3/1/2023 Fore! 1
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 3:21-26 “21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and
discretion:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.23 Then shalt thou walk in
thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid:
yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of
the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall
keep thy foot from being taken.
COMMENTS: Today begins a new devotional month but study in Ecclesiates by David Jeremiah is
extending to today and tomorrow. David shares from Ecc. 11-12 reminding us how short life is
but Solomon concludes enjoying life can only be achieved if done in love and obedience to God.
Solomon tried enjoying the powers and wealth of his position without God and with many pagan
wives and found it all to be empty and not what he had hoped. Solomon concluded this in his
elderly years and turned back to God and found what he had lost. Ecclesiastes is a book of
regrets and a book of wisdom to help us avoid the wasted years Solomon spent. Proverbs was
written by Solomon in middle of his life. Even at that point in his life he realized the value of
listening to council of those older than he as well as God directly. In Prov 3:3-5 trust God with all
your heart and acknowledge Him with your actions so He can keep your path straight. Solomon
then says if we fear God and shun evil, this will bring health to your body and nourishment to your
bones. Vs 9 is a reminder to honor God with our offerings and tithe before spend any of it on
other needs. He also says wisdom is more valuable than anything else we would work for. He is
really saying without God’s wisdom, our efforts and plans are flawed and will not give the results
we hope for. I would compare to not taking the time to buy and put winter tires on a car to assure
sufficient traction to drive safely on winter roads. We may do fine until get on a slippery patch
near a sharp turn or sharp hill. Since we don’t know where the turns or hills or slippery patches
are on life’s road, it is wise to make sure we have God’s winter tires of wisdom on and properly
inflated. That is the wisdom Solomon continues to talk about and urges us to seek after daily. Vs
21-26 tells us if we do this, sound judgment and discernment will result and will serve us well on
journey to keep us safe especially in times of danger or difficulty. Vs 26 says God will be our
confidence and will keep our foot from being snared. I believe he is talking about recognizing
temptation and avoiding it before becomes a snare and pulls us off path. The Bible is full of
examples of those who followed this advice and those who didn’t along with results. I can testify
that Solomon’s advice is true from my life experiences along with those I know as well and am
sure in your reflection you have examples of both as well.
3/2/2023 Will Power: Whosoever Will 2
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts
come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17
SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 55:1-3 “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he
that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money
and without price.2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for
that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul
delight itself in fatness.3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will
make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.”
COMMENTS: I have been a born again Christian since accepted Christ at the altar of our
church in the fall of 1961. Making that decision early was easier and a smaller leap of faith
for me since my parents was Christian. My mother persuaded my father to come to church
and accept Christ and even give up smoking before they married, so her faithfulness lead
my father to Christ and later my sister and myself. Their impact was felt by everyone they
knew with a gentle but firm example that all respected. At my mother’s funeral her sister
came to me and asked how to know Christ as she did. I had the privilege to lead Helen
Kellerman to Christ at age 90. As the above devotion and Isaiah 55 shares, the invitation is
open to all with only a willingness to ask and receive and a belief that Christ is who He said
He is. He will take it from there and welcome you into His family. This scripture goes on to
tell us in vs 9 that His ways and wisdom are so far above ours and what He offers us and
direction He leads up on and help He provides are so much more than we can hope to
receive or can imagine. A life with Him is so much better and more secure that it cannot be
compared to a life without Him. I see so much hardship I’ve been spared because of that
early decision and willingness to stay close to Him. Yet every morning and throughout the
day, there are fresh challenges to following Him and find I need to renew my commitment
and seek fellowship with Him often in order to avoid getting cold in my faith and finding
myself straying from path. I am even more resolved to not allow myself to become lazy in
fellowship with Him but realize there will be times I will. I just pray God will keep me
aware of those times so I will have enough sense to seek Him. I pray you will see the value
of such a relationship and have the same resolve. He wants fellowship with you, so you
won’t have to go far to find Him if want to find Him.
3/3/2023 An Eternal Reward for the Forgiven Faithful 3
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you
will find rest for your soul. “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion is especially meaningful given the details of
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life. He was German born and came to US to study and
teach. However, as Hitler’s evils unfolded he was compelled to go back to
Germany to witness and do all he could to combat that evil. He even got involved
with an assassination attempt on Hitler because the evil was so overwhelming. He
was executed just days before the war ended but the positive impact he made on
those he interacted with as well as those in US and writings from then to today
is amazing. I am glad God has not asked such a sacrifice of me and know it is a
great fear of many that He will if we surrender to Him. Yet God does not grace
most with the level of gift He did to a Solomon or a David or to a Dietrich
Bonheoffer. However, even the weight Dietrich carried, which seems overwhelming
to bear for us, was not for him because God carried it with Him. That is the
promise He gives us and we need to realize being faithful is far better than
consequences of not doing so long term. We have countless examples in scripture
as well as thru history and even those we know in our life’s experience to
support the fact that disobedience to God is far worse than the most demanding
things God might ask us to do.
3/4/2023 Worry – NO Trust – Yes 4
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 T here are three things for
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion from “Bible Gateway” shares if we truly trust God and
believe all that is in the Bible, than fear and worry become unnecessary burdens.
Yet worry and fear have drawn me to praying. Yet I have found it far better to
worry about making wrong decisions and praying for council and strength rather
than praying after making and acting on those decisions and worrying about
results of those actions and decisions afterwards. God has answered prayers I’ve
made in both situations but not always right away or in manner had prayed for. I
still worried often, but didn’t do any good other than keep be focused on
praying. That is the only good I see come of worry, but how much better it is to
left the peace of knowing God is near and loves me drive me to prayer rather than
fear and worry. Both have driven me to prayer – one a result of weak faith and
one as a result of a time of strong faith. God love me in both situations and
loves you in both as well. He just wants us to come to and talk to Him. He
longs for and wants an ongoing relationship with us most of all and really wants
us to help others to do the same. Oh how different the world would be if all
Christians who know Him would do that. I struggle with that for a lot of reasons
but know this truth is too amazing to keep it to myself.
3/5/2023 Starting the Day in Prayer 5
“Give ear to my words, O Lord, give heed to my sighing. Listen to the sound of my
cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray. O LORD, in the morning you hear my
voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.” Psalm 5:1-3
COMMENTS: Reading scripture and devotions such as above devotion from Bible
Gateway and spending some time in prayer helps me start out day with right
attitude and perspective. I find it a bit easier to hold to this discipline
retired but the discipline of writing a journal with devotion has helped me
maintain the discipline. When Debbie gave me a devotional journal Christmas
2011, there were times I missed a day and had to catch up but was the first step
in developing a daily habit I could maintain. The value of that discipline and
the feeling of something missing when don’t do it in the morning has become
evident to me. The difference is having the sense of God’s presence and
influence in daily choices is clearer when spend morning time with Him.
I know most days do not require life changing decisions or choices that really
seem to make a difference in our lives or lives of those we love or even those we
just interact with during the day. However, if we look at each day much like a
carpenter building a house, each day’s work provides a little more progress
towards completion of the house being built. Progress comparing one day to the
next may not be noticeable but impact is noticed over time. I think our lives
are much like that. One mistake can cause noticeable damage, especially if a
significant mistake, and result in delays in progress. A bomb can destroy what
took years to build… However, a day of wise choices results in progress – the
goal being obedience to Christ’s bidding resulting in making a positive impact in
lives of those we interact with during day. Maintaining fellowship with Christ
is the way we do that. That is no easier for me than am sure is for you. Are
times I don’t feel very close to Christ or even want to be, but that is where our
minds must take control over our emotions and bodies. The wonderful thing about
Christ’s relationship with us is every day is a fresh restart and His mercy is
available every time we fail and seek Him again.
3/6/2023 Working for God 6
“Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for
your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance
as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23
COMMENTS: I would encourage you to reflect on your work day with consideration to how Christ
both has and could have affected decisions you’ve made and how you interacted with co-workers
or everyone you cross paths with during each day. I started doing that early in my career and
decided it was better to spend time in prayer and bible reading before I went to work, more so
than at night, to be in the right frame of mind for the Holy Spirit to guide me during the day. I
would find myself a bit more patient and willing to reflect / send a silent prayer before making
decisions – even less significant ones, which made a noticeable difference on how well day went
and how well I felt about choices made at end of the day. Consistency in devotions every morning
has been hit and miss for me but regret I wasn’t more faithful in resolve to spend time with Christ
every morning. I have found that time spent in devotion and prayer makes a big difference, even
after retired, with how I deal with my grandchildren or Arlene. It is hard to describe the difference
it makes, but is much like having someone close you can ask their opinion regularly vs not having
them near. The feeling of confidence and peace is noticeably different as well as seeing myself
make wiser choices during day. Of course, even that isn’t 100% and sometimes think God intends
that so don’t become too comfortable with where I am in my relationship with Him and continue to
realize need to get closer with Him in that relationship. Over the years I have also found God
wants us to grow closer to Him and become more Christ like and not remain static in that
relationship or growth. I feel I am closer to Him now than I30 yrs ago and a little more Christ than
then, but I also have a little better sense of how perfect He is and how far below that level of
perfection I still am even though I can see improvement in my character since then.
3/7/2023 Thankfulness – Engergizing Life 7
“You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were
angry with me, your anger turned away, and you comforted me. Surely God is my
salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the LORD GOD is my strength
and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the
wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call
on his name” Isaiah 12:1-4
COMMENTS: Being thankful is essential to our mental health, maintaining a
positive and productive attitude, and essential to our faith and living a daily
Christian walk. The above comment asking why would God entrust greater blessing
to us if we are not grateful in the smaller things. I am reminded of the parable
of the servant forgiven of an extremely large debt by his master and then went
out and put someone in debtor’s jail who owed him a very small amount. The
parable tells us the master then took back his mercy when learned the servant he
forgave did not forgive. Being grateful does change how we judge our daily walk
and how we judge both good and bad things that come our way and can help us bring
a positive conclusion to a bad situation. We can show mercy and gratitude to God
without condoning actions that bring suffering in other’s lives or our own.
Remember God is still in control and can bring good out of evil.
3/8/2023 Don’t Worry – God Always Provides 8
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’
For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you
need all these things.” Matthew 6:31-32
COMMENTS: This can be a difficult topic. For a child an idol may be a dime or a
promotion for an adult. It may be power or acquiring wealth or a new car or a
vacation for an adult. The guideline given to us is anything that is between us
and worshipping and obeying Christ. Certainly anything we are willing to steal to
get falls in that category. Also, anything we would lie or do anything wrong to
get as well. However, even good things like saving for future needs or family
needs can become an idol if carried to excess. I can see anything can start out
good but end up becoming an idol over time as continue focus on it and start
neglecting our relationship with God. Likewise, if we start to fall behind in
tithe so can support other goals can be a warning sign as well. I continue to
check myself so know it is a universal battle. Pray this helps in your battles.
3/9/2023 First Things First 9
“But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things
will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring
worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:33-34
COMMENTS: David Jeremiah spoke from Ecc5: The more we have the more we want – spend –
worry – lose – leave behind… Our ability to earn money is a gift from God and ability
to enjoy our money is a gift from God. What Solomon is trying to teach us is the
have balance and realize God is our provider so need to pay more attention to wisely
using what God gives us instead of consuming it for ourselves. Today’s devotion also
speaks to the worry portion of this topic. Worry is basically doubting that God can
be or is in control or that He will take care of us to the detail as has done in
past. That is why it is vital to keep in close fellowship with Him daily thru
scripture and prayer and fellowship with other Christians. Faith overcomes worry but
“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”. However, faith is like a
meal, one dose is not enough and will quickly wear off if not replenished. If I
miss devotions or go thru day without at least a brief prayer now and again, the day
isn’t as blessed and next day is a little easier to miss and goes a little poorer.
God intended for us to have a daily relationship with Him so we’ll suffer if neglect
that relationship. Isn’t it strange to think that the God of the universe wants to
have a daily relationship with each of us and designed us for it, yet our tendency is
to neglect it in spite of suffering every time we neglect it. Yet He keeps patiently
waiting for us to return. I love the story of the prodigal – The father patiently
waited until prodigal came home but when father saw him coming, He ran to him and
didn’t wait til son walked in the front door.
3/10/2023 Poor in Spirit = Rich in Heaven 10
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
COMMENTS: Consider what the disciples sacrificed, especially Peter, as a married man
with a good fishing business, or Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dietrich escaped Germany to US
for studies but deliberately went back to Germany knowing what he would face and
knowing he would probably not live. That is very hard for me to embrace since I have
the security of a home and wife and children-grandchildren and a secure retirement
income. Would I give it all up to go to a hostile country without a place to live?
I am sure you struggle with those same questions while still wanting to be fully
obedient to all God wants you to be and do. The sacrifice the disciples or men like
Bonhoeffer paid was well worth it – knowing those he lead to Christ as well as reward
of heaven and eternity with Christ are rewards that dwarf any sacrifice here. The
Grace and strength Christ gave them during their difficult lives is very evident so
that their choices became easier to sustain even here during trials.
I have to admit I am really glad God has not asked me to make such sacrifices, but do
know promotions were delayed or didn’t happen because of choices I made along the way
to follow Christ and do my best, with His help to do His Will as imperfect as my
efforts were. Why does God asked some to make great sacrifices or face death early
in their lives and others to live for Christ in the security of a safe country with a
secure income and home and family? I thought I felt a call into full time ministry a
few times during my working life but each time God showed me I needed to reflect
Christ in my work place and community first. He even showed me if I can’t do so
there, how I could expect to do so in a full time ministry. He was satisfied with my
obedience living in the community I grew up. I am glad for that but have to believe
I was spared a lot of hardship. The answer to this question has to remain a mystery
but knowing limits of my God given abilities and my faith probably enters into
answer. Yet God still is willing to walk with and talk with and have fellowship with
me and KNOW HE IS FOR YOU AS WELL…THAT IS THE GOOD NEWS HE WANTS US TO KNOW AND
SHARE… God’s Grace thru Christ is available to all if they only ask for it. The
prodigal, once he realized his error and started home, found his father running to
greet and forgive him and welcome him home. Christ gave us that parable for us to
know that is how He views us and relationship he wants with us and how willing He is
to forgive us too. What God gives us if we only ask for His forgiveness and help will
change our lives for good forever. Parable also shows us how undeserving we are as
well…
3/11/2023 Mourning = God’s Comfort 11
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
COMMENTS: I believe what is referred to in today’s devotion is sympathetic or
companionate mourning. We mourn the loss of a loved one. Mourning here is grieving
over a tragedy of what those in the world have lost by not accepting Christ. It is
easy to grieve for those in my family and those outside my family I also care about.
However, scripture goes further to mourn also for those who have abused or hurt us.
This is more than just being nice to those that hurt us. It involves praying for
them and seeking ways to help them and especially leading them to Christ. Jonah
didn’t want to preach to the Ninevites. The Assyrians were savage invaders and had
done terrible things to Jonah’s people and God wanted him to tell them to repent and
be forgiven. Jonah, after being in the whale, told them half heartedly but they
still repented and were saved from God’s judgment. Jonah wasn’t very happy and God
had to show him to forgive. Bitterness was destroying Jonah and God, in His
compassion, wanted Jonah to know His mercy too. Injustices to me have all been mild
and infrequent, especially when look at other’s situations, but I still need reminded
to forgive and mourn for those I know that are lost too.
3/12/2023 Meekness = Receiving an Inheritance from God 12
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion is one Dietrich Bonhoeffer risked and gave his life for.
He struggled with the terror being waged under Hitler’s rule and even resolved to be
a part of conspiring to assassinate Hitler, which was unsuccessful. We live in a
society where living our faith in Christ is becoming more unpopular but still is not
a point of persecution. Worst we face may be a lost promotion or made fun of or loss
of friendships. However trend is changing and a sense of morality and respect for
the Gospel has diminished. However, we don’t have to look far outside US to see real
persecution and even martyrdom for Christ, so we in this country really should be
humbled but faithfulness of our brothers in other countries. It is easy to become
bitter and dwell on injustices done at work or community to ourselves or our family.
Yet scripture is telling us to defend those who can’t defend themselves and minister
to their needs but with meekness and without bitterness even for those causing
injustices. I have found most injustices by others to be due to a lack of wisdom in
choices made but have also seen those choices maintained due to pride and a arrogant
spirit instead of admitting error and going a better directions. Of course there are
exceptions and poor leadership mostly out of an unwillingness to seek council from
the God who gave Solomon and Daniel and David great wisdom we read of in Daniel and
Psalms and Ecclesiastes and Proverbs…. Unfortunately there are a lot of injustices
we can’t correct or fix. Wisdom for us and our own sanity requires us to identify
those situations we can make a difference and seek God’s council and help to make a
difference. However, we also need to identify those situations we cannot fix and
rest of God taking care of bringing His justice and fixes in His own time and way.
In those situations, we are best to pray and encourage and support where He directs
us and let Him take care of the rest. That is hard to do but essential.
3/13/2023 Hunger for Righteousness = God’s Righteousness 13
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matt.5:6
COMMENTS: The closer we get to God, the more like Him we want to and strive to be.
However, the result I have seen in others who I see doing so realize how much unlike
Christ and unrighteous they still are. I believe that is what renouncing our own
righteousness means. Humility is part of that but, as David Jeremiah shared, to
acknowledge to be humble is to let pride come into our hearts and loose our humility.
By making Christ our focus and example and striving to develop and grow our
relationship with Him, we naturally will become more righteous and humble because we
will naturally become more like Him. The more we focus on others, the less we will
focus on ourselves and seek to satisfy our own selfish desires. Those are the
lessons I have notices in others I want to model and am striving to model in my own
life. I am in the process of learning that to trust and have faith in Christ is to
let Him take care of my needs and let him protect my rights while I am focusing on
fellowship with Him and doing His will during each day instead. When I do that, my
day and a sense of fulfillment at end of the day is better than when I focus on
looking out for myself. I am still working at sustaining that and still find all too
often days I don’t quite accomplish that. It is easier now, retired, than when was
working and does seem to be getting easier as get older but still all too easy to get
tripped up. This afternoon I will be leading the funeral service for a dear Uncle who
passed last Sunday at age 91. He and my aunt have been married nearly 73 years and
have been dear friends and family to my parents and me as growing up. Over the years
have occasionally visited them but not nearly as often as should and wished had. They
demonstrated Christ in their lives in many ways but didn’t attend church or talk at
all about a faith in Christ. However, the faith my parents demonstrated to them am
praying did make the difference. My Aunt Helen came to me after my mom’s funeral and
asked me to help her make sure of her salvation. Praying with and helping her ask
Christ into her life and give her that assurance was such a precious time and am
praying my Aunt Betty has or will seek that same assurance.
3/14/2023 Merciful Is = Mercy Get 14
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7
COMMENTS: This devotion gives me opportunity to reflect on mercies God has shown me
and how I have and haven’t shared those mercies with others. I trust you sense the
need to do so as well. The parable Christ gave us of the servant forgiven of a huge
debt by his master and then went out and put another in prison for not paying a very
small debt owed him. Christ went on to say the Master then took back his mercies when
hear what his ungrateful servant did. Showing forgiveness and mercy to others, then,
really isn’t an option for us and gives you and me an added incentive to be merciful.
We all know God promises to provide us resources when ask us to give. Arlene and I
tithed of our incomes before we were married and covenanted together to do so when we
married. There have been times we slipped below 10% and noticed how easy it was to
continue to slip so worked our way back up. There have also been times God wanted us
to give more to special needs and did so. What we noticed was giving more did not
result in having less. A byproduct gradually has been a sense of being satisfied with
material things we have and enjoying them more. My Aunt Florence tithed and after
she died we maintained her gifts to the church until her account was depleted.
However, God nudged us to add that amount to our tithe, which we have done for past
2-1/2 yrs and have not found our resourced go down. God does provide. Giving time
has been another struggle but has found similar results. Being forgiving to others is
another area God has nudged us. Some are easy to forgive and others take some work –
mostly because they continue to offend. However, I have to say those situations are
very few – fewer than they appear to be when I allow my feelings to distort. I
suspect you experience is similar. Let’s face it, God has given us so much from our
possessions to our families to our health to our country to salvation and eternal
life so SHAME ON US if we give back grudgingly to Him.. Well… SHAME ON ME and SHAME
ON YOU…. OK, let’s strive to do better as unto the God who loves us…
3/15/2023 Only God Can Prepare Us to see Him 15
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8
COMMENTS: Today our devotion’s focus is on being pure of heart and beatitude noted
from Mtt.5:8 tells us a pure heart is required in order to see God. I saw my parents,
as see myself now, as get closer to heaven, gaining a perspective of moving away from
wanting physical things and towards wanting to be closer to Christ and be like Him.
Having a pure heart, like every other aspect of being like Christ, is impossible to
achieve by ourselves and at best slowly improve as get closer to Him. To think I’ll
achieve it in this life is foolish but to improve daily is a doable goal, which is
why our memories can serve to judge progress. I know leaving wealth to my children
can be both a blessing to shield them from life’s problems and dangers but can also
bring temptations satan can use to destroy them. However, anything I can do or say,
including this journal that can draw them closer to Him both now and when I’m gone
can be a treasure more precious than any other. 100 years from now nothing else will
matter to me more than my family being with me in heaven near the One who made and
has and continues to care for us here… I know if I struggle with being Christ like
and battle temptations, dangers they face and their children face are even greater.
If I dwell on the dangers, it can be overwhelming. However, the comfort I have and
want them to have is knowing God is in control and trusting Him is where our sanity
and hope lies. As I look back on my parent’s lives, Arlene’s parents lives, my
aunt’s life, and so many others, I see the trust and hope they had in Christ and how
well He was faithful to them even in hard times in past. Knowing how He helped those
in scripture and those I know and remember helps me to trust and have faith as well
and trust God will use them and our lives to help those after us too as well.
3/16/2023 God’s Children are Peacemakers 16
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion is a bit difficult to reflect and comment on. How are we
to react to injustice or poor behavior both in ourselves and in others? All too
often my reaction is to respond with anger or indignation when I’m being treated
unfairly as much as if see injustice towards others. Yet the commands given in
scripture are to respond with love and kindness. I know God’s perspective is to
restore broken relationships with Him and with each other, which for Him is more
precious and important than if we are always treated fairly and well. History as
well as scripture gives us that perspective. Yet “turning the other cheek” or
forgiving are not in my nature or yours. Yet I’ve lived long enough to learn:
- More good comes out of waiting until understand background and persons involved
before reacting. The role of a peacemaker involves helping all affected parties
understand background as well as results and consequences in order to encourage a
more logical and better path forward. - Forgiveness brings better long term results than revenge or justice without
mercy. - Most of the time harmful words or actions are out of errors dues to
thoughtlessness and not out of malice, so reactions should be tempered to that.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer struggled with what he should do to stop the harm and evil being
done by Hitler. He chose a path of supporting efforts to kill Hitler while the church
in Germany and Rome did nothing. Hitler was able to get control and power to do what
he did due to delay of the world in responding and can’t imagine consequences if that
apathy would have continued much longer. So where in balance should Christians draw
the line and what their reactions should be in life or in world events. Fighting
evil without sinning may not be a clear direction but judging level of our reaction
based on scripture & prayer instead of from our emotions – is a good start…
3/17/2023 Persecution for Righteousness Will Be Rewarded 17
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
COMMENTS: A common concept of leadership in many companies is to respond quickly to
poor behavior by employees, but to do so without discerning causes and striving to
help and heal employees affected can further the damage and consequence for both
employee and company. Wisdom in dealing with and managing people is not easy so
mistakes are common. Managers who are easily threatened can react too hard and
quickly and judge employees as expendable if require some maintenance. The converse
is to delay that help and allow problems to grow into greater problems. Keeping
Christ in our daily lives enables Him to help and infuse His wisdom, which does make
the difference between healing or unnecessary consequences. Respect for Christian
values and influence in the work place has eroded along with integrity and wisdom
those values brings. We, as a country and society, have eroded from seeking that
wisdom and integrity to relying on knowledge and wisdom only available from human
experience and education. Bible prophesy tells us that in end times persecution and a
falling away will happen. If we are living in early stage of those times, we can
expect further erosion to point of indignation towards Biblical wisdom and integrity.
Open persecution of Christians will become more evident and severe. I pray I will
and my family and children and grandchildren will be prepared and faithful when those
times come. However, the consequence to strength of our country is evident from
Bible history, so fear much harder and dangerous times are coming. Scripture tells
us to prepare for them by prayer and strengthening our relationship with God and
knowledge of scripture. Storing our goods and money may be wise so have resources
when greater need becomes evident. However, in order to have God’s provision
available, growing in our relationship with God will equip us with His wisdom and
discernment, which is priceless now but will become even more valuable in those days.
I fully expect to see those times in my lifetime, which gives us greater urgency.
3/18/2023 Being Good Salt – Not Vinegar 18
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness
be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled
underfoot.” Matthew 5:13
COMMENTS: This morning’s devotion reminds me of message our pastor, Rev. Melody
Kimmel shared a few years ago at a Lenten community service at our church. She said a
couple came into store to buy a beautiful teacup. The cup told them how much it
complained to maker of the pain of being shaped and baked and painted over and over
again but when maker showed it what had become, was amazed. God designed us to
worship and serve Him. He didn’t ask our permission or get our input. We are
designed for a purpose and if do not do it or resist, we have no other value. Some
may think that isn’t fair but what could be more fair than making us for a greater
purpose and guide us to that end so we can be fulfilled and have a purpose that
brings greater good. When we only look at the work thru the eyes of what can I get
out of it instead of what can I do to please the One who made and loves me, what a
disappointment that must be for our Creator and ultimately for ourselves….
Below is the verse of the day Bible Gateway offers us:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so
that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Trusting in the Christ, who came for the purpose of suffering and dying as the
sacrifice for our sins, to guide and use us for the purpose of worshipping and
honoring the God who created and loves us…. Why does that seem to be such an
unnatural and hard thing to do? We are not alone in that struggle-every
generation has struggled. Yet every generation proves to us His ways and Will is
best both for us and for those who we cross paths with. Our happiness is
directly linked to our willingness to submit to His Will even if persecution and
ridicule are the short term consequence. I hope those consequences are as mild
for you as they have been for me, but I pray you as well as I will be found
faithful when He calls us home someday…
3/19/2023 Obedience from Love = Successful Obedience 19
“What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are
slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of
obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that you, having once
been slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to
which you were entrusted, and that you, having been set free from sin, have become
slaves of righteousness.” Romans 6:15-18
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion deals with the debate of an imperfect sinful life after
conversion. Bonhoeffer deals with “cheap grace” – forgiveness without a life change
and repentance. Perfection, in scripture, refers to completeness of our relationship
with Christ and repentance refers to a direction change where sin is no longer in
control of our choices and actions. Sin is no longer our habit or primary thought and
action drive. By looking back do we see growth away from sinful behavior? When we
sin, do we feel guilt and sorrow and urgency of seeing mercy and repentance? Are we
seeing habitual changes? David Jeremiah, in this morning’s program, said that by the
time we reach our 30’s, we’ve realized consequences of sin and real dangers life puts
on our path and more are praying more often and longer. The only productive thing
worry can do is drive us to God thru prayer and others for help. I can say prayer is
always work but also is always worth the effort and time, as God intended.
3/20/2023 Something to Think About 20
Whatever things are true..noble ..just..pure..lovely..of good report, if there is any virtue and if there
is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
SCRIPTURE: JOSHUA 1:7-17 “ Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to
pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,2 Moses my servant is
dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to
them, even to the children of Israel.3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I
given unto you, as I said unto Moses.4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river,
the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the
sun, shall be your coast.5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as
I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.6 Be strong and of a good
courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their
fathers to give them.7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or
to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.8 This book of the law shall not depart out
of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have
good success.9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be
thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.10 Then Joshua commanded
the officers of the people, saying,11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare
you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the
LORD your God giveth you to possess it.12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the
tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD
commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.14 Your
wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side
Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help
them;15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have
possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your
possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the
sunrising.16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and
whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so
will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.”
COMMENTS: David Jeremiah once shared the experience of getting up at 2:30AM to get to
an airport in Chicago and had to wait several hours due to a storm hovering over Chicago.
No flights could get in or go out. He felt frustrated since could have slept longer. However,
as looked outside and reflected as he wrote in his devotion journal, God revealed to him
that he was shielded from the dangers outside with the shelter of the airport building, just
as he is also shielded by God from satan’s attacks. That changed his attitude and
appreciation for the delay and preference to wait in an airport instead waiting or fighting
the storm in an airplane. Albert Einstein’s commented one time that changing our world
starts with our thinking, but how much our perspective affects our ability to improve our
circumstances. When I’m in a poor mood, I can’t seem to do anything right, nor anyone
else. Yet, changing my attitude, I’ve found, isn’t likely unless I do a “time out” and stop to
pray and reflect. Just as David Jeremiah did, going back into scripture and prayer opens
our minds for God to speak and encourage and correct us. How amazing it is that God
wants to / can / does do that with each one of us. His response is tailored to our
circumstances, our nature and current attitudes. He can and does do that at the same time
with millions of others all over the world. How awesome is that?? Next time you feel
overwhelmed or discouraged, reflect on Albert Einstein’s comment and turn to the One who
does make a difference and see if your experience is the same as David Jeremiah’s or mine.
I have to admit, it is hit and miss how successfully I’ve done that and get thru situations
whether I do that or not, but eventually I turn to God. However, I’ve found it is much
better if I turn to God early rather than late so can avoid being miserable or having regrets
w.r.t. responses I make to others in meantime. God is not honored when we delay turning
to Him, but is always honored if we turn to Him first, listen to His voice, and do what He
speaks in our hearts. Has that been your experience too?? I pray so….
3/21/2023 Turn from Sin Because It Pleases Christ 21
“What then are we to say? Should we continue to sin in order that grace may abound?
By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all
of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ
was raised from the dead to the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness
of life.” Romans 6:1-4
COMMENTS: I think there is something in us wired to value things that cost us
something more than things that cost us nothing, not matter how valuable they are.
This devotion is basically saying the same thing about salvation God offers us. The
truth is cost to Christ dwarfs anything we are asked to sacrifice. However, we need
to realize there is a cost to us. We are required to give up our sinful past and bad
behavior. Satan doesn’t give up easily so battles we face now and going forward are
not easy or fun. Our hope is in the Christ who promised to be with us and Holy Spirit
that gives us the guidance and strength needed for our battles. We have past history
in scripture along with those we know and our own to reinforce how much better our
lives become when we resist satan. When we resist the temptations of lust or
impatience or anger or sharp tongues or acting before praying or overeating/eating
harmful foods or laziness or avoiding interaction with those we don’t like or
ministry that isn’t easy…. I’ll leave it to you to continue the list. Living the
Christian life isn’t easy, it is downright work as is prayer and bible study but what
worthwhile relationship doesn’t require work. Marriages require work to last as do
relationships with children or even friends. So, why wouldn’t we think our
relationship with God require work as well? The good news is He does most of the
work and meets us over ½ way when we turn around and take a step towards Him. Has
that been your experience? It has been my experience and I pray so for you too…
One of my weaknesses is being easily distracted, but I’ve found God can even use
that.
If I am tempted, the best thing I can do is distract myself by praying and focusing
on another task. My weakness works to my advantage because I soon forget about the
temptation. Satan can use our weaknesses to cause us to stumble, but only God can and
does use our weaknesses to build us up (Romans 8:28). Is that cool or what??!!!
3/22/2023 Our Forgiveness Cost HIM Dearly 22
For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:20
COMMENTS: Today’s is a good devotion to follow yesterday’s. Costly grace does involve
obedience and turning from sinful behavior and thoughts. Accomplishing that requires
work and discipline but also involves a continuing surrender to God’s will. The
nature of how God works involves partial revelations He gives us with a requirement
of faith to trust Him for next chapter. It also involves an understanding that as we
grow closer to Him, we will realize more of our sinful nature that needs dealt with
and as well as further revelations as to how more perfect God is than us. I think
that is why those we admire, or revere as being Godly and good example to follow,
recognize and admit they are far below the mark Christ has given. That may seem like
a self defeating perspective but is really good news. If we saw God for who He is,
we would likely be so discouraged at how far we need to go, we would give up.
However, God has chosen to reveal Himself to us in bits and pieces and does not
expect more of us than we are capable of doing today. Isn’t that amazing and GOOD
NEWS??? At least that reminds us we can’t make it on our own and no-one is worthy of
being honored for how Christ like they are – since they are not truly even remotely
close to being Christ like and won’t be this side of the grave. David Jeremiah gave
an example of a young man who asked his girl friend’s fathers hand in marriage. He
said no because said his daughter was not worthy of him. He asked why since were
both in love with each other and both were Christians. Her father shared his daughter
has a horrible temper and lives too close to the point of maturity when she became a
Christian, which the young man had not seen in her yet. If we live too close to point
of maturity when experience salvation, we will not be able to hide that forever and
are missing out on joy and fulfillment. Let’s work on moving forward together??
3/23/2023 He Chose Us – Our Turn to Choose Him 23
“As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew
casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow
me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and
followed him.” Mark 1:16-18
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion is a challenging one – causing soul searching and life
assessment. Obedience involves both choices in behavior and actions made during day
as well as major life choices. Yet they are all linked to each other. God asks us
for obedience each step without knowing direction or later choices to make. That can
make initial choices, like for Simon (Peter) easier. If he would have known his
choice to follow Christ would lead him to leading thousands to Christ in his
lifetime, that would have been a positive incentive but if he would have known it
would lead him to being crucified, he might have rejected Christ. Yet, after Peter
grew over time in his relationship with Christ, he was willing to give his life.
Obedience over time both reinforces our faith and faith then reinforces our
obedience. I find that to be true, but have also found disobedience destroys faith
and lack of faith reinforces disobedience as well.
I am amazed at the faith I hear of from Christians in China or other countries where
Christians are severely persecuted. The book “A Heavenly Man” shares the faith of a
Chinese Christian man who led thousands to Christ while experiencing years of prison
and torture in China for his faith in Christ. Extended times of separation from
family and poverty did not dismay him. He only left China when concluded he was such
a famous “outlaw” in China that he put other Christians at risk (underground church)
whenever he was with them or ministered to them. However, when he did come to America
he was amazed at the churches and prosperity Christians enjoyed but very disappointed
with the lack of faith and passion Christians have here. I sense my faith is weak due
to lack of exercise and testing. Freedom and material prosperity are enjoyable and
comfortable and a real blessing but there are enough examples to believe prosperity
is a curse for our faith and require diligence to not result in God’s judgments.
Israel’s past gives repeated examples of that and is prophetic of America’s future
based on our continued disobedience. Likewise, history and current examples of
Christians being persecuted yields many examples of Christians growing and thriving
in their faith. Christians have grown to 20% of China’s population in midst of
persecution vs shrinking numbers in US in midst of prosperity.
People more likely will seek hope in midst of hardship, not prosperity. I pray my
faith will thrive in the midst of the blessings I and my family enjoy in the US, but
believe our future will likely be persecution and hardship if look at trends and path
US is on. However, I know faith is more important than prosperity. The best you and I
can do is simply ask God to help us and to submit to His will and plan.
3/24/2023 True Faith Give Good Fruit (Good Works) 24
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say that you have faith but do not
have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food,
and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you
do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it
has no works, is dead.” James 2:14-17 You complain that
COMMENTS: Scripture tells us the yoke Christ gives us is light and that He carries
the heavy loads for us. I have found I tend to carry heavier loads than need to
because don’t ask for help right away, especially from God. I tend to just give Him
the “big stuff” or when becomes “big stuff”. As I grew older I realize more how
imperfect I am and how much He accepts and tolerates my flaws but also realize He has
and does require change at a pace I am capable of obeying. When I follow His lead
and timeframe, I avoid problems but when delay or say no, He does issue a corrective
hand. He hasn’t asked me to be a missionary in a far land or give all my savings
away. Years ago I believed He was calling me into full time ministry, but He only
wanted me to be willing and then told me to obey Him where I work and live. Following
Christ can be confusing since He deals with us each differently. However, what is
consistent is His relationship with each of us and expectation to obey what He shows
us thru His Word and on our hearts from prayer one day at a time. He hasn’t asked me
to demonstrate the level of faith Christians in China or Moslem countries do, but He
continues to ask me to be faithful in devotion and be an ambassador for Him to my
family and church and community and anyone else that crosses my path. Yet, I believe
He wants me to be/help others to be ready to be/stay faithful in future.
3/25/2023 God Wants to Walk Each Day with You – Just Ask Him To 25
1 Thessalonians 4:9 “Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need
to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one
another, and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8:“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is
in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the
stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no
worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Ephesians 6:10-11:“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the
full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
COMMENTS: Christ did not intend for us to carry life’s burden alone. Today’s
devotion reminds us to rely on other Christians to help and strengthen us, but also
to rely on Him. We have community/fellowship with Him as well as other believers in
order to succeed in living a Christian life. Jeremiah 17 and Ephesians 6 remind us to
stay close to God and His strength to sustain us. As a tree planted near a stream
will not suffer from drought, we will not dry up or become weak in our faith if are
near Christ who sustains us. I like that comparison and motivates me to get deeper
into scripture and prayer. I really believe end times are upon us and evidences of
US running away from God as evident by how most Americans live and are now viewing
morality, as given in scripture or by eroding respect for Christians. Comparison is
nite to day if look back a generation or 30 yrs but is even noticeable if look back
10 years. If that erosion continues, I can see open persecution of Christians
happening and becoming acceptable within next 10-15 years. How prepared you and I
will be for those times will depend on how deep into fellowship we are with Christ
and with His word today and how deeply we are in communion with other believers
today. Scripture is clear how we will be treated in those days, and history tells us
suffering and even dying for Christ was a common fate for Christians during 1st
century church in Roman Empire. Yet church thrived with new believers daily. People
long for hope and forgiveness especially in desperate times. Think back when you
felt closest to God. It was likely during times of hardship. Being found faithful
when Christ returns is our most important goal and salvation of our families and
those God puts on our path will be most precious achievement in much less than 100
years but in eternity too.
3/26/2023 We Are Part of God’s Army – Marching Together 26
1 Peter 3:8-9 “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one
another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for
abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were
called that you might inherit a blessing.”
Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 John 1:9:“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
2 Corinthians 5:17:“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The
old has gone, the new is here!”
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion refers to communion God has with us and we with each
other. God has promised to save and sustain us if we turn to Him. That starts when
we ask Christ to forgive us and come into our heart and stays current every day we
pray and seek His council and guidance. As I’ve said before, communion with God is a
daily relationship based on love and trust resulting in our willingness to follow and
obey what His Word and small voice in our heart guides us. Most decisions we make
during the day are not life changing or life altering, but we do not know at the
moment when He is wanting us to make a choice that is significant to Him.
David Jeremiah spoke this morning about prophesies of Daniel and how, in 200-300AD
scholars tried to discredit Daniel saying was written after prophecies he gave had
happened. Yet even Christ referred to Daniel, so both he and his prophesies are
authentic. I guess every generation goes thru attempts to diminish scripture and God
but once we realize His Word is true and God is real, we can move forward with
accepting and following Him. If you are struggling with if or who God is, I would
encourage you to devote yourself to reading scripture yourself with an open mind and
ask Him to guide you. I’m not or have found anyone who ever regretted doing that.
3/27/2023 God’s Prisoner Has Great Freedom 27
Ephesians 4:1-6 “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy
of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with
patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you
were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one
God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
Philippians 1:29: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to
believe in him, but also to suffer for him”
COMMENTS: Today’s devotion builds off yesterday’s. Our ability to live a Christ like
and Christ centered life is proportional to our willingness to be in fellowship with
Christ himself and the Christian community/church we are with. To be accountable to
other people can be a greater motive than just being accountable to God since we see
other people. Another Gateway devotion asked the question could Jesus have sinned?
The conclusion was yes or would not have been tempted. Yet He chose not to. If He
would have, I think His divinity would have left him and His humanity would have
remained and our redemption would have been lost. That much was at stake! Jesus was
able to live a sinless life because of the community He had with the Father giving
Him the strength to be faithful. I don’t understand that but He chose that path so we
can see how important our relationship is with God in order to be faithful too.
Christian family is also so important-being open and accountable to our wives, I’ve
found, is critical to my faithfulness too. We all need all the help available..
Since retired, I’m with my wife more and am glad to be accountable to her more..
3/28/2023 Who Do You Imitate? 28
Heb. 13:7 “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider
the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
Psalm 62:7:“My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my
refuge.”
COMMENTS: God’s ways seem backward to us. We think positive change comes by our own
wills and determination and resulting sense of accomplishment gives us motivation and
strength to continue. Credit and honor comes to us as are recognized for our own
accomplishments. God’s way is to admit we can’t do it ourselves, ask forgiveness of
him, do restitution for those we hurt by our sins, and rely on Him to motivate and
help us. Result is us becoming more Christ like and gives Him the credit and honor
for positive change. Is like us trying to pull a wagon ourselves when we need to
hitch the horse to it and allow it to pull the wagon. David Jeremiah is starting a
study of Daniel. I’ve always admired Daniel most of all the men and women in
scripture. Daniel faced separation for country and parents as a boy when Babylon
invaded his country and took him off as a captive. Yet Daniel remained faithful to
God all his life even when thrown in Lion’s den. Daniel consistently honored and
worshipped and prayed to God, being a consistent example to fellow Hebrews and
captors. He served 4 kings and his example and work and character caused all to
respect and rely on him. He remained in a place of authority thru rule of 4 captor
kings and continues to show us how to live and honor of God. Yet he also showed us
the way he did it by putting God first in prayer and worship. God got the honor
instead of Daniel, which is exactly what Daniel intended. The tyrant Nebuchadnezzar
expected his dream to both be told to him as well as interpreted, who could do that?
God enabled Daniel to do both, thereby forcing Nebuchadnezzar to face that fact that
God was greater than him and the gods he served. Daniel was honored by honoring God
and continues to do so. Daniel 1:8: ”Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile
himself.”
3/29/2023 We are Part of a Great Body of Believers 29
Romans 12:4-5 “For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have
the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we
are members one of another.”
1 Timothy 2:5-6 “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the
man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been
witnessed to at the proper time.”
COMMENTS: Are you glad God is in charge? Sometimes we wish God does things
differently or sooner or even later, but there is no denying He has the right and
authority and power to do anything He wants and when He wants. The great news is His
ways are best for us too even when may not appear so at the time. If you have even
been in situations that aren’t fair and makes no sense, you and I need to remind
ourselves that God is still God and has the right to do anything He wants and be
grateful of that and trust Him til it does make sense. During WWII, why did God let
Hitler ravage millions and cause such destruction for so long? That won’t make sense
to any of us til ask Him in heaven, but it will make sense then. However, when He
tells us to stay in fellowship with Him and with each other, we need to resolve that
is best no matter if we want to or not. Most of all He wants what is best for us,
which includes being in close relationship with Him daily. Why did God allow
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s efforts to kill Hitler fail and for Bonhoeffer to die just days
before end of WWII? Yet Bonhoeffer’s impact in the lives of those who read his works
continues and has exceeded impact while he was alive. After 50 yrs of walking with
Him, I still find His ways and direction foreign all too often to direction I want to
take but have yet to regret following Him, but can recall countless times I regret
not doing so. What has been your experiences? 100 years from now, what will be
important? To ask that helps me grasp God’s perspective or at least enough to have
sufficient faith to trust Him to obey Him another day… OK?
SCRIPTURE: John 18-19
COMMENTS: It is amazing how our country and society as a whole has moved from
reverence to respect to disgust of Christianity and moral code Christ instilled in
our faith. Society will go out of its way to respect Islam values of those who
practice it and have begun exposing our children in our schools to those values
without also giving equal time to Christian values. Yet if look back at how our world
changed after Christian values became part of our country’s and free world’s law:
- How we treated children changed from being sacrificed to idols to just being
worked and treated as slaves to being nurtured and educated and loved as
blessings from God. We are on a path back to Old Testament pagan treatment of
children and if look at how children are treated in Islam and pagan countries
now, we get a clue. - How we treat women changed from being treated as slaves and property of men
without a voice to being given equal rights and a say in government to a place of
authority in government. Same is true of Negroes and other minorities. - Hospitals and schools and homes for elderly and orphans all came out of Christian
churches. Social security came out of governments attempt to take care of the
elderly that was once done by families and churches. - Most of the great colleges and universities came out of Christian churches.
- From belief that man can get to heaven from good works and success is judged to
how much money and power and things acquired and slaves and servants have control
of to what Christ taught us: We are all sinners and equally guilty and lost and
cannot earn our way to heaven since we are so far below the standard of
perfection and righteous standard God has for us. Yet Christ also gave and
showed us the way to forgiveness by His sacrifice. He showed us by simply asking
for forgiveness from Him and allowing Him into our heart and guiding us daily,
our salvation and place in heaven become a gift to us and not an earned reward.
How we live to treat others is a response to God’s love for us and not trying to
earn a place in heaven. However, we are moving from Grace back to standards in
place in Old Testament times and standards world without Christ have lived by,
which results is unrighteous living and treatment of others.
I am sure you can come up with other examples and evidence of impact Christ has made
in world after first Easter. Yet Christ and Apostle John and even Old Testament
prophets foretold that in last days before Christ returns there will be a falling
away and people will live and do as their sinful hearts dictate and good will be
judged by them as bad and evil will be judged by them as good. We are living in
early era of those days, which should tell us the evil being demonstrated in our
world today will get worse and bolder. But good news is Christ will return and
redeem us and implement His kingdom as He has promised. Take comfort in that truth!
3/30/2023 Listen and Learn = God Has Much to Teach Us 30
Job13:17 “Listen carefully to my words, and let my declaration be in your ears.”
2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we
might become the righteousness of God.”
COMMENTS: Being a good listener is an art, something I am striving to demonstrate,
but a virtue I do not find natural, and am sure you don’t either. Yet I think we
both have experienced times when we wish we would have listen before spoke and acted.
If we know why people act the way they do, it helps us respond in a wiser way…
Likewise, times we did listen, we have found our actions and response and result much
better. I especially know that to be true if pray and wait for God especially when
needing to make major decisions or a response that may impact me or my family or
others I also care about. The more I live, the more I realize just how wise and how
much better God’s ways are than mine or anyone else’s. I am still puzzled at how
unnatural or foreign His ways are to me, let alone those around me. Yet I continue
to be amazed how His help and protection and plan unfolds. Why does evil seem to go
unbridled and governments and people appear to do what they want without being
accountable? Yet God has promised to administer His Will, His Justice in His Time.
History has proven that to be true over and over again, so we have that to also
assure us so we need not fear what the future holds for us or those we love. Yet my
concern is that I and those I love and care about will be found faithful to Him when
it does matter, especially when crisis comes and ultimately when they die or He
returns. It is hard, as a parent and grandparent, to settle for only being able to
make my own choices of obedience and not being able to make those choices for and
protect my children and their families. But I continue to pray for them and try to
encourage them to make wise choices as well. I beat myself up at times when realize I
should have been a better example. Yet I continue to rely on God’s Mercy and Grace
to make up the difference needed between my efforts and His standard and rely on Him
to make up that difference for my family, for others I also care about, and for those
who call Him Lord. How do we reach others who don’t know and love Him? With His help!
3/31/2023 We Are Called to Be Servants 31
Matthew 23:11 “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
Isaiah 53:3-4:“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and
familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and
we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we
considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”
COMMENTS: Jesus had many interruptions during his ministry. Given the focus of His
ministry lasted only 3 years followed by His crucifixion, the urgency in every moment
would have caused us to ignore distractions, but not Him. Jarius disrupting Christ
to heal his daughter or centurion to heal his servant or the woman who touched His
robe or Zacchaeus or …. All were interruptions but Jesus took the time. I have found
it hard to accept interruptions especially at work especially with deadlines and
business of the day, but was doing better at end of my career. Christ shows us
interruptions are God’s way of keeping us in tune with His leading and opportunities
to do some things God wants to do great things with. I have had interruptions at
work that enabled me to witness and encourage or council others that would have
missed otherwise. Likewise, there were times I didn’t take the time and regret
opportunity lost. God has forgiven me of those times and I pray opened another time.
Same has been true of time with my family/children/grandchildren. It is easier to
deal with interruptions after I’ve retired, but still find myself wanting to schedule
the day and brush off interruptions. This may be human nature but experience has
shown me to not discourage God’s interruptions. I think my struggles and experiences
are common but what has been your experience? I have found being in an attitude of
prayer and saying a brief prayer when get an interruption helps greatly, even though
I still miss doing that at times. Today is Easter, spending time in church and with
family, this Easter with Deb and Joe and their family. Those times are precious and
the beauty of a spring morning (especially with winter hanging on so late), reminds
me how wonderful God’s creation is and how precious is the gift of salvation Christ
gave us on the first Easter and every Easter since. I have to slow down and reflect
to remind myself how precious God’s gifts are and how easily I tend to take them for
granted since they are so abundant and accessible. Stop and think what our lives
would be like without Easter and all it means? You and I would be lost and destined
for damnation. Let’s enjoy this Easter and honor Christ more until next Easter.
donsdevotions 