveness. How often we find ourselves living in the frightening shadows of Mount Sinai, confronted by our inability to live up to the demands of a Holy God, consumed by guilt, and backsliding in despair. That kind of lifestyle paralyzes you with failure after failure. Don’t pitch your tent at the foot of that fearful mountain. Brush up on your topography and walk in the direction of Zion today. “May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life” (Psalm 128:5). Lord of Mount Zion, I give You my striving and straining. I give You my defeat and despair. May I place my trust in You and discover along the way that Your dwelling place, Zion, is where I long to be. |
2/25/22 GOD OF THE POSSIBLE 25
14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”JOSHUA 24:14-15
COMMENTS: Consider how God took care of the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. Their doubt by refusing to go into the land God promised them. Doubt brought on by report of giants there, resulted in God’s judgment on them. They would not be permitted to enter that land. But God still cared for them and provided daily food and water and even caused their clothes and shoes to not war out. But the next generation, after 40 years, was ready to enter that land. Vs. 15 told them to choose if they would trust and obey Him instead of doubting Him like their parents, then He would bless and protect and give them the land before them that He had offered their parents. They saw and received the manna and water during their time in the wilderness, but it was time to decide for themselves. But the time of providing manna and water was over and they were ready to provide for themselves from the resources in the new land.
They agreed to follow God, a promise they would break time and again, yet God continued to provide opportunity to repent and be forgiven when they strayed.
God caused the Jordan River to part so they could cross into the promised land just like He parted the Red Sea for their parents (Exodus 14).
God has provided miracles and showed each generation with His Love and protective Hand of Fellowship. He requires our obedience, like those before us, at cost of our selfish pride and surrendering obedience to satan’s lures.
He promises eternal life, an eternal home, eternal fellowship with Himself and fellow believers from all generations.
You and I likely can’t recall miracles like parting the Red Sea or Jordan River, but I’m sure you, as I, can recall many times God has displayed His creation and Hand of Love and Provision to us.
We, like those before us – like the Israelites of Old Testament times, so quickly forget God’s provision just how completely God takes care of us and how much we depend on Him. We take for granted how much He has done for us and how much He loves us. We forget how much we need Him.
“Faith makes things possible—it does not make them easy.”
2/26/22 IN THE TEMPLE 26
| Luke 2:43-45 – “And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing Him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for Him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him.” COMMENTS: When you are seeking God’s help, where do you seek Him? Does it matter? Afterall, isn’t He everywhere and accessible to us by prayer anytime? So, why was it so important for David and his son, Solomon to build the temple and for it to be in Jerusalem? Well, God ordered and gave detailed instruction on it’s build. Spending passover in Jerusalem and in temple was a priority for Jesus during His ministry. The temple at Jerusalem, despite its corruption and worldliness, had a strong appeal for the twelve-year-old Jesus when He first visited it at that Passover Festival. As He saw the lamb slain in sacrifice, He could foresee the shadow of His own cross, on which He Himself would be offered one day as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29b). As Jesus witnessed the sprinkling of the blood on the doorposts and lintels (the assurance that the angel of death would pass over the believer’s household without spreading destruction, see Exodus 12:1-28), He must have beheld in His spirit His own blood to be shed on Calvary to cleanse mankind of sin’s damning curse. It was His blood—the very blood because of which God Himself would pass over the penitent sinner of Judgment Day. No wonder then that Jesus stayed in the temple, deeply engrossed in its rites and ceremonies, which pointed to His own future sacrifice. But great wonder that Joseph and Mary started their return back home without Christ! Yet the Savior’s parents were not infallible saints, only human beings. Perhaps the service and sacrifices of the Passover Festival so thrilled Jesus’ mother and father that they were too deeply engrossed in spiritual matters to think of everyday questions. And on their way they went. However, Christ was not lost to His parents forever. “After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). Indeed, He is never completely lost to those who seek Him as their Redeemer, since God promises each of us, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). What marvelous mercy this is! As the prophet Isaiah has said, “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). “Heavenly Father, lead us to faith in Jesus and into fellowship with other believers |
2/27/22 I WANT TO DO IT MYSELF! 27
| “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” |
| 1 Corinthians 12:21 |
| COMMENTS: Children grow up so quickly and their parents grow old so quickly too. But for children and teens it seems like growing up and being on their own is taking too long. Many get confidence they are ready for adult life long before they really are. An infant is totally depended on his parents for everything but one day his parents will be greatly dependent on him. With independence comes responsibilities and accountability with includes consequences for foolish or sinful choices as well as benefits and blessings from wise choices. But God designed us to be in relationship with each other and most of all in relationship with Him. Joni Eareckson Tata has been a paraplegic for 60 years and has learned to accept help from friends and family while embracing those tasks she can still do. She said, “It’s odd that I view differently now the independence I so valued as a child. Sure, when it comes to managing my disability, I want to feed myself, arrange my own attendant care, and do as much for myself as I can. But I need assistance from other people. I can’t always handle things solo. It’s called interdependence, and it means that I must rely on my husband and friends for help. But, oh, am I grateful! What’s nice is that my family and friends are helped, too, as they discover the joys of serving and giving. Interdependence is a wonderful kind of working together, a depending on one another in a healthy, Christian way. It’s the only way the body of Christ can function. “Me do” may be a proud statement for a baby, but you won’t hear me say it these days. There is no such thing as individualistic Christianity. Our personal life in Christ is not complete if we are out of touch with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. If you think you don’t need the church, then please take a quick “me do” test. Lord, I want to honor You as the head of the body by getting involved with my Christian friends. If I see a need today, help me meet it.” |
2/28/22 FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN SINS 28
| “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.” |
| Psalm 130:3-4 |
| COMMENTS: Do you a list of sins that you have asked and received forgiveness from God but still haven’t forgiven yourself? Any that you still regret because of the hurt they have caused others or just yourself? I think everyone has a few sins like that still on their conscience so we still need to remind ourselves that even though God’s standards for judging sin is far higher than ours, when He forgives, it is permanent and complete! Well, thankfully my conscience does not render the final judgment. Christ does. And oh, how I praise the Lord that He keeps no lists. To be sure, He takes notice of every sin. But does He keep account? No. For one thing, God is love and 1 Corinthians 13 says that love “keeps no record of wrongs.” For another thing, Psalm 103:12 reminds us that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” When we confess our sin, we acknowledge that Christ paid the penalty for it on the cross. He wipes the slate clean. He washes away the guilt and cleans our conscience. In other words, He erases the list. When it comes to the sin of His truly repentant children, God forgives and forgets. That’s the nature of His grace. Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost, By it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost; Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty, For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.* “I know you’ve already forgiven me for past sins, Lord, but today I’m reminded to thank You for Your grace that covers it all!” |
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 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
donsdevotions 