8/1/22 Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart 1
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119:9-16 “9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking
heed thereto according to thy word.10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not
wander from thy commandments.11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin
against thee.12Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.13 With my lips have I
declared all the judgments of thy mouth.14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as
much as in all riches.15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.16 I
will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.”
COMMENTS: I’ve been writing this devotional journal for 10 years and has been such a
blessing to me – exercising the discipline of doing so and insights and fellowship God has
given me as a result. I have mostly used David Jeremiah’s daily devotion but have also used
Bible Pathway and others depending on content and interest to me. Since I’ve mixed
different sources, the date of devotion trails today’s date. However, I hope they have also
been a blessing to you and helped you in your walk and journey with Him. Forgive any typos
or broken sentences in my comments. I’ve read over them several times and think I’ve caught
all of them but know better. If you know me, are probably used to them since my brain and
fingers are not always in sync with each other. Sometimes I think God blesses us with
imperfections so we better realize how much we must depend on Him to have and sustain a
blessed life. Anyway, today’s devotion reminds me just how important it is to saturate my
thoughts with God’s Word. I often experience times during day when God brings a verse to
my mind and if take the time to reflect on it, will gain a reminder or even a new insight into
its meaning and God’s word to me at that time. There have been times those verses have
given me direction on a upcoming choice and have been times I looked back and see how God
was speaking to me and didn’t take the time to allow Him to do so until later and wish I had.
Anyway, putting God’s word in our minds and heart often enables God to speak to us in more
meaningful ways and more often too. It also takes up more of the room in our thoughts that
otherwise would be cluttered by worthless or even harmful things. Yet I too am a work in
process and still working on implementing this lofty goal or being successful in doing what I
know in my heart I need to do. Yet what little I’ve done has helped me love Arlene more and
my children and grandchildren more and live closer to Him and example He wants me to.
8/2/22 The Straight and Narrow 2
SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:9-13 “ 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil;
cleave to that which is good.10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in
honour preferring one another;11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the
Lord;12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;13 Distributing
to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
COMMENTS: “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.”
Psalm 119:93 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us
throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with
perseverance the race marked out for us” Hebrews 12:1 I think it is amazing how well even
“random” verses tie together with a common theme and message. Today’s devotion reveals
the background of the word “tribulation” and how it applies to coming time of suffering and
judgment. It also relates to current hardships that may come into our lives. The two verses
from Psalms and Hebrews remind me how important it is to make God’s Word a part of my
life and let it and life examples it reveals, along with Christians that are involved in my life
now, prepare me and help me thru life’s trials. How and why does God use hardships to
strengthen us and draw us closer to Him? That is a mystery but I know I can, and presume you
can, recall countless examples of life’s challenges drawing me closer to Him. I certainly need
to confess hardships I’ve experience are much milder and shorter lived than examples so
many I know have experienced. Yet lessons they taught me have been vital to my Christian
faith as well as persuading me to make wise decisions, even at a young age but certainly now
in my senior years. Romans 12 remind us to be at peace with each other and with God and
even with those who mean us harm or just treat us poorly. Scripture reminds us of hope we
have and that any hardships are short lived when compared with eternal home God is
lovingly preparing for each of us. I have to admit I’ve not grown quite enough to glory in
trials, but have grown enough to realize God is with me and will help me thru hardships when
they come, even if are experienced in lives of those I love and am concerned with. I have tried
to live modestly in order to both give an example to follow as well as free up resources for
future needs. I also want to leave my children resources to help them and their families to
weather future hardships. Yet I also realize danger those resources may give towards
indulgences and am both concerned and praying everything I do will empower them and not
open temptations to them. Since none of us know the future, we have to rely on God to bring
good out of good intentions as well as out of any mischief satan will plan and work to do as
well. I have to put their lives in His hands, necessary for any parent to do.
8/3/22 Fragile But Secure 3
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 97:1-6 “The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles
be glad thereof.2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are
the habitation of his throne.3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round
about.4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled5 The hills melted
like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.6 The
heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.”
COMMENTS: There was a time during WWII that Allies were losing and many feared Axis
would conquer the free world. Hitler’s plan was working but he made a couple of fatal
mistakes, one was attacking Russia. I believe the prayers and faithfulness of Christians in US
and other countries made the difference and God lead Hitler into making those mistakes and
also lead key leaders in Allied side to make some key decisions. God’s hand was at work
during that time!!! We are also told God’s hand will be at work during the Battle of
Armageddon, when Israel will be surrounded with an army of 200 million soldiers with a
hopeless outcome. In this case God will fight the battle for Israel as He did at the Red Sea. The
world’s armies of 200 million will be destroyed directly by God and the flow of blood from the
armies will be to the bridles of the horses in the great valley of Megiddo where the battle will
be fought. That prophecy and promise God has given the Jews, and us, is meant to encourage
us and to help us choose the “winning side – God’s side” especially when times seem
hopeless. He seems to take great pleasure waiting til times are hopeless and then rewarding
the faithfulness of those who remain faithful to Him. You and I can’t know what lies ahead or
when. However, history – scripture – our own experiences and those of those we know and
love all remind us that God is faithful and we can trust Him enough for our future, as Daniel
did, to be faithful and be His witnesses even when doing so is unpopular or even life
threatening, as we are told someday it will be.
Its wonderful God is big enough for us all!! If God can conquer an army of 200 million with a
word, He can help each of us with our problems and be a sufficient guide for us, our children,
and our grandchildren!! He has been doing that since Adam and Eve and shows no signs of
stopping now!!
8/4/22 Instant Victory 4
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 19 “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in
heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our
God:2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which
did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her
hand.3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.4 And the four
and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne,
saying, Amen; Alleluia.5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his
servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.6 And I heard as it were the voice of a
great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings,
saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give
honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.8
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine
linen is the righteousness of saints.9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are
called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true
sayings of God.10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it
not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship
God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.11 And I saw heaven opened, and
behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in
righteousness he doth judge and make war.12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his
head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.13
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of
God.14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine
linen, white and clean.15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should
smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of
the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a
name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the
sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven,
Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;18 That ye may eat
the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of
horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small
and great.19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered
together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.20 And the
beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with
which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped
his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.21 And the
remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded
out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”
COMMENTS: Recently on Turning Point, David Jeremiah stated the reason why God has the
host of heaven with Him as well as the entire raptured army of saints from ages past is not to
give Him an army to defeat satan’s 200 million army at Armageddon, but for us to witness His
judgment on satan and those who brought suffering to the saints. That may only be the
reason in part but we are told even though we will be part of His army we will not need to do
battle since He will be doing battle Himself by simply speaking judgment. He will fully protect
us and do battle alone with sufficient force we will not be or even feel threatened. However,
today we sometimes do feel threatened or defeated. We need to remind ourselves our hope
is in future He has promised us and He has power and authority to fulfill those promises. We
also have history to prove to us He is faithful to His promises. We are on the winning side if
we are on His side. Why then does satan continue to fight the loosing fight? That question
puzzles me to. How could satan not know better or the demons who follow him? I can see
humans being deceived but how can demons and satan, who have seen God’s power be
deceived into thinking they can defeat Him? I don’t know the answer to that or understand
except what God’s word tells us. Satan’s own pride and selfishness allowed him to be
deceived and motivated him to deceive the demons to follow him as well as human kind
afterwards. That tells me satan deceived himself into thinking he could defeat God and has
been able to deceived 1/3 of heaven’s angels and most of the world’s population since to
believe he can and will defeat God. Before we become too judgmental, think back on ways
you and I also have been deceived by satan and what ways we continue to be deceived with
temptations and sin? God even tells us without His help, we will never be able to resist
satan’s snares so he is a formidable foe. History gives us plenty of examples of how deceptive
he can be. However, we have countless examples of God’s intervention and help to prove to
us both that God’s ways are far better but also that He will prevail!!! History also tells us God
gives satan and us free will and plenty of rope before judgment comes, but come it will if we
do not repent and open door for Him to change us. We are permitted to make choices but not
the consequences of our choices or when we will face those consequences.
8/5/22 We Have So Much in Common 5
And [Jesus] began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21
SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 61:1-4 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath
anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them
that are bound;2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of
our God; to comfort all that mourn;3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto
them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of
heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he
might be glorified.4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former
desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.”
COMMENTS: I do appreciate the scripture from Isaiah 61 as well as Corrie’s insight quoted
above. Isaiah reminds us that Christ will come with full power and authority of God and will
make things right with those who have suffered for Him and will make them “Oaks of
Righteousness” planted to glorify Christ. He will also rebuild ancient ruins. The evil mischief
satan has ravaged on mankind through all generations will be erased and God’s creation will
be restored to original glory and perfection. Corrie indeed suffered greatly, as did her family,
but the hope she lived and shared was that the Christ she knows can be trusted even though
she could not see if her suffering would continue or even be worse than in the past. That
hope and confidence sustained her during darkest years of WWII’s concentrations camps as it
did before those years and has since even when Christ took her home. What confidence to
know she will be among the army return with Him to destroy satan’s armies and bind him
and restore earth to it’s original glory with Christ on the throne. What other ruler has ever
been able to fulfill such promises or reign with such righteousness and grace? Not one!!
Aren’t you glad the One that will reign with such righteousness will also be the one whose
reign will never end? Aren’t you also glad we will enjoy His reign for even also without
suffering or aging or evil contaminating that rule?? “You are my refuge and my shield; I have
put my hope in your word” Psalm 119:114. That verse sums up the confidence we have in
scripture and the Christ we worship and follow. No wonder Psalm 119 is the longest chapter…
This tells me God’s plan is too big to be done in one generation or one lifetime but not too big
for God to plan or complete. Yet He will not allow any of His faithful followers to miss the
completion of His plan or miss being a part in it. Those of us who have been blessed to
experience a full length career at one company can gain a similar perspective that one
lifetime is not enough to fulfill the vision of a company’s founder or fulfill its potential. Yet
I’m sure it’s accomplishments did exceed Joseph Joy’s expectations. Best we can do is fulfill
the vision Christ has for each of us and let Him fit us into His plan and be fulfilled in being a
part of that plan. There is no better way to be fulfilled than to follow the purpose the great
Designer built us to do and be. Anything we choose to do on our own will come short of that
mark and leave us empty and disappointed or worse.
8/6/22 Jesus the Judge 6
For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son. John 5:22
SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 7:1-12 “Judge not, that ye be not judged.2 For with what judgment ye
judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you
again.3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the
beam that is in thine own eye?4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the
mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?5 Thou hypocrite, first cast
out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out
of thy brother’s eye.6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls
before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.7 Ask,
and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:8 For
every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it
shall be opened.9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a
stone?10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?11 If ye then, being evil, know how to
give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give
good things to them that ask him?12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
COMMENTS: Today’s scripture, Matthew 7:1-12, starts with a command not to judge and
ends with golden rule to treat others the way we want treated. The verse below then tells us
to just don’t listen but do it!! “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.” James 1:22 We tend to only think of Christ as a loving and forgiving God,
which He is. However, He is also a just God who requires obedience and practicing the
commands He gives us. Scripture tells us Christ was tempted in every way we are but DID
NOT SIN!! That gives Him credibility in understanding what we go thru and understanding of
our weaknesses and vulnerability. However, His commands and expectations are that we will
accept His help and forgiveness and proceed, as Apostle Paul to then live a life of obedience.
It is true we will be in need of Christ’s forgiveness and constant fellowship and guidance
every day of our lives. However, that does not mean we have an open pass to sin and disobey
Him deliberately and without remorse and without taking His hand going down a path of
obedience and a path of resisting and even avoiding temptation and sin. Satan is cunning
enough to fool most in every generation to follow him, but how can he be so foolish to
believe he can defeat God. Yet we are told he will try with an army of 200 million soldiers
with modern weaponry at Armageddon. He should know better than to think even that will
overpower God. Yet scripture tells him and us that God will defeat him with a word and
without help of armies of heaven and saints. They will be witnesses, but power will come
directly from God. Given that, why would anyone choose to be on losing side, satan’s side?
That only proves how effective satan has and will continue to deceive everyone, including
himself. Yet how many times have we disobeyed our parents as children or teens knowing we
would get caught and punished? We thought we could get away with things or just thought
punishment would be worth short term fun. We were wrong and years and wisdom may have
convinced us at least in part that is true enough to leave more obedience lives. Yet, truth is
without a constant relationship with Christ, we are still very vulnerable to deception and sin.
No one has been able to resist satan without Christ’s help so why would we think we would
be able to? Yet, realization of that only comes as we dive deeper into His Word and in prayer
and in fellowship with Him.
8/7/22 Do What You Know Is Right 7
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17
SCRIPTURE: JAMES 2:10 “ 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one
point, he is guilty of all.”
COMMENTS: It is hard for us to comprehend God’s perfection or standard let alone live it. It is
easier for man to create gods that are evil or more like us in ability to do good and evil let
alone creating religions where we can earn our way to righteousness and heaven or religions
with standards we can live up to. God’s standard is based on His holiness and righteousness
and is infinitely higher than ours. Yet one other thing that is difficult for us to accept is that
even though we can’t live up to God’s standard, He has made a way to forgiveness and
heaven not based on our deeds but based on His sacrifice and our willingness to accept His
sacrifice and gift of salvation. How much better God’s plan is than anything we could create
or have already created in other religions currently or in past that have been practiced. It may
be hard to understand that salvation does not mean a free pass to sin because of God’s
abounding forgiveness. Paul spoke of this in scripture and said “God forbid”. He then goes on
to say we live righteously out of a desire to please God and live a better way and to be a
witness and positive influence to bring others to Him. Likewise, we need to realize how much
we continue to need Him, His mercy, and His help to keep our forgiveness and cleansing fresh
as well as guiding us to improve our behavior and grow in our relationship with Him. I have
heard an estimate of 10% of the world’s population will disappear when the church is
raptured. I’m sure born again Christians are in a minority but not sure it would be that high.
Yet I do believe that number is making a significantly positive difference in the world today,
which will be removed when Christ returns. If nothing else changed, how much worse life
would be here. Yet, we are told that satan will be allowed to work more freely during that
time. I am amazed to what extent we will go to avoid receiving the life and goodness God so
wants to give us and how determined we are to continue a path of suffering and misery. We
just don’t seem to ever get it. Well, in spite of all God has done for me and showed me and
helped me, I can see I still have that same bent as well. It is part of the human condition and
power of deception satan is still allowed to exercise in the world. It is really scary to think
satan’s power and influence will be even more at play during the tribulation that Christians
could be deceived if not for God’s influence. I’m so glad those who know and have received
Him as their savior will be spared living in that time. Yet, those left and accept Him will face
persecution not even seen during time of Nero. Join in praying that we will be true and pray
for our children and grandchildren and friends that they accept Him and be true as well.
8/8/22 His Understanding Is Infinite 8
SCRIPTURE: PSALM 147:1-6 “Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God;
for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.2 The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth
together the outcasts of Israel.3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their
wounds.4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.5 Great is our
Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he
casteth the wicked down to the ground.” COMMENTS: Last week we are at family camp at
Pleasantville. Has been a time of spiritual enrichment. Our camp evangelist is doing a series
on Prayer and surrender to Christ that has been very enriching. He suggested taking an hour
for prayer using Psalm 23 to direct our thinking and praise as well. David wrote this Psalm
remembering how God has been his shepherd providing him protection, a safe area to rest,
meeting his needs even when didn’t realize it, providing a place to fellowship with him and
fellowshipeven with his enemies. God’s protection was evident with David even at times of
great danger. Psalm reminds us God’s insight, wisdom, and faithfulness isinfinite and can be
depended on in the face of danger and death. During bible study some identified anxiety of
pain and suffering more than fear of dying because of peace God gives. Sam Shreffler shared
often Christians on hospice may be anxious for a time but scripture and prayer will give
reassurance and confidence in final days. What a wonderful assurance we have that we can
trust God to shepherd us like no other without error and with our best interest in mind. Truly
having faith and trust in Him is secret to being truly surrendered to His Will, a goal I am still
struggling to achieve, and know you are as well. Our choice to make Pleasantville family camp
a yearly experience as our children grew up has been priceless, having an impact on their
Christian walk we could not have achieved ourselves even with help of our church family. It is
good to see the positive impact Deb has had and continues to have on her family and are
praying she will be faithful and her family will as well. Donnie and Ollie are deeply in our
prayers as well. We are praying God will unfold his desire for their lives and marriage as well.
Being a active part of a church family is key to our growth and relationship with Him, and are
praying both our children and their families will be an active part of a church that will grow
them into that relationship with their families. Nothing we want more than assurance they all
will be with us in heaven and will impact many along the way.
8/9/22 God’s Doers 9
SCRIPTURE: James 1:21-27 “ 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of
naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your
souls.22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.23 For
if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face
in a glass:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what
manner of man he was.25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in
his deed.26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but
deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.27 Pure religion and undefiled before God
and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep
himself unspotted from the world.”
COMMENTS: Today’s scripture reminds us it is not enough to just be hearers of the gospel.
We listen to AFR or Family radio channel on our radio much of the day. We waken to either
Haven Today or Focus on the Family or Turning Point every morning and listen to various
programs and Christian music throughout the day depending on work and obligations that
take us away from radio. But listening is good but not enough. Listening helps equip us and
fills us with God’s insights and words and inspiration. But even more, the opportunity and
power of worship can then impact and draw us into deeper fellowship with God throughout
the day as we take opportunity to worship Him as we expose ourselves to Christian programs
and music. I do have to say there are many modern Christian songs that greatly bless me but
they do not compare with some of the old hymns like “Holy – Holy – Holy” or “How Great
Thou Art” or some of the older contemporary songs like “Jesus – Jesus – Jesus” or “Great is
Thy Faithfulness”. One exception is a contemporary song of a few years ago by Ray Boltz
“Thank You” that speaks of going to heaven and meeting those impacted by the Sunday
school class taught or missionary giving or acts of kindness did over a lifetime. The
compounding affect of one impacting another with impacts others who impact others is
revealed in that song too. Spending time each day with the Lord and then keeping that
communication open as journey and go about doing daily duties and tasks and work, being
ready also for any distractions God may put in our path. They usually won’t take much time
but can have eternal impact and value.
8/10/22 Trusting God’s Timing & Way 10
He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings. Daniel 2:21a
SCRIPTURE: I SAMUEL 26:5-25 “ 5 And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had
pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of
his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.6 Then answered
David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab,
saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with
thee.7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping
within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people
lay round about him.8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine
hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth
at once, and I will not smite him the second time.9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him
not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?10
David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come
to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch
forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that
is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.12 So David took the spear and the
cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it,
neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen
upon them.13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off;
a great space being between them:14 And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of
Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that
criest to the king?15 And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to
thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the
people in to destroy the king thy lord.16 This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the
LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’s
anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his
bolster.17 And Saul knew David’s voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David
said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.18 And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after
his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?19 Now therefore, I pray
thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up
against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they
before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the
LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth
before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one
doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son
David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day:
behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.22 And David answered and said,
Behold the king’s spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.23 The LORD
render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered thee into
my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed.24 And,
behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the
eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.25 Then Saul said to David,
Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So
David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.”
COMMENTS: The account of King Saul is a sad one. He started out with great potential and
had everything going for him – besides being king he had a son that honored him and was
next in line to replace him. Jonathan would likely have been a great king. King David would
have been a great adviser to Jonathan if only Saul had remained faithful to God. He didn’t
and disobeyed God in critical areas because he would not wait on God and trust Him. That
downward spiral became evident when God took favor away from Saul and gave it to David.
Saul’s jealousy caused his death and the death of his son, Jonathan – a great tragedy since
Jonathan was a dear friend to David and saved David’s life many times from his father’s
jealous attempts to kill David. David’s life was not without its sins and regrets. We may think
David’s sins were greater than Saul’s but he was not equally punished. However, we need to
remember David repented of his sins and Saul did not even though he did regret them. The
difference between a sorrowful and regretful heart and a repentant heart may not be
significant in our eyes but in God’s eyes they are a world apart. David admitted his sin but
was willing to give it up and turn to God to have fellowship with him and change him. Saul
only was sorry he got caught and for consequences. David was willing to rely on God and wait
for God’s help, Saul was not. David did not take advantage of Saul and kill him when he could
have in order to save his life. David had confidence in God’s promise David would live to be
king and would not take Saul’s life in order to save his. It meant hiding from the king and his
men for several years and nearly getting caught more than once but God was faithful to His
promise to David. These examples help us understand what is important to God and how He
wants us to respond to Him too. The ways He helped David be true and have confidence in
His promises can help us have the same confidence and be as faithful. David’s sins help us
realized when we fail and sin, there is a way back and forgiveness if we repent and submit to
Him to change us. Isn’t it amazing God wants to do this, but also is capable of dealing with us
individually with such detail while dealing with the world’s billions each with same detail as
well as managing the entire universe… I’m so glad He Can!!! You too???
8/11/22 WARNING! 11
For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead. Proverbs 2:18 SCRIPTURE:
PROVERBS 7:1-27 “My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.2 Keep
my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.3 Bind them upon thy
fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and
call understanding thy kinswoman:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from
the stranger which flattereth with her words.6 For at the window of my house I looked
through my casement,7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a
young man void of understanding,8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went
the way to her house,9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:10 And,
behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.11 (She is
loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:12 Now is she without, now in the streets,
and lieth in wait at every corner.)13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent
face said unto him,14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.15
Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.16 I
have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of
Egypt.17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.18 Come, let us take our
fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.19 For the goodman is not at
home, he is gone a long journey:20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come
home at the day appointed.21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the
flattering of her lips she forced him.22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the
slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a
bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.24 Hearken unto me now
therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.25 Let not thine heart decline
to her ways, go not astray in her paths.26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many
strong men have been slain by her.27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the
chambers of death.”
COMMENTS: Family camp at Pleasantville has been an annual meca since Debbie was born in
1979, and for Arlene in the years prior to our marriage in 1978. Over the years we have
developed close friendships with many in the camp, as have our children and now our
grandchildren. It is good to see God working in their lives, as in ours. Our evangelist has given
us many challenging messages and God has been working to draw us closer to him in
fellowship and in relationship with Him. I have a sense that there is more God wants to reveal
to me as well as more in my relationship He wants me to be in with Him. I keep reflecting
back to what my brother-in-law, Sam Shreffler said about his mother, Bobby. Early every
morning she raises and spends several hours with God in prayer-devotion-fellowship and
describes that time as holding hands with her savior.
I spend time as well with Him but infrequently to the depth she does daily. I will be seeking
such a regular fellowship with Him and look forward to enrichment such a regular time will
bring. However, I also am more aware that my walk with Him is still very shallow and spend
too much of my day going after my own interests and working my own will, missing
opportunities He gives to be the light of hope He wants me to be. So often He spares me from
dangers by His warning signs but see too many examples of those who either did not see or
ignored His Warning Signs and are suffering the consequences of those choices. I see
examples of many in camp who have had several opportunities even during camp because
they have built relationships with others and were commonly at the right time and place to
be a help to someone in need, but since I haven’t invested as much, missed many such
opportunities.
8/12/22 Do What Is Right in God’s Sight 12
If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give
ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you
which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you. Exodus 15:26
SCRIPTURE: LUKE 6:46-49 “ 46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I
say?47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you
to whom he is like:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the
foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that
house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.49But he that heareth, and
doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against
which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house
was great.
COMMENTS: This years annual retreat at Family Camp in Pleasantville is now history . Camp
was enriching but now is time to apply experience into a deeper daily walk with Him and a
brighter reflect of Christ in my life. Our scripture in Luke reminds me that if I don’t apply the
deep teaching I have received, will be like building a house on sand which fill fall when storms
come. As I reflect on trouble of others I care for, and see their struggles, I am reminded that
even after we commit our lives to Christ, we continue to make choices that will either bless or
future or bring more hardship. I am becoming more convinced that Christ wants us to
recognize and be totally dependent and submitted to Him and turn from anything that
distracts or hinders that surrender. As I reflect on revivals happening in Haiti, or many
countries in Africa or in China or even in many Islam countries, I realize the fertile soil revival
comes in is usually soil of poverty and persecution and hardship. I think the reason is
desperation brings focus and commitment since we can’t survive or keep our sanity on our
own in that environment. In an atmosphere of prosperity and comfort, it is much more
difficult to focus on Him and surrender to Him. I see that battle in my own life. Our camp
evangelist, Camp Evangelist indicated that the church at Laodicea was the most comfortable
and wealthiest of all the churches in Asia Minor but was the luke warm church that Rev. 3
spoke of that was neither hot nor cold and would be rejected by Christ. I fear we are like that
church because of comfortable life style and security even the poorest of us enjoy as
compared with Christians in most of the world. Can we overcome our indifference without
losing our incomes and possessions and our freedoms? I pray not but I also fear not. God
loves us enough He may indeed take these things from us in order to awaken in us a desire
and need for Him. If hardship has come into your life and are wondering why, consider it may
indeed be God’s hand drawing you back to Him…. Remember, 100 years from now it won’t
matter how much money or how good a job or how nice a house you owned, but will matter
how faithful you and your family were to Christ. It isn’t hard for Christians in China to
remember that but is a truth we in US need to keep bringing back into focus. Pray that I will
and I will do same for you…..
8/13/22 Covered With Foolishness 13
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 1:16-20 “ 16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings
from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the
oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the wido18 Come now, and let us reason together,
saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be
red like crimson, they shall be as wool.19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good
of the land:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth
of the LORD hath spoken it.”
COMMENTS: As I read and reflect on todays devotion, several things come to mind.
Sometimes when we kid around we say “digs” or make fun of others that often are hurtful
even though most of the times we are only teasing. Yet, I’ve seen such cause rifts in
marriages. Fortunately I sense that early in our marriage and have been diligent to hold my
tongue and try to shift conversation to be complementary and have been diligent to only
speak of Arlene in complementary ways whether she is with me or not. A cool thing that has
come out of that is she speaks of me complementary as well – making us both feel better
about ourselves as well as deepens our love for each other. That has gone a long ways
towards making ours an extraordinary marriage. Experiences of other couples we know had a
much different path when one in a marriage would not shift to a complementary mode –
both would end up hurting each other with their words with love fading or ended in their
marriage. How tragic and could have been avoided – cycle of hurt could have been broken.
However, God has pricked my heart those times I was careless with my words and did say
something that hurt Arlene. Forgiveness is an ongoing need for us to receive as well as give.
However, I’ve learned it is far better to never try to be “funny” at the expense of someone
else, better to be perceived as quiet or boring than to say something that is hurtful. I am not
100% cured of that but continue to make that a goal I am working on. Can you look back and
recall experiences both when you said something hurtful that you were only intending to be
funny. Can you also recall times you thought of something but didn’t say it and were glad
later you didn’t. More often than not, when I refused to respond with “digs” or hurtful
kidding when in conversation with others who were, conversation would shift to be more
positive and would end well… I believe the Holy Spirit will guide our discernment to that
detail if we are close to Him and let Him do so.
8/14/22 Get Some Sleep 14
SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its
own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own”
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion from Max Lucado may be good coming off of the weight of
Daniel and Revelation – end time prophecy and terrible time being described. I find end time
prophecy fascinating and helpful preparing me both for that time but also to value how
precious and appreciated God’s mercies and freedoms still are today but also to hold time
remaining precious and use it wisely. Yet, we also need to remind ourselves God is in control
and need not worry about tomorrow, just plan our time and resources wisely today. Max
reflected the temptation to worry about ALS since his father died of that disorder. I am sure
he noticed symptoms that convinced him he had that disease as well. I can relate to that – my
sister died of breast cancer at 50, my mother and father died of heart attacks but at ages 92
and 85. Of course, I would have pains that caused me anxiety at times, but was mostly due to
stress or overdoing at times. Yes, there are real dangers out there and we won’t get out of
this world alive unless Christ returns first. We have a much greater hope and confidence than
that – we have promise of His abiding presence with us and a home with Him in heaven so
need not fear good or bad. He promises to be with us thru dark times (Psalm 23) and lead us
to other side. Worry only weakens us physically and spiritually and renders us less prepared
than before so is exactly the opposite what we need. If concern brings us to a point of
contingent planning, that can be good. But once we’ve done that, learning to put matters in
His hands and moving on is our secret to a happy life that will honor Him and be a witness to
those who know us.
8/15/22 Tough Questions 15
SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 1:24 God “gives sinners over to the lusts of their hearts.” What does it
mean for God to give someone over to sin? Is this giving over active or passive?.
COMMENTS: We like to be reminded about God’s mercy and forgiveness especially when we
realize how much we can’t earn or gain it on our own or even achieve and sustain righteous
living on our own. So it is troubling to read and reflect on above devotion and associated
reference in Romans, as in other places in scripture. However, at closer inspection we see a
determination to disobey God and ignore warnings in the examples found in scripture. To
ignore or choose to disobey God repeatedly is a dangerous path – one that may not bring
consequence right away, but will bring a far worse consequences as sin continues. However,
danger in doing so is warnings and the sense of guilt will also fade. I have seen that in
behavior of others and certainly are many examples in news every day. I can also see that
path in our society as a whole and in our government – reverence for God has all but died and
along with that respect for His commandments and sense of right and wrong they have
etched in our souls. It is one thing to struggle with a weakness of sin and continuing to seek
God’s help and help of others to overcome that weakness and another to refuse help or even
refuse to admit behavior is wrong. I am searching my heart and asking God to show me
anything that still grieves Him and show it to me and to help me repent and turn from it
(Psalm 139:23-24). I encourage you to do likewise with a heart open – yielded to Him.
8/16/22 Tough Questions 16
When the Bible says we will be accountable for all of our actions, does that include sins that
we’ve already been forgiven for?
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion is a bit controversial. I do Believe God’s forgiveness is
complete and eternal. Yet where I think consequences of sin still remain are shown in many
examples in scripture. David was forgiven his sin with Bathsheba but did lose their first son to
death. Absalom was rebellious and died as a consequence of influence of David’s sinful
behavior. You and I can relate sinful behavior can and will be forgiven but some scars and
consequences will remain. Marriages have been broken permanently from sins forgiven, but
marriages have been saved / healed as well but some scars and regrets still remain. How God
chooses to heal and consequences he mercifully erases and those that remain can be and is a
mystery but only show how sovereign He is. Is best not to sin and find out what scars will
remain than to sin expecting God to remove consequences of judgment as well as scars. As to
rewards, I believe rewards that carry most weight in heaven will be those who become saved
and are in heaven as a result of impact of our obedience. The worse consequence may be loss
of one who was not influenced by us because of sinful behavior. I do believe God finds others
to do His will if we don’t, but I do believe something is lost when we are either distracted by
sin or refuse to obey His leading. I really don’t think the size of our mansion or crown will
mean that much to us in heaven (we will be laying our crown at His feet anyway) but impact
on others will. My dad would have been 106 today but I know where he is and will see him
someday!!
8/17/22 Your One True Friend 17
SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 18:24 “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”
COMMENTS: The friendship between Jonathan and David is a wonderful example for us to
follow. I believe David’s faith rubbed off on Jonathan, who was impressed with David’s faith
sufficient to face protect the sheep in his flock from lions or to face Goliath. Jonathan saw
David’s faith and fell in love with David’s God and make Him his own God. Jonathan’s father
Saul became jealous of David’s faith and was drawn further away from God. Saul then started
hating David and tried to kill him many times. Saul’s hatred resulted in his death and
Jonathan’s death as well. Jonathan would have been king if Saul would have been faithful to
God and David likely would have been Jonathan’s key advisor. However, God took kingdom
from Saul and gave it to David because of Saul’s many sins. Jonathan did everything he could
to prevent Saul from killing David and David cherished his friendship with Jonathan and
influenced Jonathan’s faith. David cared for Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth, because
of his love for Jonathan. David was expected to kill Saul’s house (those who were Saul’s blood
line to throne) but honored Jonathan’s son even though a cripple. God gives us friendships in
order to help and protect us but also to draw us closer to him. I believe Jonathan helped
David grow into a great king and grow in his relationship with God, as did David for Jonathan.
Jonathan never inherited his father’s jealousy of David’s anointing as next king. This example
reminds me how much we need friendships for strength and encouragement and protection,
and not to isolate ourselves from other believers or friendships. I hope it reminds you too and
will seek out friendships God will sanction for you. Arlene is my closest friend and certainly
has been a Jonathan for me but do believe God wants us to develop friendships outside our
family as well. I think key is not seeking what friendships can do for us, but how friendships
can be a blessing and outreach to others. Friendships do require significant time investments,
so should be entered lightly.
8/18/22 Tough Questions 18
I know God has forgiven me for my sins, but how can I begin to forgive myself?
COMMENTS: First part is easy, HE SAID SO: “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and
will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I JOHN 1:9 . Second isn’t so
easy. But forgive ourselves is a must if we hope to move on and heal and faithfully serve.
Peter was a good example as was Paul Forgiveness is a miracle God created and uses to give
His children a fresh start to change for the good. Forgiveness is key to the Christian faith and
Jewish roots. Forgiveness means the guilty cannot undo or erase sin or it’s consequences and
needs help to improve behavior. Other religions all start with conclusion man needsto
exercise discipline of change in order to earn their god’s redemption. When we ask Christ to
come into our heart and forgive us and make us a new person like himself, we are admitting
we can’t change ourselves and need His help. We are also admitting we need Him in our lives
to guide us and strengthen us. It is the beginning of a relationship and not just erasing the
past and leaving us on our own to start over. Life is a constant series of choices we make. Past
experiences and knowledge helps us repeat wise choices and make new ones wisely.
However, Christ permits us to tap into His wisdom and experience to better align ours to
make choices wiser than ours left on our own. Guilt starts out being a way of alerting us of
need for His mercy and forgiveness and help. If guilt is not satisfied, it will keep us from the
joy and peace and freedom He also gives us to begin living an obedient and victorious life.
Guilt will also isolate us, which will also weaken our ability to live the way He wants and
overcome sinful weaknesses are feeling guilty for. If we have asked God for forgiveness but
don’t feel forgiven, our relationship with Him can guide us to finally forgive ourselves and
grow in that relationship. Forgiveness doesn’t let us off “Scott Free”, just FREE to be His
children as He intended!!
8/19/22 Tough Questions 19
In what way does God use guilt today? SCRIPTURE: PSALM 51 “1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my
transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my
transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and
done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5
Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired
faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with
hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and
gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out
all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the
joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach
transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of
bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your
righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not
delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My
sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. 18
May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will delight
in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered
on your altar.
COMMENTS: God uses guilt the way He has always used it – to make us realize we were
wrong and in need of His forgiveness and healing. I think we need to define the difference
between guilt and remorse. Guilt is a state but remorse is feeling of regret and desire to undo
and change behavior. David showed remorse which brought repentance and went to temple
pleading God’s mercy and help in change. That remorse was what drove him to change and
back to God. He had not sensed or realized how far from God he had wondered or sense of
loss in the relationship he had enjoyed with God. That is unsettling but realize it is so true we
may not notice when God’s takes His hand off us. That is because of other things that fill in
the hole, things that actually drove God out of our lives. That is probably why we don’t notice
the loss of His fellowship and guidance, but does reveal how dangerous and what peril we
can walk into if we let that happen. That is why biblical examples are so important and
valuable to us. Psalm 51 is a beautiful example of repentant prayer and puts into words what
is in the heart of one truly repentant and should be used to guide our prayer. Notice how
David seeks God’s help in forgiving himself too in this psalm. David was able to get beyond his
guilt and remorse but used both to draw himself back into relationship with God and sustain
that relationship and submit to God to change him into the king and man He intended. That is
the miracle God did for David and the miracle He offers and does for each of us. David was
not unique in his sin or relationship with God. Ours can be just as rich and meaningful too if
we seek Him and submit to Him as David did….
8/20/22 Stories of Hope 20
SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 15:4 “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,”
Paul penned. “The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope”
(Rom. 15:4).
COMMENTS: The purpose of these stories is not to tell us what Jesus did. Their purpose is to
tell us what Jesus does. Hope is food for our souls – giving us strength and energy to
continue. Our attitudes make a huge difference in ability to do or complete a task – especially
when task is difficult and requires a noteworthy investment in time. That is human nature
and can see how often our children or grandchildren need encouragement or prodding to
continue. As we get older we tend to become more the ones doing prodding and less the
ones needing prodded, but we all at, times get discouraged or loose interest or incentive. God
knows that and gives us each other, His Word, and His Spirit Himself to guide, encourage, and
even prod us to stay on focus and complete our tasks. The story of Jairus is found in Mark
5:21-43, and Luke 8:40-56. For Jairus to come to Jesus pleading for the life of his dying
daughter and then for his friends to come to him saying his daughter had died and no need to
bother Jesus had to have gripped him with grief and hopelessness. Jesus knew that and
encouraged him asking him to have hope in and trust Him. He did and his daughter was
restored!!! Jesus didn’t heal from a distance this time but went with Jairus to his home and
touched and spoke to his daughter directly bringing her to life. Scripture encourages us that
Jesus not only knows what we need and is willing to provide it, but also knows how and when
we need it most and plans for that delivery. It is good to have memories to relive events and
experiences in our lives with those we care for. Memories are also important for us to both
avoid repeating mistakes and sins but also to reflect on what God has done for us in past and
be encouraged for the future. He does have our best interest at heart and works and plans for
the best for us even when we don’t see evidence of that work yet. Can you recall such times
and how God unfolded His wisdom and plan later? I can recall many such instances. Waiting
on Him but being available to Him are key to faithfully waiting for His miracles to unfold.
Being impatient or discouraged and acting ahead or against His will only brings regrets.
8/21/22 From Mistake to Masterpiece 21
SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 2:7 “examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness
toward us”
COMMENTS: The examples in scripture shows us how God uses even mistakes and sins
(Romans 8:28) to bring great good. His creative ability to make good out of evil continue
every day even though His preference would be to just bring Good out of good only. Yet He
understands our weaknesses and uses even them to bring His Will. Truth is He is going to
have His Way, but we can decide if we are going to support it and be a part in it or resist or
fight that Will and suffer for it. Which way will you go? I want to resolve to always be in God’s
Will and pray you will to. Yet, I know I will at times be acting contrary to His Will, as have in
past, and be in need of repentance, forgiveness, and the touch of His Hand in mine. A daily
walk with Him enables me to discover rebellion early and repent of it instead of blindly
walking down a wrong road.
8/22/22 He Hears Your Prayer 22
Derek Redmond, a twenty-six-year-old Briton, was favored to win the four-hundred-meter
race in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Halfway into his semifinal heat, a fiery pain seared
through his right leg. He crumpled to the track with a torn hamstring. As the medical
attendants were approaching, Redmond fought to his feet. “It was animal instinct,” he would
later say. He set out hopping, pushing away the coaches in a crazed attempt to finish the
race. When he reached the stretch, a big man pushed through the crowd. He was wearing a Tshirt that read “Have you hugged your child today?” and a hat that challenged, “Just Do It.”
The man was Jim Redmond, Derek’s father. “You don’t have to do this,” he told his weeping
son. “Yes, I do,” Derek declared. “Well, then,” said Jim, “we’re going to finish this together.”
And they did. Jim wrapped Derek’s arm around his shoulder and helped him hobble to the
finish line. Fighting off security men, the son’s head sometimes buried in the father’s
shoulder, they stayed in Derek’s lane to the end. The crowd clapped, then stood, then
cheered, and then wept as the father and son finished the race. What made the father do it?
What made the father leave the stands to meet his son on the track? Was it the strength of
his child? No, it was the pain of his child. His son was hurt and fighting to complete the race.
So the father came to help him finish. God does the same. Our prayers may be awkward. Our
attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the
one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.
COMMENTS: I recall this story and brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. This time is
no exception. Why? Well, it speaks to me at so many levels: As a father/grandfather, as a
son, as a friend, as a sinner, and as a sinner leaning on the shoulder of my Savior… I’m
sure both you and I can come up with other comparisons too but will leave that reflection
to you to add as you prayerfully reflect on this devotion too. I had two wonderful parents
along with many wonderful memories growing up with my parents and sister. Sure we had
the usual spats and times of correction, but deep love and time my parents spent with us is
what I remember most fondly. I find myself recalling my father’s comments and “words of
wisdom” more and more and even find bits of his personality coming out in me. A
complement I am reluctant to admit since I still greatly admire him and follow his example.
However, their faith and love for Him as well as each other is example I admire the most.
They were certainly imperfect but since they accepted Christ young prior to marriage, I only
knew the people God had made them into. Going thru poverty, a world war, and life’s
many challenges and dangers brought them to a place of faith and trust in Christ our
neighbors admired as well. I only had 10 years to get to know Arlene’s father and 6 more
years to know her mother but those years as well as influence they had on my wife and her
sisters caused me to equally admire and follow their example as well. I do regret my and
Arlene’s parents were not able to spend more time together and travel together since they
shared the same faith and were so much alike. Due to work my father did at local cemetery
after retirement and my mother-in-law’s stroke, those opportunities faded soon after
Arlene and I were married. However, they all finished very well and their influence
continues after them and am sure they have had plenty of time to get to know each other in
heaven already. My desire is for Arlene and I to finish well also – continuing to be a
positive influence for Him to our children, grandchildren, and community. We’ve been
spared many of the challenges our parents have faced but have faced others as well. Yet
those yet to come you and I don’t know, but do know He knows and will not be surprised or
unprepared for them, so we needed be either. This is the hope and confidence Arlene and I,
and our parents, have in common and pray is yours as well.
8/23/22 Tough Questions with RC Sproul 23
Can you repent at the moment of death and still have the same salvation as
someone who’s been a Christian for many years?
COMMENTS:
We talk about foxhole faith, when people cry out in desperate moments of
crisis or postpone to their deathbed the moment of committing their lives to
Christ. Some people say that it doesn’t make sense for somebody who has
been a Christian all their life to be in the same state as somebody who did as
they pleased all their life and waited until the last second to get their
accounts square with God. There’s a parable in the New Testament in which
Jesus speaks about those who agree to work for a certain wage, and then at
the last minute some other people are hired and only work for a few minutes
but they get the same pay. The first group is really bent out of shape, and
they say, “What’s going on here? There’s no justice in this!” Does the second
group receive the same salvation? Yes and no. They are brought into a state
of salvation; that is, they escape the punishment of hell and enter into the
kingdom if indeed that last-breath repentance is genuine. The requirement
for entrance into the kingdom of God is to repent and believe in Christ. The
thief on the cross did it in the last minutes of his life, and Jesus assured him
that he would be with him in paradise. There we have Exhibit A in the New
Testament of somebody who actually did that and who was promised by our
Lord himself that he would participate in Jesus’ kingdom. Certainly it’s
possible for a person at the last moment of their life to repent sufficiently,
believe, and be justified and enter into all of the benefits of membership of
the kingdom of heaven. However, Paul speaks of those who make it into the
kingdom by the skin of their teeth. I think a “deathbed” believer would be in
that category. We tend to think that all that matters is getting there because
there is an unbridgeable chasm between getting into heaven or missing it
altogether. Yet Jesus tells us to work and to store up treasures for ourselves
in heaven because he promises emphatically that there will be rewards
dispensed to his people according to their obedience and their works. You
don’t get into heaven by your works, but your reward in heaven will be
according to those works, according to the New Testament. What that says
to me is that although people can make it by the skin of their teeth by
repenting in their last dying breath, nevertheless, their degree of felicity will
not be nearly as great as that of those who have been serving Christ
faithfully for many, many years.
Finishing well is the opportunity God gives all even if have lived an entire life
of sin without fellowship with Him. I have wondered what about a murderer
who accepted Christ before execution and is in heaven but his victim(s) died
without accepting Christ. I actually watched an evangelistic film addressing
that very subject. Questions this discussion brings us and debate on justice
of a murderer being saved and his victims not raises a lot of debate. I can
believe such an example has played out many times and will continue to play
out. Yet we have the confidence God gives everyone opportunities to
respond to Him in some way and will honor that obedience and expand those
opportunities if they are open. On a Haven Today program recently many
examples were told of Jesus revealing Himself directly to Muslims in
oppressed countries where they are not permitted to hear let alone receive
Christ’s message. I believe God calls us to share His message of hope and
salvation, which is a great responsibility. However, I also believe He will not
let men or satan prevent people hearing but will respond to them directly.
That doesn’t entirely answer our question to this debate but helps us trust
God and His mercies as well as His sovereignty.
8/24/22 Tough Questions with RC Sproul 24
How do you know the Bible is true? That’s an excellent question because so
much is at stake in the Christian faith in terms of the truthfulness of
Scripture. The Bible is our primary source of information about Jesus and
about all of those things we embrace as elements of our faith. Of course, if
the Bible isn’t true, then professing Christians are in serious trouble. I believe
the Bible is true. I believe it is the Word of God. As Jesus himself declared of
the Scripture, “Your word is truth.” But why am I persuaded that the Bible is
the truth? We need to ask a broader question first. How do we know that
anything is true? We’re asking a technical question in epistemology. How do
we test claims of truth? There is a certain kind of truth that we test through
observation, experimentation, eyewitness, examination, and scientific
evidence. As far as the history of Jesus is concerned, as far as we know any
history, we want to check the stories of Scripture using those means by
which historical evidence can be tested—through archaeology, for example.
There are certain elements of the Scripture, such as historical claims, that
are to be measured by the common standards of historiography. I invite
people to do that—to check it out. Second, we want to test the claims of
truth through the test of rationality. Is it logically consistent, or does it speak
with a “forked tongue”? We examine the content of Scripture to see if it is
coherent. That’s another test of truth. One of the most astonishing things, of
course, is that the Bible has literally thousands of testable historical
prophecies, cases in which events were clearly foretold, and both the
foretelling and the fulfillment are a matter of historical record. The very
dimension of the sheer fulfillment of prophecy of the Old Testament
Scriptures should be enough to convince anyone that we are dealing with a
supernatural piece of literature. Of course, some theologians have said that
with all of the evidence there is that Scripture is true, we can truly embrace
it only with the Holy Spirit working in us to overcome our biases and
prejudices against Scripture, against God. In theology, this is called the
internal testimony of the Holy Spirit. I want to stress at this point that when
the Holy Spirit helps me to see the truth of Scripture and to embrace the
truth of Scripture, it’s not because the Holy Spirit is giving me some special
insight that he doesn’t give to somebody else or is giving me special
information that nobody else can have. All the Holy Spirit does is change my
heart, change my disposition toward the evidence that is already there. I
think that God himself has planted within the Scriptures an internal
consistency that bears witness that this is his Word.
Is the Bible true and can we have confidence that every word in scripture is
true? Everyone in every generation has had to face that question before
deciding the answer is yes, it is true and can be fully trusted and followed.
How do we come to that conclusion with confidence? If you have already
done so, as have I, you might want to reflect on that path and reasons to
both reinforce your resolve as well as be helpful to others in that quest. Josh
McDowell has addressed this question exhaustively in his books: One of his
books that may be a good starting point is “Is the Bible True…Really?” A
small book but packed with good information and insights that help resolve
this question for us. Josh has written over 200 books mostly on this subject
with exhaustive information so depending on your interest may want to
search his name and let him guide your quest. Subject requires more time
and words than can devote in these comments, but will rest at saying the
evidence is overwhelming that the Bible is true. Evidence is much more than
any other preserved ancient document and even more than modern writings
with an author still living. I have read several of Josh’s books and took
advantage of hearing him live at Galloway Methodist Church was guest
speaker at a few years ago. That time was very insightful and bought a
couple of his books and reinforced my confidence in the Bible. I think he will
also help you too if decide to follow thru getting some of his books.
8/25/22 Our Required Work 27
Suppose you gave me a gift. Let’s say you presented me with a new tie. I
take it out of the box and examine it. I say thank you and then reach for my
wallet. “Now how much do I owe you?” I ask.
You think I am kidding. “It’s a gift,” you say. “You don’t need to pay me.”
“Oh, I understand,” I respond, but then show I don’t by asking, “Could I write
you a check?”
You’re stunned. “I don’t want you to pay me. I want you to accept the gift.”
“Oh, I see,” I respond. “Perhaps I could do some work around your house in
exchange for the tie?”
“You just don’t get it, do you?” you state firmly. “I want to give this to you. It
is a present. You can’t buy a present. “ “Oh, forgive me,” I hasten. “Perhaps
if I promised to purchase you a tie in return.”
By this time you’re insulted. In trying to buy your gift I have degraded your
grace. I have robbed you of the joy of giving. How often we rob God. Have
you ever considered what an insult it is to God when we try to pay him for his
goodness? God loves a cheerful giver because he is a cheerful giver. If we,
who are evil, enjoy giving gifts, how much more does he? If we, who are
human, are offended when people want to turn our gift into a bribe, how
much more is God?
Spend some moments slowly reading the response of Jesus to their question,
“What are the things God wants us to do?” (John 6:28). Jesus replied: “The
work God wants you to do is this …”
Can’t you see the people lean closer, their minds racing? “What is the work
he wants us to do? Pray more? Give more? Study? Travel? Memorize the
Torah? What is the work he wants?” Sly is this scheme of Satan. Rather than
lead us away from grace, he causes us to question grace or to earn it … and
in the end we never even know it. What is it, then, that God wants us to do?
What is the work he seeks? Just believe. Believe the One he sent.
Belief in Christ is the key point with the correct response being given in John
6:28-71. God gives us the gift of Christ’s sacrifice for our forgiveness and
salvation. To think we need to earn that gift or make some sacrifice in order
to receive it insults His generosity or sacrifice He made for us. What we do
with that gift and how we respond in relationship to Him is out of gratitude
and desire to be in relationship with Him and not out of determination to earn
or pay for such a gift. The truth is, love is a much stronger motivation and
sustainable motive than any other so actually give us a much better ability to
follow him than the carrot of salvation that other religions, including Islam
offers. This scripture reference not only share’s Christ sacrifice and gift but
also reaction – even from the disciples. How could they fully grasp what
Christ was saying? Well, they didn’t and we can’t without His help and
influence of the Holy Spirit guiding our understanding. How receiving that gift
changes 11 of the disciples and rejecting that message lead Judas to suicide
shows us just how precious His gift is and how vital it is to our eternal as
well being but also to our well being here in meantime.
Well, the debate and depth of these devotions from Bible Gateways has
encouraged and helped me and pray they have you as well, but think it time
to get back to Turning Point, so will be doing so in next couple of days. Since
I don’t receive Turning Point on Sundays and sometimes doesn’t come on a
week day, need to fill in those days with other sources but I think it is good
to stimulate variety in studies as well. God has so much to reveal to us and
sometimes remind us about Himself, a lifetime of study is not enough but a
lifetime of study is vital to keep us true and faithful in daily battles we face.
He is always there but not always seen or felt. Scripture tells that has
always been so we need not feel alone.
8/26/22 Tough Questions with RC Sproul 26
Is there a distinction between Christianity and religion? In the first chapter
of Romans, the wrath of God is revealed against distortions of God that
culminate in various religious practices called idolatry. God is by no
means always pleased with the operations and functions that we call
religion. I would say that Christianity first and foremost is not a
religion, even though we use that term to describe it from a
sociological perspective.
The term religion describes human practices—practices of worship, of
cultic involvement, of belief in a god, and of obeying certain rules that come
from the god or gods. There are various kinds of religions in this world.
There is a religious aspect to Christianity. We do worship, and we are
involved in certain human activities, such as prayer and Bible studies and
devotions. Our religious practices are similar to the practices of other
religions. But Christianity is much more than a religion; it’s life. The very
fact that a person is religious does not necessarily mean that he is pleasing
God; the primordial sin of man is idolatry, and idolatry is the worship of
something that, in fact, is not God. The worship of idols involves the
practice of religion. This is exactly what Romans 1 is speaking about; God
is not pleased by any and all types of religious activity. Our religious
activity may at times be insulting to God. Christianity itself can degenerate
into being merely a religion; that is, it can have the external formal
activities and sociological practices without the substance that motivates
all these things—a profound love and devotion to God himself and a
profound trust in Christ’s work.
Romans is a powerful letter so this may help and encourage you to take a
fresh look at Romans again. It has drawn me to do so again as well. False
religions and distortions of Christianity were evident at time Paul wrote
Romans and are still rampant today. Dangers of following false teachings
are real so need to use scripture to gage them is even more important
today since so much is accessible by radio/TV/internet.
I should leave it at recommending you start with Roman 1 and above
comments and prayfully see what God shows you before going on and
reading rest of Romans. In taking the path of sin, which is turning our back
on God, we can’t see the foolish choices we will continue to make, choices
we would not dream of making when start that path. Maybe that is because
God gives us the light to see them for what they are at beginning but the
further we walk from Him, the darker that light is and more we depend on
our own light or worse, satan’s light of deception. I have learned to trust
God’s light but not to trust my own light or any light temptation gives. Can
you relate to that connection? Romans is full of examples of wise as well
as foolish choices so looking at them with this perspective I think will give
additional insight into Paul’s letter to Christians in Roman during Paul’s
time and even to us. So how about keeping that in mind as read Romans 1
and chapters that follow?
8/27/22 A Lifetime of Contentment 27
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the
wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life,
that your prayers may not be hindered.
1 Peter 3:7
“22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is
the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the
Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in
everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to
make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her
to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and
blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who
loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and
care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For
this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will
become one flesh.”[b] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the
church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife
must respect her husband.“ EPHESIANS 5:22-33
John and Ann Betar were named (unofficially) as the longest married couple
in the United States for 2013. As of April 13, 2013, they had been married 80
years, 139 days. When asked for the secret to their long relationship, John
Betar said, “We just live with contentment and we don’t live beyond our
means. Just go with the flow.” “Living with contentment” sounds like the
apostle Peter’s advice to husbands: “Treat your wife as a fellow heir of the
grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7, paraphrase). When two people stay married as long
as the Betars, it takes more than a civil union. There has to have been a
blending and bonding that epitomizes the meaning of “two becoming one”
(Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5). There has to be a measure of contentment by
which each person is comfortable with the other’s standing before God as an
equal sharer in God’s gifts and callings. And that doesn’t happen naturally,
but it can happen supernaturally. Whatever your marital state, agree with
God that relationships take work — especially those that last a lifetime.
David Jeremiah, recently on his morning radio program, spoke of a famous
actor and “heart throb” who was asked his definition of a great romance. I
don’t recall actor’s name (his name didn’t impress me) but he surprised many
with his answer: “ A husband who’s wife satisfies him all his life and a wife
who’s husband satisfies her all her life” I find that to be so profound and true
especially when filtered thru a Christ centered marriage covenant. That
statement applies to sexual needs but even more to needs for
companionship, needs for friendship – council – wisdom in making decisions,
both daily as well as life changing – help in doing tasks – support in devotion
and strengthening our daily relationship with Christ – the list goes on….. For
Arlene and I our journey together has been 44 years so far and are even more
resolved to continue for rest of our lives than when we began 4/29/78. She
has some different strengths than I do and I have a few she doesn’t. It is
amazing how God has blended us over the years and enabled me to pick up
some of her strengths and be blessed by them and her from me. However,
she continues to help and check me at times and I her sometimes so process
is far from complete, nor should be. Since Christ refers to our relationship
with Him as us being the bride and He is the Bridegroom, we should expect
our relationship with Him to be life long and our relationship with Him to
bring strength and balance with our weaknesses too. He certainly does and
to a far greater degree than our spouses do. He is worthy of our love and
devotion but also of our worship and praise!!!
Oh that we would have a national leader with the wisdom Solomon shares in
Proverbs. But oh that he would have practiced all the wrote all his life
instead of marrying pagan wives (and more than one) and then caving to their
pagan wishes. I would encourage you to make Proverbs a home work
assignment at some point as well, maybe after finishing Romans? Don’t want
to give you too much homework at a time or you may give-up???
8/28/22 Start Young 28
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not
depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
King Solomon did not have access to modern research on child development.
But several thousand years ago, he said something about children that
modern research has validated. Today, child development experts suggest
that the majority of a child’s personality is in place at a very young age.
Solomon suggested something similar: A child’s foundational values will
stick with him or her for the rest of the child’s life. Specifically, when talking
about raising godly children, Solomon said to begin training them when they
are young and the training will stay with them even when they are old. The
Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom — wise sayings that reflect godly
principles. Proverbs 22:6 doesn’t mean there will never be a child raised in a
godly home that won’t walk away from God and stay away. Rather, it is an
instruction and guide for parents: Build into your children at an early age
godly principles and those principles will guide them as they grow older.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start young when training up your children. Trust that
God will bless that training even when they are old.”
I can’t help but think Solomon’s wisdom on early child personality
development noted above was from his own experience and fact that he had
a deep and close relationship with God early in his life. He sought God’s
wisdom early in life prior to becoming king and God honored that
commitment and gave him wisdom second to none. If God can give Solomon
wisdom that still amazes us today, how much greater is God’s wisdom and
how much more valuable for us and how much more we can gain if develop a
relationship with Him ourselves? Promise we have is “Train up a child in the
ways he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it” Prov. 22:6.
That is a promise we, as parents, have relied on and continue to rely on for
our children as well as grandchildren. It is amazing to me that someone as
wise as Solomon, who gained such wisdom at a young age and had such a
close relationship with God would wonder away from Him. Yet, what drew
Solomon away from God was his wealth and power (given by God as a reward
for request for wisdom above all else). Since Solomon asked for wisdom
instead of power or wealth or long life, God gave him wisdom but also wealth
and power greater than those before him as well as a long healthy life.
Solomon’s example tells us that comfort and prosperity may be enjoyable but
come with great responsibility and risk. Risk is not relying on God or
thinking we need to and other risk is wasting the resources God gives us
instead of doing the good He intends. If Solomon didn’t, with God’s wisdom
at his disposal, than why would we think we can? To take for granted we are
secure and not at risk of choosing sins we see around us is to fool ourselves
and put ourselves at risk of falling to them too. Solomon didn’t realize it but
by marrying pagan wives he opened himself to unnecessary temptations and
started down a path of disobedience from God that made him even more
vulnerable. That fact that he started walking down that path without being
aware of dangers and without seeing he was walking away from God is
unsettling but reveals to us we too, left to our own strength and wisdom,
have and will continue to follow that same path. Only with God’s help do we
have ability to turn from and stay off that path…
8/29/22 Gain From Pain 29
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.
Psalm 119:71
There is one parental saying that no child believes — until that child becomes
a parent: “This is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you.” No parent likes
the duty of causing a child to experience discomfort as a result of discipline.
But every parent knows that life’s most painful lessons are the longest
remembered. The Old Testament psalmist said that affliction is what taught
him the necessity of obeying God’s Word (Psalm 119:67, 71, 92). And
Solomon, in his proverbs, revealed a truth that would cause God’s people to
look at discipline in a whole new light: “For whom the LORD loves He
corrects” (Proverbs 3:11-12). That is, correction and discipline are evidences
of God’s love! How contrary to the modern philosophy that love means letting
a child find his or her own way. The writer of Hebrews took Proverbs 3:12 to
its logical conclusion: “But if you are without chastening [from God] … then
you are illegitimate and not sons” (Hebrews 12:8). Better for a Christian to be
reproved by God, or a child by his or her parents, than to willfully follow their
own path and be uncorrected and unloved.
I am sure if you and I recall those times our parents punished or corrected us
with a spanking, they didn’t have a smile on their face saying “this is going
to hurt me more than you”. I do remember a stern look of disappointment
and what I thought at the time was anger. I don’t remember mean words or
screaming or more than 2-3 hard slaps to my bottom so I know I was not
punished out of passion of anger. I also don’t remember anger continuing
after punishment was given. I do remember crying and feeling how much I
disappointed my parents. The punishment would also mean giving up going
to or doing something I wanted to do and would likely have to stay in the
house for awhile. However, the issue would not be brought up again. It
didn’t need to, I remembered what I did and consequence so I became my
own enforcer, well some but not always…. What is your recollections. Can
you distinguish times your parents got it right and times they may have let
their anger spoil punishment. What was the difference in way punishment
was administered and what was the difference in results, if any??? I see my
parent’s wisdom in our daughter in way she discerns and disciplines her
children. I know that all didn’t all rub off from us since my parents were next
door from time our children were born through their growing up years so that
influence was experienced by them directly. My father was better at giving
wise advice but my mother was better at discipline. I know because they
would complain about it at times, especially about my mom’s discipline if
they were not doing what she approved of. Their example also helped us
balance our discipline instead of becoming too lax or to strict. Mom
especially was free in tells us too when she thought we were being too lax or
not disciplining our children properly – at I have to admit most of the time
when she did so, she was right looking back. Generally we would choose to
follow her advice even when our pride got in the way, because when thought
about it, knew she was rights. However, there were rare occasions we
needed to remind them we were the parents and our children were our
responsibility since there were boundaries they were tempted to cross as
well. Of course, that temptation was because of how deeply they cared for
and prayed for us as well as our children. That passion made their impact
overwhelmingly positive and powerful.
8/30/22 The Prison of Want 30
Come with me to the most populated prison in the world. The facility has
more inmates than bunks. More prisoners than plates. More residents than
resources. Come with me to the world’s most oppressive prison. Just ask
the inmates; they will tell you. They are overworked and underfed. Their
walls are bare and bunks are hard. No prison is so populated, no prison so
oppressive, and, what’s more, no prison is so permanent. Most inmates never
leave. They never escape. They never get released. They serve a life
sentence in this overcrowded, underprovisioned facility. The name of the
prison? You’ll see it over the entrance. Rainbowed over the gate are four
cast-iron letters that spell out its name: W-A-N-T The prison of want. You’ve
seen her prisoners. They are “in want.” They want something. They want
something bigger. Nicer. Faster. Thinner. They want. They don’t want much,
mind you. They want just one thing. One new job. One new car. One new
house. One new spouse. They don’t want much. They want just one. And
when they have “one,” they will be happy. And they are right — they will be
happy. When they have “one,” they will leave the prison. But then it happens.
The new-car smell passes. The new job gets old. The neighbors buy a larger
television set. The new spouse has bad habits. The sizzle fizzles, and before
you know it, another ex-con breaks parole and returns to jail.
Are you in prison? You are if you feel better when you have more and worse
when you have less. You are if joy is one delivery away, one transfer away,
one award away, or one makeover away. If your happiness comes from
something you deposit, drive, drink, or digest, then face it — you are in prison,
the prison of want. Paul says that “godliness with contentment is great gain”
(1 Tim. 6:6 NIV). When we surrender to God the cumbersome sack of
discontent, we don’t just give up something; we gain something. God
replaces it with a lightweight, tailor-made, sorrow-resistant attaché́ of
gratitude.
What will you gain with contentment? You may gain your marriage. You may
gain precious hours with your children. You may gain your self-respect. You
may gain joy. You may gain the faith to say, “The LORD is my shepherd; I
shall not want.” Try saying it slowly. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not
want” Again, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
I think we normally think of this portion of Psalm 23 “The LORD is my
shepherd; I shall not want” to mean we will not need anything. However,
what Max Lucado is showing is we will not covet anything or even desire
(want) – be content with what we have physically. Our shepherd will help us
be content and not wonder off searching for greener grass or more newer
stuff. I am not saying it is sinful to plan and work to improve ourselves, but if
we have a comfortable home and reliable car we should be content and not
be unhappy if others have a newer house or newer car or a higher paying job.
We don’t have to look around very far – especially outside US before we
realize just how rich we are and how extravagant we live. Sometimes we’ve
watched HGTV and remodeling projects as well as first time home owners
house shopping. What we’ve noticed is perfectly nice homes being
remodeled when old was nice enough and 1st time home buyers going into
debt for several hundred thousand dollars for a home we would call
extravagant instead of buying modestly and growing into a nicer home. Debt
and indulgences are what we have gotten used to and still consider
ourselves poor. If look at China or India or Haiti, will see large families living
in one room shacks or even tents. Christianity is exploding in these
countries and Christians are grateful for what they have and are living rich
joyful lives maybe due to their poverty and not in spite of their poverty? I
think our wealth has made us too self-sufficient and soft, thinking we
deserve what we have instead of being grateful for God’s provision
undeserved. Yet we have become slaves to our things with an appetite for
more. I can reflect and justify my selfishness since am not in debt or have to
have the nicest and newest things but I still waste and consume so much
more than really need.
8/31/22 Right On!: Exercise Your Right to Be a Child of God 31
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children
of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1:12
Words and ideas have been lifted from Scripture and applied erroneously. A
good example is the idea of “God’s children.” Today, we often hear it said the
late 1960s called the Children of God. The Bible, however, takes a narrower
view of the phrase “children of God.” In each of ten New Testament uses, it
refers to born-again Christians only. In fact, the apostle John wrote that only
certain people have a right to call themselves a child of God — those who
receive Jesus Christ by faith, embracing the fullness of His mission (John
1:12). The apostle Paul echoed that doctrinal view in Galatians 3:26: “For you
are all sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ.” The idea of being children
of God emphasizes the Fatherhood of God, Christians having been adopted
into His family (Romans 8:12-17). The most secure place to be in this world is
in the family of God. Make sure you have exercised your right to be there
through faith in Christ.
As born children we have no choice, but being adopted children, we do have
a choice. Galatians 3:26-28 refer to us as God’s adopted children when we
receive Him. That is what defines us and makes us His children with all the
blessings and responsibilities that adoption carries. Adoption also means
our relationship changes with God from one being outside His family to
having a rich close relationship with Him… It also means He has chosen us
as well as us choosing Him. Such a beautiful and powerful comparision He
has made by calling us His adopted children even though He did create us in
the first place. “But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not
the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord
commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 Scripture reminds us it is all about
Christ and not about ourselves. We need to only boast on Him and Him
alone.
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-donsdevotional-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