1/1/2023 The Priceof Worship 1

1.Ibeseechyou therefore,brethren, bythemerciesof God, that you presentyour bodiesalivingsacrifice,holy, acceptable to God,which is yourreasonableservice.¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.^[c] Do not be conceited.¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[d] says the Lord. Romans12:1,12-19

COMMENTS: Today is the first day of 2023. The beginning of another new year with resolutions to change and promises to “turn over a new leaf”. But how do we implement and sustain the changes made and promised to make? Changes that include turning from past sinful habits and behavior, changes that include giving of time and money to charitable organizations and to relationships with family and friends, giving time to our relationship with God and obedience to His instruction and commands? Well, following God brings great lasting benefits but comes at a cost and sacrifice that long term is beneficial but short term may be hard to give up and missed.

I have concludedit is best toresolve tofollow Him dailyandcommit todevotionandprayerdaily. Well, if youarewilling,let’s embark ona fresh yeartogetheras we also reflect on all God has done for us in 2022 anticipate what Godhas forus in2023 both inwayof blessings andtrials whichare allopportunities to shine forHim.

Iwillbereflectingonmiracles Godhas done inmylife andin our familyoverlast 3+decades andencourage you toreflect onmiracles Godhas done foryou as well. How about joiningmeinthat reflection overnext few days andestablish a time eachmonthfor reflectionandreview. The hymn“Count yourmanyblessings,seewhat God has done” wonderfullyexpresses that reflection ina form of worshipful

praiseandsinging. I am consideringprintingoutit’s words andmakethat a daily reflection. Anattitude of gratitude andan

awareness of God’s help inpastempowers us toserve Him withrenewedfaitheachdaysoneeds to be an importantpart of ourdailydevo tion. If you think that a good idea,wouldencourage youtodothe same..1 When uponlife’s billows youare tempest tossed,When youare discouraged,thinkingall islost,Count yourmanyblessings,namethem one byone, And it willsurprise youwhat the Lordhathdone. Refrain: Count your blessings,name them one byone,Count yourblessings,see what Godhathdone!Count yourblessings,namethem one byone, Andit willsurprise youwhatthe Lordhathdone.2 Are youeverburdenedwitha loadof care? Does the cross seem heavy youare calledtobear? Countyourmanyblessings,every doubt willfly,Andyouwillkeepsingingas the days goby. 3 Whenyou look atothers withtheirlands andgold,Think that Christ has promisedyou His wealthuntold; Count yourmanyblessings. Wealth canneverbuyyour reward inheaven,nor yourhome onhigh.4 So,amidthe conflict whether great orsmall,Donotbedisheartened,Godis overall;Count yourmany blessings,angels willattend,Helpand comfort give youtoyourjourney’s end.

Story: This beautifulhymnwas writtenbyone of the prolificgospelsongwriters of the past century,a Methodist laypreachernamedJohnsonOatman.Inadditiontohis preachingandthe writingof more than5,000 hymntexts,Oatmanwas alsoa successfulbusiness man,engaged ina shipping business andinhislater years asanadministrator fora largeinsurancecompanyinNew Jersey. Itis goodforeach of us periodicallytotake time torediscoverthe simple but profoundtruths expressedby Mr. Oatmaninthe fourstanzas of this hymn.

1/2/23 Worthy of Sacrifice? 2

Now thelordsof thePhilistinesgathered together to offer agreatsacrifice to Dagon theirgod, and to rejoice.And theysaid: “Our god hasdelivered into our handsSamsonourenemy!“Judges 16:23

I Samuel 5:2-7 “ ² Then they carried the ark into Dagon’s temple and set it beside Dagon. ³ When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. ⁴ But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. ⁵ That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor any others who enter Dagon’s temple at Ashdod step on the threshold.⁶ The Lord’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation on them and afflicted them with tumors.^[a] 7 When the people of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, “The ark of the god of Israel must not stay here with us, because his hand is heavy on us and on Dagon our god.”

COMMENTS:

Samson pulled down the columns supporting Dagon’s temple and crushed more Philistines than he had killed in battle. Later, when the Philistines captured the ark of the covenant from the Israelites, they put it in Dagon’s

rebuilt temple — right next to the idol. The next two mornings, the Philistines

found Dagon laying face down on the ground before the ark. The Philistines

returned the ark to the Israelites! Dagon’s impotence raises the question:

Should we sacrifice to or forthat which is unworthy of sacrifice? Clearly

Dagon was unworthy. What about examining our own lives? Is everything we

sacrifice to or for worthy of what we are sacrificing? IfJesusChristbe God

and died forme, then no sacrificecanbe too greatfor meto make for Him. ”

C.T.Studd

Thelawofthe LORD isperfect, convertingthesoul.Ps. 19:7

One day John Strait (father of singer George Strait) distributed Gideon Bibles in a prison in Dilley, Texas. A prisoner accepted one, but later when another worker, Jerry Horn of San Antonio, visited, the inmate needed another copy. The pages were all gone from the

old one; only the covers remained. “What happened?” Jerry

asked. The prisoner replied,”I used them to make cigarettes.” Jerry brought him a new copy and witnessed to him. The prisoner received the Lord as Savior and signed his name in the book, indicating his decision. After getting out of prison, he went to school and became pastor of a Texas church. “He had a new Bible, a new life, and a new way of living,” said Jerry. Tomorrow turns the page on a new year. The liberating message of God’s Word is ours every moment. The devil may attack us, but we have the Sword of the Spirit. The world may tempt us, but we can hide God’s Word in our hearts. Let’s turn the calendar with our Bibles in our hands and the joy of the Lord in our hearts. “Be always at war with your vices,at peacewith your neighbors,and let eachNewYear find you abetter man.” BenjaminFranklin

Think back at times Godhas shown you He is realandmore powerfulthananythingelse. That ishardtorememberwhen He is out of sight and otherinfluences are present.Scripture is full of examplesofIsrael’s kings and people followingHim faithfullyandthenforgettingandturningintosintime aftertime.Wewonderhow theycoulddothat andforget Godso easilyespeciallywithcountless examples of consequences of suchbehavior?Yet wealsoare amazedthat Godtime after timeis so eagertoforgivethem iftheyask witha repentingheart. Wemaysaywehaven’t seenanymiraclesto convince us God is near.Is it a greatermiracle toheala diseaseortochange a sinfulheart?What Goddesires to dothe most,I think,is what He does the most often. What is that?I thinkit is creatingnew life and changingsinfulhearts.Whatdoes He dothe most oftenandwithleast amount of persuasionfrom us?It is creatinglife and changinghearts.There are over315 million people inUS. When I was born(1951)it was about 150 million. In 1951 there were 500 millionpeople inChina. There are now1.4 billioninspite of efforts tostoppopulationgrowth.Polls say80%of USpopulationsayare Christian.Yet number

of “bornagainChristians”is much harderto identifybut is a muchsmallerpercent but stilllikelya much largerquantitythan in1951.Conversely, in1960’s and1970’s the numberof Christians inChina wasverysmallandwere severelypersecution. The government was determinedtoexterminate ChristianityinChina bytrackingdown andeitherconvertingorkillingany Christians they found duringthose years.In spite of that todaythere are 150 millionChristians inChina and is growing faster there than inUS oranyother free country.Godpromises to forgive andcome intothe heart of anyone whoasks.As we approachthe endtime,scripturetells us therewill bea fallingawaydueto hardness of men’s hearts but that therewillalso be a reviving.His gospel willnotbe stopped!! We canrefuseHim andwillbe lost but historyand His Word tells us He is longsuffering.Yes,I believe He loves to create andforgive/re–create.I have heardthe followingexplanation of the Trinity:

“ The Father created the house (us), the Son remodeled the house , the Holy Spirit does the daily house cleaning ” .I like that andtells me God provides allweneedtosucceedinthe Christianwalk includingwalkingalongwith us “Emmanuel–God with us”doingwhat wecan’t.

1/3/23 KnowingtheGodWe Worship 3

Then Mosesand thechildrenof Israelsangthissong to theLORD, and spoke,saying:... “TheLORDismy strength andsong, and He hasbecomemy salvation; HeismyGod,andIwill praiseHim.“

Exodus 15:1-2

COMMENTS:

knowing about God and knowing God Himself. After Moses led the Hebrew slaves across the floor of the Red Sea, out of the reach of the Egyptian army, he led them in a song of worship to the God who had just delivered them from death. For understandable reasons, their song was sung in personal terms: “The LORD is mystrength … my salvation; He is my God” (Exodus 15:2, italics added). Up until this point, they had learned about God through the plagues on Egypt. But their knowledge had suddenly become personal! People who know the works of God in their own lives are the ones who worship with the most meaning. The next time you are involved in worship, consider what God has done for you personally. If worship does not changeus it hasnot beenworship. RichardJ.Foster

AroundtheCornerHislordsaidto him, “Welldone, goodandfaithfuL

servant;you havebeenfaithful over afew things,Iwill makeyourulerover many things.Enterintothejoy ofyourlord.“Matthew25:14-30

It’s easy to prepare when we know what’s coming. The lord in Jesus’ parable entrusted his servants with money, expecting them to be wise stewards. Only two of the servants understood their purpose. The third decided it was easier to avoid the risk of investment;he feared failure and the wrath of his lord. Obedience requires a measure of sacrifice. When God calls us to something new, we easily focus on the unknowns or the difficulty of the path. Like t he third servant, we forget the rewards of serving our Lord and His purposes. The truth is: We serve a generous God. He delights in giving us opportunities beyond our capabilities. He has promised to equip us, and remain with us through each bend in the road. Although we may not know what is around the corner, we can trust the One who called us. He is our comfort and courage, sustaining us through difficulty and rewarding us generously. God does notdelight in our sufferings. Hebringsonly that which isnecessary,but Hedoesnot shrink fromthat which willhelp usgrow.

AsIreflect on today’s scriptures and devotions,Iam reminded just how helpless weareand howdependent weareon God’s mercyand provision, whetherwe recognizeand admit it or not. Oh,butifwerecognizethat truth and express our gratitude and close fellowship with Him,how richereachday is. Iam also thinking back nearly 10 years ago when a young couple in our church, Jessica and Scott Richard, 2 year oldson Levi, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor and had surgeryyesterdayto removehis tumor and LHkidney. Theytook him to children’s hospitalin Pittsburgh whentheynoticed a growth, but heappeared fineto us on Sundayduring worship. Weareall praying for him and parentsbut also helps remind us how dependent weareon Him. Whythesetrials comeour wayand to some morethan others is a mysterybutallcanand are intendedto draw us closerto Him and willmakeus stronger ifwe letHim experiencethetrialwith us. Look back and seehow God hasbeen involved with you in past– memories help makeus strongerto face futuretrials.Hopewe haveis “around thecorner” Hewill sayto us “welldonegood and faithfulservant”

1/4/23 Never-EndingWorship 4

You areworthy,OLord, to receiveglory and honor and power;for you created all things,andbyYour will they exist and werecreated.Revelation4:11

COMMENTS:

It is worth remembering that our modern word worship comes from the Old English word weorthscipe,or “worthship” — meaning to ascribe worth to someone or something. So when we worship God, we are reciting the reasons He is worthy to receive our praise:

“We worship You because….” The psalmist David wrote, “I will call upon the

LORD, who is worthy to be praised?” (Psalm 18:3).

Just before those words, he lists the reasons God is worthy: God is his rock, fortress, deliverer, strength, shield, stronghold, and the horn of his salvation. The apostle John heard these words in heaven: “You [Jesus] are worthy … for You were slain, and have redeemed us” (Revelation 5:9). Worship is always attached to worth. The question becomes, Is God only worthy on Sunday mornings from 11:00 a.m. until noon? Do the reasons God is worthy go away when we leave church? Or is God always worthy to be worshipped

because He is always our rock, redeemer, and so on? The answer is Yes —

God is always worthy. The question then

is, Are we always worshipping Him? If God never ceases to be God, our worship should also be never-ending.

Worship isChristian living.Dick Lucas

^{“HewhohasGodand everythingelse has nomore than he who hasGodonly.” CSLewis}

ANewYear toEmbraceChangeBy faith Abrahamobeyed whenhewascalledto go out to the place which hewouldreceiveasan inheritance.And hewent out, not knowing where hewasgoing.

Hebrews11:8

A lot of us need a change of pace this year; but what we’re really having trouble with is the paceof change. All change — even the good — is hard. It involves adjustment,

moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar, from the settled past into the

unknown future.

As Anatole France said, “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy;for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.” We can embrace change by knowing we serve an unchanging God. At the beginning of this new year, we confess with Joshua: “We have never been this way before.” But our faithful, changeless Lord will show us the way to go, guide us at every juncture, bless us at every step, and provide goodness and mercy every day of our lives. Let’s not dig

in our heels and cling to the past. Heed the words God gave to Joshua:

1/5/23 Never-EndingWorship 5

“Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you …. As

I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Joshua 3:5, 7). Everyoneis infavor

of progress;it‘schangethey don‘t like.

COMMENTS:

InThe Mentor, ^{I think bothdevotionalstietogetherfor thefollowingreason.}

^{If welook back} at 2022,we havea lotof evidence of God’sloving/protecting

/allpowerfulhand. He isworthy of our praise andworship…Ifwelook with

anticipationinto2023, wedon’thave aclue whatliesahead– prosperityor

poverty,health orsickness,afullyearof life or ourdeath or thedeath of a

loved one. Yet,likeAbraham,weneedtofollowthepathHe liesbeforeus

givingHimourtrust, obedience,and ourpraiseandworship. As CSLewis

notedabove,we have no less if we only have God than if wehave God and

everything.Let’spersevere prayingforthose we love in2023

Recently a church in Ohio received a $93,000 water bill in the mail. It wasn’t because of conducting too many baptisms; it was a mistake on the part of the utility company. A spate of similar bills arrived in mailboxes all over the town of Girard, Ohio, leaving city

officials in hot water . The Lord didn’t send Elijah a bill for his food and

water in 1 Kings 17. The rugged prophet had courageously confronted King

Ahab, announced a drought on the land, and retreated to a safe place where

the Lord sent him food by the ravens and gave him water in the brook. The

Bible commentator Matthew Henry observed that God provided for Elijah

using unlikely caterers, and “the provision was plentiful, and good, and

constant, bread and meat twice a day, daily bread and food convenient.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things,” referring to food, clothing, and shelter. Look around you today and notice how wonderfully God has provided for you. Remember to thank Him. Remember to praise His name. Hewhocould furnish atable in thewildernessand make ravens thecooksandserverstoHisprophetisableto supplyallour need according toHisriches inglory. MatthewHenry(paraphrased)

1/6/23 WORSHIP WITHOUT END 6

In his book on leadership, Robert K. Cooper credits his grandfather, Hugh Cooper, Sr., a minister and teacher, for the wisdom needed for success. One of the best lessons involved the practice of pausing amid the busyness of life to contemplate whether we’reproceeding the right way. “When my grandfather Cooper and I planted trees,” he wrote, “he would stop every half hour or so. Reaching into his pocket, he would take out a small compass he carried. I always knew what he would say next: ‘Robert, let’s stop and get our bearings.'” It’s not enough to be busy. We must make sure we’re keeping our bearings in Christ. As you go through the day, the month, and the year, remember to periodically pause to check your priorities and get your bearings. Take time to pray and ponder. Set aside time for Bible study and personal meditation. Pull over at rest stops. Pause often to remember who you are, where you’re going, and the God you’re serving. Take time to be holy,becalmin thy soul, each thought and each motivebeneath Hiscontrol.

^{William D.LongstaffCS} Lewis said“Godpluseverythingisnomore than

Godplusnothing”.Ihavemade gratitude myword for 2023 soamlearningif

haveanattitude of gratitude,thanIammuchlesslikely tothink theworst

whenencountermistakeslikeinabovedevotion orifsomeonesnapsatme

becausetheyare havinga badday. Ialsoamdiscoveringstoppingtoget

ourbearingsisimportantandstopping tocountmy blessingsisa goodway

todoboth. Thechorus“Count youmanyblessings”isbecominga valuable

way of generatingagratefulheart whenIfeeltheflame of gratitude fading.

Itisreallyhardtosustainanything. Wearemorepronetosustainangerby

going over offencesfromothers thanweare tosustainforgivenessbygoing

over theblessingGodprovidesfor us. Ihavefoundthattobetrueforme,

howaboutyou? Well, ifyouandIsubstitute blessing ^countingwhen

^{temptedtodothatasa choiceandactof will,Ibetatyear’sendwewillfind}

^itmorenatural tobeforgiving. Whatdoyouthink?

Well,our churchspent much timepraying forLeviRichards

along withhisparents Scott&JessicaandsisterSydney–seekinghope and

healing… Ten years later Levi is a healthy 12 year old still cancer free.

Hundreds of people prayed for him. Did those prayers make a difference?

YES and they still are! What other blessings and yes, miracles, are you

grateful for. Grateful for God’s answers to prayers!

Recomm

^{1/7/23 GRATEFUL HEARTS SING hIS P R AISES BETTER THAN THE BEST VOICES 7}

COMMENTS:

Corrie ten Boomtoldof anoldmonkwho sang every ChristmasEveforhisbrothersinthe monastery. His voicewas rough, but he loved theLordand sang fromhis heart.One year thedirectorof thecloister said, “I’m sorry, Brother Don, wehaveanew monkwho hassuch abeautifulvoice... hewill singthisChristmas.“Thenewfellowsang beautifullyand everyonewas happy.But that night an angelcameto thesuperiorandsaid, “Why didn‘tyouhaveaChristmas Eve song?” Thesuperiorreplied, “Wehad abeautiful song,didn‘t youhear it?” The angelshook hisheadsadly.“It may havebeenveryinspiringto you, but we didn’t hear it in heaven” Rememberthat God ismore interested in “heart” than “art“inyour singing–– orinwhatever ministry you possess.Hegivesus talentsto showcaseHisgrace,notour glory. Whateveryou do, doitasuntothe Lord and for Hishonor alone.Thepersonwhofears God seeks to live all of lifeto theglory ofGod …. Alltheactivitiesof lifeshould bepursued with theaimof glorifying God.

Godis moreinterestedin“heartthanart”. I’msogladfor that . CorrietenBoomhasalways beensomeoneIadmiredandwantedtomodel.I don’tenvythehardship she wentthruduring terribletimesof Nazirulebut doenvy howwellshelearnedtoforgive andpickup the callGod hadforherafterthat.Ihavereadherstory and at leastone ofherbooks, which touched andinspiredmeaswellascountlessothers.Ikeepseekingexamplesof thosewhoenduredgreat hardshipsandgrewtobemightywitnessesfor Christ. YetacommoncharactertraitIseeisaattitudeof gratitudeandpraisetoChrist.Suchanattitude keeps generatingapower andenergyand tends tobe contagious tothose who are exposedtothem. Thatis whyIam concludinggratitudeisachoicethat fuelsour abilityand desire to praiseandworshipHimandenablesus to bethewitnesses Hewantsusto be. EventhoughI’ve come to thatconclusion,I haven’t quitefiguredouthowtoimplementthatbut knoweventheywould have been quick toadmit theydidn’t have itfigured outeither. However,Ican ^{see theywere furtherdownthe roadthanI.Oneofthe things Iamenjoying aboutretirement,especially} duringthewintermonthswhen outsidework(otherthansnowshoveling)are limited,ishavingmore time todelveintoGod’sword andprayerand pondertheseissues. HavenToday’s broadcast is promotingaprogramofreadingthruthebiblein 90days.Itsounds likeanimpossible task.However,I knowfromhaving audiobibleCD’sthat ittakes reader72hrs toreadthruthe bible so thatwouldmean less thanan houra day.Truthisif youandIread 12pagesper day,wewillhavereadthruthebiblein 90 days.Intent istogetabroaderperspectiveof scriptureandfine tune disciplineof bible readingand devotions.Ihavetakenchallengeandhavestarted doingmy12 page/day reading.

1/8/23 WorldWithout End 8

Iwill sing ofthemerciesoftheLord forever;with mymouth will Imake knownYour faithfulnessto all generations.

Psalm89:1RecommendedReadingPsalm92:1–4

COMMENTS:

Themorewe studytheBible,themorewe want to sing.Ourheartsbecomeavirtual doxology.Theword doxologycomesfromtwo Greekterms:Doxo,meaning praise,and– logos,meaning word. It‘sa word or aburst of praise. Themostfamousdoxology was written in 1674 by Thomas Ken, andbegins:“PraiseGod,fromwhomall blessingsflow.”It‘soneof theoldestEnglish hymns; but asdoxologies go,it‘sthenew kid on theblock. Theoldest doxology still commonly sungis theGloriaPatri. Accordingto Basil theGreat, portionsoftheGloriaPatri werebeing sungasearly asthetimeof Clementof Rome, whodied around A.D. 100. If youdon‘t knowtheGloriaPatri, you canstill utterits words asaprayer of praise to our TriuneGod:“Glory betothe Father and to theSon and tothe HolyGhost.Asitwas in thebeginning, isnow,andever shall be–– world withoutend. Amen.“

Amen!When anon-singer becomesaChristian, heor shebecomesasinger.

Ronald Allen, inWorship:Rediscoveringthe MissingJewel

Soundthe AlarmThey werehearing only,“He [Paul] who formerly

persecuted us nowpreachesthefaith which heonce tried to destroy.“And

theyglorified Godinme[Paul].Galatians1:23–

Acts9:1–22

Rarelynoticed, they perch unobtrusively onceilings.Weforget theyarethere.Smoke detectors’ two basicfunctions aresensing smokeand soundingan alarm. Peopleare like smokedetectorsin that they rarely change.Mostwill drift throughlifewithout soundingan alarmor drawing attention to themselves.Paul wasdifferent.

He was loudin hispersecutionof Christians.WhenPaul wasconverted, peoplewereinstantlyawareofthechange.Suddenlythismanwho formerly huntedandkilled Christianswaspreaching Christ. Hewas associating with and befriending Christiansas hisnewfaith changed both hisactions andhispriorities.Thechange in hislifesounded an alarmthat couldnotbe ignored.

When we believe in Christ,we arechanged fromtheinsideout. Our entire life

becomesatestimony of what He has

done. Eachdayholdscountlessopportunitiesto soundanalarmand influence those aroundus.Wecanbeencouraged knowingthatour daily actions and wordsaredeclaring Christ totheworld.Christ notonly died for all: Hedied for

^{each.BillyGraham}

1/9/23 Tough QuestionswithRC Sproul 9

IfGod isall–powerful,thenwhydoes he allowsuffering? Acontroversial bookonthismatter wastitled When Bad Things Happen to Good People.Acommonobjectionto religionis,Howcananybodybelieve in God inlight ofall ofthe suffering that we see and experience inthis world? JohnStuart Mill raised this classicobjectionagainst the Christianfaith:IfGod is omnipotent and allowsall thissuffering,then he is not benevolent, he is not akindhearted God, he is not loving.And ifhe‘slovingto the whole world and allowsall thissuffering,thenhe‘scertainly not omnipotent.And giventhe fact ofevil,orthe fact of suffering,we can neverconclude that God isbothomnipotent and benevolent.Asbrilliant asJohnStuart Mill is,I have to demurat that point and lookat what the Scripturessayabout these things.Keep in

mind that fromabiblical perspective,suffering isintrinsicallyrelated to the

fallennessofthisworld.There was no suffering priorto sin.I interpret Scripture

to saythat suffering inthisworld ispart ofthe complex ofGod‘sjudgment on

the world.Youare asking, Howcan arighteousjudge allowacriminal to suffer?

Howcan ajust judge allowa violent offenderto be punished? The questionwe

should askis,Howcan a just judgenot allowpunishment forthose who have

committed actsofviolence orcrimesofanysort? Behind that questionalways

standstheholinessofGod and hisperfect righteousness.Ourunderstanding of

God isrooted and grounded inthe teaching ofScripture that he isthe just Judge.

The Judge ofall of the earthalwaysdoesright.Inthe ninth chapterofJohn,the

Phariseessayto Jesus,“Whywas thisman bornblind? Wasit because ofhissin

orthe sinsof his parents?”Jesussaid, “Neitherone.“We can‘t come to the

conclusionthat anindividual‘ssuffering in this world isindirect proportionto

that individual‘ssin. That waswhat Job‘sfriendsdid whentheycame to himand

tormented himbysaying,“Boy,Job, you‘re reallysuffering alot.Thismust be an

indicationthat you‘re the most miserable sinnerofall.” But the

Bible saysthat we can‘tuse such a formula.Thefactis,ifthere were no sinin

the world,there would be

no suffering. God allows suffering as part ofhis judgment, but healso uses it for our redemption—toshapeour characterandbuild up our faith.BIBLE GATEWAY-devotion11/12/13

God’s CallingWho hassaved usandcalled uswith aholy calling, not accordingtoour works,but according to

Hisownpurpose and gracewhich wasgiven to usinChristJesusbeforetimebegan.

2Timothy1:9Jeremiah1:4-5

When we buyanew car, it comeswith an owner‘smanual.That manual representsthe manufacturer‘swill for us–– what todo, and not do, with thecar. Sometimeswewish God hadgiven usauniqueowner‘smanual for ourlifeso we wouldknow Hiswill every day.

There’s no indication in Scripturethat God gives anyone step–by-step directions forlife(except in rarecircumstances –– seeActs 16:7).But God doeshaveacallingand purposeforusontwo levels:general andspecific.Generally, God‘swill for our life iscontainedintheBible. What iswritten in Scripture isGod’swill and callingfor every Christian. Specifically, aswedeepenour walk with Christ, God makes knownHiscalling on ourlife individually. Aswegiveover ourtalentsand abilitiesto Him, becomeawareof our spiritual gifts and remain

submissive to Hisleadingand blessing, Hiscalling on ourlifewill becomemoreand moreevident. Just asGod told

certain biblicalcharacterswhat Hewantedthem to do, Godwill tell usaswell if wearesensitivetoHisvoice.

“Christiansare in theworldto bewitnesses,and they mustconcentrateontheir calling”. PaulB. Smith

CSLewis said“God+everythingisnogreater than God+nothing”CharlesSpurgeon’s commentabove thatsicknessis more ablessingthanhealth. Why ishardshipandsufferingandeven tragedyacommon way forGodto bless those wholoveHim. If we reflecton ourexperiences andthosewho havebeenfaithfultoHim,wegetaclue.Likewise,how many rebellingagainst GodhaveturnedtoHimduringa timeoftragedyorsuffering?When911 happenedchurchesbecame fullwiththosepraying andseeingGod’s help.Wetendtoturnto God when wehavenowhere elsetoturnforhelp.Wetendto only relyon ourselves andgoourown wayduring good–prosperous–healthy– goodtimes. OldTestamenttellsofIsrael timeaftertimeturning away fromGodduringgoodtimesandfinally coming backduringcrisisorenslavement.Whydowe suffer? Becauseofoursinfulnessandbecauseisonlyway Godcandrawusbackintorelationship withHim. By naturewewon’treadthe“Owner’s Manual”unless are in troubleandcan’tfigure itoutonourown.

1/10/23 NoWorshipWithout Sacrifice 10

Iwill offer toYou thesacrificeofthanksgiving, and will callupon the nameof theLord.

Psalm116:17Psalm51

Putsacrifice at the top of thelist of wordswe‘d rather avoid.Thedictionary definessacrifice as“thesurrender or destruction of somethingprizedor desirable for thesakeof something with ahigher claim.“Wesacrifice whenwe giveupsomethingprecious,personal,orprofitable tous.Children might sacrificetheir favoritetoysforacharity drive; afirefighter or soldier mightsacrificehis or her life to saveothers.TheBible talksabout thesacrificeof praise(Hebrews13:15),thesacrificeof prayer (Psalm 141:2),thesacrificeof givingto missions(Philippians4:18),thesacrificeofabroken and contriteheart (Psalm 51:17),and offering our bodies asaliving sacrifice(Romans 12:1).Many ChristiansserveGod only when

it‘sconvenient. Wearewillingto givesomethingto Godaslongasitdoesn‘t cost

much.Weknow littleofsacrifices of thosewho haveprecededusor who are

today suffering great privations fortheGospel. But trueworship meanscounting

thecostwithout fear, andserving God without thoughtof convenienceor cost.

LordJesus,lookdown fromThythroneintheskies,andhelp me to makea

completesacrifice.Igive up myself,and whatever Iknow;now wash me,and I

shall bewhiterthan snow.JamesNicholson

ADifferent Way of SeeingFor wewalk by faith, not bysight.2Cor.5:7orinthians4:16–18

Hikingin thedeep wildernesscan be foreboding.In themorningyou may find yourselfina deepravinebetweenthesidesoftwo mountains,barely ableto glimpsethesky above. In theafternoonyou may be in arugged,old–growth forest, completely surrounded bytrees with no view ofthe horizon. In either case,you areheaded toward adestination youcannotsee.Aided by amapandcompass (andnowGPS),you trudgeonwith certain expectation of your direction. That is what theChristian lifecanbe likeat times–– walking towardadestination we cannot see, but onewhichwe have every confidence of finding. Thedestination may be in thislife–– adecision aboutvocation orour children –– orit may beeternal(Hebrews11:8–16).Either way,we haveamap(Psalm 119:105)and aheavenly Companion

(Hebrews13:5)uponwhichwe depend. Wedon‘t knowspecifically what next

week, or eternity, will look like. We

aremovingtoward destinationswe cannotsee.But that is not aproblemsincewe walk by faith, not by sight. Walking by faith meansseeinglifedifferently: trustingtheGod we cannot see(1Peter 1:7–8) forthat which Hehas yet to reveal.Walkingby faith meansbeingpreparedtotrust wherewearenotpermittedto see. JohnBlanchard

II Cor. 4:16-18 shares ourhope and confidence that anythingwe faceonearth is temporarybut havea wonderfulfuturein heavenwith Him!Anysufferingor goodtimes herewillnot last… Hebrews 13:5 gives us thepromise “Hewill not leaveorabandonus”. Heb11 remindsus Abraham left a comfortablelife and familyina pagan landtofollowthe God hejust met toa placehedidn’t know but witha promise Godwould bewith him and bless him andmake a great nation of him.Helikelywillask much less of us but willstillask us totrust Him first before He reveals His plan,but eventhenonlyone piece of His planat a time.That has beenmyexperiencetoo,how about you? Why? WellI Peter1:7-8 reminds us that Goduses this methodtotest our faithtodetermine if istrue but alsotostrengthen our faith and prepareus for greaterthings, includinga greaterstrongerrelationshipwithHim…Have youfounda betterwayto accomplish this? I haven’t eventhoughI would prefersmoothwaters iftheywouldwork, right?? Just hope the roughwaters pass anddotheirjob of preparingmequickly,right?James 5:11 reminds us of the endurance andfaithfulness of Jobbut also that God is full of mercyand compassion,so He willnotlet us sufferanylongerthan is necessarytoaccomplish His willforus

andthoseHewants to useus toreachas well…I think that brings much hopeand confidenceas facetheunknownof2014. How about you??Well,wewilleitherhave towalk down the 2014 roadnot knowingwhere it willgoeitherwith Him at ourside or without Him. I prefertowalk with Him readingthe “Owner’s Manual”and beinginconversationwith Himdailyalongtheway. Thedeepertheditches andmoreI preferto driveinthemiddleofthe road, not at the edgewhereI’m supposetodrive so will require some concentrationandkeepingthe headlights ontoavoidtraps satan willbe puttinginourpath.

1/11/23 ExpandYour (Worship) Boundaries! 11

God,who madetheworld and everythingin it, since He isLord of heaven and earth, does notdwell in templesmade with hands. Genesis12:7–8

COMMENT:

A familywith three young childrenwasfaithful toattend theirchurch‘sworship and Sunday schoolclasseseachSunday.When they wereoutof town,theparentsconductedafamily worship service using materialsthechurchfurnished. Asaresult, thechildrenwereable to maintain their“perfect churchattendance” recordfortheentire year.Regardlessof thefamily‘smotives(worship or rewards), their out–of-townpracticeillustratesabiblicalpoint: Worship knowsno bounds. Therewasatransitionwhen theChurchwasbirthed at Pentecost(Acts2).Beforethen, Jewish worshiphad beenin a sacred building: first the tabernacle, then thetemple,then synagogues in citiesbeyondJerusalem. ThenChristians beganmeeting in homesaswell asthetemplecourts(Acts2:42-47). And Peter declaredthat thenew “temple“isone madeof “livingstones” (1 Peter 2:5), affirmingthat“where two orthree aregatheredtogetherin [Christ‘s] name,” He isthere in themidstof them(Matthew18:20).Expand your boundaries!Makea point of worshipping God–– wherever youare. When weseeeven asmall glimpseof God’s holiness,we will bow in worship. R.C. Sproul

Then [God]said,“Takenow your son,youronly son Isaac,whomyoulove, and

gototheland of Moriah, and offerhimthere asaburntoffering on oneof the

mountainsof which Ishall tellyou.” Genesis22:2Hebrews11:17-19

When veteran high-wire performer Nik Wallenda took his first step on a wire stretched above Niagara Falls in 2012, he was walking by faith. The same was true the next year when he walked on a wire high above a Grand Canyon gorge. When asked about fear,

Wallenda has said, “I would say the only thing I fear is God.” Walking by faith in any arenaof life requires confidence in something. Besides confidence in God, Wallenda has faith in his skills, training, and equipment. Still, there are no guarantees. Abraham walked by faith when God told him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. But Abraham’s walk was different. His confidence was in the God who had made promises to Abraham about his future, about being the father of a great nation. The writer to the Hebrews said Abraham believed that if God didn’t intervene and spare Isaac, He would raise the boy from the dead and fulfill the promises He had made to Abraham (Hebrews

11:17-19). Walking by faith means taking steps in the direction God has indicated, trusting that He will be faithful to guide and provide. “We liveby faith, and faith lives byexercise.” WilliamGurnall

Faithisa mysteriousbut evident commodityyet onlypartlydefined. Faith drives us to doandgowherewewouldn’t otherwise go ordo.Faith is what drives us toobeyinstructionordirection.Faithis not onlydefinedbydeterminationtofollow,orlead,but also defined invalidityofwho orwhatwe’veput our faithin. Complete faith ina falsereligion or god orina personnot worthyof our faithmaybe strongandgenuine.Result willalways be same– disappointment andpainandfailure ortragedy.Reason is path is based ona falsepromiseora destinationnot worthyof that faith.When we put our faithinourskillsorintelligence orabilities,theywillbe validtools to a point but are not worthyof our entiretrust.Same goes forotherpeople.Reason is theycan’t managealltheoutside forces that impact success of our

endeavors. Likewise, is destinationgenuine? Ifit is powerormoneyoranyothermaterialgoal,even if weachieve those goals, are theyworthyof theenergyandsacrifice made andwillthey last? Ifnot,priorityandprice needs weighedagainst reward. Puttingour faithinGod is trustingin oneworthyofour faithwitha result that is eternal. Ourproblem isn’t that Godis not worthyof our faithbut our faithis not worthyof God.It seems somucheasiertoput genuine faith in otherthings than inGod. That is anothermysterythat I relate tobut nonetheless stillfindtobe a mystery. It is hardertoput my faith inGod–but maybe that is becauseHe tendstogive us goals less appealingtoourhumanityor loftierthanweare preparedtofollow.

Abraham hadgreat faith by following God’s leadfrom hispaganfamilyand homeinUr.Yet hestoppedat Haranandspent 15 years there before movingontoCanaan.Godwaitedandwas patient withhim but nonethelessresult was delayinfulfilling promiseto Abraham. Ican’t help but wonderifIsaacwouldhavebeen born15 years soonerifAbraham hadn’t waitedandmay not have beentemptedandsinned resulted in birth ofIshmael. That wouldhavechanged historyand it’s past and present battles betweenJews and Arabs / Moslems. Godwillwait onus but failingtofollow inGod’s time andwaycausesmisery.

1/12/23 ADay of GivingThanks 12

In everythinggive thanks; for thisisthewill of GodinChrist Jesusfor you.1Thess. 5:18Ephesians5:18-20

COMMENTS:

Asanexperiment, consider giving Godthanks“ineverything” for asolid day.Givethanks, not repeating “Thank you, Lord” with every breath all daylong, but ineveryevent or occurrence. Everytimesomethingnew happens––phonecall, flat tire, unexpected billto

pay,compliment, criticism, injury–– askthisquestion:“What isthere in thissituationor

event thatprovidesareason to give thanksto God?” Manypeoplehavemisread 1 Thessalonians5:18. Itdoesn‘t say “For everything give thanks,” it says“Ineverythinggive thanks.“Therearemany challengingthings that happenin lifefor whichwe don’t naturally, evensupernaturally,feelthankful. But whenwe considerthat God isour Father, that Heknowsthe number of hairsonour head (Luke12:7), and thatthedaysof our lifeareplannedbyHimaheadof

time(Psalm139:16) –– it standsto reason that thereareno accidentswith God.We know that Godis able to use even thedifficult thingsin life for ourgood (Romans8:28), to conformus to theimageof Christ (Romans8:29).

If youhaveahard timeseeingareasontothank Himfor somethingthat happens,do thenext bestthing: AskHimto show you. Noduty ismoreurgent than that of returning thanks. Ambrose TURNING POINT – dev. 11/15/13

Livingon PurposeBut [Jesus] saidtothem,“Imust preach the kingdom ofGod

totheother citiesalso,

because forthispurposeIhavebeensent.“Luke4:43John4:31–34

In 2005, when the Barna Research Group surveyed pastors and Christian leaders about the books that influenced them most during the previous three years, Rick Warren’s The PurposeDrivenLifewas the most cited book (apart from the Bible). Warren’s The Purpose

DrivenChurchwas the second most-often cited. What does it mean that two Bible-basedbooks on “purpose” sold tens of millions of copies around the world? At the very least, it suggests that Christians (and others) are very interested in discovering how to live life “on purpose.” When we say we did something “on purpose,” it means we did it intentionally; it means our actions were no accident. And if we model our life after that of Jesus Christ, we will live our life as purposefully as He did. Jesus came into the world with a purpose, a mission, from God and refused to let anything distract Him from that purpose (John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 8:28, 42; 10:37-38; 12:49).

As God sent Jesus into the world “on purpose,” so Jesus has sent us “on purpose” as well (John 20:21). Live

purposefully, not accidentally, for Christ today. “Lifecan onlybeenjoyed asone acquiresatrueperspectiveof lifeand

death and oftherealpu rposeof life . ” Spiros Zodhiates

IThess 5 :18 reflectsthepassage(5:16-18)I’vereferreda few days ago to be gratefulin bothgood and bad times as an act ofobediencetoGod. So gratitude is a choice, not necessarilya naturalreaction tocircumstances. This is anotherexampleoffeelings following choices and achoiceto begratefulwilldriveafeeling ofgratitudeas does a choice tolove. God expects usto be in controlofour emotions and not our emotions in controlofus.Living on purposemeans making choices and driving our actions andwords andemotions in support ofthosechoices. “Mind overmatter”was a morepopular phrasea coupleofdecades ago but stillapplies. I haveread both Rick Warren’s books noted aboveand havebeen involved in a church studya few yearsago using “PurposeDrivenLife”and found great value ofboth. Coasting alonglifetaking thepathofleast resistancemaybeenjoyableor safest but is not verypurposefulor meaningful. Ifwewant to makea difference in lives of our families and thosearound us, living on purpose instead ofliving bycoasting along is needed. Since January1^st,I’vebeen doing the“reading thru thebible in 90 day”program. It involves reading 12pagesofscriptureperdayand am alreadywellintoLeviticus (ch 25,pg. 120). I am finding itpolishes aneed for disciplineas wellas opening some information in scripture

I’veoverlooked or forgotten. Ican seedoing soin a brieftimewill help givea overallgrasp of scriptureand help metiesomeportions togetherbut stillrequires about 1hr ofreading per day. Iam also reading Gary Warinner’s book “Meditations from a Pumpkin Patch”. Garyhas been pastor oftheBellWesleyan Methodist Church near Annadale,Pa for nearly30 yrs. He was mysister Shirley’s pastor. Gives a lot oflifeexperiencenuggets and insights. Healso shared two different near death experiences involving high voltageshocks that hesurvived.

1/13/23 BlessingBundles: Health,Care, andComfort 13

Hemakes Hissunriseon theevil and onthegood, andsendsrain onthejustand on the unjust.

Matthew5:45b

RecommendedReading

Matthew5:43–48

FrenchnovelistAlphonseKarr wrote,“Somepeoplearealwaysgrumbling becauseroses havethorns; Iamthankful that thorns have roses.“Noneofus haveperfectcircumstances in life. That‘sastatereserved for heaven. Butweall have theblessingsofcommongrace,

andGod’schildren havetheblessings that comefrombeingin Christ.In His

Sermonon the Mount, Jesustold usthatGod isgracioustoall humanity. Even

themost despicableperson onearth canenjoyanew sunrise everymorning and

afreshrain showerinseason. Weall have air to breatheand abeautiful creation

to enjoy. Christiansadditionallyhave all thebenefitsofgrace. TheBiblesays:

“BlessedbetheGod and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whohasblessed us

with every spiritual blessingin theheavenlyplaces in Christ“(Ephesians1:3).

Try offering thisold prayer:“Lord, Thank Youthat I’maswell offasIam.” God

hasgivenyouadegreeof health, care, andcomfort. Focusonyour blessingsand

learn to thank Godforthe roses.Doall thingswithoutgrumbling. Why? You have

asovereign God who isonyour side,who workseverythingtogether for your

good.JohnPiper

ANewYear to Prioritize Your PrioritiesOne thingIhavedesired of theLORD,

that will Iseek:

That Imay dwell in thehouseofthe LORD all thedaysof mylife. Psalm

27:4RecommendedReadingPsalm27

In 1967, Charles Hummel published a booklet entitled Tyranny of theUrgent, in which he suggested a reason we’re so overworked and disorganized. It’s because of jumbled priorities. Hummel relates what an experienced factory manager once told him, “Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important.” What are theimportant things in life? Our time with the Lord. Our families. The work only we can do as assigned to us by the Father. But how easily these true priorities are pushed aside by urgent demands each day! Let’s reprioritize our priorities. The Bookof Common Prayersuggests a prayer of confession that many of us need at the beginning of the year. Condensed, it says: “Almighty Father. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. Have mercy upon us. Grant, most merciful Father, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of Thy holy name. Amen.” “Our dilemmagoesdeeperthan shortageof time; itisbasically aproblemof priorities... Wehave leftundone thosethingswhichwe ought tohavedone.” Charles E.Hummel Weatherhas warmed from–14Fafew days ago to 48Fand rain yesterdayhas melted allthesnow– amazing how wellGod shovels snow!!! I lovehow Heremoves snow!! Today is Sundayand timeto spend a coupleofhours in morning worshipping and fellowshipping with each otherand with Him. This evening return for a insightfulbiblestudy Jim Kimmel (our pastorMelody’s husband) is giving on IMaccabees. This gives historyof Israelites during timebetween Old and New Testament– a terribletimeofpersecution bythe Greeks leading into timeofRoman rule.This studyamazes mehow theywereableto endure suchpersecution (somemore faithfullythan others)and yet how precious gift wehaveof freedom ofworship andwitnessing. Letting theurgent things crowd out themost important is an interesting insight and Ibelievereflect alltoo much ofour workingday. When Iwas employed,I found thatto bealltoo often thecaserelated to tasksandinterruptions that impacted mywork day,but also was alltoo often thecasewhengot homeand spent timewith my family. Ido regret letting homework take up too much ofthosepreciousevening hours

but am glad God has removed most consequences ofthosechoices. Psalm 27 is identified as a psalm ofDavid,onethat Ireallylike because it acknowledges thestrength and protection and loving trust relationshipDavid had with God aswellas his desireto bewith and fellowship with God.It is evident David enjoyed his time in fellowship with God,as should we. That relationship was a sourceofjoyas wellas strength and comfort for him. Scripturetells us the even thought thesun shineson thejust andunjust alikebecauseGod islongsuffering,weare also reminded God’s judgments willcome,and onlytherepentantwill bespared.

1/14/23 C.S. Lewis Daily -Today’sReading 14

^{Prudencemeanspracticalcommonsense,taking the trouble to think outwhatyou are doingand whatislikely to} come ofit. Nowadaysmostpeople hardly think of Prudence as one of the‘virtues’.Infact, becauseChristsaidwe

couldonlygetinto Hisworldbybeinglikechildren,manyChristianshave the idea that, provided you are ‘good’, itdoes notmatter beingafool. But thatisa misunderstanding.In the firstplace,mostchildrenshowplentyof

‘prudence’about doing the things theyare reallyinterested in, and think themoutquite sensibly. In the second place, asSt Paul points out,Christnever meant thatwewereto remainchildreninintelligence:on thecontrary. He toldus to be notonly‘asharmless as doves’, butalso‘aswise asserpents’.Hewants a child’sheart,buta grown-up’s head. Hewants us to be simple, single–minded, affectionate, and teachable, asgoodchildrenare; butHe alsowantseverybitof intelligencewe have to bealertatits job,and in first-classfighting trim. Thefact thatyou are giving money toa charitydoes notmean thatyou need not try to find outwhether thatcharityisa fraud or not. Thefact thatwhatyou are thinking aboutisGodHimself(for example,whenyou arepraying) does notmean thatyoucanbecontentwith the same babyishideas whichyou hadwhenyouwereafive–year-old.It is, of course, quite true thatGodwill notlove you any the less, or haveless use foryou, ifyouhappen to have been bornwith averysecond-rate brain.He hasroomfor people with verylittle sense, butHewants everyoneto

use whatsense theyhave.From Mere ChristianityCompiled in A Year with C.S. LewisMere Christianity.sPublishers.

Super…or Supernatural?Ezrahad prepared hisheartto seektheLawofthe

LORD, and to doit, and to teach statutesand ordinances in Israel.Ezra7:10

2Corinthians3:17–18

When Herbert Chavez was growing up in the Philippines, he loved watching Superman on television, and as an adult he determined to become like his superhero. According to newspaper reports, Chavez has undergone many plastic surgeries, subjecting himself to at least nineteen procedures all designed to make him look like the Man of Steel. If a man canbe that passionate about transforming himself into a comic book hero, surely we Christians can purpose in our hearts to become like the Lord Jesus Christ. We can be like Daniel, who purposed in his heart not to be defiled. We can be like Ezra, who prepared his heart to seek the Lord. We can be like Paul, who longed to be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus. When we’re yielded to the Lord, invested in His Word daily, obeying His commands, and seeking to share His message with others, we’re becoming like Christ. It’s the Holy Spirit who reproduces the character of Christ within us. That’s not just a super life. It’s a supernatural one. “God... Please keep myeyes focused ontheonlytarget worth hitting–– Christlikeness!”JohnnyHunt.

TheOneYear Devotional Prayer Book PrudenceisawordI’ve notheardforalotofyearssoappreciate the definitionnoted above. Havingtheheart of achildwith anadult mindisaninterestingconcept.Beingharmlessasalambbutwise anddiscerningasalionissayingsame thing. Howdowegainsucha balance?How dowe prepareourselvestoreceive suchagift fromGod?Danielwas suchaman.He hada soft heartwillingtotrust Godat anycost andwastrulytestedinthe lion’sden but amsure hehadmanytimesof testingnot recordedin scripture.Yet he wasrespectedandtrusted byallwhoknew him, includingthe King. Hisexamplehelpsustobetter understandwhat it meanstobe prudent. So,what didhedotogainsuch maturityandvirture. Well,weneedn’t look anyfurtherthanDaniel6:10,whichwasfirst thingDanieldidwhenlearnedking signedadecreetoworshiphim. Danielwent straight tohisroomandprayedwithwindowsopen. He continuedto pray3 times dailyjust ashehadbeen doing.Consequenceofthe lion’sden didn’t stop oreven slowhishabitof prayer.He didn’t even compromise toamore secretand quiet placetoavoidbeingfound out.Ihave toadmit I wouldhavebeenmore inclinedtoseek out amore secret place to pray.What impressedme mostaboutDaniel isthat hisfaithandintegritywere stable in both prosperoustimesaswellas duringlife threateningtimes.Samewastrueof JosephinEgypt.Theybothgainedtrust andrespect of allwhoknew them. Their impact exceededanyother intheirgeneration,evenkings, andstilldoestoday.That isaneternal legacy that isstillgrowing. I amreminded ofone man,JohanTheodor Hofius, my mother’s great–great-greatgrandfather,who came tocoloniesin1765,married and becameancestorto10,000+decendants.I knowahighpercentofhisdescendantswere Christian andimpactedmany.What wedofor Himcan anddoes haveacompoundingaffect farbeyondwhat we realize orcan imagine. I findthat veryencouragingandmore resolvedtomake my life anexampleI wantothersto follow.

1/15/23 C.S. LewisDaily-Today’sReading-On theHoly Spirit 15

^{Itisasif a sortofcommunalpersonalitycameinto existence.Ofcourse, itisnotareal person:itisonlyrather}

like a person.But thatisjustone of the differences between Godand us.Whatgrowsoutof the jointlife ofthe Father andSonisa realPerson, isinfact the Third ofthethree Persons who areGod.This third Personiscalled, in technicallanguage, the HolyGhostor the“spirit”ofGod. Donotbeworried or surprised if you find it(orHim)

rather vaguer ormore shadowy in yourmindthan the other two. I think there is areasonwhy thatmustbeso. In the Christian life youare notusuallylookingatHim:He isalways acting throughyou.Ifyou think of the Father as some–thing“out there,”infrontof you, and ofthe Son as someonestandingatyourside, helpingyou to pray, trying to turn youinto another son, then youhaveto think of the third Personassomethinginside you, or behind you. Perhaps somepeoplemightfind iteasier to beginwith the third Personand workbackwards. Godislove, and thatlove works throughmen—especially through the wholecommunityof Christians. But this spiritof love

is, fromall eternity, a love goingon betweenthe Fatherand Son. From MereChristianityCompiled in WordstoLive ByMereChristianity.

Preparation and Patience: By faith Moses,when hewasborn,washidden threemonthsby hisparents, because they sawhewasabeautiful child; andthey werenot afraid ofthe king‘scommand. Hebrews11:23RecommendedExodus2:1–10

How many times have we become fixated on something that is demanding a response, while ignoring something far more important that is less urgent? We need to plan our days so that

we donotletthe urgent things crowd out the important things. A similar perspectiveis to focus on the long view in life, not the short view. Moses was forced to take the long view of life. When God called him to free the Hebrew slaves he was eighty years old! Perhaps Moses finally began to understand the path his life

had followed. His first forty years were spent being educated in the royal courts of Egypt. Most important in his education — he knew Egypt and how Egyptian rulers thought. There was no better man on earth for God to use to confront the Egyptian pharaoh than Moses. Eighty years of preparation produced the redeemer the Hebrew slaves needed. Jesus began His ministry around the age of thirty-perhaps the same for Paul. With God’s calling comes a time of preparation, and preparation requires patience. Trust God today with His schedule for your life.

“Every experienceGod givesus,every personHeputsin ourlives is theperfect preparation for afuture that only He can see”. Corrie tenBoomI findCSLewis’s word on the Trinityinterestingbut stillreflects a mysteryshort of understandingthat evengreat theologians after years of studyand reflection can’t grasp,soyouandI needn’t feel bad ifwecan’t either.Well,that doesn’t meanwecan’t enjoyand beblessedby God’s presenceand haveclosefellowshipwithHim daily.I thinkI stilllike the concept of Godthe Fatherbeingthe creator/builderof ourhome (heart),Godthe Sonbeingthe remodelerof ourhome (heart),andGodthe Holy Spirit beingthe housecleanerof ourhome(heart).That wayI am definingwhattheydoratherthanstrugglingwiththem being One but separate entities (whichI reallydon’t think theyareseparate).Moses hada dailyclose fellowshipwithGodthat preparedand empoweredhim to leadhis people for40 years.However,that preparationtook 80 years. I am doingthe “readingthebiblein

90 day”program,which is reading12 pages/day.I noticedthe reasonMoses was not allowedto enterthepromised landwith

his people was because Godtoldhim tospeak to a rockto create a stream of waterforthepeople but he struck it instead (Numbers 20). That sounds a bitharsh for strikinga rock insteadof just speakingto it,but remember Godwas fellowshipping withMoses dailyandMoses hadbeenso preparedthere was noexcusetonotobey Godtotheletter.What wedon’t know is Moses’s heart andthoughts as hedidthat.Yet Goddidallow him to lookout andseethelandandGod did blessedhim with120 yrs of lifeand did bury Moses himself,soGod’s loveandcompassionfor Moses was stillintact.Discipline demonstrateslove,

not hate,andevendemonstratesmercybytrainingtoavoidgreaterdangers and consequences. I fearmuch of what I keep

sayingis samestuffoverand overagainandmaybecomingboringorless meaningfultoyou.Please forgive me forrepeating myself. Anyinsights I have whenreadthe above devotions aremyown soI encourage youtoprayandreflectiontogainyour own insights,whichI wouldexpect tobe different thanmine.That is the great thingabout scripture–God cananddoes use same words toreveal Himself toeach of us inunique ways andstillrevealsametruths about Himand His principlesandwill. Like Moses the moreweunderstand Him,the more He willexpect of us but the more goodwewillbeenabledtodo!!!

1/16/23 Heaven on Earth 16

Blessingand glory and wisdom, thanksgivingandhonor andpower and might, betoour God forever and ever.Amen.

Revelation7:12Revelation21:1-6

Awoman inNewZealand recentlycalledtheemergency number,and her groans and moans led operatorstothink shewasacaptive. Police rushed to herhouseto findthat shewasn‘t bound and gaggedatall; she hadaccidently put superglueon herlips,thinkingit washer medicated lip ointment, andherlipsweresealed shut. SometimesweChristiansmoan and groan as if our lipsweresealedshut, butwe ought to beso filledwith theSpirit we‘resingingand worshipping God with enthusiasm. That‘stheway worshipisrenderedin heaven. Perhaps you‘venoticed howfrequently hymnsoccur in theBook of Revelation. Songsof praise areconstantlyinterjectedintheaction inthat apocalypticbook. Theideathat we’lloneday bein thepresence of God for all eternityisbeyond our finite understanding;but when wespend timein worshipnow,we begin to seeaglimpseof what heavenwill be like. When we worship,we experienceamomentaryhint of heavenonearth.Surely if we askGodto blessus,the leastwe can do isto blessHim.A.W.Pink, in TheLord’sPrayer

The Secret of ForgivenessWe will never be cleansed until we confess we are dirty. We will never be pure until we admit we are filthy. And we will never be able to wash the feet of those who have hurt us until weallow Jesus, the one we have hurt, to wash ours. You see, that is the secret of forgiveness. You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you. Only by letting him wash your feet can you have strength to wash those of another. Still hard to imagine? Is it still hard to consider the

thought of forgiving the one who hurt you? If so, go one more time to the room. Watch Jesus as he goes from disciple to disciple. Can you see him? Can you hear the water splash? Can you hear him shuffle on the floor to the next person? Good. Keep that image. John 13:12 says, “When he had finished washing their feet … ” (NCV) Please note; he finished washing their feet. That means he left no one out. Why is that important? Because that also means he washed the feet of Judas. Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer. He gave his traitor equal attention. In just a few hours Judas’ feet would guide

the Roman guard to Jesus. But at this moment they are caressed by Christ. That’s not to say it was easy for Jesus. That’s not to say it is easy for you. That is to say that God will never call you to do what he hasn’t already done. COMMENTS:Today’s two devotions mayappearsto be unrelated and givea mixed messagebut letmeattempt to tiethem together. Thedifference between being miserable in our circumstances andjoyfulin our circumstances wewould think would lie in what thecircumstances are. Ifthat weretruethehappiest peoplewould be wealthyor healthyor most successfulbut just theopposite is true. JoniEareckson Tata is one ofthemost joyfuland hasoneofthebest marriages in midst ofhavinga terriblehandicapand battlewith cancer. So,being joyfulis not tied to our circumstances orwherewearebut to who we live for. Experiencing “heaven on earth” is not tied to whereweareor what wehave or areblessed with buttied toWho has forgiven us and Who weare livingwith and for. AsI read thru Exodus and Numbers repeatedlytheIsraelites allowed fear to grip them andwould immediatelycomplain toMoses and Aaron andtoGod instead ofsimplyexpressing their fear and seeking help fromGod. That madeGod angryandthen punish them. That is whythey had towonder in desertfor 40 years and miss out ofseeing and entering promised land when theyonlyneeded to admit their fearsand seekGod’s help and would havereceived that help. We’d rathercomplain than ask for help. Wethink God owes us a “silver spoon”and feel deprived ifwedon’t getit. How spoiled and childish is that attitude? Theyfound it easyto follow God when theypraised and worshippedHim and when theyreflected back on allHe had

done for them. Allthe miracles God did for them didn’t help unless theytook

timetothink and reflect and humblethemselves to praiseGod in gratitude for

His faithfulness. Arewethe samewayand need totakea lesson byexample?

Wehaveso manymoregenerations since then to convinceus God is faithfuland

willnot letus down. Likethem, wewant toseeGod’s help without delaybut

that doesn’t help us grow in maturityand faith,does it? What God likes to do is

ask us tostep out in faith beforeweseeevidenceofHis help. Oncewedo,He

won’t letus down but then His help build offastronger faith to receiveboth Him

and His blessings. I’m stilltrying to overcomemytendencyto doubtand complain too, so Ineed theseexamples from Exodus to remind metimeafter

timeIdarenot complain and doubt God as theydid. Heaven on earth is only

tied to ourpromised land ifwe let gratitudeand praise fillthejourneytoo. Then

wecan haveataste ofheaven along thewaytoo.

1/17/23 WHEN THE STORM DOESN’T STOP 17

^{Jeremiahwasdepressed, asgloomy asa giraffewitha neckache. Jerusalem wasunder}siege,hisnationunderduress. Hisworldcollapsed likea sand castle ina typhoon. He faulted God forhishorribleemotional distress. He also blamedGodfor hisphysical ailments. “[God] has mademy flesh andmyskinwaste away, andbroken my bones” (Lam.3:4RSV). His body ached.His heartwassick.His faithwaspuny ... He realized how fast hewassinking, so he shifted his gaze. “But thisIcall to mind, andthereforeI have hope:The steadfast love of the Lord neverceases,hismerciesnevercome to anend;they areneweverymorning;greatisthy faithfulness.

^{‘The Lordismyportion,’saysmysoul, ‘therefore Iwillhope in him'” (vv. 21– 24RSV). “But thisI call tomind}

...” Depressed,Jeremiahaltered histhoughts,shifted his attention.Heturned hiseyesawayfromhisstormy worldandlookedinto thewonderofGod. He quicklyrecited a quintetof promises. (I canenvisionhim tappingtheseoutonthe five fingersof hishand.)1. The steadfastlove oftheLordneverceases. 2. His merciesnevercometoanend.3. They are neweverymorning. 4.Greatisthy faithfulness. 5.The Lordismy portion. Thestormdidn’tcease, buthisdiscouragementdid. Max Lucado

1/18/23 C.S.LewisDaily- Today’sReading 18

Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage. When you go to church you are really listening in to the secret wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious to prevent us from going. When a young man who has been going to church in a routine way honestly realizes that he does not believe in Christianity and stops going—provided he does it for honesty’s sake and not just to annoy his parents—the spirit of Christ is probably nearer to him then than it ever was before. From MereChristianity

COMMENTS:Have youevenbeen depressedandilltempered?Ihave to behonestandadmitsuchtimesaswell. Thatisanormal partof beinghumanandscripturegivesusplentyof examplesof manyGodfilledpeoplesthatwerelikewise depressedattimes.Well,Ican’tfeel reconciled when see thelevel ofhardshipor sufferingthatbrought ondepressionforthem andhowlittle ittakesformetobe depressed. I tendtofeelmoreashamedthan ever. Howaboutyou?Iget sickor don’tgetdone whatIshouldorthingsIdodon’tturnoutaswellas hoped,andIgetdiscouragedor angry.Ifyouwonder whythissectionis highlightedgrey,it isbecause computer decidedto dothatandisignoringattemptsto removeit,soobstaclesgetinour wayfrom morningtonight, don’tthey? BestIcando is changecolorsexceptcan’tdowhite. Wedoliveinenemy occupiedterritorybecausesatanstillhaslimitedfreedomtodohismischief.Weareforeignersinanevil landbut,likethepilgrims,areheretogiveapositivewitness, notaddto burdenof others. Iam continuingonprogramof readingBible thruin90daysandtodayam onday 16,so am ½thruDeut. Iam alreadybeingblessedbyre-learningthestruggles/discouragements/ fears/sinsthe Israelites experiencedandhowmuchharder their strugglesbecamesimplybecausetheylettheir fearsseparate themselvesfromGodandHisprotectionandblessings–whichfurther reinforcedtheir fearsandgave creditibilitytothem. Itbecame easiertobe fearfulwhentheyallowedfearto causethem to sin. David inPsalm119:11tellsus“ThyWordhaveIhidinmyheartthatImightnotsinagainstThee”. Thatis another reason for doing the 90dayBible read.Iamamazedhoweasily Lily, our granddaughter, can recallwhatshehaslearnedor memorizedcomparedtomebutIhave, likethis verse, amamazedwhen GodbringsupaneededverseIhaveinmymemory.YouandIdon’tknowwhattomorrowwillbringand havenopromiseof aneasyroadsowedoneedtoprepare. Butthepromisewecancountonis“Hewill notleaveor forsakeus” Heb13:5. Thatversewastiedto loveanddependenceonmoneybutappliesto anythingonearthweputour trustin. Other optionsare 6pg/dayfor 180daysor 3pg/dayfor1yearto accomplishreading thrutheBible.Ithinkthe90daytimingisgoodbecauseisquick enoughwestillhave residualrecollectionof earlydaysso canbettergrasptheoverallviewof scriptureandmaybeseebetter howNew Testamentrevelationof Christtiesto OldTestamentrevelationof God’smercies.

1/19/23 DefiningGod 19

Now tothe King eternal, immortal, invisible, toGod whoaloneiswise,be honor and glory foreverand ever. Amen.

1Timothy1:17RecommendedReadinJohn14:7–11

COMMENTS:

What would you tell someonewhoasked for adefinition ofGod? Oneperson aptly replied: “Godis theOnewho existsbeyond all definition.”Another person, thewell-known theologianCharles Hodge,suggested thebestdefinition ofGod that wasever penned isin

theWestminster Shorter Catechism: “God isa Spirit, infinite, eternal, and

unchangeable, in Hisbeing,wisdom,power, holiness, justice,goodness,and

truth.” Another way of definingGod isbylookingatChrist, forJesussaid,“He

whohasseen Mehasseen theFather“(John 14:9). JesusisGod personified, the

Wordmadeflesh who dwelledamong us.Whenwe hear Christ‘swisdom,we‘re

listening to God. WhenweseeHispower,we‘re witnessing omnipotence. When

we feelHislove, weknowtheloveGodlavishes on us. Christ isworthy ofour

praise becauseof who He is,and weshould praise Himallday long. AsBritish

hymnist Henry Lytewrote:“Praisemy soul, theKingofheaven;toHis feet thy

tributebring.Ransomed,healed,restored,forgiven,evermore Hispraises sing.“

JesusisGod!O! CouldInowbut compassearth and sea, toteachandtell the

single truth, howhappy shouldI be! ^{Frederick W.Faber}

^{1/20/23 ToughQuestions withRCSproul 20}

What does it meanforus to callGod ourFather?One of the most well-known statements of the Christian faith is the Lord’s

Prayer, which begins with the words “Our Father which art in heaven.” This is part of the universal treasury of Christendom. When I hear Christians in a private gathering praying individually, almost every single person begins their prayer by addressing God as Father. There’s nothing more common among us than to address God as our Father. So central is this to our Christian experience that in the nineteenth century, there were some who said the basic essence of the whole Christian religion can be reduced to two points: the universal brotherhood of man and the universal fatherhood of God. In that context I am afraid we have missed one of the most radical teachings of Jesus. A few years ago, a German scholar was doing research in New Testament literature and discovered that in the entire history of Judaism—in all existing books of the Old Testament and all existing books of extrabiblical Jewish writings dating from the beginning of Judaism until the tenth century A.D. in Italy—there is not a single reference of a Jewish person addressing God directly in the first person as Father. There were appropriate forms of address that were used by Jewish people in the Old Testament, and the children were trained to address God in proper phrases of respect. All these titles were memorized, and the term Father was not among them. The first Jewish rabbi to call God “Father” directly was Jesus of Nazareth. It was a radical departure from tradition, and in fact, in every recorded prayer we have from the lips of Jesus save one, he calls God “Father.” It was for that reason that many of Jesus’ enemies sought to destroy him; he assumed to have this intimate, personal relationship with the sovereign God of heaven and the creator of all things, and he dared to speak in such intimate terms with God. What’s even more radical is that Jesus says to his people,“Whenyoupray,yousay,‘OurFather.‘” He has giventous the right andprivilege to come intothe presence of the majestyof Godandaddress him as Fatherbecauseindeedhe isourFather. He has adoptedusintohis familyandmade us coheirs withhis onlybegotten Son(Rom. 8:17).

COMMENTS: Ireallylike RCSproul’sinsightson God the Father. Ihaveheardother bible scholarsshare thatGod’snamewasso sacredinOld Testamenttimes thatno onewoulddarespeakitso namesusedweredescriptionsof GodmorethananameforHim.Godeven told Mosesat the “burning bush”tousethe name “Iam”. I think itisasignificantinsighttosaythefirst to usethename Father for GodwasJesus, butalsosignificantisforHim totellustousethename Fathertoo.Suchwouldnotdare be usedinOldTestament timeswithoutfear of judgment.Thisisjustanother insightintosignificanceof what Christdidforus!!Theabovepassage inJohn even tellsusJesusandtheFather areOneand identicalsoseeingandtalkingto Jesusissameastalkingto andseeingGodtheFather.Ascanseefrom passage, disciplescouldn’tgraspthateither evenafter beingwithJesusbutlater learnedto acceptand embrace thattruth.If ChrististrulyGod, Heiscapabletoappearingto usin past–present –futurein anyformHe wantsandtoallat thesame time ifwants. Maybe thathelpsusunderstandwhy Godis revealedastheFatherandSonandHolySpiritand another insightonTrinity. For GodtheFathertobe the creator ofus, GodtheSonremodelsus, buttheHolySpiritdoes thedailyhouse cleaninginus helpsus understandGodmeetsusto helpmeetourneedfor help andrelationshipwithHim–butHemeetsusina wayweneedHimmost, whetherasamanin work clothsasHedidinmydreamor as theHolySpirit that isn’t seenbutfeltinour soulsor asboth…

1/21/23 ToughQuestionswithRCSproul 21

WhywouldalovingandholyGod allow achildtosufferthrougha seriousillnesssuchascancer?We usually associate the love of God with the benefits we receive from him and the blessings that come from his kind and merciful hand. Because his love usually manifests itself in good things that happen to us, we sometimes fall back in shock and consternation when we see a child struck by disease or some other trauma. Before we

speak to the question of why God allows children to suffer, we need to ask the bigger question: Why

does God allow suffering to happen to any person, whether he’s two years old, two months old, or twenty years old? The Scriptures tell us that suffering came into the world as a consequence of the fall of man and of creation; that is to say, it is because of sin that God has visited judgment upon this planet. That includes the curses of pain, disease, sorrow, and death that attend the consequences of wickedness.How could a loving and holy God allow a baby to suffer a debilitating disease? I think the answer is partly contained in that very question. God is holy, and in his holiness he exercises judgment against the wickedness that is prevalent in human nature. When we ask the question with respect to infants, sometimes lurking behind that question is the unspoken assumption that babies are innocent. Virtually every church in the history of Christendom has had to develop some concept of what we call original sin because the Scriptures teach us so clearly that we are born in a sinful state and that the curse of the Fall attends every human life. That sounds grim and dreadful until we realize that in that judgment on fallen humanity comes also the tempering of God’s wrath with mercy and grace and his whole work of redemption. We believe with great joyous anticipation that there is a special measure of grace God has reserved for those who die in infancy. Jesus said, “Sufferthelittlechildren to comeunto me, for to suchbelongs thekingdom ofGod.” One warning that I have to raise at this point is that we dare not jump to the conclusion that an individual person’s particular disease or affliction is a direct result of some particular sin. That may not be the case at all. As humans, all of us must participate in the broad complex of the fallenness of our humanity, which includes the tragedy of disease.

1/22/23 Success theHard Way 22

“So [Moses] lookedthisway and that way, and whenhesawno one,

hekilledtheEgyptian andhidhimin thesand.”Exodus2:12 RecommendedReadingDeuteronomy34:5-8The title of Pastor Erwin W. Lutzer’s 1975 book suggests a biblical approach to handling the failures we experience in life: Failure: TheBackdoor to Success. If failure is the back door to success, that means failure really isn’t a failure at all! Failure can be part of success. The Bible certainly does not hide the failures of its principle characters. Israel’s national hero, Moses, experienced his fair share of failures both before and after being called by God. He had to flee Egypt because

he murdered a soldier who was abusing a Hebrew soldier. That failure led him to a 40-year sojourn in Midian where he matured and met God. Though he argued with God about returning to Egypt, he eventually did — though throughout the Hebrews’ wilderness wanderings his temper and impulsivity got the better of him more than once. But to Moses’ credit, he always rebounded from his failures and ultimately ended his life with God’s blessing. If you have failed in some way, take heart. Ask God to show you how to redeem the time and the circumstances. Ask Him to let “failure”

be your backdoor to success. “TheLord Jesusdoes notcast off Hisbelieving

peoplebecauseof failures and imperfections.”J. C. Ryle

COMMENTS:WhydoesGodpermit suffering especiallyto childrenor those whoarefaithfulto Him. OldTestamentisfilledwithexamplesof timesof richblessingstoIsraeliteswhen theyworshippedandfollowedHim andtimesofbondage andpainwhen theydidn’t. So itwouldbealogical conclusionto believe thatpainandsufferingwasaGod’sjudgment andprosperityandblessingandhealthtobe God’sresponseto faithfulobedience. YetChristevengave example of ablindmansincebirth whowasnotblinddue to hissinsorhisfather’s sinbutonlythat God couldbe glorified.Wemaysuffer duetoour own sinfulnessor foolishnessbutnotallsufferingisa consequencetopoor choices andsinbut maybeawayof drawingusand/or others to Him. Sufferinghas beenaneffectivewayof motivatingrepentenceandrevival inbothindividualsandwithgroupsand nations. Pilgrimsandpuritans cametoAmericaandestablishedournationsseekingreligiousfreedomto worshipandserve Christwithoutpersecution,notbecausetheywereoutlawsofGod. Theyenduredgreat hardshipanddeathinearly yearsnotbecausethey wereunfaithful butduetocircumstancesGodallowed themtoendure thatbothstrengthentheir faithandresolveto establishacountryrootedinthefreedoms andfaithsacredtothem.Suchsufferingexercisedtheir spiritual musclesandgave them greatstrength anddrew them muchcloser to Godand tapinto greater strength thantheyhad.Suchcanbeforustoo.

1/23/23 C.S.LewisDaily-Today’sReading 23

TOMARY VANDEUSEN: On the difference betweenwordless prayerand the practice of the presenceof God

(the spirituality of the seventeenth centuryCarmelite, Brother Lawrence of theResurrection); on loving others too much;andonwhat timeofday to pray.25November1952 No, bywordless prayerIdidn’tmean the practice

of the Presence ofGod. Imeant the samementalactas inverbalprayeronlywithout the words. The Practice of

the Presence is amuchhigher activity. Idon’t think itmatters muchwhether anabsolutely uninterrupted recollection ofGod’s presence for a whole lifetime is possible or not. Amuchmore frequentand prolonged recollection than we haveyetreached certainly is possible. Isn’t thatenough to workon? Achild learning towalk

doesn’tneed toknowwhether itwilleverbe able towalk40 miles in aday: the important thing is that itcan walk

to–morrowa little further and more steadily than itdid to–day. Idon’t thinkwe are likely to givetoomuch love and care tothosewe love. We mightput in active care inthe form of assistancewhen itwould bebetter for them to acton their own: i.e.,wemightbebusybodies.Or wemighthave toomuch‘care’for themin thesense of anxiety. Butwe never love anyone toomuch: the trouble is always thatwe loveGod,or perhapssome other created being,too little. As to the ‘state of the world’ ifwe have time to hope and fearabout it, we certainly have time to pray. Iagree it is very hard to keep one’s eyesonGodamidall the daily claims and problems. I thinkit wise, ifpossible, to move one’s main prayers fromthe last-thing–at-nightposition to some earlier time:give them a better chance to infiltrate one’s other thoughts. From The CollectedLetters ofC.S.Lewis,Volume IIICompiled in Yours, JackTheCollectedLetters of C.S.Lewis,VolumeIII: Narnia,Cambridge, andJoy 1950–1963.

The Teacherexplains ourpower to choose:‘Thereare only two kindsofpeople in theend: thosewho sayto God,

“Thywillbe done,” and those to whomGod says, in the end, “Thywillbe done.” All thatare inHell, chooseit. Without thatself-choice there could benoHell. No soulthatseriously and constantlydesires joy willevermiss it. Thosewho seek find. To those whoknock itis opened.’From TheGreatDivorceCompiled in AYear withC.S. LewisTheGreatDivorce.Copyright©1946,C.S LewisPte.Ltd.Copyrightrenewed 1973 C.S.LewisPte.Ltd.Allrights reserved.Used with permissionof HarperCollinsPublishers.A YearWithC.S.Lewis:DailyReadings from HisClassicWorks.

COMMENTS:Today’sdevotion raisessomehardfactsaboutprayer andobediencefromCSLewis.Inthefirstdevotionsharedhis convictionthat “if wehavetime toworry,we havetime topray”. Prayer tendstotakeabackseat to any andeverythingelsewepreoccupyourliveswith. Yetworryandfear floodrightinwithlittle resistanceor delayduetoother priorities. Theurgencyofworryovershadowsotherthings, doesn’tit? Yettheurgency of prayer doesn’tseem quiteso“urgent”, doesit. Our hearttellsustoworr butour headsmaysaypray. Knowing that, which willwelistentothenext time. ThesecondCSLewisdevotionabovegoesonto say Godwillallowus to makechoices, goodandbad.Wecanchoose either Hiswillor OursandHewill enable thatchoiceto befulfilled.Thatisabitscary especiallywhenweknowHiswillisalwaysbetter thanours. Thatcomesbacktoprayingvsworryingandpraying “Thy Willbe done” andnotmakingour choicesand following“ourwill”.Itisamatter ofengagingourmindsover justfollowingourflawedhearts tarnished byoursinnature. Weblamesatanfortemptinganddeceivingusandhe certainlydoesalotofthat.But howoftendo wetempt ourselves simplyoutofhabit–worryandfollowingourown willsissoengrained inus,wedon’t evenconsider anotherway. Habitsareapowerfulforce especiallywhenrepetitionhas giventhem enoughmomentum thatwedon’tconsideranother course.Thatother courseispraying beforeacting –takingthetimetoask God whatHisWillis.Takingthetimetofindoutandseek out councilof HisWordandhelpofthosewho’scouncil youtrust, knowingtheywillhelpyou seek God’sWill. Thattakessomework andtimeandquiteoften willreveal optionswehavenotconsidersandeven optionsthatmaynotbetoo appealing.However, oncewedothisanddiscoverHiswayswerebest, every timewerepeatthatprocess, the easierandmorenaturalitbecomesandmoreblessedour choicesand consequencesbecome. Habitscanalsobe agoodthingifwerepeatgoodbehavior andchoices, including seekingandfollowingGod’sWill.AsCS Lewisstatedabove, we eithersayto God“ThyWill bedone” orHe saystous“ThyWill bedone”. Iwouldmuchrather saying thatto GodthanforHimtosaythattome.I canrecallpoor choices,butfortunatelyGodhassparedmemuchofthe consequenceof those choicesand over time empoweredmeto movetomakingahabitof seekingandfollowingHis choices.AstoLewis’s commentsonwordlessprayers, I think our mindsquicklyaredistractedbyother thoughtsor daydreamingor evennothingquicklywithoutverbalizingourprayersbutdothink anattitude ofpraise andreflectionon God’sblessingsisfueltosustainmeaningful prayer–wordsornot.

1/24/23 HowtoConfusetheEnemy 24

So thepeopleshouted whenthepriestsblew thetrumpets.... Andthepeopleshouted with agreatshout, [and] the wall [of Jericho] fell downflat. Then thepeoplewent upinto thecity,every man straightbeforehim, and they took thecity. Joshua6:20Judges7:15–23

In 2 Corinthians10:3–6,Paul says thepeopleof God donot “waraccordingto theflesh.“

Our weapons are“mighty in God for pulling downstrongholds.” A classicexampleoffighting differently waswhen the“stronghold” ofJericho wastakenby theIsraelites(Joshua6). The worldis not used to seeingGod’speople act unexpectedly.So when the armiesof Israelmarched around Jericho for six days,and on theseventhday blew their celebratory trumpetsand gaveashout of victory, theylikely didn‘tknowwhat tothink. Israelrushed overthecollapsed wallsandtook thecity. Thesamething happened when Gideonused torches,pitchers,andtrumpetsto completely confuse hisenemies(Judges7). The armies were throwninto confusion and fled thescene.Satan istheauthor of fear.WhenGod‘speople arecourageous insteadof fearful, their enemies––spiritual orhuman–– areconfused. Trumpets and shoutsof praise aresignsof victory by faith!Weshould be alwayswearing thegarmentof praise,not justwaving a palmbranchnowand then. AndrewBonar

Another Gadget You Don‘t NeedMyhandsalso Iwill lift up toYour commandments,which Ilove, andIwill meditateon Your statutes. Psalm 119:48

RecommendedReading

Psalm119:41-48

Recently a Los Angeles street artist pranked retail giant Best Buy. He created empty boxes and snuck them into stores. The boxes looked like an official product with bar code, price, and label. But a closer look showed these words on the box: “Another Gadget You Don’t Really Need.” Discovering the prank, the stores removed the boxes immediately, but themedia kept the story alive for days. We often spend a lot of money for items whether we need them or not. Some possessions assume great value to us. Others we soon toss out. But the one item everyone should value above all else is the Word of God. The Scottish Christians of earlier days had a habit of never placing any object on top of the Scripture. They wanted their Bibles accessible, visible, displayed for testimony’s sake, and available for use at any moment. Why not adopt the same habit? Keep a Bible always within an arm’s reach — at work, home, school, and while traveling — so you can always lift up your hand to His commands and meditate on His statutes. “TheBible isnot simplyaguidefor life, acollection of wisesayingsand wonderful stories.It isboth themeetingplaceand the instrument that bringsyouandGod together”.Woodrow Kroll, in HowtoFindGodintheBible

1/25/23 BlessingBundles: Father, Son, andHoly Spirit 25

Thegraceofthe LordJesusChrist, andthe loveof God, andthecommunion ofthe HolySpiritbewith you all. Amen.

2Corinthians13:14

1Peter1:1-2

TheTrinityis themost unique aspectof Christian truth. ChristiansbelievethereisoneGod who eternally exists inThreePersons — Father, Son,andHolySpirit,adoctrinethat iseasyto state, yetimpossible to understand.Afterall,if Godweresmall enough tobe understood,He wouldn‘tbebigenoughtobe worshipped. Perhapsthesimplestexplanationforthe TrinitycomesfromCharlesColson, who describedtheFather, Son, andHolySpiritas:God Above, GodBeside, GodWithin.WehaveaFather––Godaboveus.We haveaSavior–– God besideus.We havea Spirit–– God within us.That‘sahumbleexplanation for the Trinity, but it‘snot inaccurate.God’sgrace isconveyed to usthrough theTrinity. We are triply blessedinevery way, asreflected in theApostolicBenediction of 2 Corinthians13.Anytimeweseeapassage in theBiblementioning all threemembersofthe Trinity, it isinvariablyapassageof

blessing and grace (see Revelation 1:4–6). Weare healthier peoplewhenwe understandandenjoy Godabove us,God beside us,andGod within us. TheTrinity... answersthedeepestneedsof thehuman heart, offering adepth of spiritualityunknownin any other religion.Charles Colson,in TheFaith

ButIfear, lestsomehow,as theserpent deceived Evebyhiscraftiness,so your

mindsmay becorrupted fromthesimplicity that isinChrist. 2 Corinthians11:3

Psalm119:41-48

Last fall police in Argentina arrested a nineteen-year-old super-hacker who ran an elaborate cyber-fraud network. From a “technological cave” in his home, the teenager hacked into money transfer and gambling websites, skimming hundreds of thousands of dollars into his

own account. No wonder we’re worried about computer security. Hackers are everywhere. But the most notorious hacker in history is the devil himself, who tries to tamper with the marvelous computer system God has installed within us — our brains. He tries to deceive us and corrupt our minds. We need the security system of God’s Word. TheBiblesays, “Iwill putMylawsintotheir hearts,andintheir mindsIwillwritethem”

(Hebrews10:16).Reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture are the security systems of the mind. Starting a Scripture memory program is as easy as finding a verse to learn and resolving to repeat it aloud, say, ten times when you get up and ten times at bedtime. Sounds like a simple plan, but try it for a few weeks. You’ll be amazed how secure it helps you feel. “Iknowofno other singlepracticein theChristian lifemore rewarding, practically speaking,than memorizing Scripture.”Chuck Swindoll,inGrowingStrongintheSeasonsofLife

COMMENTS:Today is January21 and weather is starting toturn colderagain

approaching “0”. Theprotection ofwarm clothing and a warm home/shelter is

such ablessing but also lifesustaining. How vulnerableandfragileweare, but

how independent and invinciblean attitudewetend to have. Ihavetold you I

have embraced theconcept oftheTrinityas “God theFatheras creator,God

theSon as the remodeler, and God theHolySpirit as thedaily housecleaner”.

Notice Chuck Colson’s description “Fatheraboveus,Son besideus,and Holy

Spirit within us” Ilikethat equallyas welland shallembracethat as well

becauseadds tofirst. Ihope it also helps your understanding as well.If

scriptureseems conflicting or confusing, it is us thatdon’t haveit figured out

yetand need to keep seeking answers from scripture. Theaboveverse from

Hebrews reminds us our life, both present and eternal, is tied as an umbilical

cord toGod thru His Living Word. Psalm 119is longest chapter in scriptureand

gives usat least two related verses: Psal m 119:11 “Thy wordhave I hid

in my heart that I might not sin agai nst Thee” and

Psalm 119:105 “Thy Wordisalampunto my feet and a light upon my path” . IfDavid had keep these in his heart,he could haveavoided sin with Bathsheba and heartaches later. Ifhe wouldhavewaited for God’s choice for a wife, hewould not havemarriedMicheland only Abigail. Think about how muchbetter David’s lifewould havebeen and maybeIsrael’s? If

you read herstory in ISamuel25,seeifyou agreeshewould havebeen a wonderfulchoiceas Solomon’s motherandwouldhavebeen a much better exampletoguidehis wisdom and be more faithfulhis entire life…..instead oftheexampleofBathsheba andDavid??

1/26/23 C.S.LewisDaily-Today’sReading 26

^{On worship:He demandsour worship, our obedience,our prostration. Do wesuppose that theycandoHimany}

good, or fear, likethechorusinMilton, thathumanirreverencecanbring about“Hisglory’s diminution”?Aman cannomore diminishGod’sglorybyrefusing to worshipHimthan alunaticcanputout the sun byscribbling the word“darkness” on thewalls ofhis cell.ButGodwillsour good, andour goodis to loveHim(with thatresponsive love proper tocreatures)and to love HimwemustknowHim:and ifweknowHim, we shall in factfall onour faces. Ifwedo not, thatonlyshows thatwhatwe are trying to love isnotyetGod—thoughitmaybe thenearest approximation toGodwhichour thoughtand fantasycan attain. From The Problemof PainCompiled in Words to Live ByThe ProblemofPain.

Sothen, justas you receivedChristJesus asLord, continue tolive yourlives in him, rooted andbuilt upinhim, strengthenedin thefaith as you were ^{taught, andoverflowingwiththankfulness” Colossians 2:6-7 FamilyLoveon}

^{WhichtoBuildNew appliances donot}buildself-esteem;beingsomebody’s sweetheart mostcertainlydoes.–What

Wives Wish Their Husbands KnewAbout Women. My belovedis mine, andI amhis. (Songof Solomon2:16)Grateful for Grace We must not see grace as a provision made after the law had failed. Grace offered before the law was revealed. Indeed, grace was offered before man was created! You were bought, not w something that ruins like gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Corinthians6

:20). Why would God offer grace before we needed it? Glad you asked. Let’s return one final time to t charge card my father gave me. Did I mention that I went several months without needing it? But when I neededfather gave me. Did I mention that I went several months without needing it? But when I neededreally needed it. You see, I wanted to visit a friend on another campus. Actually, the friend was a girl in another six hours away. On an impulse I skipped class one Friday morning and headed out. Not knowing whether my par would approve, I didn’t ask their permission. Because I left in a hurry, I forgot to take any money. I made the tripsix hours away. On an impulse I skipped class one Friday morning and headed out. Not knowing whether my par would approve, I didn’t ask their permission. Because I left in a hurry, I forgot to take any money. I made the trip without their knowledge and with an empty wallet. Everything went fine until I rear-ended a car on the return trip. Using a crowbar, pried the fender off my front wheel so the car could limp to a gas station. I can still envision the outdoor phone where I stood in the autumn chill. My father, who assumed I was on campus, took my collect call and heard my tale. My story wasn’t much to boast abou made a trip without his knowledge, without any money, and wrecked his car. “Well,” he said after a long pause, “these things happen

That’s why I gave you the card. I hope you learned a lesson.” Did I learn a lesson? I certainly did. I learned that my father’s forgivene predated my mistake. He had given me the card before my wreck in the event that I would have one. He had provided for my blun de before I blundered. Need I tell you that God has done the same? Please understand; Dad didn’t want me to wreck the car. He didn’t gi me the card so that I would wreck the car. But he knew his son. And he knew his son would someday need grace. Please understand;

doesn’t want us to sin. He didn’t give us grace so we would sin. But he knows his children. “He made their hearts and understands everything they do” (Ps. 33:15 NCV). “He knows how we were made” (Ps. 103:14 NCV). And he knew that we would someday nee grace. Max Lucado

COMMENTS:For thoseofus who take seriouslyGod’s requirement ofour worship and obedience, it is a command weare veryaware that we fallshort in doing. Worship and obedience is not in our natureso requires work and disciplineto do consistently.Ihavecometo realizeIam not alone in that battle. Even the Israelites oftheOld Testament could notsustain worship and obedience for verylong even aft seeing themiracles oftheparting ofthe Red Seaor fallofJericho or theplagues in Egypt or th battles God gavethemvictory in or ….If a good king or prophetwas not continuallypreaching and reminding them, it was not long at allbeforetheyweredeep in idolworship. Yetwhen th wereexpressing gratitudetheytended to beobedient in worship as well. Iam convinced gratitude is the fuelthat powers our worship and obedience. Without nourishing a spirit of gratitudeand awareness ofblessings and closepresenceofGod to us,you and Iwillquickly regress into complaining,short tempered,bitter,children demanding our own waywith little regard for others or concern for pleasing God. Being gratefulfor God’sGracetop on the list of what wehaveto begratefulfor. Stop and imaginewhat our lives and futurewould be like without theCross? Grace is so easyto receive but theprice it cost ourSavior is beyond our comprehension. How it mustgrieveHim to see us so indifferent towards such a gift and so irreverent towards Him. YetHeeven understands and incrediblypatient towards us inthemi ofour indifference. Stop and reflect– count your blessings– seewhat God has doneand wors theOnewho loves andhas given so much tohavea relationship with us so don’t disappoint Hi

1/27/23 LookUp! 27

My voice Youshall hearin the morning,OLORD; inthe morning I will direct it to You,and Iwill look up. Psalm 5:3

mended Reading Psalm 5

The phrase“look up”occurs fourtimesinthe Bible (NKJV),andit conveys four different truths.InPsalm 40:12,the writer wasso discouraged bylooking around himthat he found it difficult to look up: “Innumerable evils have surrounded me; myiniquities have overtakenme,sothat I am not able tolook up.”But Mark 8:25 saysJesus helps uslookup,evenwhen we can‘t seestraight.Referring to the blind manofBethsaida,Jesusput His hands ontheman‘seyes “and madehimlook up.“OurLord offersthe same encouragement to us,especiallyinthese Last Days, forinLuke

21:28,Jesussaid, “Whenthese thingsbeginto happen,look upand lift up your heads,because your redemptiondraws near.“So we cansay withthepsalmist: “My voice Youshall hearinthe morning,O LORD;inthe morning Iwill directit to You,and I willlook up.“Whateverishappening inyourlife today, look up. When we turnour eyes heavenward and celebrate what we see,ourhearts will overflowwith joy. “Behold the Lamb of God,“and alwaysbehold Him.Lookto Him;look up to Him,and followwhere He leads the way. Charles Haddon Spurgeon

C.S.LewisDaily– Today‘sReadingTO MARY WILLIS SHELBURNE: On howto rehearse fordeath and howtodiminish fear. 17 June 1963 Pain is terrible, but surely you need not have fear as well? Can you not see

death as the friend and deliverer? It means stripping off that body which is tormenting you: like taking off a hair-

shirt or getting out of a dungeon. What is there to be afraid of? You have long attempted (and none of us does more) a Christian life. Your sins are confessed and absolved. Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave it with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind. Remember, though we struggle against things because we are afraid of them, it is often the other way round—we get afraid be- cause we struggle. Are you struggling, resisting? Don’t you think Our Lord says to you ‘Peace, child, peace. Relax. Let go. Underneath are the everlasting arms. Let go, I will catch you. Do you trust me so little?’ Of course, this may not

be the end. Then make it a good rehearsal. Yours (and like you a tired traveller near the journey’s end) Jack.

From The Collected Letters ofC.S.Lewis,Volume IIICompiled in Yours,Jack

COMMENTS:Thepassage fromPsalm 5givesusindicationthatit was David’spractice earlyin the morningtopraiseand talkto GodandfellowshipwithHiminaquietplace. Sincehespentseveral years inhiding,muchofthattimeincaves,IcanimaginemanyofDavid’spsalms written werefirstexpressed inprayer byhimin thesecaves notknowingwhatthedayor futureheldorwonderinghowlowhewould be inhidingbutstillexpressingthanksandpraiseand trustinHim.ThefactthathesparedSaul’slife twicewhile Saulwasdoingallhe couldto captureandkillDavidoutof jealousy,reinforcedthe close fellowshipandtrust DavidhadwithGod.Davidwouldnotbeenable nor would consideredsparingSaul’s liveotherwise.DavidknewGodhadordainedhim tobenextkingbutcircumstancesofthattimehadto createdoubtshe wouldever liveto fulfillthatpromise. Facingdeatheither givesfear andpanic or drawingadepthof hope andpeacesufficient. CSLewis’sletter above to MaryWillisShelburne was writtenafewmonthsbeforehisdeath.Notice thewordsrelatingto facingpainanddeath.Idonotknow detailsbehindaboveletteror whatMarywassufferingfromor hownear deathshe was.Ipresumeshewas near deathandanxious, prompting Lewis’slettertoher notedabove. Yet heonlyhadtil November 22 of that year himself.Hediedsame dayasJFK. Hewasn’taspowerful or famousasJFKthenbutlook at howLewis’s writingsandwitnessandpositivewitnesscontinues50yrslater ascomparedto JFK’s. Look athowweareimpactedbyDavid’swritings4000yrslater. Howamazingisit thatweservesucha wonderfulandeternal Godwho showssuchmercytoyouandme. Wehaveall the confidenceof recorded pasttoassureusHewill keepHispromisestousandinwaysbeyondwhatweareable to imagine.If read Psalm139:1–6,DavidreflectsonhowcloseGodhasbeen, surroundinghim constantly,andthenconcluded invs6“Thatkindofknowledgeistoo muchforme; it’s sohighaboveme thatI can’tfathom it.”Ifyou readon,Davidalso concludedthereisnowherewe cangothatGodwouldnotbe. Lewiswasalsotrying

to reassure MaryWillisofthat truthandbe comfortedandencouraged bythataswell.Soshouldwe. The resourceswehavetohelpusgainequalassuranceare evengreater butstillrequire considerable efforton our parttoembraceandseek acloser walktotheSourceof thatassurance. Iam amazedhowfewstepsI need totaketowardsHimbeforeHeruns to me. JesusHimselfusedthestoryof theprodigal,Luke 15:11–32,togiveusthatamazingtruth.Well, Davidneededtobe remindedofthatoften andIimagine evenCS Lewiswrotemanyof theselife changingthingsto reassurehimself asmuchas to reassureotherssohow muchmoredo youandIneedreassured daily. Itjustmeansourhouseisgettingabitclutteredanddirty andneedtoasktheHolySpirittodoabitof house cleaning, right?Howgloriousitwillbe to have

eternitytogleanthedetailsbehindall thestorieswe’vereadinscripturefrom

Davidand Daniel and…..

1/28/23 ToughQuestions withRC Sproul 28

Does the Bible tell us whenJesuswill return? Certainly not specifically. Many peoplehave attempted, byacareful(andsometimes a not socareful) examinationof the prophetic passages of Scripturetoestablish atimetable. Some have even predictedmonths, days, andyears—none of which, uptothis point, have beencorrect. WhenMartinLutherwas goingthroughthe tremendous upheaval andagitationinEuropeduringthe Protestant Reformation,he thought that thegreat distress cominguponthe churchin the sixteenthcentury wasaclearsign of the eminent returnof Jesus. Lutherlookedforitin his lifetime, andhe was wrongbyat least five centuries. Inthe middle of the eighteenthcentury, before theDeclarationof Independencewassignedbut more thanone

hundred years afterthePilgrims hadsettledthis country, Jonathan Edwards was much inclinedtothink that the returnof Christwas about tohappen. Edwards was wrong. I mentionthese two menbecause there aren‘t too manymen whose theological expertise I respect more thanI do Luther‘s andEdwards‘s. Tosee thatbothof them werewrongmakes me verycareful aboutgivingprecise predictions about the dayandthe hourof Christ‘s return.We rememberthat onthe Mount of Olives Jesus told his disciples that

eventhe Son did not knowtheday andthehourof his return; thatis inthe Father‘s hands.There is a dayandanhourthatGod has ordained, andhe justdoes not reveal itprecisely. Yetat the same time Jesus was zealous, as were Paul andthe otherwriters inthe New Testament,toinstructthe church of certainthings theyought tobe paying attentionto—signs of the times,things thatwould have tohappenbefore theycouldexpect the returnof Jesus. Of course,there‘sagreat dispute as towhat those things are andifany of them have takenplace. Somepeople believe thatall such signshave alreadytaken place. Idon’tknowthat this is true, but I think we have every reasontobe optimistic that the dayis drawingveryclose. I think manyof the things that Jesus speaks of (andthat

are mentionedin otherScripturesas well) as harbingers orsigns of the times have alreadytakenplaceor are taking place now. There hasbeenatremendous renewal of interest inthe returnof Christ. I‘m veryhopeful that it will be soon, thoughI canconceive of itsbeing anothertwo orthreethousandyears.

ANewYear toMake AmendsConfess yourtrespasses to one another, andpray for one another,that

youmay behealed. James5:165:13–20

In 1955, Joe Rota got a job as an elevator operator aboard the transatlantic ocean liner, the SS United States.On his first day at sea, the elevator door opened and in walked legendary actor Burt Lancaster with his two young sons. Without thinking, Rota shouted, “Burt!” The

actor was visibly disturbed, protectively putting his arms around his boys. Rota realized hisoutburst had been inappropriate. Later when he saw Lancaster glance at the elevator and then head for the stairs, he followed him. “Mr. Lancaster, can I talk to you a moment?” he asked. He explained he was new on the job and had been surprised to see the actor. “I have to apologize,” said Rota. Lancaster smiled and said, “That’s perfectly all right.

I understand. Take me up.” From that point, the two were friends.¹ Sometimes

we inadvertently disturb someone. We

say something we later realize was inappropriate. Determine here at the beginning of the year to make amends. A humble word of apology can heal a relationship as quickly as it was damaged. ”Never ruinan apology with anexcuse.” BenjaminFranklin

COMMENTS:Ithink it interesting to notetimes in past when sincere biblescholars wereconvinced Christ was returning in their generation. Ican seeevidence in their timewas compelling and can see whytheywould believetheprophecies pointedthem to that conclusion.I’m sureIwould have too ifIlived in their generation. But I live in ours and do believeevidenceofHis coming soon is compelling as well. Well,maybe it best to bring balanceand realize scripturecan beulfilled in afuturegeneration as welas in mine. Remember ifLuther or Edwards had been right, you and Iwould neverhad been born or known God’s mercies orhavehopeofheaven. God waited for us,didn’t he!! Maybehe is waiting for salvation ofthosewe lovebut certainly thoseHealready loves!!! That doesn’t mean weshouldn’t long for His return nor strivewith hopeofHis comingsoon. Lutherand Edwardsdid and much good came from that resolve. We just haveto bereminded knowledgeofwhen isonlyHis and weneed tosubmit to His time and plan, not ours nor think wehave it figured out. Heis too far aboveus for you and meto figureHis timeand plan out.

1/29/23 Mercy and Praise 29

Oh, thedepthof therichesboth of thewisdomand knowledgeof God!HowunsearchableareHisjudgmentsandHis wayspast findingout!Romans11:33

Psalm136

Oneof themostbeautiful doxologiesinScripturecomes fromtheapostle Paul in Romans

11:33–36. Leaving Paul’sdoxology in contextbegs thequestion, What caused Paul to burst out in these words of glory to God at this point in hisletter?Thedoxology beginsinverse33.Looking backatverses30–32 whichprecedethedoxology,we find onedominant theme: themercy of God.Paul mentionsmercy fourtimesin verses30–32.InRomans 11Paul is talkingabout how thewild branchesof theGentileshavebeen graftedintothe rootstock ofIsrael.And in verse 30hesays that all who receivemercy fromGod do soin spiteoftheir disobedience,Jews and Gentilesalike.And God iscommitted to such mercy because“thegiftsand callingof Godareirrevocable” (verse 29).

God‘spromises aremadeonthebasisof Hischaracter,noton thebasisof our worthiness. God’smercy isalwaysa

good reasonto offer praiseandworshiptoHim.

Whoshall theLORD‘select condemn? ‘TisGodthat justifies theirsouls,and mercylikeamightystreamO’er all their sinsdivinelyrolls.IsaacWatts

SunlightThrough GlassThisis theday theLORD hasmade;we will rejoiceandbegladin it. Psalm118:24RecommendedReading

Joshua24:14–15

Writer F. W. Boreham told of taking lodgings in the home of Old Bessie, the widow of a local pastor. One morning he noticed some words etched into one of the windows: “This is the day!” At breakfast he asked Bessie about it “I have had a lot of trouble in my time,” she explained. “Each morning when I woke up I felt as though I had the weight of the worldupon me. Then one day when I was very upset about things, I sat down and read … the 118th Psalm. When I came to the 24th verse, I stopped. … It flashed upon me like a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day.” With a glass-cutting tool from the kitchen, Bessie etched the words on the windowpane — Thisisthedaythe LORDhasmade;we will rejoice andbegladin it.“There!” she thought. “Now I shall see that little bit of Bible there every morning when I draw up the blind.”¹ Even biblical characters as courageous as Joshua needed to learn to keep a good attitude despite circumstances. So did Old Bessie. So do we! Today rejoice! Be glad in Him.

Ifthechurchisto impress theworld with thedeathless hopeoftheeverlastingGospel, shemustbeanimated by that hope herself.F. W.Boreham

COMMENTS:Both oftoday’s devotionalpassages related to importanceofworship and praise.

In Psalm 136 David reflects on allGod had hasdone for himand for Israel. Wedon’t haveto look back very far at allto beamazed at God’s faithfulprovision and guiding hand. Weonly noticewhen Hepulls back is hand a littleto help us seeand appreciatethatso we’lldraw closerto Him.Iam amazed how quicklymythoughts and emotions willwonderaway from Him and how easilyIcould slip intoa carnalselfish pattern.Ican’t comprehend thesavage waypeopletreat people in Syria as wellas so manyotherareas oftheworld. Yetwhen Isee how the impact ofonerighteous lifelikeNelson Mandela impacted and changed South Africa, I begin to realizetwo things: How much Ineed and depend on Him to livea righteous life,but can’t without constanthelp. Also,thepower ofimpact ofone life,even mine, ifIdeliberately and consistently following that path ofrighteousness dailywith Him. ThepowerofNelson’s lifelied with how completelyheforgavethosewho abused and emprisioned him.Hethen used that forgiveness to guiderest ofhis countrymen to likewise, forgiveand show how to forgive.

I liketheabovecomment about Psalm 118:24“It flashed upon me likea burst ofsunshineon a gloomyday”. Just assunlight overpowers and drives out darkness,arighteous lifewilldrive out hatred and allit’s destructivesavageness.A few days ago was 40^thanniversaryofWoev Wadedecision legalizing abortion. 55million abortions havebeen donesincethen. How

manyteachers,scientists,doctors,pastors….havebeen among then and their good work lost. Then Ihear about programs ofadopting “snowflakebabies”or fertilized embryos frozenbutdestined tobedestroyed ifnot usedafter 5 years. Thereareworldwideorganizations that allow couples wanting to adopt to adopt theseembryosnearingtheend ofthe5 year timeand then thru modern medicalcan carrythem to term and birth. Focus ontheFamilydid a program on this and interviewed a young woman “snowflakebaby”and herparents and

powerofthat miracles. God willhaveHis Way, won’t He? OHhow much more

a blessing for us ifwepartnerwith Him instead offighting Him,right? At least

these“snowflakebaby” programs areaa lot less controversialso legalbattles

aren’t nearlyas great. Resourcecan be focused on program instead offighting

legalbattles andabortionorganizations that seen to havedeep pockets andan

armyoflawyers. Ican’t understand how doctors and nurses can continueto do

abortions and seethecarnage ofdestroyed unborn babies and not beconvicted

to change. Greed and hardening ofheart is reason and haveheard countless

accounts ofthosewho left that industrybecauseofguilt and remorse. How long

willGod’s longsufferingcontinuebeforewewillfacejudgment for this as wellas

manyothersins in our society?

1/30/23 TheLight ofHis Glory 30

OnethingIhavedesired oftheLORD, that will Iseek:ThatImay dwell in thehouseoftheLORD all thedaysofmy life, to beholdthebeautyof theLORD, and to inquireinHistemple.Psalm27:4

23–28

At ameeting of theSocraticClubin Oxford, England,in 1945, theChristian apologistC. S. Lewissaid, “IbelievethattheSunhasrisennotonlybecauseI seeitbutbecause byitIsee everythingelse.”In hisbiography of C.S.Lewis, Alister McGrath explains whatLewismeant:“Wecanlookat thesunitself;orwe canlookinsteadatwhatitilluminates—thusenlargingourintellectual,moral, andaesthetic vision.Wesee thetrue, thegood, and the beautiful moreclearly by being givenalens that bringstheminto focus.“ThepsalmistAsaphhadasimilar enlighteningexperience.Hewasconfusedand frustrated about theprosperity of evildoers in theworld––“Until Iwent intothesanctuary of God;then Iunderstood their end” (Psalm73:17). When hewenttothetemple to worship God, suddenly hesaw theanswer–– theanswer wasGod!Somehow,whenwe “worshipthe LORD in thebeautyof holiness” (Psalm 29:2), life looksdifferent.

WeworshipGod notonly becauseHe isGodbut because we seeeverything elsemoreclearlyin the light of Hisglory. In thelight of God, humanvision clears. JamesPhilip

GodWithYouAsI[God]waswith Moses,so Iwill bewith you [Joshua]. Iwill not leave you nor forsakeyou.

Joshua1:5Hebrews13:5–6

When a mother decided her little boy was old enough to begin walking the few blocks to his school by himself, it was a major step. Nervous for the first few days, the little guy nonetheless made it to school and home safely the whole year. It wasn’t until years later

that the mother told her now teenaged son that she had followed behind him, out of sight,

every day for that first year to make sure he made it to school safely. He had been nervous and a little afraid to walk by himself, but he shouldn’t have been. The one who loved him the most was always with him. When Joshua filled Moses’ sandals as the new leader of Israel, he was no doubt nervous and a little afraid, too. He remembered the

giants in Canaan that the spies had reported decades before (Numbers 13:31-33). So God made a promise to Joshua: “I was with Moses. You are taking Moses’ place. So I will be with you as well.” Part of God’s covenant promise to Israel was to be with them and make them successful. And Jesus affirms that same promise to His followers: “And lo, I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). As you go about God’s work today, remember: He is with you (Mark 16:20). “Anxiouscare isout of placein aheavenly Father‘spresence”. KennethWuest COMMENTS:Ithink today’s devotionalthoughtsand scriptures area good

reminderwearenot aloneand without God’s protection. I likewhat CSLewis said about sunlight. On a cloudydaywecan’t seethesunbut wecan seethe lightit produces as wellas the lifeit has sustained. That is proofthesun isstilldoing it’s jobfaithfullydayafter dayjust has it is when wecan seeit.Likewise,God’s promiseto befaithfulto us,as he promised Joshua, is evident evenwhen wecan’tseeor feelHim.Iliketheexampleofthemotherwho followed herboyto schoolhidden in background. Hecouldn’t seeher or even know she was therebut ifdanger would havecamecloseto him,shewould havesprang out to protect him. Yes,wedon’t havetoseeor feelHim to haveconfidenceHeis near and on thejob. Wecan havethat confidencesimplybecauseHesays so and becauseHehas consistentlybeen on the job in past generations. We just need to believe it and act that waybut also,weneed to stay in close fellowship with Him. Whydo you thing recorded in theold testament areso many stories and examples oftheIsraelites walking with and being helped byGod and then sinning and facing consequences oftheir sins for a timeuntiltheyrepented andgained God’s help again. Weneed to realizeGod didn’t fullyabandon them during judgment but judgment did not need to be iftheywould haveremained faithful.Alltheseexamplesaregiven for our benefit becauseweneedn’tfollow samecycleas theyeven though wedo. Yetnot matter whereweareon that cycleor hardships we sufferbecauseofothers sins or simplybecause

we livein afallen world,wearereminded God is alreadynear enoughHewillrun to us ifwe

onlyseek Him. Thestoryoftheprodigalwas Jesus’wayofencouraging–remindingus ofthat.

1/31/23 BlessingBundles: Yesterday,Today, andForever 31

JesusChrist isthesameyesterday, today, and forever.Hebrews13:8

Hebrews13:1–8

Aboutfortymillion adultsin Americasufferfromanxiety, makingit themost common mental illnessin thecountry.But even thosewhohaven‘t beentreated for an anxiety disorder experience daily stress,tension, and fear.Our worries can center on things that

happenedin thepast,either recent or distant, thecircumstancescurrently

facingus, orfearsof tomorrow.Whenyour pastcomesbacktohauntyou, turn

your thoughtsaround andthank God for past blessings.Hiscare for you indays

gonebyisfar greater than any perilsor problems, andHisredemption isdeeper

than anyregret. When acurrent distresstorments you, turnit intoprayer and

praise,and thank God for promising to neverleave you nor forsakeyou.

Whenever you‘retempted to fret about tomorrow,startpraising Himfor the

eternal natureofHis love, forafuturejust asbright as Hispromises. Jesusis

thesameyesterday,today, andforever–– and soare Hisgrace,peace,

sovereignty,fellowship,joy,power, wisdom, andlove.HegivesHisblessingsin

bundles— yesterday, today,and forever–– so our gratitudeshould beeternal.

Jesusis thesameyesterday, today, and forever. Oneday we all will meet Him

around thisdynamictruth….Heisours–– theunforsaking,unchanged Christ.

CalvinMiller, inFruitof theSpirit

Fruit InspectionButthe fruitof theSpirit is love, joy,peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness,self–control.Against such thereis no law.Galatians5:22–23

Matthew7:15–20

One of the first things very young children learn is to identify various kinds of fruit — through pictures in a book as well as the actual fruit. The next step is to transfer the knowledge of the fruit to the tree that bears it: apples grow on apple trees and oranges grow on orange trees. The lesson for children? You can tell a tree by its fruit. Jesus usedthat simple connection to make a powerful spiritual application. When warning His followers about false prophets He said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16, 20). He went on to explain, “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” In fact, “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit”

(verses17-18). So if the spiritual fruit coming from a person is bad, it is a clear indication of the nature of the tree that bears the fruit. Fortunately, we have examples of the kind of good fruit produced by the Holy Spirit — a standard for spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus’ teaching and Paul’s list cause us to examine ourselves and ask: What kind of fruit are we bearing? (2 Corinthians 13:5) “Fruit isevidenceofthe root.” JohnBlanchard

COMMENTS:Today’s devotions speak tous aboutstress and despair as wellas spiritual fruit. Timehas a wayofunveiling deception andbringing out truth. Lovethat lastsis true love.Kind and courteous gestures and words willbeconfirmed or denied by actions overtime. Likewise,repentanceand sorrow for sinful– hurtfulactions orwords will beconfirmed ordenied overtimeby futureactions and words. Christ and His words have proved to betrueoverthecenturies and generations. Fruit ofwords or actions is proven over timeas well. Evilhearts willbear evilactions and consequences. Righteous words and actions willbear good results. How ourwords and actions stack up overtimeis based on hidden reasons and sourceofthoseactions andwords. Ifwe haveexperienced Christ’s saving grace and theHolySpirit is truly living in our hearts,our words and actions willbear fruit overtime. Theconsistencyofour lives overtimes is evidenceand impacton other’s lives isinevitable. Likewise, ifweare only pretending,wewillnot beableto sustain our “best behavior”. Refections has a wayofrevealing in which court wedwellif wearecourageous enough to look. Such maybeclearer alreadyto others than to us,since it maybeeasierto deceive ourselves than to deceiveothers.Ithink this isespeciallytruewhen itcomes to evidenceof thehope onlyChrist cangive. That hopewilltranscend good times andtrulyberevealed during times ofhardship and suffering /pain. How much morepowerfulour witness is during hard times ifwe remain true. Yet,how weuseour resources during prosperous times can also bepowerful. Let’s reflect on how we spend theresources Godgives us everyday,

both timeand money,and seeifwearetrulyusing His resources wiselyor ifwe

need to make somepriorityadjustmentsto be more in His will.Join me in that

reflection and prayer…