9/1/2022 Come One, Come All 1
Galatians 3:26-29 “26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27
of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither
Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ
Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the
promise. “
But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. Acts 10:35
Emma Lazarus, American poet, wrote a sonnet to raise money for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty;
written in 1883. The most well known portion recorded on a plaque inside the Statue is “Give me your
tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming
shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Those
words became prophetic as millions of immigrants from many countries entered the U.S. through the
immigrant station on nearby Ellis Island .
Just as America opened its doors to the world, so God through the Gospel has opened the doors of His
kingdom to humanity’s “huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Even though God worked through
Israel, He always had a heart for the nations (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 11:10; 42:1, 6). Reluctant at first, the
Jews finally saw that the Gospel of Christ was for the Gentiles as well: Jew, Gentile, slave, free, male,
female—all are “one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). If you are yearning to be free, embrace the Savior
of all mankind. He invites all to come unto Him (Matthew 11:28-30). “There is room enough in Christ
for all comers.” Matthew Henry
COMMENTS: This devotion brings a wonderful hymn to mind – “There’s room at
the cross for you…tho millions have come, there’s still room for one , yes there is
room at the cross for you.” I won’t use space in this journal to give the lyrics for
the song, but encourage you to look them up online if care to. The above words by
Emma Lazarus, I think, also point us to Christ’s words to you and me at the cross,
and also our scripture from Galatians. Equal rights and entitlements are the
subject of nearly every news cast and pretty much every political speech and rally,
but Christ shows us “equal mercy”. I would much rather have mercy than my
rights, but I really don’t have the right to anything but judgment and eternal
damnation and neither do you. I don’t want what I’ve earned or deserve. I want
God’s mercy and not what I deserve. The trap satan will lead every one of us to, if
we let him, is to think we can earn our way to heaven or erase past sins with good
deeds. To think we can become good on our own or earn our way to redemption is
a lie straight from satan and totally goes against every example and teaching both
in Old Testament and New Testament. So why do we still believe it? Why is it so
much more appealing to us to believe the lie instead of embracing the grace God
has paid dearly so we can have? I really don’t know but still feel, at times, a pull
to want to believe the lie. I think some of the reason is we still have an element of
pride that makes us want to believe we can do it ourselves and feel like we’ve
accomplished it ourselves. Oh how foolish and needless folly such thinking brings.
And, oh, what blessed fellowship with our Savior we miss by thinking that way.
So much to loose and so little is gained by such thinking. Oh how we must grieve
Him every time we entertain such thoughts. We are equal in His eyes but all
equally unrighteous, but all who accept His precious gift are equally redeemed and
clean!! That is the good news He wants us to believe and accept and share….

9/2/2022 God’s Work, Today’s World: Prophecy 2
HEBREWS 12:5-13 “ 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of
encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart
when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and
he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7 Endure hardship as
discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not
disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone
undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and
daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined
us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the
Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they
thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share
in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for
those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level
paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”
And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark
place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19
“
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched
intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of
Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would
follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the
things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent
from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.” 1PETER 1:10-12
COMMENTS: Who can know God’s plan until it is revealed and completed? What is
the purpose of Venus? What would be lost if it was destroyed or removed? Would
we notice the change or miss it? Yet it has been seen and noted in the morning
and evening sky for thousands of years. In today’s scripture, we are told the
patriarch’s of the old testament were given a glimpse of God’s plan of grace but
didn’t have a clue what Christ was going to do or the impact it would have on
mankind. How could they understand? It was so far beyond them. If there were
life on Venus, what impact would it have on them if Earth was destroyed? Things
in a distance seem to have little impact on us, even things that are huge. If the
sun was to go out, it would take 8 minutes before we would know it since it takes
that long for it’s light to reach us. God’s creation is so vast, light from distance
stars take thousands of years to reach us. That means stars we see through our
telescopes being created, likely are a lot better formed now since we are see what
happened thousands of years ago. So, how many things has God created, that
have a huge impact on us but we just don’t know or realize it? I think, when we
get to heaven, we will discover all the unnoticed things God created that had a
huge impact on us. Well, it is not about us, but about Him! Yet God has created us
and, for Him, it is all about us. Yet, we dare not believe the universe revolves
around us. But don’t we? Don’t we tend to notice and take interest in things or
people who have an impact on us? Yet how can we place importance or value on
things or people we don’t notice or see significance of? OK, what is my point?
Well, the conclusion I’m coming to is to realize the universe is a lot bigger than
our personal world, so God is involved in a lot more than just caring for you and
me. It also means He is better able and capable of judging what is best for you
and me, not granting only our wants but recognizing and supplying our needs.
Consider today what are your wants and what are truly your needs and take notice
how God supplies all you need, and yes, some of your wants too. Yet, the closer
we are to Him, I think we discover many of those wants fading and becoming His
wants. I still have a lot of my own wants I would like Him to meet too. So here is
another reason for needing to be in deeper fellowship with Him, so He will show
and lovingly guide us to let go of some more of my wants so I can embrace some
more of His…
9/3/2022 Letter Writing 3
When they had read [the letter] they rejoiced because of its encouragement. Acts 15:31, NASB
“4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have
been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming
our testimony about Christ among you. 7Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait
for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be
blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with
his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
COMMENTS: I think today’s devotion is as good reminder to each of us of the
importance of giving words of encouragement to each other. Paul’s letters to the
churches where powerful and had eternal impact on those who first received
them, but also continue to give powerful encouragement to every generation
since, including us today. Could he have known the impact he was to make with
those words. How could he? Yet he simply shared what was on his heart to those
he cared deeply for and concerned for. Is that any different for you and me? Paul
was deeply influenced and inspired by the Holy Spirit as few men are, which gave
his letters eternal value. But God used his desire to share and encourage with the
hope God put in his heart with others. Sure we may not be so inspired with words
like Paul’s nor write words that will be passed on from one generation to another,
but the same God who used a flawed sinful man like Paul also wants to use flawed
sinful humans like you and me too. So when we feel a nudge to visit a relative or
friend or someone we haven’t seen for awhile. When we feel a need to call
someone or write a note of hope and encouragement to someone, who is to say
what impact it will have? Such a small investment of time. But how reluctant we
are to sacrifice even a little time from our full schedule. But do we remember all
the tents Paul made or do we remember the words he wrote? Will our
accomplishments outlast us or will those we took time to visit and write to or call
be our legacy? Writing this journal is one of the ways God has been guiding me to
fellowship with Him and share some ways He has been nudging me. I hope and
pray He will so guide and nudge you too. I believe each day holds someone God
wants us to touch if we take the time to stop and obey. Who will that be or when
and where will it be, only God knows. But we won’t miss it as long as we are
walking with Him as we journey even through the work and play and tasks that
normally fill our day. Just be willing to take a slight detour or a rest stop now and
again for Him. Such blessings He wants to share with us. Blessings He also wants
us to share too….
9/4/2022 Pray for the Peace of Israel 4
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”2Our feet are
standing in your gates, Jerusalem.3
Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.4That is where the tribes go up— the tribes of the LORD—to praise the name of
the LORD according to the statute given to Israel.5There stand the thrones for judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who
love you be secure.7 May there be peace within your walls and security within your
citadels.”8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity. PSALM 122
COMMENTS: Learning to hold precious what God holds precious and learning to
devalue those things God does not hold great value in – is a life long discipline and
effort. I find myself still wanting earthly security and comfort and things at times
too much – thinking about them at times more than heavenly things. Well, not as
much as in past but still a battle. I’m reflecting on what to invest money in that
has eternal value more these days over short term ways. Over the years God has
led us to not only tithe our income to our church, but to give to other Christian
work. Also, when my aunt Florence, my dad’s youngest sister, died, we felt led to
continue with her tithe too. We inherited her small savings and decided to contin-
ue her tithe until it ran out. That took about 8 months. But then God led us to
continue that practice, which we still do. He has helped us so much so we have
continued the same level of giving as we did before I retired. We still have been
able to enjoy some traveling and are looking forward to our first trip to Hawaii
next month, which included a week cruise and 2 week stay on Oahu. Not too
shabby for a first time journey to Hawaii. Well, God has indeed provided and is
guiding us to other ways to give too. Yesterday he helped us spray primer paint
on Horning Hall at Pleasantville FMC Family Camp. A building of 60ftx50ft. We
used 13 gal of paint yesterday. Today we plan on painting final coal, 15 gal.
Sprayer makes job fast but yesterday had a lot of obstacles – painter died so had
to buy another, then kept plugging up. God finally seemed to open a door for me
and reveal a little trick that not only helped me keep it clear but even used that
method to give a focused pressure flow into eves, which enabled me to paint off
ground and a lot faster. We actually did 2/3 of painting in a 3 hour period yesterday. Until 1:30PM, I was about convinced we couldn’t do it and was so discouraged and tired. God then freshed my energy and added encouragement and insight. Yes, He does care about all the big and little things that weight us and burden us. To notice and appreciate what He does, great and small, is key and makes
Him so much closer and real to take notice and thank Him often and sincerely. I’m
so appreciative of His help yesterday and look with expectation for His help again
today. Worship is precious in His house, but worship is real where we work and
play too. He is there too, as I was reminded of yesterday. Well, Horning Hall also
needs a new roof, but we will likely help with our check book on that one. Some
jobs are best left to others, as I’m learning more and more. Next time painting
might be among them too.
9/5/2022 Cover-to-Cover Guidance 5
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the
right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,3
he refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a]I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5You prepare a table before
me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the
house of the LORD forever.” PSALM 23.
COMMENTS: The Lord is indeed our Shepherd, helping – guiding – protecting –
providing – sustaining – abiding with us… The list goes on. Well, to give you the
rest of the story, I have been reflecting over some older devotions I wrote and
todays dates back to the summer of 2015. God enabled Arlene and I to remove
loose paint, prime, and palnt Horning Hall, a large wood building in Pleasantville
Family camp used for children’s ministry. The building was badly in need of
painting, so we power washed off the loose paint and used a power sprayer to
paint the primer and final top coat of paint. The whole job took 3 days and used
13 gallons of primer and 11 gallons of finish paint. That evening we were very
tired but enjoyed a pleasant chorus from a variety of night creatures and a light
show – heat lightening as we sat on the porch thanking God for day’s success. Yet
some clouds had come in and were threatening rain. Yet we prayed just one more
day of clear weather to complete our task. The next morning all was sunny and
dry and we were able to complete finish painting by noon. Had sprayer cleaned
and everything put into our car by 3:30PM. Only task left is reinstalling signs on
building and skirting we removed before painting. We then enjoyed a relaxing
dinner at local restaurant. I later saw Frank Carlson on his porch so went over for
a nice long visit. Sharing all God did and hearing many examples of how God has
helped them uplifted us both. GOD IS GOOD AND FAITHFUL!!
9/6/2022 Avoid the Mold 6
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
“
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to
you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil
desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you
do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1PETER1:13-16
COMMENTS: Today I continue to reflect on a devotion I wrote exactly 7 years ago.
“Arlene and I have had a very blessed and rewarding week, but will take a few
days to recover physical strength. Yesterday we finished our project at Horning
Children’s Hall (building) by putting skirting back on, removing window tape, and
remounting building signs and final cleanup. We returning home in afternoon and
had a nice visit with our son, Donny, and wife Shaylyn up from Pittsburgh to visit
and celebrate Shaylyn’s mother (Pat Brison’s) birthday. Had a nice visit. Arlene
and her sister, Carol, then went to Stoneboro fair for evening. I stayed and
cleaned up some fallen limbs from a storm while we were gone. God so richly
blessed us with good weather and guidance the entire time we were working on
our camp project. Storms went around us and every obstacle was removed
directly or by insight into solutions. Some may have discounted or not noticed
God’s help, but I think it is vital we do notice and praise Him. To do such is to give
Him the credit He deserves but also to help build our faith to trust Him for more.
Not confirming to worldly thinking or explanations helps us during difficult times
to not give up or try to meet challenges on our own. By doing this, I am
discovering I am becoming more and more aware of His abiding presence and just
how near He always is. When I’m discouraged or absorbed in myself, He seems so
far away. But He isn’t and when I focus on Him, I realize just how close and
available He really is. This week at Pleasantville Camp reminded me of that and
how important I am to Him – even the projects I do and struggle with. You are
just as important to Him too!!!
9/7/2022 God’s Work, Today’s World: Medicine 7
For I am the LORD who heals you. Exodus 15:26
“32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33There he
found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,”
Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up.
“Acts 9:32-34
COMMENTS: Todays comments are taken from a devotion a few years ago:. Today we celebrate Labor Day. We are going back to Pleasantville
FMC Family Camp today, not to work but to fellowship with family and enjoy the
surroundings. We are also taking our granddaughter, Lily, and neighbor boy,
Grant. They play so well together and both are looking forward to spending the
day with us. Sam and Dee (Arlene’s sister and husband) were coming thinking
they could help us paint, but that job is done. They probably will be doing other
work on their cabin instead. I shared, at church worship service yesterday,
miracle of how God enabled us to paint Horning Hall in 2 days time, especially
when we started with so many obstacles. Experience reminded me prayer needs
to be first and continuous practice we do each day and with each task, both big
and small. Prayer is our lifeline with God. I am also reminded just how weak and
vulnerable you and I are and how far short of success our wisdom and strength
caries us. Today’s devotion also reminds me just how mortal and frail we are
physically too. When I see just how vulnerable we are to sickness, accident,
temptation, poor choices and wrong paths…the list goes on, I realize the fact I’ve
lived over 64 years, have a comfortable life style with a loving family makes me
realize just how faithful God has been and continues to be. Taking time to reflect
on all God has done does help our faith going forward. It also draws us into
deeper fellowship with Him. Doing so also helps us fall in love with Him even
deeper. To know Him is to love Him. I am reminded of the hymn “I will serve
Thee because I love Thee….You have given live to me.” Here are the lyrics: “I will
serve Thee because I love Thee. You have given life to me. I was nothing before
You found me. You have given life to me. Heartaches, broken pieces. Ruined lives
are why You died on Calvary. Your touch was what I longed for. You have given
life to me.” I would encourage you to let these words soak into your soul and
spend some time today in fellowship with Him.
9/8/2022 A Shocking Reveal 8
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. Psalm 130:5
“ 10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but
climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He
calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes
on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never
follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s
voice.” 6
Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was
telling them.
7Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have
come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9
I am the gate;
whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The
thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to
the full.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand
is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons
the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away
because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father
knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that
are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall
be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—
only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have
authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
19The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”
21But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open
the eyes of the blind?”
Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims
22Then came the Festival of Dedication[b] at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24The Jews who were there gathered around him,
saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name
testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my
voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater
than all[c]
; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
JOHN 10:1-30
COMMENTS: Granted, our normal day doesn’t likely include a revelation from God
nor major decisions. Yet, I don’t think we always know nor are prepared when
those decisions come upon us. Esther didn’t either, but when she saw it, she stop
and prepared in prayer and with fasting and solicited others to do so too. I shared
with you how God helped Arlene and I complete the task of painting a 60ft x 45ft
building at Pleasantville Family Camp in August of 2015. We faced one obstacle
after another until we finally realized we could not do it without divine help. It
was when we realized that, we felt God urging us to “STOP AND PRAY”. When we
did that, the answer came rather quickly. God told me where to find the solution
to why my sprayer wasn’t working properly but also showed me a trick that
enabled the sprayer to paint the eves much faster and without going on a ladder.
Such an answer to prayer and blessing was more than we expected at that point
and then realized our fading hope of finished the job becoming not only possible
but a reality. God also removed the “bone tiredness” so I had the energy to do the
task before me. He also showed me how to avoid the time consuming process of
cleaning the sprayer that evening so could gain needed rest and finish task and
clean equipment properly the next day when painting was completed and I was
more rested. I was reminded He not only knows my needs and cares, but He is
interested enough and wise enough to know how best to answer our requests.
But He wanted me to see His hand at work and wanted me to surrender from my
own strength to tap into His. This lesson may seem a bit an over dramatization of
that day’s events. After all, it only involved painting a building. But, this example
was important in my spiritual growth and surrender. The experience was dramatic
to me. The other amazing thing is now, 7 years later, the building looks as good
as it did then. No paint peeling or mold as typical on other painted buildings. The
experience was His reminder to me to PRAY FIRST, STOP AND PRAY ALONG THE
WAY, AND STAY IN AN ATTITUDE OF PRAYER ALONG THE WAY! That lesson was
dramatic but not an over dramatization. It is a vital lesson we all need to relearn
because it is in our nature to forget it and forget it often. It certainly is for me.
We, like sheep, tend to stray but He is the Gate and the Shepherd who guides and
provide safe haven to life and eternal safety and eternal life. Let’s also stop and
reflect and take notice of others times He intervened and removed obstacles
hindering or stopping us and give Him the praise and worship He so deserves and
we so need to give…
9/9/2022 Finding 9
“2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2
in which you used to live when
you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is
now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by
nature deserving of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you
have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly
realms in Christ Jesus, 7
in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches
of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9
not by works, so
that no one can boast. 10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ
11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised”
by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)
— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the
world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the
blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:1-13
COMMENTS: If you are a parent, you can recall times when your children would
look for any excuse not to go to bed. They needed rest but would grab at any
excuse to get out of going to bed. Humans will look for any excuse or way to
avoid a close relationship with our creator. Some deny His existence, some ignore
Him or say He created the world but is not involved in it, some say God is dead,
some are angry with God and say He is watching but deliberately doesn’t get
involved. Some even say God is out to hinder or harm us. There are many reasons
for thinking this way. Most relate to poor family situations or close family
members abusive and did not give a good example of one who had a close
relationship with God. Yet, scripture gives us both good and bad examples to
show us what God is like and how He helps and gives life to those who let Him.
Are you and I the good examples God wants us to be? Are we like Joseph or are
we like most of his brothers? Are we flooding our minds with poor music and
images from radios or TV or internet trying to satisfy a need that God has put in us
to have a close relationship with Him? Do we use His tithe to buy things we don’t
need or use time we should spend in devotion and worship to do other things? Do
we deny Him by our example or by our words and thoughts or negligence? I pray
not but recognize we all do one time or another and now and again. Negligence is
the most sinster way we deny Him, but not the only way. Are there places we are
timid in sharing our faith or are silent? We are all guilty of denying Him, but He is
still faithful to us. Let’s just be aware and seek a closer relationship with Him and
deliberately look to Him those times we are tempted to deny Him by our silence or
….
9/10/2022 His Will 10
When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He
set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel. Deuteronomy 32:8
“.
26From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out
their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek
him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we
live and move and have our being.’[a] As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.”
Acts 17:26-28
COMMENTS: I love the words of Acts 17:27 “God made the nations so they would
seek Him, perhaps even reach out to Him and find Him…” God’s motivation is
always love for us, even when He allows hardship and pain and suffering. The Old
Testament is filled with stories of Israel going from faithfulness to neglect to
rebellion to deliberate sin and idolatry. They then suffer judgment and finally
repent – go back to enjoying blessing and prosperity until they begin to neglect
and rebel against God again. This cycle was repeated countless times in Israel’s
history. It is repeated in the history of every country and also in every life,
including ours. Some refuse to repent and have or will face God’s eternal
judgment. Some repent and are forgiven and enjoy God’s mercy and forgiveness
and restoration. His will is always our redemption and to be in close relationship
with us. When praying, sometimes we will be uncertain if it is God’s will and
should temper such requests by submitting to God’s will. That reminds us to seek
His will over our own – which if often corrupted by our own selfish and short
sighted desires. But we can be confident our salvation and salvation of our
families – friends – those we work or worship with or live next to are all included
in His will and plan. So when we pray for ourselves and for others, we can be
confident in seeking mercy and a close relationship with God for them. That is
more important than anything else we might pray for them. Yet each day we need
to desperately seek His help in our day’s work and goings on and interaction with
others. Sure, the underlying motivation is to gain a closer relationship with Him,
but successfully completing each day’s work and progress in gaining health or
finances or …. are all important to sustain life and well being. Yet, as we become
more aware of how and when and where He does help, we begin to seek just how
close He is and begin to believe and love and trust Him at a much higher level. I
still miss noticing God’s helping hand but when I do notice, I’m in awe and am
filled with gratitude. I am striving to notice His hand more and pray you will too.
I know we both will be amazed just how often and how wonderfully He is involved
with each of us.
9/11/2022 Divine Control 11
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who
works all things according to the counsel of His will. Ephesians 1:11
“ 19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his
will?” 20But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who
formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”[a] 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the
same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” Romans 9:19-21
COMMENTS: Today we are reminded of life changing events of 9/11/01. It has
been 21 years, but I’m sure you (like me) remember clearly where you were and
what you were doing when you learned what happened. I was at work in
committee discussing a new customer order and engineering work required to
build a machine to customer’s specs. The time and work required gave a sense of
urgency to discussion, but faded quickly when we discovered what was happening.
Churches were filled as people came together to pray. Our church was full too
that evening. Yet that sense of seeking God’s help soon faded. Some become
angry with God for not protecting and stopping such evil. Yet God is in control, as
our scripture shared. We are the clay, not the potter. Yet we still tend to
complain to the potter. No matter how often or forcefully we complain to each
other or to God. No matter if we believe and follow Him or not. No matter if we
deny Him or share the Good News with others. No matter if we follow Him or not,
HE IS STILL IN FULL CONTROL AND SOVEREIGN! If we resist or rebel against Him
or deny Him, we are not affecting His willingness or ability to do His Will. We only
hurt or bring disaster on ourselves and those our rebellion affects. Haman
planned to have Mordecai killed and Jews destroyed to satisfy his own desires.
When she learned this, Esther prayed and fasted and asked fellow Jews to do so
too. God gave her a plan to approach and prepare the king. She acted on faith
not knowing if she would die or live, fail or succeed. Haman did everything he
could to destroy but the evil he did was used to destroy him and his large family.
GOD WILL PREVAIL IN HIS TIME AND WAY, NOT OURS! Job had to relearn that
even though he was faithful. When he was overwhelmed with evil attacks without
knowledge of purpose or outcome, he still remained faithful but was discouraged.
God had to remind him He is in charge and can be trusted. Sometimes we need
reminded of that too. Yet what is important is we be faithful and keep our eyes on
Him no matter what. Whether we live or die, that is what matters most.
9/12/2022 From Haman to Hitler 12
. I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— 2
I have
great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off
from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, 4
the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption
to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the
promises. 5Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is
God over all, forever praised![a] Amen. Romans 9:1-5
COMMENTS: I have noticed how consistently satan has tried to destroy God’s
people and God’s plan over the years. The names have changed, but seems like
every generation since Adam has tried to stop or destroy God’s plan and the
individuals and people who have followed Him. They have all failed but that hasn’t
slowed or stopped satan’s attempts. There has always been someone willing to
embrace his lies and try again. For awhile it appeared they would win and at
times appeared to come close, but all have failed. That is so encouraging to us,
especially when it appears today evil is closing in from every side. We have His
promise we will win if follow Him. He has a perfect track record and satan has a
perfectly track record of defeat. So why doesn’t satan give up or surrender? As a
male, I can understand and relate to the foolish path pride has guided me and so
many others down in past. God has a way of humbling the proud, and am so glad
He has corrected me early in that path instead of late on that path. How about
you? I have noticed, from the example of my parents and 44+ years of marriage,
the things that tend to distract or mislead men tend to be better discerned by their
female mates. I can testify Arlene’s discernment has helped me greatly over the
years and can see how Debbie’s has for her family as well. A wise man is one who
recognizes that and learns to rely and follow his wife’s wisdom, ref. Psalm 31. The
blessing of a wise godly wife and mother is tremendous. God will so bless us if we
let Him, but wisdom always seems to follow obedience, doesn’t it? Stop and
reflect how and who God has put in your life to give you wise councel. Learning to
listen and appreciate good advice, especially when you want to follow another
path, is key to truly being obedient to Christ, isn’t it?

9/13/2022 A Time to Reset 13

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40
One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.10The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.11The wealth of the rich is their fortified
city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.12Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.13To answer before listening— that is folly and shame. “
Proverbs 18:9-13
COMMENTS: Proverbs is a powerhouse of wisdom I so appreciate and tap into
often. Today’s verses are no exception. God gives us so many examples of
balance and predictable cycles. Each day begins after rest and returns to rest.
Each day brings a new beginning and rest from day’s labors and opportunity to
repent and seek forgiveness but also plan and pray for next day’s labors. A time
of rest and refreshing but also reflection and prayer and planning empower to be
ready for next day’s labors. God rested on the 7th day after His week of creation.
We are not told He was weary but that He took time to enjoy His labors and
evaluate and determine His labors were good. Did He have any doubt? Of course
not, but He took time to enjoy His labors. He has designed us to do so too.
Consider this. If God enjoyed resting and enjoying His labors, do you think He
would enjoy doing so with us after our labors? Do you not think He has designed
us to want His companionship as we rest and reflect on our labors too? Is it not
one of the 10 commandments to honor the Sabbath and keep it Holy? Today I am
reading and reflecting on a devotion I wrote exactly 7 years ago.
I wrote “Arlene and I are planning our first trip to Hawaii. A dear friend of our
daughter, Debbie – Elizabeth, came over last night with Debbie and helped us pick
and plan for activities and sights to see on each island while there. She was there
for 3 years. She did a wonderful job and shared a flood of experiences and
information. Yet sharing them with my life partner and wife, who I deeply love is
and will be so much richer and enjoyable than witnessing them alone. Shouldn’t
we consider sharing our lives with God makes both Him and us so much happier
and satisfied. If sharing enjoyable experiences together is so much better, how
much more important and needed is sharing hardships and grief / loss, and
sickness together. If having a spouse to share such with makes all the difference,
than how much more important is it to include our creator and God closely with us
during such times too. He is not the enemy but our most trustworthy and closest
friend and supporter. Yet only He is able to defeat our enemy bent on destroying
us and defeating God. We are in the middle of that battle, like it or not, but we are
there because we chose to be, not because God wanted it to be so. Someday soon
that battle will be over and we will enjoy someplace more wonderful than Hawaii
in full and eternal relationship with our God and Creator and dearest Friend. Our
Hawaii trip will only make us long for that time more and be more passionate in
sharing that Good News with our family and friends and daily acquaintances.”

9/14/2022 God Is on Time 14

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward
us . . . . 2 Peter 3:9a
“2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Confirming One’s Calling and Election
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of
him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great
and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 PETER 1:2-4
Did you know “I promise” is not found in the Bible? The implication is that when God makes promises,
He doesn’t have to add the words “I promise” to convince the hearer that He means wh
COMMENTS: II Peter 3:9 reminds us God is trustworthy and has our best interest
in mind. Our reading also reminds us God knows what we need and has provided
all we need to live already. Yet, we are also reminded He does not desire any to
perish so is longsuffering to give us every opportunity to repent and turn to Him.
Last evening we started a new bible study, which was well attended – 10. Is
going to be a lively and meaningful study and discussion. We will be dealing with
a lot of very controversial subjects like abortion and homosexuality as well as a
multitude of other sins, some of which may be considered “harmless” or
acceptable. Fully trusting God as well as accepting His definition of sin and
following His path is the journey this study is going to be guiding us on. One of
the one minute audio files Jim Miller has been sending many of us is called “1000”.
Narrative is of a man who died and was met at heaven’s gate by an angel who said
he would need 1000 points to enter heaven. Man started going over all the good
deeds he had done, included being a doctor saving the lives of thousands and
going to church and being kind to others and being generous. Each item he said
only got him a point or two and after he had used every experience he could think
of, he only had 7 points and needed 1000. The angel then said if he had only
received Jesus’s sacrifice for his sins, he would have been able to use Jesus’s
points, which would have been more than enough. His deeds fell short of the
requirement. Our does too…
The normal human default is to believe hard work and decent living is enough or
to be more good or better than one other or even most others is sufficient to get
into heaven, but scripture is clear: Jesus is the only way (John 14:6) and receiving
His forgiveness and accepting His sacrifice as the payment for our salvation is the
only way to heaven.
Be glad it is because there is no other way possible or sufficient or even easier.
He made it easy and simple as well as complete.

9/15/2022 Secrets Aren’t for Sharing 15

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to
our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29
“ Then Job replied to the LORD:
2
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be
thwarted.3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke
of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.4
“You said, ‘Listen now,
and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’5My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.6Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
JOB 42:1-6
COMMENTS: The D – Day invasion of Allied forcese into Europe and the
development of the f I rst atomic bomb in 1945 required carefulliy
detailed planning but with only a few knowing details or existence of such
a plan, but once that plan was implemented, knowledge quicklyi became
global.
God only reveals needed details of His plan and for a perfect purpose. His
timing and way and sequence are perfect both strategically and effectively.
It is not always helpful for us to see ahead and know His will too far, so He
gives us the final conclusion to encou rage us and give us confidence to
trust Him while withholding details needing to unfold along that path.
Today’s devotion is a reminder that God is indeed in charge and is following a
perfect plan. A plan we do not know nor understand. Just as the invasion plan of
1944 into Europe was not fully known by the soldiers going into harm’s way. They
trusted and followed the orders they were given without knowing the plan they
were supporting. Yet, by following those orders the plan that brought victory was
realized. God doesn’t need us to obey Him in order to fulfill His plan, but we
desperately need to follow His plan so the benefits and blessings His plan brings
can be realized in our lives and in the lives of those we care for and are affected by
our actions. The reasons for keeping secrets are varied but most often are to
protect the vulnerable. The reasons why God withholds full revelation of His will
from us are not clear, but certainly is in order to protect and help us to become
stronger, more like Him, and to be in deeper and closer relationship with Him. I
firmly believe God desires so much to be in closer and more frequent relationship
with Him, and that motive causes Him to withhold and delay responses to our
requests in order to draw us closer to Him. At the time we all would rather He not
delay, but in hindsight we will realize just how vital it was He respond in His time
and way. I am reflecting on some examples from my past that so beautifully
reflect and prove that truth. How about you? Are you in the middle of such a
situation right now and are wondering when He is going to respond? If so, there
is no better way of preparing for His answer than to be in frequent and fully
focused prayer to Him. That fellowship is not a necessary evil but a beautiful –
wonderful end that life’s experiences are only intended to draw us into
experiencing and enjoying. If we truly enjoy fellowship with Christ, we will not
have to be forced or dragged into it by desperate or difficult experiences. We will
want to be with Him more anyway. What if the only time we would go to our
spouses was when we wanted something. How well would that work??? Isn’t our
relationship with Christ to be far closer than even with our spouse?

9/16/2022 The Long View 16

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the
day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
“ 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been
called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” ROMANS 8:28-29
COMMENTS: There are truths to remember: It is God’s purpose to grow His
children into the image of His firstborn Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).
That growth happens consistently and continually, even when we think the
opposite of growth is happening (Romans 8:28). We will grow up to full
maturity in Christ—God has promised it (Philippians 1:6). All growth
requires nurturing. If we provide the nutrients of obedience and
faithfulness, God promises He will grow us up in Christ. When you look for
spiritual growth in your life, don’t stand patiently in front of a mirror. Take
the long view—trust in the promises of God’s Word—and you should see
the evidence of God at work in your life over time. “Measure your growth
in grace by your sensitiveness to sin.” Oswald Chambers
We have all gone to family reunions or other such gatherings and noticed
how much familiar children have grown and changed. We will notice a
child’s growth from a month earlier, but may not if see that child each day.
Likewise, we may not notice positive change in ourselves (or negative
change) because of how gradual it is. Yet if we look back and evaluate
victories (and defeats) over sin and our sinful natures, we begin to notice
the affect of being in close relationship with Christ (or lack thereof). From
my own life, I have noticed a direct link between how well I reflect Christ’s
character and how much time I spend with Him each day. Even yet, I find
it difficult to sustain the level of fellowship with Christ I need in order to
achieve the level of obedience I know He is calling me to. I know He is
passionate toward each of us and longs for continual fellowship with each
of us. That fellowship is not limited by Him but by each of us. When I
allow life’s business or distractions to limit or substitute for time He is
calling me to spend with Him each day, I then begin to wither and my
heart begins to grow cool towards Him. There is no shortcut or substitute
for spending time with Him each day. Past examples like John Wesley
would spend 2-3 hours in prayer and devotion each morning as well as
taking breaks during day for further fellowship. The more he had to do,
the more he would spend in prayer. Yet, he was able to accomplish more
than if he had used God’s time for those daily tasks. That is a lesson to
you and me, but a lesson not learned once but a lesson requiring revisits
frequently – even daily. From God’s perspective, sins much closer to us
like lying, anger, indifference, prejustice, laziness, judging, hatred, harsh
words, jealousy, selfishness, lack of love…, which are just as sinful and
painful to God as murder-adultery-stealing… When we compare ourselves
to Christ, we begin to realize just how sinful we still are and how far short
of His example we still are living. No we must not judge others, but we
dare not justify or compromise on the goal – the Christian life – He is
calling us to live either. We can only achieve that if we put and keep our
eyes on Him and not on each other. So how to we love sinners without
condoning their sins nor speak out against their sins without condemning
them? Truth is, Christ continues to be the example to show us how. He
showed love and respect for harlots and “tax collectors” without
condoning their sin. We must learn to do the same. I am in the early
stages of learning how to do that and am sure you are too. Keeping our
eyes on Him is the only way to do that, but we also need to begin
discussion as a church as to how to do that, so we as Christians and we, as
a Church, can and will have a unified and stronger voice.

9/17/2022 Sand in the Snake Oil 17

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we
are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8
56 million adult Americans are claiming no or atheist religious affiliation, an all-time high. Almost a third of those are self-described atheists. Before you grow too discouraged over these trends, remember
what the early church faced. The New Testament Christians were a
small, despised minority, unpopular, opposed, and often persecuted.
The government pressured them, and their culture looked down on
them. They were reviled. But they were also resolved. These stalwarts
held to their convictions and changed the world. God’s people have always been yeast in the dough, salt in the wound, light in the darkness,
and sand in the snake oil of secularism. There’s no silencing a Christian
who, like Esther, is willing to speak the truth with the attitude, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). The apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is
Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). In Christ, we can uphold
our convictions, whether in life or in death—whether anyone else does
or not. “If I live, well, praise the Lord. If I die, well, praise the Lord. If
I live or die, my only cry will be: Jesus in me, praise the Lord.” Ray
Hildebrand
Looking back to a devotion I wrote 7 years ago, I wrote “We have begun a new bible study at our church last Sunday evening. The study is
called “A Compassionate Call to Counter Culture” by David Platt. It is
going to be a challenging and compelling study. The amount of work –
study – personal reflection and devotion required during the week is
significant but is already spurring me to seek a better understanding of
God’s perspective w.r.t. our sins and us as living created children, as
well as a greater understanding of the example Christ showed us to follow as we interact and minister to each other. Our daughter, Debbie, is
already being impacted by the study positively. Some wounds coming
to the surface relate to how others have reacted to our attempts to outreach as well as how other Christians have. We all want so desperately
to be accepted by others, especially those we look up to. Scars of past
mistakes or poor judgment or discernment or prejustice are wounds
that have never healed and still come up to the surface – creating very
strong negative emotions. Such continues to hinder our willingness or
openness or even our understanding of how we are to reflect Christ’s
example. Errors in discernment and response to others can and do last
a lifetime long after offenders have died and continue to limit or stop
our effectiveness in outreach. I see such in my own life and am sure
you too. Yet we have the responsibility to repent our own failings and
be open to heal God so wants to give us. Healing that will not only
bring us to a closer relationship with Him but also to a more effective
ministry to others. You and I need to not allow the sins and mistakes of
the past to be repeated. Joy in our faith walk and the souls of a fallen
world are in the balance…. “
Studying scripture and bible study books, like listening to sermons, is
much like consuming a healthy meal. We forget the mean but it’s nutrition strengthen our body and enable us to work or play or do acts of
kindness or obedience to God or …
That work or service or even play can and will have eternal impact on
ourselves and others as we expose ourselves and obey God’s direction
and guidance. How do we know what and where we are to go and do in
response to God’s leading? Well, that may be easier and clearer some
times more than others, but being available and responding as see opportunity is a good starting point.

9/18/2022 A Time to Reflect 18

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV)
COMMENTS: Traveling to beautiful distant places is a wonderful way of
making family and even worshipful memores, but there are also plenty
of inspiring – beautiful – reviving places closer to home than you and I
may realize. “Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man
has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
Charles Dickens
We have had sunny – beauatiful weather more frequently this summer.
Resulting in slower growing grass but also slower growing crops too.
Devistating wildfires out west ravaged many homes and businesses but
also even the redwood parks and wooded forests as well.

9/19/2022 If You Have a Pulse . . . 19
So [Gideon] said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the
weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” Judges 6:15
11 The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the
Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the
Midianites. 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with
you, mighty warrior.”
13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all
this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about
when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has
abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel
out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon
replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am
the least in my family.”16 The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will
strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”17 Gideon replied, “If now I have
found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to
me. 18 Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it
before you.”And the LORD said, “I will wait until you return.”
19 Gideon went inside, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah[a] of flour he
made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he
brought them out and offered them to him under the oak.
20 The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place
them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. 21 Then the angel
of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread with the tip of the
staff that was in his hand. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the
bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared. 22 When Gideon realized that it was
the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of
the LORD face to face!”23 But the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You
are not going to die.”24 So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it
The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
25 That same night the LORD said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s
herd, the one seven years old.[b] Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut
down the Asherah pole[c] beside it. 26 Then build a proper kind of[d] altar to
the LORD your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole
that you cut down, offer the second[e] bull as a burnt offering.”
27 So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD told him. But because he
was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the
daytime.28 In the morning when the people of the town got up, there was Baal’s
altar, demolished, with the Asherah pole beside it cut down and the second bull
sacrificed on the newly built altar!29 They asked each other, “Who did this?”
When they carefully investigated, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”
30 The people of the town demanded of Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die,
because he has broken down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.”
31 But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, “Are you going to plead
Baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to
death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone
breaks down his altar.” Judges 6:13-31
COMMENTS: God used a poor English cobbler to translate the Scriptures
into many Indian dialects. He used an arrogant assistant to the President
of the United States to reach prison inmates for Christ. He used an
uneducated fisherman to be the chief of Jesus’ disciples. He used the
captain of a slave-trade ship to write the world’s best-known Christian
hymn. He used a Hebrew murderer to deliver the descendants of Jacob
from slavery in Egypt. And God also used a young farmer named Gideon to
deliver Israel from the gathering armies of Midian. When he was called,
Gideon’s response was predictable: “Me, Lord? I am from the weakest clan
in the tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least of all the people in my father’s
household!” God never ceases to confound humanity. Even when He
chooses a smart person from the top tier of society (like Charles Colson or
the apostle Paul), He breaks them and humbles them to make them
“usable.” We would probably have never chosen such a person to begin
with. Throw out all your ideas about who God can use. If you belong to
Him and have a pulse, God can use you for His glory! “God uses men who
are weak and feeble enough to lean on Him”. J. Hudson Taylor
Scriptures give us countless examples of how God prepared those
unprepared people to do His work. Gideon was weak and afraid. Joseph
was young and inexperienced. Daniel was too, as was Moses. Some
received their preparation quickly while others took many years. Some
required emprisonment or pain or sickness or responsibility but all
required spending time with God in fellowship and prayer and surrender.
All had prayer and sufficient trust and faith to fully surrender to His time
and way. Some like King Saul failed to wait and failed miserably while
others like Daniel and David trusted and made an eternal difference. God
honors the humble and faithful but brings down the confident arrogant
proud. Chuck Colson achieved much to be proud of but such pride allowed
errors in judgment and motive and discernment which left him vulnerable
to destruction. Yet the outcome was not just time in prison but a humble
spirit of surrender that prepared him for many years of effective ministry
that did make an eternal difference. His time in the white house might
have been envious but what he accomplished for Christ after continues to
reap benefits which continues to make eternal differences in the lives of
those he impacted and lives those he impacted continue to make. It is a
lot easier to decide to surrender to Christ when we have no other option
and when we are flat on our back powerless to get up looking straight up.
Whether was wait til we get to that point, or surrender to Him before we
make choices that cause us to end up flat on our backs, surrender and
obedience to the path He shows us must happen if we are going to fulfil
the mission – the purpose God has created us to do. In His time, it is not
too late if we get a very late start, but it is still better if we start early in
our lives. I started early but wasted so much time along the way. How
about you? Well, we need to surrender so we don’t waste or delay any
longer. Time is growing short before He returns to find us faithful or
unprepared…

9/20/2022 Do They Serve Macaroni Salad in Jail? 20
Be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23
“6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share
all good things with their instructor.7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A
man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become
weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the
family of believers.” GALATIANS 6:6-10
COMMENTS: A few years ago, the owners of a restaurant called Build-ABurger in New York State called the sheriff’s office to report their cash
register was missing. Deputies checked a nearby hiking trail and found a
steady trail of macaroni salad. Hansel and Gretel didn’t leave a better trail;
and within a short time, a gang of three men was captured and charged
with theft. It seems that along with the register, the men had also swiped
a large bowl of macaroni salad. Whenever we sin, we leave a trail of
crumbs. The Bible says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for
whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Proverbs
28:13 says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever
confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” God’s justice may be
delayed for now but is undeniable in the end. The entire unbelieving world
will face the judgment of a righteous God one day, and there is no escape
except through the grace of the Lord Jesus. Don’t try to cover your sins; let
Him cover them with His precious blood. “Do you wish to know the secret
of the failure and the wretchedness
Today’s scripture and story is not pleasant to read or hear, because it
forces us to recognize and admit our past sins and our ever so present
sinful nature and inclinations. We would rather hid or deny our sins than
deal with them the proper way, the best way, the way of forgiveness God
has so freely made available to us. Is it better to deny the cancer growing
in us and drawing the life out of us and act and live as though it doesn’t
exist, or to admit we have cancer and seek out the doctor and hospital that
know how to treat it which have the best track record for curing it? But
sin is not an acceptable word in today’s society and in the US today
particularly. To use the word “sin” to describe the wrong we do, or even to
judge what we do as wrong, is to be viewed as judgmental or even criminal
– a hate crime. We do see sins like murder or rape or theft as being far
worse than lying or hateful words. We can more easily see the harm done
to others more clearly. But in God’s eyes all sins are equally harmful and
sinful. So for us to identify specific actions as sins, based on God’s Law
revealed to us in the Bible, we can define such actions as sinful without
judging or condemning individuals. However, we also need to identify our
own actions as equally sinful too and in need of God’s grace too. Is our
cancer any less dangerous and life threatening than another’s? If we seek
God’s healing hand, should we not try to guide others to the same healer
too? Yet our motives and attitude when offering the Good News does
make all the difference, doesn’t it? To do so with a judging attitude can
even be sinful and do much harm too. So what are we to do? Well, I am
becoming more convinced the answer is to put and keep our eyes on Christ
and be in a prayerful attitude continually so we do not respond in a
judgmental or sinful way, but in a way reflecting Christ’s character and
Grace. When He dealt with the harlot or the murderer or the tax collector,
He did not ignore or condone their sin but gave them a way back to life and
forgiveness. A way to a new life with joy and life and meaning. A way that
did not say they could continue doing what they were doing without being
condemned but a way to a better life. Scripture gives us plenty of
examples of how He did that and the change that happened. He didn’t
condemn them. They knew they were condemned if they did not change.
He offered them a way out – a way to new life and they took it. The rich
man turned away still in his sins, but the beggar received his healing and
began a new life. So which is the hate crime? Is it recognizing sinful
behavior and offering a way out or is it denying or ignoring the sin and
allowing others to continue in their sin without knowing the way out?

9/21/2022 God of the Impossible 21
14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers
of the law arguing with them. 15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed
with wonder and ran to greet him.16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.17A man
in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has
robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the
mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they
could not.”19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How
long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw
Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around,
foaming at the mouth.21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”“From
childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can
do anything, take pity on us and help us.”23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for
one who believes.”24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome
my unbelief!”25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure
spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter
him again.”26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so
much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him
to his feet, and he stood up.28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him
privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.
[a]”.” Mark 9:14-29
COMMENTS: The word impossible occurs 9 times in the New Testament but not to good things from
God but from bad. Below show what I mean:
 Matthew 17:20: “Nothing will be impossible.”
 Matthew 19:26: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
 Mark 10:27: “With men it is impossible, but not with God.”
 Luke 1:37: “With God nothing will be impossible.”
 Luke 18:27: “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Hebrews 6:18 tells us it is impossible for God to lie, and Hebrews 11:6 adds that without faith it is
impossible for us to please Him. How important to cast our impossibilities in God’s hands. Just as He
parted the sea for Israel, reversed the events in Esther, raised Jesus from the dead, and converted
Saul of Tarsus, God is capable of reversing our irreversible problems. “You cannot bring a burden too
heavy for God to lift or a problem too hard for Him to solve or a request too big for Him to answer.
God does things no one else can do.” Michael Guido
Mark 9 is a reminder to us of importance of faith and prayer and dangers we expose ourselves and
family to when we don’t develop and use these gifts. I especially noticed Jesus’ response to his
disciples in vs 28-29 when asked why they could not throw out the spirit. Jesus said prayer is required
first. Since Jesus was in constant fellowship with the Father and constantly in an attitude of prayer,
He was prepared and ready to do so. We think because Jesus is also God, He was able to do this for
that reason. But remember, He left His power when He took on human form so had to receive His
strength and ability from the Father like we do. That is a great mystery. He was able to live a perfect
life because He was in perfect and constant fellowship with the Father, not because He was God
already. That is very hard for me to comprehend too, but He chose to do this so we could see what a
life in constant fellowship with God would be like and also so He could be a legitimate sacrifice for us
– one who could have sinned but chose a path to be a perfect sinless sacrifice. I am taking a bit of
time to let that soak in and would encourage you to do the same. How awesome is that!! Well, how
could Jesus separate Himself so completely from God the Father to need to be in fellowship with Him
through prayer like us in order to gain the strength to resist temptation. Since He is God He can do
anything, even separate Himself from the Father and become so human to need to re-establish that
connection like us. OK, that is as far as I can explain it so you will need to think about that awhile.
That means we have a long way to go in our relationship and level of prayer needed in order to be
more like Him. You and I will never reach that level of fellowship in this life but can certainly be a lot
closer to His example than we currently are. Such insight is drawing me into seeking a deeper and
more frequent fellowship with Him in prayer. If John Wesley was able to pray 2-3 hrs each morning,
my 30 minutes (and sometimes less) will no longer cut it. How about you? Likewise, how I view the
resources God gives me – my time, finances, possessions… will likely change as well. Will you take
this journey with me and see what and where God will lead us to?

9/22/2022 A Time to Recharge 22
30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then,
because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he
said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”32 So they went
away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:30-32
COMMENTS: “If your output exceeds your intake, your upkeep will be your downfall.”:
There is a lot of truth and wisdom to that statement. I don’t know it’s origins but suspect
it’s author both experienced it’s truth in his own experience as well as experiences of many
he knew. Borrowing against tomorrow’s income to pay for today’s purchases or debts does
not pay good dividends financially nor with time or relationships with family or friends or
business acquaintances. Good intentions are not enough to bring good outcome from
flawed plans and actions. Only God can and does provide consistent wisdom and solutionshelp that exceeds the best of human expertise and wisdom. Only God can and does know
the future and has control of that future.
Life has a way of overwhelming us at times. We start out our days with a long list of
things to do or places to go or people to see, never seeming to accomplish all we set out to
do. Between jobs, kids, grandkids, church, family, activities, let alone things that need
fixed or maintained…. the list goes on. It is no wonder taking a day of rest and including
time to worship in Church has all but disappeared for most in America, including those
who think they are Christian. It is so easy to put off rest and recharging our physical and
especially our spiritual batteries, not because we think they are unnecessary but because we
think we can’t afford to spend time on them. Today’s scripture showed us even Jesus
would take time to rest and encourage his disciples to take quality rest. But work has a
way of following us and it followed Jesus too. Yet rest doesn’t have to be a long period.
The time of rest took them to a place where they could do a great miracle, the feeding of
the 5000. If rest includes Jesus, the rest will be effective and also be productive. Church is
a place of rest and recharging but also a place where God does miracles, not the least of
which is changing and healing lives and feeding our deepest needs. To not take time to rest
is unproductive and destructive. How can we sustain productive work without rest? Yet,
how much of what we judge vital work will not even be noticeable in a few days or week.
The other extreme is excessive leisure and indulgences, which is also rampant in our
culture. Learning and redefining what are necessities and what are luxuries are what I’m
spending some time contemplating. Excesses and luxuries chain us to needless work and
waste resource (in time and money) that God indeed may intent to bless others instead.
How much debt is caused by necessities and how much by luxuries or non-essential things
that we simply want but don’t need? That is a question we should all put some thought in
answering and see what God may be asking us to give up or give away to free us up and
enable us to re-channel resource to work and blessing of more eternal value. Things weigh
us down and demand attention and money and time maintaining. They rob our resources,
our time, our strength and energy, both physically and spiritually. Our bible study on
Sunday evenings is challenging us to rethink what are necessities and seek ways to
streamline our lives of things in order to be more generous and free up resources to indeed
do His work and follow His calling more effectively.

9/23/2022 Denial Changes Nothing 23
And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 1 Corinthians 15:17
“13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into
the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the
forgiveness of sins. “ COLOSSIANS 1:13-14
COMMENTS: Ostrich’s are known to bury their head in the sand to avoid or escape danger. Of
course, doing so exposed them to greater danger since they prevent themselves to escape or run from
danger.
As a human, I realize how easy it is to ignore or deny or avoid conflict related to relationships or
difficult issues. I have never been one to seek or address conflict head on. My natural reaction is to
either avoid conflict or delay conflict seeking a more peaceful way. Yet experience has taught me
avoiding conflict is seldom a good answer. Yet it has helped me to respond with better thought out
responses instead of emotional responses. Yet all too often I delayed response longer than I should
have. The result tends to be emotions and opinions more cemented or hardened but there has also
been times when cooler emotions allowed better thinking in response of both myself and others. So
what is the optimum length of time between confrontation and response? Well, there is no one
answer or one right answer, but delayed responses normally shouldn’t be delayed for long. Yet if we
are in an attitude of prayer, we can’t help but be better prepared to give a proper wiser response
soon and not later. Yet when that response needs delayed due to needed time for others to be more
open to receive, discernment of that requires a divine help too, right? “A soft answer turns away
anger” is an important verse but let’s read Psalm 15:1-4 “A soft answer turns away anger, the tongue
of the wise adores knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish gush folly. The eyes of the Lord are
everywhere, keeping watch over the good and evil. The soothing tongue is the tree of life, but a
deceitful tongue crushes the spirit”. This Psalm is full of profound / wise instruction good for
discernment each and every day. If we truly have faith and are willing to use that faith to trust God,
than we need to work to be in continual relationship with Him and be willing to respond as He guides
us. I can recall many times I have responded with that level of input and also many times when I
faced conflict unprepared because I have allowed my relationship with God to grow stale. There is a
huge difference in how I dealt with those situations and how much I struggled recovering. How about
you? Well, we know what we need to do going forward. Our relationship with God is our number
one job and assignment. Everything else we do or relationship will have hinges off how well we
nurture our daily walk – relationship with Christ. We may indeed face the level of persecution
countless millions of Christians do in other parts of the world, so how well we prepare in meantime
will make all the difference in the level of courage and wisdom we experience then. It is not too soon
to prepare. The preparation will enpower us to respond well in less threatening situations as well as
when life changing choices need to be made. Could that be today, we won’t know until tomorrow…

9/24/2022 Love Your Enemy 24
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and
pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Matthew 5:44
“4 “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to
return it. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down
under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it. “ EXODUS
23:4-5 COMMENTS: Loving our enemies seems like an
impossible command, but our scripture reading from Exodus helps us better understand what God is
commanding us to do. To do acts of kindness or consideration just for those we like and not for those
we don’t is the difference He is pointing us to. The difference He is showing and commanding us to
do. Such reflects Christ’s own example but also other examples from scripture, especially Joseph
towards his brothers, Daniel towards his captors, and David towards King Saul. Such demonstrations
give credibility to the Gospel and to the change Christ has made in our own lives. We seek
opportunities to witness and make a difference but demonstrating this can be and needs to be the
loudest and most consistent witness we show and say. Our daughter has demonstrated this, as step
mother to two boys as well as to their mothers, making an impact that has taken several years to start
to bring noticeable positive results. Those results are starting to be evident in the lives of those who
know her and her family and those affected by past poor choices. Yet this example, like those from
scripture, tell us to keep true even when results are not seen for years. God is not promising us
immediate results or even result that we will see in our lifetime, but He is promising us He will be
faithful to bring those positive results if we are true to doing our part. We are asked to partner with
Him in doing His will and bringing salvation to any and all who accept Him. He prepares hearts to
receive, but we can have a part in that miracle too. It isn’t easy for us to wait for those results –
especially if takes years. Why years? Well, our wills are not easily changed and God’s plan may
involve a lot more than just changing one person, which may indeed require more time and
preparation that we see or understand. Yet the truth is, 100 years from now, will it matter if results
take 5 years to happen or 50 years? Just as long as they happen this side of the grave, right? Taking
the eternal view, like God has, is not easy nor appealing because we want results from doing
unpleasant work quickly. But unpleasant work is sometimes what God is calling us to do and is work
we need to do in order to grow in strength spiritually (as well as physically) too. Hard painful work
builds muscles that otherwise would not strengthen. That is true spiritually too…

9/25/2022 Leave Room 25
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is
Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19
31 For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede.32 Their vine comes from the vine
of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah.
Their grapes are filled with poison,and their clusters with bitterness.
33 Their wine is the venom of serpents,the deadly poison of cobras.34 “Have I not kept this in
reserve and sealed it in my vaults?35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay.In due
time their foot will slip;their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes
upon them.” DEUTERONOMY 32:31-35
COMMENTS “Getting even” is what children and teens learn and become very good at very early and
naturally, but takes a lifetime to overcome. Why is forgiveness so hard for us and so foreign to our
thinking? Why is it so much easier to treat others the way they treat us and instead of returning good
for evil. I have to say I have rarely been mistreated or unfairly, but has happened now and again. I
still feel the urge to respond in kind when I am even mildly mistreated or in my thinking unfairly.
Nearly every time in past when I experienced “unfair treatment”, it was better understood and
justified when I discovered reasons and causes. Yet, I’m quickly reminded how unfairly Christ was
treated and how unfairly Christians are treated in much of the world. I then conclude how blessed
and protected I am and feel ashamed for having an attitude less than of gratitude. I have so much to
be grateful for but realize just how pampered and protected I have been my whole life. How about
you? Yet when I see the growth in the lives of Christians I know who have experienced hardship or
sickness or tragedy, I see a maturing and strength I still seek and am striving for. Yet, God has showed
and guided me and see significant growth in my walk with Him. That growth has come as He showed
me my own faults and failings and showed me more of His nature and character. I see the lives of
Christians I admire and desire to be more like them. More forgiving, more serving, more giving, more
compassionate, more…. Christ like. Yet I can see how much others are struggling and don’t seem to
be learning from the consequences of past or present sins and wonder why. Yet wisdom is not
something anyone, including me, can comprehend or experience without surrendering to Christ’s
Mercy and Grace. So how do we guide others, especially those in our own family, to submit to Christ
and allow His grace to guide them to His wisdom without judging or appearing to be critical or judging
or “Holier than thou”? I struggle with that and in past have tried to balance that fine line by erroring
too far on side of tolerance and also too far on side of being too critical. Yet, as I look more closely at
how Jesus dealt with harlots and “tax collectors” and Roman centurions, and …. I see how
compassionate and insightful He was to their innermost longings and pain and offered them real
healing and hope and a real choice instead of condemnation. Yet, when it was refused, like the rich
man who would not give up his love of money, he went away lost missing out of the Grace Christ
offered. Yet I think I give up too easily when encounter resistance instead of preparing for a long term
investment of time and compassion. That is something I’m praying about and seeking guidance and
strength to improve my willingness to endure resistance from family and neighbors and continue to
witness to them whether they embrace or are indifferent nor show any evidence of change. Planting
seeds and letting God prepare ground and water those seeds in the lives of others is His job, not ours.
Ours is simply to keep on planting seeds and investing the time and patience and energy we are called
to continue. Demonstrating forgiveness is a big part of planting seeds and investment.

9/26/2022 Worry Killed Him 26
But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry…. Mark 13:11
“16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd
as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed
over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my
account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them
and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to
say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will
not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
MATTHEW 10:16-20
COMMENTS I believe we are quickly going into a time that will apply as well as the time
Matthew was referring to then. God was preparing Matthew for a time of worsening
persecution that was already difficult and dangerous. God wasn’t telling Matthew to hide
or store up food and other provisions in bunkers or to arm himself so could defend his
family. God wasn’t telling Matthew to go hide in a foreign and safer country. God wasn’t
even telling Matthew to comply with what the rulers would demand of him. God was
preparing Matthew to be bold in his faith and discern so he would not be deceived. God
was also telling Matthew to trust Him and draw closer to Him. God was telling Matthew
that He knows exactly want will happen and is fully prepared and wants to guide him
safely to the other side. God is telling us exactly the same thing! When we see the storm of
temptation and persecution coming down on us, should we run or hide or arm ourselves?
He is telling us the only way to defend or protect ourselves and our families is to put our
trust in Him and stay close to Him. He will defend and protect us. We can say we will do
that and honestly believe we will do that, but the only way we can is to put our eyes and
keep our eyes on Him. To get close to Him in prayer and get even closer by spending
increasing more focused time with Him in prayer. The hymn Helen LEMmel wrote in 1922
applies so well “O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see? There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more
abundant and free! Refrain: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no
more hath dominion— For more than conquerors we are! Refrain His Word shall not fail
you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His
perfect salvation to tell! Refrain” Turning our eyes upon Jesus and looking fully into His
face is the only way to make the cares of this world fade sufficiently to do the impossible –
living a Christ like life and remaining faithful to Him especially in dangerous times as these
and coming times.

9/27/2022 BEWARE THE UNFRUITFUL MIND 27
1 Corinthians 14:13-17 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may
interpret what they say. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So
what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing
with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in
the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an enquirer, say ‘Amen’ to
your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? You are giving thanks well
enough, but no one else is edified.
COMMENTS Today I am using a new devotion study. I do prefer David Jeremiah’s daily devotions but
some days, including most Saturdays and Sundays, when it doesn’t come, so have to look elsewhere
to be able to complete a journal entry for each day of the month before the end of each month. So
am trying the above devotion. I don’t know about you, but prayer is more meaningful for me if
precede with spending some time in God’s Word. Likewise, God’s Word has more meaning if
followed by prayer. Some mornings God seems to nudge me to focus on prayer more first but usually
I’ll spend a little time in prayer before doing my journal and then focus more on prayer afterwards. I
think the key is being open to pray anytime but also being open to God so He can influence me all day
long. I feel I’m still in 2nd grade on that quest, seeing those further along that quest while seeing
progress I’ve made on that quest thus far.
At it’s best, formal education forces students to study and gain kno wledge and skills both in areas of
interest and natural abilities. To help them find and develop abilities and skills in subjects they enjoy
and that will help them have gainful employment in adulthood. But what about those subject they
do not like or see value in devoting time to learn and gain knowledge and skills in? Some students
have a passion for mathmatics or science but hate history or english. For others, english and history
is fun but mathmatics and science are a mystery. Yet the need for is important for all students.
Teachers can and do make boring subject enjoyable and exciting while others can discourage natural
interest and curiosity when they lack passion in teaching. Are we conveying passion and excitement
and joy as teachers of the Gospel – Good News of Jesus and His Love and Life and Accomplishments?
What better knowledge to know than “God loves you and me and died taking the punishment for
our sins so we don’t need to”. Jesus is preparing an eternal home in heaven for us that is more
wonderful than we can imagine. A home with Him and with loved ones we know and others we will
meet there. A home without evil and death and disease and even aging. Amen? Amen!

9/28/2022 Don’t Stay Down on Yourself 28
“ Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of
the LORD, and Satan[a] standing at his right side to accuse
him. 2 The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who
has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched
from the fire?”3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before
the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off
his filthy clothes.”Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your
sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”5 Then I said, “Put a clean turban on
his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the
angel of the LORD stood by.6 The angel of the LORD gave this charge to
Joshua: 7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in obedience
to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have
charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing
here.8 “‘Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before
you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my
servant, the Branch. 9 See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are
seven eyes[b] on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,’ says
the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will remove the sin of this land in a single
day.10 “‘In that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit under your
vine and fig tree,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” Zechariah 3
COMMENTS Today’s scripture reminds us how satan works. He entices and tempts us until we yield
to temptation. Then he allows guilt to surround us and is quick to point out how weak and sinful we
are with no hope of overcoming. Then he pounds us with temptation until we yield again. He keeps
weakening our defenses by reinforcing and strengthening each temptation and making us think we
are powerless to resist and unworthy of any external help. He tries to isolate us from those who can
help or lead us to God’s grace and draws us to those who will pull us into deeper and even stronger
temptations. Satan does this because he mostly wants to cause pain to the God he hates and wants
to defeat. He knows the only way he can hurt God is to hurt the creation He loves, especially us. I
suspect that he even thinks God might do something again like He did on the cross in order to further
help His creation and make Himself even more vulnerable to satan’s attacks. Satan is so full of himself
that he probably won’t believe or accept the prophecies telling of his doom. Yet even if he believes it,
he still thinks even judgment is appealing because he’ll have the majority of people to rule over,
people who God will not be able to rule over. Does that sound like someone you want to spend
eternity with or do you want to spend eternity with an all powerful God who loves you above all else
to great sacrifice to Himself? Today’s scripture also reminds, in Zachariah’s vision, Joshua bore
responsibility to yielding to sin satan had tempted with, but also reminds us Joshua still had a choice
to accept redemption and a new and fresh path to a pure and forgiven future. Yet Joshua had to not
only accept that redemption but begin walking in that path and forsaking his sinful past. Satan kept
telling him he was not worthy or strong enough, but God was reminding him sufficient help was at his
fingertips too. God is reminding you and me the same. Don’t you sense and fell that same battle in
your soul often too? I know I do…

9/29/2022 THINK LIKE ADULTS 29
1 Corinthians 14:18- 21 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I
would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. Brothers
and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. In the
Law it is written: ‘With other tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.’ (NIVUK)
Most of the people in the church were adults, and yet Paul urged them to stop thinking as children and
grow up. Strong, almost insulting words. It was because their worship meetings had become dominated
by people speaking in tongues. God’s Word took a low place and the enjoyment of their spiritual
experience took over. It was like children playing with precious family treasures, without realizing their full
significance.
The Apostle often spoke in tongues. But he would choose to restrict his use of the gift to the time when he
was in private with the Lord (Matthew 6:6). The church needed to be built on truth and not mystical
experience. The local church was modelled more on the synagogue than the temple; it was a place for
learning God’s Word – without which there is nothing to obey and the door to evil is wide open.
In the Old Testament, God knew His people would stop listening to the prophets so He promised to send
His message of judgement through the foreign invaders (Deuteronomy 28:49), whose language they
could not understand. But the task of the church is to proclaim the gospel in a way in which it can be
understood – leading towards salvation and away from judgement.
It is natural for children to only think about themselves. Without instruction they will not know right from
wrong. As adult believers we delight in being a part of the Body of Christ where fellowship should be
sweet and serving the Lord is wholesome. And yet we naturally drift back to assert our personal agendas.
That is why the church needs to be a place for learning as well as worship, discipleship as well as
heartfelt devotion. Pray for your church leaders that they will ensure that priority. Pray for yourself, that
you will desire to be an actively learning disciple. Pray for those outside of Christ, that they may hear the
gospel clearly and respond in repentance and faith, through your personal ministry and that of your
church.
Prayer: Father God. I am glad to be Your child but know I must grow up in understanding Your will for
my life, and how You want to work through me. I am sorry for not giving priority to Your Word, allowing
myself to be carried along by the familiarity of church life. Please enable my leaders to keep Your Word
as a priority and teach me how I can best please You. Equip me to be of use to You in building Your
church. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
COMMENTS Above is a scripture that meant so much to me as a teen. I went through a time in my
late teens and early 20’s when I was trying to understand what it meant to be filled with the Holy
Spirit or be “Sanctified” as I was taught by my sister’s church “Wesleyan Methodist Church” or a best
friend’s church “Nectarine Church of God”. The Wesleyan church didn’t preach tongues but the
Nectarine taught and practices tongues. I struggled not seeing an ability to live a “perfect life” in
myself or those who were sanctified but believed God was requiring me to. I went through a time
believing I was not able to speak in tongues because I was still not living in obedience to Him. Satan is
so sinister in his skills in putting us down or beating us up or keeping us from God, but God can and
does use even satan’s tricks to draw us closer to Him especially if we are still open and seeking Him.
That I was and grew out of those years to better understand God is so far above and wiser that us we
simply can’t understand His ways. I am reminded of Isaiah 55:8-9 “”For my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Over the years
I’ve never received nor have been able to use the gift of tongues, but God has revealed so much to me
and spoke to me in many ways and times. If this has ever been a struggle for you, I would encourage
you to seek the “best” gift God has for you instead of coveting gifts that may be what God has chosen
for others. To trust He will give us what we need most is part of learning to trust Him and be satisfied
with what and when He gives us. It may not be what we want but it will surely be what we need
most.

9/30/2022 A Time to Rejoice 30
“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to
you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in
the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will
come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will
not escape.4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this
day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and
children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So
then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and
sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get
drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on
faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For
God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our
Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep,
we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and
build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Final
Instructions
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work
hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish
you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in
peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those
who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be
patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for
wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone
else.16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.19 Do not quench
the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold
on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.23 May God himself, the God
of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and
body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one
who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy
kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the
brothers and sisters.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” 1 Thessalonians 5
COMMENTS Today’s passage, I Thess. 5, is a very important one needing time to let it’s significance
and truth and revelation sink deep into our souls. What is that message? “Rejoice always, pray
continually, give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t
suppress the Spirit or brush off Spirit inspired messages…” I think the above example of the man who
works in a perfume factory is quite insightful. What if we were so absorbed in prayer and devotion
and fellowship with Christ that the “aroma of His presence” was noticeable and enjoyed by everyone
who came near us. What would that be like and what would we be like? What if we were like that
every day without exception especially during times when things weren’t going well or thru times of
tragedy or grief or discouragement? What would that be like? How can we grow to the point of being
like that? Do you want to live like that? Do I? What are we willing to sacrifice in order to live that
way? Do we really want to? I am reflecting and asking myself those questions and encourage you to
as well. Sure we want to live a Christ like life and make a positive difference in the lives of our family
and friends and all we cross paths with, but what are we willing to give up in order to do that? What
things consume our time that we would give up in order to spend more time with our Father in prayer
and devotion and in service? We see our days as being so full and so much of our days filled with
duties like jobs and families and church that are important and do make a difference. So where do we
find time to do more, let alone find the energy reserve to do more? I see how busy our daughter is
with job and family and all their activities and needs and wonder how she can sustain such a pace, but
she does. But God called her to times of fasting and prayer and a deeper fellowship with Him. By
doing so, we are so excited by the insights and refreshing God has given her, empowering her to not
only do more but to do what she has been doing with more energy and joy and efficiency. Instead of
trying to find time and energy for Him, how about we learn to seek Him to give us energy and time for
the rest of our day first. Abraham Lincoln once commented it is better to spend 4 hours to sharpen an axe and then to spend 30 minutes to cut down a tree instead of taking 15 minutes to sharpen and axe and then the next 5hours trying to cut down a tree. The energy and time needlessly wasted simply because we don’t let the Father inspire – energize – sharpen – guide us first. I am certainly guilty of that and can recall countless examples.
Times when I did take time to seek His help first made a huge difference, yet I still have to force
myself to do that. What has been your experience? How about taking some time for reflection too….

One final thought before I close September’s journal. You might have heard of the 4 blood moon
prophecy or the “Harbinger” or “Mystery of the Shemitah”. These prophecies and books point us to a
coming time of God’s judgment and economic disaster. They also point to 7 year and 50 year
economic cycles. Now is the time all these signs are pointing to. But only a mild correction in markets
has happened thus far. I had decided to at least heed the warning and put retirement funds in the
most conservative investments a few months ago but are still taking our trip. Truth is, the best path is
the one Christ guides us, no matter if during plenty or poverty – peaceful times or times of crisis or
strife. BEING FOUND FAITHFUL WHEN HE DOES RETURN IS VITAL!! We simply do not and are not
permitted to know when He will return. But we are told, and signs are pointing to, it being soon. We
also know today is one day closer to His return than yesterday was. Each one of us believes He will
return before we die. Some devout Christians, including my own parents and sister, were convinced
He would return before they died too. But they did die first. But that doesn’t really matter. They are
in Glory and Christ is still coming. The longer He tarries, the more opportunities others will have to
repent and receive His mercy. I truly believe that is why God has tarried this long. That is certainly
worth waiting for. What if He had returned before you and I accepted Him? What would have been
our futures? So when we pray and long for His return, let’s keep that in mind too, especially if we
have loved ones who still have not accepted Him yet. Matthew 24:22 “If those days had not been cut
short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” That will
need to be what drives us to seek His quick return. So all who will accept His mercy will have every
and all opportunities to do so. I am torn too. I long for Him to return and put an end to the suffering
and evil while still seeking so many I know not ready. Time is short but a time is quickly coming when
it will be too late. I don’t know about you, but such reflections are calling me into a deeper and more
frequent fellowship with the Father. Instead of stalking up water and food in a bunker or stuffing our
money in a safe, that is where preparation needs most to happen….

As previously, below is the Gideon Bible Reference I have been included in
monthly devotions for some time. I decided to continue including this for
benefit of new readers and to continue to make it accessible to any and all
who read and share this journal. I encourage you to use and share as God
directs. If you wish to contact me or access more devotions, below is link to
access.
In His Service,
Don McDaniel
Email: dmcdaniel12@zoominternet.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Don1951
If you wish, you can access my blog at “https://donsdevotions.wordpress.-
com”. There you will find 650 blog posts I have made plus a link to my devotional journal material archives from 2013 to present (https://donsdevotions.-
wordpress.com/2016/03/02/link-to-dons-devotional-journal-entries-2013/ )
You may also access my Facebook page and request to be my friend and automatically receive my daily journal publications daily. My Facebook page is:
https://www.facebook.com/Dondevotionals/ Many thanks to a pastor and dear
brother in Christ in Nepal who set up the above Facebook page to help and
encourage and give opportunity for more to explore and use my devotional
blog materials.
My hope and prayer are, my blog and devotional materials will become a
source of encouragement
GIDEON BIBLE REFERENCE SCRIPTURES:
HELP IN TIME OF NEED:
 The way of salvation: John 14:6, Acts 16.32, Romans 10:9
 Comfort in time of loneliness: Psalm 23, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 13:5-6
 Comfort in time of sorrow 2 Cor. 1:3-5, Romans 8:26-28
 Relief in time of suffering 2 Cor. 12:8-10, Hebrews 12:3-13
 Guidance in time of decision James 1:5-6, Proverbs 3:5-6
 Protection in time of danger Psalm 91, Psalm 121
 Courage in time of fear Hebrews 13:5-6, Ephesians 6:10-18
 Peace in time of turmoil Isaiah 26:3-4, Philippians 4:6-7
 Rest in time of weariness Matthew 11:28-29, Psalm 23
 Strength in time of temptation James 1:12-16, 1Cor. 10:6-13
 Warning in time of indifference Gal. 5:19-21, Hebrews 10:26-31
 Forgiveness in time of conviction Isaiah 1:18, 1Jn, 1:7-8
SUGGESTED READINGS (HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS):
 The creation Genesis 1-2
 The fall of man Gen 3
 The flood of Noah Gen 6-9
 The call of Abraham Gen 12:1-9
 Deliverance of Israel from Egypt Exodus 11-14
 Dedication of the temple 2 Chronicles 5-7
 The Babylonian Captivity of Israel 2 Chr. 36
 Revival of Israel after captivity Nehemiah 8-9
 Promises of the coming Messiah Isaiah 9:2-7, Ps22, Is.53
 The Birth of Christ Mtt1:18-2:23, Lk1:26-2:40
 The Triumphal Entry Lk19:28-44
 The last supper Mk14:2-26
 The Garden of Gathsemane Mtt. 26:36-46
 The Betreyal of Jesus Mtt. 26-47-56
 The arrest and trial of Jesus Jn 18:12-19:16
 The death of Christ Lk 23:26-56, Jn19:16-42
 The resurrection of Christ Lk24, Jn20
 The ascension of Christ Acts 1:1-12
 The coming of the Holy Spirit Acts2:1-21
 The conversion of Paul Acts 9:1-31
 The heroes of Faith Hebrews 11
SUGGESTED READINGS (SPIRITUAL STANDARDS)
 The 10 commandments Exodus 20:1-17
 The sermon on the mount Mtt 5-7
 The golden rule Mtt7:12
 The greatest commandment Mtt 22:36-40
 The righteousness of Faith Romans 3:19-28
 The Royal Law James 2:8, Romans 13:8-10
 Christ’s New Commandment John 13:34-35
 Christian love 1 Cor. 13
DYNAMIC DOCTRINES
 God’s greatness and man’s weakness Isaiah 40
 The two fold Revelation of God Psalm 19
 Man’s universal guilt Rom 1:18-2:16
 Atonement Leviticus 16, Romans 5
 The new birth John 3
 Justification by Faith Eph 2:1-10, Gal 2:16-21
 Christ, the Good Shepherd Ps 23, John 10:1-18
 Christ’s intercession for His Own Jn 17, Heb 7:25
 The High Priestly Work of Christ Heb. 7:25, Heb. 4:14-16
 Christ’s Humiliation and Exhaltation Philippians 2:5-11
 Resurrection of the Christian Dead 1 Cor. 16, 1Thess. 4:13-18
 The second coming of Christ Mtt 24, 2 Thess. 1:7-2:12
 The Last Judgment Rev. 20:10-15
 The New Heaven and New Earth Rev. 21-22
PRACTICAL PRECEPTS:
 Christian Home relationships Eph. 5:22-6:4
 A model wife and mother Prov. 31:10-31
 Marriage and divorce Mtt 19:3-9, Malachi 2:14-16
 The sin of adultery Prov. 6:23-33
 The prodigal son Luke 15:11-32
 Employer-employee relationships Col 3:22-4:1
 Business and prof. principles Ps15, Prov. 3:1-12
 Seperation of worldliness 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1, 1 Jn 2:15-17
 Decisions of doubtful things Rom.14
 Christian fruitfulness Jn15
 Heavenly wisdom James 3:14-18
 Christian responsibilities Rom. 12-13
 Christian stewardship 2 Cor. 8-9
 Christian witnessing Mtt 28:18-20, Jm17:18-20
 Prevailing prayer Mtt 6:5-15, Philippians 4:6-7
 Heavenly priorities Mtt 6:25-33
 Brevity of man’s days Ps 90
 The causes of war James 4:1-4
 The value of the soul Mk. 8:36-37
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT:
 ITSELF: 2 Tim. 3:15-16 , Psalm 19:7
 GOD: Psalm 99:9, 1 Tim.1:17, Isaiah 45:21-22
 MAN: Gen. 1:27, Gen 2:7, Isaiah 43:7
 HEAVEN: Rev.21:3-4, 21:27
 SIN: Romans 5:12, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23
 HELL: 2 Thess 1:8-9, Rev. 20:15
 CHRIST –HIS ADVENT Micah 5:2, Mtt.1:21-23, Lk 2:10-11
 CHRIST – HIS PERSON John 10:30, 14:6
 CHRIST –HIS WORK Lk. 22:19-20, 1 Peter 2:24, Col.1:14, Isaiah 53:5-6
 CHRIST-HIS RESURRECTION Lk. 24:36,39, 1 Cor. 15:3-4
 FAITH Acts 20:20-21, Heb. 11:6, Eph. 2:8-9
 LIFE John 3:3, 1:12-13, 3:36, 2 Cor.5:17