4/1/2023Christ Knew the Cross was His Future Before He Created the World and Man 1

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 53:5-6 : “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” COMMENTS: How do we fulfill Christ’s commandment to us to bear each other’s burdens? This plays out differently for each of us and differently each day. Let’s first look at Christ’s example. He took the time to understand needs of others and establish a relationship with them and understand burdens they had both based on sins of others and their injustices towards them and burdens they created for themselves due to their own sin and poor judgment. In the case of the money changers in the temple, He confronted their sins and burdens they put on the poor seeking God’s forgiveness. In the case of the adulterous woman, He forgave her and told her to sin no more. Christ understood part He needed to play to change each but confronted each to do their part as well. However, He did His part first so make it possible for each to do their part. Yet in each case, each had to accept His part in order for change to occur. That is the way for each of us. Our forgiveness first requires us to ask for it but not before He gives us the realization and capacity to see our sin and ask for it. Then the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our heart so we have the sense we need Him daily and seek His help and forgiveness and direction daily. The more I communicate with Him and reflect on His Word, the more I desire to be like Him, the more I see in my own life I need to change. Sharing other’s burdens comes out of that!

4/2/2023 He is No Fool Who Knows and Follows God 2

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 14:1: “For the director of music. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” COMMENTS: Being part of community with God and other Christians does involve faithfully praying for each other. Most of the time when we pray during worship, focus is praying for those who are sick or in the hospital or family of those who died. What is described in this devotion is more than just praying for the sick in our families and community. We are commanded to pray for each other but also to pray for our enemies. That includes those we don’t like and those who have mistreated us and even those that are a threat to our country and faith. Not that we want them to prosper and succeed in their mischief but that God will melt their hearts to point they will submit to His grace and allow God to change them as well. Are we willing to risk those we harber ill feelings toward being forgiven by the Christ who forgives us? At this point in time I can’t think of anyone I harbor ill feelings towards but know that hasn’t always been the case and know is because currently don’t have anyone who is being a jerk to me. Yet my reaction is still to snap at those who are not doing or saying what I think they should or seem to be “pushing my buttons”… I had an example of that a few years ago when water authority gave the community pantry project little notice to move our pantry distribution – storage trailer permanently when we only were willing to move it til sewer line fixed and then move it back. They waited til November to alert us and insisted it be done in 2 weeks. However, we ended up complying and moving it to a better location anyway. Understanding and working with others and praying for their salvation is what God wants us to do and does have better results – just hard to do at the time. Being Christlike is hard for me as with you but we need to stay at it with God’s help. I still miss the mark at times and ask God’s forgiveness, but is our journey of faith…

4/3/2023When God Comes to the Rescue 3

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 72:2-4 “² He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.³ The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.⁴ He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.”

COMMENTS: I know praying for others is something we all do. However, what today’s devotion is referring to involved much more. It involves praying repeatedly and consistently over longer periods of time but with an empathy the equates other’s sins to our own so they are on a equal plane with me. It is easy, and I’ve been guilty of judging my sins as less than sins of others even when praying for them. However, scripture keeps telling us all our sins are equally sinful before God, which means forgiving my sins are just as significant as forgiving the sins of those society has judged severe enough to warrant time in prison. The more I live and realize how far above the way I think and live God is, I begin to realize how terrible my sins are in His eyes and how far below His example I am still living. That seems very sadistic but is really the beginning of going to the next level in Christian growth. It is driving me to seek a closer relationship with God and seek a deeper dependence and submission to His will. It also helps me both understand, relate to, and seek ways to helps others in their walk with Him. Living a Christlike life is impossible and the more I learn the details of how He lived, the more impossible it seems to me. However, what I am learning is I can see positive change in my life as I spend more time with Him in prayer and study and devotion and reflection. It is slowly becoming more natural for me to have Him near / sense His presence near as I interact with others. Temptation to be impatient with others or speak without thought or really listening to them is slowly becoming less common and His influence in my responses is slowly becoming more common. As I read scripture and examples of Christians then or more contemporary Christians now, I can see clues they followed that same process and when see those like John Wesley I can see the level of service and maturity that path can lead to in their walk with Christ and the wisdom reflected in their lives. I want the same for myself and desire to reflect that wisdom to my family and community in my remaining years. In a world that doesn’t know Christ, I want to show others what I’m learning. A time is coming when that will bring persecution and I want to be ready.

4/4/2023Gifts Brings Responsibility 4

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:2 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” COMMENTS: Prayer is a tremendous gift God gives us – to be able to talk to God any time and place without appointment. Before man conceived of cell phones, we had access to Him without fees or wires or devices. Yet every worthwhile gift comes with responsibilities to use it wisely. Today’s devotion helped me realize again that praying for others is expected by God as part of implementation of His Will in my life as well as theirs, a partnership God designed you and me to have with Him. You and I may realize that God’s ways and Will is better than ours but I never cease to be amazed when catch a glimpse how God’s Will unfolds or ways He chooses to do His Will, so this realization should be no surprise. Staying focused on Christ, His example, and His direction thru the Holy Spirit is how you and I can sustain, let alone start this discipline of prayer. Joni Eareckson Tada and Ken Tata are currently guests on Haven Today and Focus on the Family morning radio programs. I am amazed how devoted Ken has been to Joni over 30+ yrs of marriage. Caring for Joni’s body paralysis was, for him, a light burden as they both remained focused on Christ, as Heb 12:2 directs. Even with recent battle with cancer, they both have sustained a deep joy and faith unshaken with the wear of years and now battle with cancer. It humbles me when compare their struggles with mine and how poorly I deal with mine. Yet I know God’s grace is sufficient for any task or trial that comes my way as long as I focus on Him. When I see how Joni and Ken have impacted millions thru their lives and ministry, I am motivated to earnestly strive to impact those I interact with and cross paths with during my days, especially my family, church, and community. My challenge, and am sure yours, is to be that example especially when don’t feel like it, but we both know that is true of anything worthwhile doing.

4/5/2023The Designer – Builder is the Most Qualified and Best Fixer 5

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.See if there is any wicked way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace”

COMMENTS: Today’s devotion should cause all of us to reflect and evaluate our lives. To realize even sins we consider insignificant can negatively affect the vitality of our family and church family is sobering at least and calls me to a higher level of accountability. This revelation also helps me to understand why our church and most churches are suffering from low attendance and weak finances as well as weak spiritual vitality. All this is a consequence of us not being accountable to each other in our Christian walk. I think the first step is to make ourselves accountable to our wives and husbands, who do know us better than anyone else. Being accountable to God is first but to be accountable to another person really helps at many levels.

Our home church is struggling with very weak finances and Sunday attendance at 1/3 what it was 15 years ago, so believe this devotion applies to us and am reflecting to determine to what extent I am contributing to a weak church and spiritual maturity. I will be praying about how to make myself more accountable to Arlene and for us to make ourselves accountable to our pastor and church family and confront them to make themselves accountable to each other and us as well as being accountable to God.

Are you pondering the same issues and questions? You are probably no more comfortable pondering this devotion than I am, but let’s agree to pray for God’s direction and help. After all, God wants us to experience life more abundantly so result is be a more victorious and rich life for ourselves and the church we serve in, so is well worth the effort and any discomfort along the way. I hope you are finding this journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer as rich as I have. I continue to receive Turning Point devotions and struggle not including them as well, since value them too, but do not want to overwhelm you. I am saving them and will refer back as can after this series is completed. David Jeremiah has begun a study of Daniel, my favorite and most respected old testament character, so expect to bring that study into our devotion later this month. You may want to begin reading Daniel in preparation. Daniel 2 reveals the dream King Nebuchadnezzar had and revelation God gave Daniel for his time thru our time and even beyond into our future.

4/6/2023Guard Your Mouth – You Can’t Take Your Words Back 6

Psalm 141:3-4 “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not turn my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with those who work iniquity” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” COMMENTS: Guarding my tongue has been something God convicted me of many years ago but has been a battle no less easy today than 30 yrs ago but have those years of experience to further convince me that most of the time evil words of judgment I would have said were not accurate, I did not understand whole situation, and no good would have come from exposing my thoughts. However, I have repeatedly learned to include God in choosing both responses and actions to take. The conclusions were then much better and I could look back and see God’s hand at work. Such a faith builder for myself and for those I can impact as I become free in sharing those experiences and less free in sharing words of judgment based on partial information. The more I put situations in God’s hands to manage and resolve, the more my faith is put into action and I can become an instrument of God’s Grace and Will instead of my own. Honestly, I am still a work in progress w.r.t. that goal. Will you reflect on similar experiences and see if you come to the same conclusion? After all, do we still think we can do better than God? Who else are we then kidding except for ourselves? I do not think that means just sitting back and letting people do evil things unchecked. Yet I think it does mean only acting after ernest prayer and confirmation God will bless our actions. I do think that will likely mean reacting a bit later than would have liked. Triangulation should be us praying to God and including another brother or two (Mtt.18:20) and not gossip and judging with two others. I met with 12-20 other men every other Sun 7AM at Kings to do Promise Keepers devotion and pray, a very worthwhile encouraging time of fellowship. We’ve been meeting nearly 20 yrs.

4/7/2023True Repentance Seeks Healing 7

Matthew 5:23-24 “So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother and sister, and then come and offer your gift.” COMMENTS: Today’s devotion isn’t anything new for any of us. We all know is best to forgive and seek forgiveness, but what we really do is something else. Our pride keeps us from seeking forgiveness and, especially, if think we were in right or justified in our actions, we expect the other person to come to us first. Yet Bonhoeffer and scripture is telling us we are to take initiative first. From God’s perspective we are all guilty so His goal is for both us and those who we’ve offended or those who offended us to forgive each other and be reconciled to Him together. Let’s face it when we are in heaven we will get along so why not try to bring a bit of heaven here, right? Well, what about those who don’t want to reconcile with us? I believe scripture tells us to keep the offer open and make sure don’t continue to do offences to the other person, so choice remains in their side and not on ours. What makes forgiveness possible is to keep realizing just how much we hurt God with our sins and how much our sins continue to hurt Him. I am convinced the closer we get to Him, the more we begin to realize how perfect and sinless He is and how imperfect and sinful we still are. To compare ourselves to someone else does no good since are comparing to an imperfect gauge. What we should do is compare ourselves to what we were last year to see if are making progress but always judge ourselves against the standard Christ gives us from his life example and scripture. Doing that seems defeatist since will never reflect Christ’s example in this life but the good news God’s goal is an ongoing relationship with us where we permit Him to influence our thoughts and actions and words to steadily and over time transform to be more like Him. What is the alternative? Pain, sin with it’s consequences, regrets… and ultimately God’s judgment, so is really not a good option for us.

4/8/2023To Be Like Christ – We Must Surrender to Him 8

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

COMMENTS:I believe this devotion is hitting home on a variety of fronts. When we see those we care about and fellow believers revealing sins that are hindering their relationship with Christ as well as church body, we are compelled to approach them if evidence and consequence is significant enough but what if sins seem less harmful or sins that are so widespread in society and judged by society as acceptable? I believe scripture tells us an urgent response is needed and required as well. Mean or hateful behavior may drive a response quicker than gluttony when at times I can’t resist chocolate or ice cream until it is out of the house? Society says living together without being married is normal and not sinful as long as faithful to person living with at the time, while God’s Word says adultery is living together not married or even thinking lustful thoughts. Yet I have also seen times when response was judgmental and harmful all involved as well as to church. Discernment and wisdom in responses to any type of sinful behavior has to be influenced by God’s spirit, but isn’t an easy thing from my experience. I have been involved in a few such responses and most significant one involved a pastor who attempted to hit a church member out of anger from hard feelings when doing church remodeling together. By using scripture as a guide and involving DS (denomination district superintendent) and requiring both to repent from their own behavior and ask forgiveness of each other, peace came but not before the pastor left. Unfortunately, I have seen the common result to be someone leaves before peace can be restored. That is not real healing but conclusion possible and church became weaker as a result. I am even more resolved for my weaknesses to temper my responses while keeping scripture’s standard and direction in force as my and our guide to win battles. Experience and prayer is only way I know to try to accomplish that goal going forward…

4/9/2023Will We Be God’s Enemies or the World’s Enemies? 9

Matthew 10:16“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Romans 5:10 “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”

COMMENTS: Today’s devotion, I think, is preparing us for things to come. Bonhoeffer did deliberately go from US into Germany, an environment where Christians would become as much an enemy to Nazis as the Jews. Dietrich would forfeit his own life and knew that odds were he would when he returned to Germany. Yet he knew God wanted him to go back and minister and be God’s light to the people there during that dark time. Being an enemy to those around you and still being bold with our faith is something I don’t fully understand or know how I would do. Would I be bold as Paul to those who would kill or torture me would I hide it, like Peter denying Jesus after Jesus was arrested? Peter became very bold later after filled with Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us to be ready to give reason for hope we show daily but when look at how Christians in China live out their faith – there are times they are secret and times they share their faith. Christians hid in catacombs in Rome during reign of Nero but millions lost their lives during that time. Bonhoeffer was secret about his intents while in Germany but did not hide his faith either. I have often said “Choose your battles” when it comes to daily issues that relate to issues needing corrected or decisions in error needing addressed. Choosing the time and way to attempt change should be chosen wisely so result has best chance of success and Christ can be honored with both the process and result. I have attempted to do that but can’t honestly say in every instance I demonstrated courage or best timing. At times I acted too soon but too often I delayed out of uncertainty or lack of confidence of correct action needed. In those instances I have to admit I was tardy in prayer and devotion so was not prepared with God’s input, just my own faulty discernment and judgment. How can we be ready for daily situation discernment or ultimately true persecution that is coming as last days approach? We have God’s promise we won’t face what we can not bear, with His help. However, that doesn’t mean we will be spared from persecution like so many before us and even today in many parts of the world. How do they prepare? They immersed themselves in prayer and scripture to find courage and direction. Memorizing scripture is essential. So to need you and I to do in meantime….

4/10/2023 Christ Showed Us How to Live and Now Has Authority to Empower Us to Live That Way 10

Hebrews 1:3“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” COMMENTS: Scripture gives us a commandment not easy to do, loving our enemies and doing good to them. Bonhoeffer learned to do this even as he was executed a few days before Allies would have liberated him. I also think of Cory Ten Boom, who lost her family and suffered in a Nazi concentration camp. At a evangelistic service she was the guest speaker in later years, she gave an altar call and saw at the altar a man who was responsible for much of the pain in those camps and had to learn to forgive all over again. If we are hurt, we want offender to hurt and at least suffer pain comparable to ours. Yet to love and show kindness and witness their salvation is to want them to be spared that pain, as we want for those we do love in our family and community. There is no denying that is what Christ did and wants us to do, but how do we do that? Does that mean letting offenders off “scott free” or does that mean to work towards a healing of both our relationship with them and healing issues that caused the offence. Facing consequences for sin but still implementing forgiveness and healing is likely unique for each situation but when I look at eternity, I get a glimpse of God’s perspective. He wants all to be restored to a eternal relationship with Him, even if one of his followers needs to suffer for a brief time here on earth. That certainly means our responses should not be out of “getting even” or giving hurt for hurt. However, I think it means responding only when there is a motive to help the offender and not necessarily condoning the offence. This causes me to work harder to withhold a response and reflect in prayer before responding when someone says or does something that hurts or offends me. However, I have to admit when I compare offences I’ve experiences to Bonhoeffer’s or Cory Ten Boom’s, I become ashamed to be offended and realize going the “second mile” is a better response. Most offences have been out of thoughtlessness and not out of malicious intent anyway. I also remember Romans 8:28 that reminds us God uses all things good and bad to our good if we follow Him. We will be more prepared when offences come and even if our future holds real persecution.

4/11/2023Love Our Enemies – Christ’s Example For Us 11

Romans 5:6-8 “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

COMMENTS: Can we truly love our enemies? Well, we tend to love those we like while liking an enemy or those who mistreat us would likely be too much a stretch. If love is first an act of our will, we can first act as though we care about their well being after first praying for them. It is reasonable to ask God to hinder their hurtful actions and change their heart and/or make them aware of things they do that are hurtful. If our motive is for healing in their hearts and a change to becoming Christ-like for them and us, that can be a good first step. To truly feel love for someone we don’t like may be awhile away or never, but I believe scripture and Bonhoeffer are telling us to let our will overpower our feelings. Unconditional love means willful loving even if other person never deserves our love. That makes love impossible for us without Christ’s help. However, it remind us of God’s perspective – we always have been and are still undeserving of God’s love. God’s perspective is well being of both us and those we are commanded to love. Yet the truth is both we and they have free will to accept or reject that love with resulting blessings or consequences. Yet if we are longsuffering, as Christ is, then judgment must be left to Him and not to us. However, taking measures to limit hurt and pain to those affected by sinful behavior is not limited our love if that is our motive and not just making offender experience the pain he has inflicted. How that sorts out should be a prayerful process in order for God’s will to be truly implemented. I believe our future will allow us to have plenty of opportunity to act out this commandment, which is what I want to prepare for in meantime.

4/12/2023Staying In Relationship with Christ 12 Peter 2:24“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”COMMENTS: Our relationship with Christ is priceless priceless and yet, we struggle to stay in relationship with Him. Beginning that relationship is a matter of recognizing who Christ is and who we are and asking Him into our hearts and forgiveness of our sins. To maintain that relationship does require work, praying and studying scripture and turning from our sinful nature and seeing His help to change. Also involves being a friend and witness to those around us. You and I, hopefully, will never know the type of persecution and sacrifice Bonhoeffer experienced. However, being prepared and faithful in meantime is all we are asked to do and if a time of real persecution comes, He will give you the strength and joy needed to endure. We have countless examples to be confident in that starting with Steven in the New Testament but even in the old testament with Daniel especially. This study has reminded me just how blessed I am and how much grace He has bestowed to me and my family. It drives me to be more grateful to Him and more willing to be the example to those around me and be bolder in my witness. Being bold does go against my nature and not sure how I would or should orchestrate that, but will be praying about that. Somehow I believe that will become clearer to me and pray it will for you as well. I’m not sure what devotion will be using going forward, but will be reviewing David Jeremiah’s devotional (Turning Point) since I have saved them during this series as well as continuing to receive them daily. I’m becoming increasingly troubled how quickly being a Christian is becoming unpopular and Christianity coming under attack. Even generals in the US Army are making public statements accusing Christian organizations like Focus on the Family and AFR as being hate groups. Donald Wilman (founder of AFR) wrote a letter to the Army comparing the values published on Army’s website to AFR’s values stated along with contrast of the Army’s statement of what a hate group is as compared with work AFR does. Letter was read on radio this morning and well written. He asked for a public apology from all involved and from Army. We’ll see if that happens.

4/13/23An Eternal Foundation13
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 3:11-23 “¹¹ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.¹² Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;¹³ Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.¹⁴ If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.¹⁵ If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire¹⁶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?¹⁷ If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.¹⁸ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.²⁰ And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.²¹ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s;²² Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s;²³ And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.”

COMMENTS: It is amazing the work and engineering that goes into a skyscraper. I marvel at the skill and courage workers show daily building these buildings. However, the integrity and engineering that goes into the foundation of these buildings is critical. Imagine consequences if short cuts were taken on the foundation – if one of these buildings were to fall. Would be like 911 and yet not one of these buildings have fallen due to a weak foundation. We hear all too often what eventually happens if corners are cut when a road is built or paved or a house built. Things look fine at first and may last a few years but will not last as long as intended and will cost much more to repair than what was saved. Unfortunately, all too often consequences are not faced by guilty but later by innocent people. Today’s devotion draws a parallel with our Christian walk. If we ask Christ to forgive us and be our Lord and Savior, He becomes the foundation of our lives. Studying the Bible and praying serve to enable us to learn from the experiences of generations before us and begin relying on the God who’s wisdom exceed all who ever lived and who has alive for an infinite time before created the universe including our earth. To not establishing a relationship with the God who does love us and expecting to accomplish success without Him is like expecting to walk into cockpit of a fighter jet in the middle of a World War with no training or flying experience and successfully doing battle with a skilled enemy and win. Yet we do battle with satan alone every day thinking we are educated and smart enough and mature enough to win our battles with him. God never intended us to live our lives alone without Him and wants so much to be a part of our lives and help/guide us along lives challenges and choices as well as lives joys. Even after living 72 years, I’ve learned many lessons by trial and error and have concluded the difference between good and bad choices were dependent on God being involved in choice. I still need to keep Him involved.

4/14/23Life Changing Combination 14

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.
Colossians 3:16

SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 5:15-21 “¹⁵ See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,¹⁶ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.¹⁷ Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.¹⁸ And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;²¹ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

COMMENTS: Today’s devotion refers to the Holy Spirit, a subject little understood even by Christians but certainly by non-believers. When we ask Christ to forgive us and come into our hearts, some feel clean and forgiven and healed. Others feel happy and loved. Others feel a new sense of direction and meaning and worth. Others feel an obligation to serve the One who created and forgave them. Others feel God with them and companionship and talk to Him like He was next to them. The Holy Spirit does influence our thoughts and motive and guides us in right direction. All this, for someone who never experienced it, sounds unsettling and may even equate to “being possessed”. However those of us who know Christ realize our wills and thoughts are still our own but Christ becomes a friend and help and guide who encourage us to do good instead of evil and councils us when we are open. He is a gentleman not forcing His Will on us. Yet the Holy Spirit is the aspect of God thru which He speaks to our thoughts and emotions and gives us a sense He is near, in control, and can see a perspective that reveals how He works and protects and guides. I hope this helps you in your struggles and doubts and confusion. We can’t see or hear Him physically but can hear him in our thoughts and hearts as pray and study His Word and obey what know He wants of us. When we get to heaven, we will see Him and hear Him and fellowship with Him in ways not possible here. How He can speak to and know us so personally and completely at same time as everyone else is a mystery but scripture and experience of myself and countless others in all generations past and present confirm for us this is true. He gives us the desire and strength and ability to do good we otherwise could not do in spite of our sinful nature we still battle with as well as human weaknesses and emotional fickleness. Currently David Jeremiah (Turning Point) is doing a study of Daniel, revealing prophecies God revealed to Daniel and amazing faithfulness and good Daniel did and righteous life he sustained from boyhood until his death likely in his 90’s. His life shows us how God can bless and help us sustain a righteous life too even if facing real danger. Daniel faced the lions den but many have faced death with amazing confidence.

4/15/23Trusting God, Knowing God 15
My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him. Daniel 6:22COMMENTS: Today’s devotion identifies Daniel. The lion’s den is the test we remember and how God protected Daniel without giving him the confidence He would by protecting him from lions. Yet Daniel still praised and trusted God without any other protection or plan other than trusting and praising God. The comment from the African bishop above – American Christians trust in insurance but African Christians have assurance. That is a insightful but sad observation. We are so blessed in America. We work hard to protect ourselves and forget to live trusting and exercising faith in Christ. African Christians, and in many countries, face terrible persecution and poverty they have no other choice but to trust Christ because have no other option. That makes their faith much stronger and their walk with Christ much more real than ours. I have concluded prosperity tends to weaken our faith and leads us deeper into sin and away from Christ most of the time while trials and poverty tend to do the opposite. Therefore, I have concluded God’s richest blessings are given in pain more than in pleasure and poverty more than in prosperity and more in tragedy than in blessings. I believe that is why Christianity is growing faster in China and Africa and even starting to see evidence of in Islam countries than in US and other free countries that have called themselves Christian in past. Yet, God works in both to fulfill His will and fellowship with His followers. I think this should tell us, when face real hardships or tragedies, or even just have bad days, we need to knuckle down and pray with our focus being on praising and seeking a closer walk with Christ – relying on the Assurance or His faithfulness instead of only seeking His help.

4/16/23Jesus Confirms Daniel ‘s Prophecies 16
When you see the “abomination of desolation,” spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Matthew 24:15-16

SCRIPTURE: DANIEL 9:26-27 “26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

COMMENTS: David Jeremiah, in this devotion, comments there have been debates over the centuries if Daniel really lived and faced the lion’s den and was given the prophecies written in the book of Daniel. However, David shared that Jesus gave authenticity to Daniel and the book that has his name. We need to get to the point we accept scripture as the Word of God and let God speak to us thru it. However, there are real doubts each of us have at various points in our lives. It may be if God exists? Or why does God allow tragedies or disasters happen or innocent people suffer? If the Bible is literally true and the prophets and Jesus are real… If we are going to let teachers or friends or internet influence our thinking, we should give God a chance to show us His side by reading the Bible ourselves. I truly believe if we do that, the evidence will persuade us the Bible is true and those who attack it are false. Josh McDowell is one of those individuals who has put a lot of work and research into evidence from history to give validity to the Bible and prove God’s hand has been at work in every generation and country, especially our own. All the founding fathers of US were either devout Christians or had deep respect for the Bible and Christian doctrine and values and governed that way and is reflected in our Constitution and Bill of Rights. I loved math but was not fond of history mostly because in school had to focus on memorizing dates and names, which was not good at but was able to manage doing with a lot of work. However, I now find history to be much more fascinating especially when can see God’s hand at work and learn some of the facts lost from old history books to more modern books showing faith so many in past generations had and how it influenced their decisions and outcome. It is also unsettling to see our country shifting away from God and trending down same destructive path as nations and generations of the past. I pray my children and grandchildren and their generations will stay faithful or turn to God before they face God’s judgment and consequences of not being in a obedient relationship with Him. I fear the prosperity and freedom I’ve enjoyed, due to faithfulness of past generations, will not be what future generations will know.

4/17/23Prepare to Say “No” 17

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8

COMMENTS: Daniel and his 3 friends (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego), were young men enslaved in the country of an invading pagan country. Conquering King Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon had a reputation of brutality and death to those who opposed them, so danger of refusing was real. So being thrown in to a furnace and lion’s den was used to bring fear and submission. Difference was Nebuchadnezzar was now confronted with a God greater than he and with young men willing to follow the God greater than Nebuchadnezzar. Impact of following God changed history and every generation since as well as these 4 young men’s future for the good. Daniel’s influence lasted through reign of 4 kings and impacted his generation for good and those in every generation since who study Daniel. Their example impacted me as a young Christian many years ago as well as is still impacting me and pray it will impact my children and grandchildren and their generation as well. Daniel is still telling us serving God may bring sacrifice but price of compromising and giving into temptation is far greater and too high.

4/18/23Making Possible the Impossible 18

But Jesus looked at them and said to them,”With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” Corrie ten Boom

COMMENTS: Today’s culture is redefining tolerance to be – believing everyone’s ideas and values and world view are equally true and valid and not just recognizing everyone has the right to have right to theirs. That there is not right or wrong. For Christians to identify sin as scripture identifies it and share the Gospel is becoming “intolerance” and judged by society as acts of terrorism, even within the US. Daniel and Corrie ten Boom both know very well how their faith was tested and persecution came their way for living their faith. Yet we have their lives to remind us that serving God and sharing His Love and Gospel of mercy and forgiveness is the only course that will endure and bring eternal life to themselves and those they influence. Sin is the condition of every living human and sharing God’s desire for us to admitting our sins and asking forgiveness of Christ is not being judgmental or intolerant but offering hope and life to others. That is the Gospel our parents and grandparents, our founding fathers, the founders of all the great universities and hospitals in our country, and so many of those who have positively impacting every generation since Christ’s birth have testified to. Consequences of loosing that heritage and moral code and obedience that follows that Gospel have been repeated in every generation told in history, as well as scripture, so why would we think ours will be any different if continue the path of disobedience and intolerance toward God and His Word and Gospel? Yet the benefits of repentance and following Christ are evident in every generation. In today’s devotion Daniel had the privilege of insight into future thru the dreams of pagan kings, a future that is even today is not fully fulfilled yet but Christ confirm for us it will. Daniel was faithful his entire life and died with the respect of his countrymen and even his enemies and the confidence of an eternity in heaven. Corrie faced a time of terrible torture and suffering and the death of her entire family but lived to see millions saved under her ministry and the confidence of an eternity with Christ in heaven. The influence that came out of her suffering and loss made her voice noticed by millions, including me and her reward great along with theirs.

4/19/23Train Today for Tomorrow 19
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

COMMENTS: Today’s devotion reminds us how important it is to raise our children to know and love the Lord. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are 4 examples of young men with a faith strong enough to face death rather than abandon the faith and moral code they embraced as children. The impact of their families and community guiding them into a knowledge and faith in God and prepared them for an invasion and enslavement from an evil and brutal pagan country. Moses was raised by a rich and pagan family, the pharoah’s daughter in Egypt, but God found a way of enabling his biological family to make contact with him and plant the seeds of faith in God. God did reveal himself to Moses and result was Moses coming to a faith in God and following Him to lead his people back to their home land. Our society is proving again that people can be deceived into thinking evil is good and good is evil if are not exposed to the standard of right and wrong (good and evil) that God has given us in the Bible. It is unsettling how little children and teens know about God, Christ, and bible stories. No wonder a belief in God and a sense of right and wrong is lost and violence in schools and communities are increasingly more common and severe. We are told that those who do not study history are destined to repeat it. History gives us countless examples that is true. Israel repeated that cycle dozens of times in scripture. Even churches have gone thru that cycle. New denominations spring up when old ones forget to preach the Gospel and concede to greed or popular opinions. Yet God’s standards and Gospel are unchanged. I pray I will and my family will be faithful during any trials God will allow us to be exposed to and remain faithful, just like Daniel and his friends did. I also pray that Christ will be in close fellowship and expose them and I to His presence and scripture to sustain us during those times of trial. I truly believe my generation will live to see the Tribulation Daniel prophecied, but can not see how my children’s generaton will pass without a major revival in our country to postpone judgment once more for their generation.

4/20/23First Expressions 20As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17

COMMENTS: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were all faithful but Daniel was the only one God gave the gift of receiving and interpreting dreams. We are not told in Daniel how God used the three in Babylon but Daniel was used to council and influence multiple generations in Babylon among his people and Babylonian people. I have to believe his influence, and influence of the other three impacted all the people Babylon conquered and the three also were placed in positions of great influence. None would have chosen to become conquered subjects of a tyrant king and pagan nation but excelled in those positions and gained great respect by pagan and Jew alike. The impact of their faith and lives and example are impacting all generations from then til even today, which means their reward is still growing. It is also significant they prayed with Daniel before he received the king’s dream and interpretation and then took the time to praise Him before going to the king with the interpretation. Since the king would not even tell the dream he wanted interpreted was even more a miracle because Daniel knew the dream. If we read the passage noted in Daniel, we will notice the confidence Daniel had when asked for time to acquire the dream and interpretation. Likewise, you will also notice that even though the king ordered all his wise men killed because they did not know his dream and interpretation, he was surprised there was one (Daniel) who had learned the dream and it’s interpretation. There could be no doubt Daniel’s words were true and from God since the only explanation that Daniel knew the king’s dream was that God had revealed it to him. The king was a very evil and godless man but he was wise enough to know his dream had a very important message and he had to find a way to know any interpretation given to him was accurate. To expect the one with that interpretation to know the dream without being told was his way of knowing that. He didn’t know God but sensed dream was coming from a divine source. Daniel was there to not only tell the dream and interpretation but show the king and people who that Divine God was and way to know Him. Daniel is showing us as well if we take the time to listen..

4/21/23A Fragile History 21
You saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron. Daniel 2:41

COMMENTS: Daniel is telling King Nebuchadnezzar he and all nations are exposed and fragile, only God is invincible. The king was probably not ready to accept that message, but we are like that king in believing that we are invincible when things are going well. However, as we get older we start to realize just how fragile and vulnerable we are and how quickly a secure future can be destroyed. I’m reminded that God is invincible so we need to put our trust and future in His hands as the only way to have hope and confidence of the future. If Daniel could face a den of hungery lions; and if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could face a furnace with flames so hot they killed the men who threw them in the furnace, then how much more can we trust the same God? Somehow, someway, and in His time, we have the same promise that God will not forsake us either. Yet Christ’s disciples at the time wouldn’t have judged Christ’s death as evidence of that, but only if God would have sent “ten thousand angels” to free Him and set Him as King. So we can not expect that God will always save us the way we envision or want but He will do it in a way best for us and those who’s lives He wants to impact. Knowing history is to know God and how He works. I would encourage you to take some time to read Daniel and let it be absorbed into your mind and soul. I have been doing that with the insights David Jeremiah has added and am finding a fresh realization of how much God loves you and me and wants us to know, love, and follow Him with all our hearts. I am also even more convinced just how much we can trust God with not only our lives but the lives of our families. Sometimes the concerns I have that my children and their families will be faithful in days ahead are overwhelming but am reminded by Daniel that I must put their lives in His hands and trust Him to keep them faithful. That has become my prayer and hope for them.

4/22/23Extremist? 22
He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.
Daniel 2:22 COMMENTS: Christianity is becoming less and less popular and a sense of morality based on the Bible’s teachings is becoming less popular. You can judge how much worse it has become than the date above, and determine how much more this is true. How can this trend be changed and what are we to do in the meantime? Our church is becoming weaker and weaker in numbers and finances but also in spirit. The contrast with our church 100 yrs ago, 50 years ago, or even 25 years ago. Our worship attendance is about 1/3 attendance 12 years ago. Many deaths since then but also a greater sense of indifference towards being a part of a church family. Yet I need to keep reminding myself that God is still in control and will prevail. That said, being true to walk I have with Christ and being true to what He has asked me to do is vital. Praying, studying scripture, worshiping with church, serving in outreach programs, seeking opportunities to witness and encourage others, and encouraging same of others. Also continuing to make a tithe the minimum I give to church and gift to other ministries above that. However, I believe as trials increase, there will be sifting which may mean church may become weaker before it becomes stonger but ultimately I have to believe that Christ’s church will grow and revail even if my local church doesn’t. As much as I love my own church and the building we meet it, I have to remind myself Christ’s Church is what I am really part of and have to be the most concerned with as well as strive to make my local church part of Christ’s Church.

4/23/23Swift News 23Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him. Psalm 72:11

COMMENTS: If we had to think about our heart beating or breathing, living would be impossible and we would not be capable of doing anything else, including sleeping. Likewise, if I knew how many demons satan has devoted to tempting and deceiving me and those who know me. If I knew all the plans satan has derived to persuade me to sin and turn from God, as well as my family and those who know me, I would be overwhelmed. I ‘m sure you would be too. However, if we also knew how much God has limited satan and how many angels He has devoted to that task, we would be encouraged. Yet I am glad that God, in His Wisdom, decided to withhold from me and you tomorrow’s challenges and dangers so we could stay focused on today’s. Likewise, trusting God for tomorrow and getting help for today is all we can do. Yet looking back and seeing how well that has worked all our lives up til now is encouraging. To do otherwise will spoil good days and cause difficult days to be unnecessarily more difficult to deal well with. The theme of Turning Point devotionals from Daniel are focusing on preparing the reader for periods of increasing persecution and hardships. If you are finding that to be true, I encourage you to make sure your relationship with Christ is strong and you are being obedience to all He desires of you. Someday when Christ returns you need to be ready or you will face a time far worse than anything you’ve experienced, even worse than during the days of Daniel. I am praying for you and anyone who may read this in days ahead.

4/24/23The World’s Largest Rock 24
You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.
Daniel 2:34

COMMENTS: I read a book “Heavenly Man” based on the life of a Christian in Communist China. The persecution he and his family suffered for simply admitting he was a Christian and not denying the Christ He serves was significant. He became a Christian at age 16 and has been responsible for many thousands being saved and starting many underground churches in his country. I have heard the population of China is now 20% Christian. How is it that in a country where Christianity is outlawed have faster growth in number of converts than free countries where Christ can freely be worshipped. I think the answer lies in our own hearts. The temptation during prosperous times, when things are going well, is to believe we can manage on our own and leave God out. Priorities are based on our agenda and leaves little time for God. Consequence of leaving God out seem mnimal or manageable. However, during times of crisis we begin to realize we won’t make it without God’s help. That is the daily experience of every Christian in China and yet, they have concluded to die with Christ or suffer in this life with Christ is better than living and dying without Him. Yet, if read “Heavenly Man”, you will discover Chinese Christians experience a joy and peace even in the midst of their circumstances that is greater than we know in the US. They live in hiding and meet to worship in homes or secret places instead of beautiful comfortable churches. They suffer lost of employment or even emprisonment as a result of their faith. They are at risk of their neighbors or friends turning them in. Yet they are able to witness and win converts at a greater % than we do in the free world. I think their experience should encourage us to be strong and know God is faithful to us and we need not fear the future or be timid in our witness. I believe Christ will return before the Tribulation Period begins, a period where satan is allowed to persecute believers and have a brief time (7 years) in power trying to fulfil his agenda. However, God will leave him on a short rope and there will be people converted during that time if they refuse to accept the “mark of the beast” that will be needed to buy or sell anything. God’s judgment is promised for any who receive that mark.

4/25/23Fresco Fiasc 25 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:6

COMMENTS: We are living in a world that does not want to hear they are sinners and tends to judge us as hypocrites if we do and judge our less than perfect life. That is why we should not convey the Gospel message without underscoring we are also sinners forgiven but still in need of God’s mercy since we are not Christ like yet. Being honest with those we witness and share with is key to being a positive influence for Christ and not a hindrance. Let’s face it, our lives are our biggest witness whether we say anything or not. Scripture tells us to live our faith and be ready to share the reason for the hope shown by our actions. God’s grace and mercy is ours when we fail but our blessing is rich when we do not fail. I have done both and know the only way to succeed is to stay close to my Saviour and don’t miss my devotion and prayer times. Someone has said one time “If you were accused of being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” I think the next question is does you life encourage those who know you to want to be a Christian? I am trusting I have and will continue to positively impact the lives of those who I cross paths with if I continue to be close to my Saviour and be honest about my relationship with Him and about how faithful I am or not am to that relationship but how faithful He is to me! Again, the discipline of doing this devotion journal is really helping me maintain the discipline of daily devotions and prayer. Retirement has enabled me more time to devote to this endeavor. While I was working this discipline was much more difficult to maintain and devoting the time consistently was always a goal but, honestly, there were days I’d miss opportunity and felt something was missing and felt I cheated God as well as myself. There is always something to distract you and me and, really, the only way to maintain a time of devotion daily is to do it first in the morning or make sure I stop in the evening in time. I also know that is not enough if don’t pause now and again during day to reflect and pray at least silently. To do that brings back proper perspective and helps me notice ways God is guiding and helping each day.

4/26/23Field Work: Isaac 26 “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” Isaiah 30:15

COMMENTS: There was a summer week, a few years ago, when the electric was off several days. Since then there has been times when the electric has been off a few hours. It does cause adjustments and tend to wonder what we can do in meantime, especially at night. No TV or radio and only candles or flashlights to do anything. Today’s devotion reminds us the value of using those times in prayer and reflection. I think it is good to remind ourselves all we would have to do is turn off the TV and a few lights any night to have that same opportunity. I have to admit I can’t remember the last time I’ve done that but does encourage me to not just fill the evenings up with less important tasks or entertainment. I’ll work on that and hope you will too. Maybe we will both “redeem the time” God has so graciously given us. I’ve heard it said, if we discount money and things, we are all equally rich – receiving 24 hours each every morning and given an opportunity for a fresh start each morning. A beautiful sunrise reminds us of that fresh start and a beautiful sunset reminds us that we can let go and recharge our battery for a new start the next day. I do know if I keep Christ close during the day, I accomplish more and feel better at the end of the day. Well, I come short of that more than I’m willing to admit and I need reminded at times especially when something difficult comes up or face someone who is making it challenging to do that. Fortunately that is more the exception than the rule but still sometimes find myself unprepared at times. How about you? Well, I guess we can take some comfort in knowing our struggles are very common with Christians and know God’s Grace is there for us when we fail. However, it just means I need to keep my guard up. I hope this encourages you and alerts you to keep your guard up as well so neither of us runs the risk of losing our tempers and/or say something we’ll regret.

4/27/23Nones 27 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. Psalm 53:1

COMMENTS: There are more people alive now than any other time in history. I believe I’ve heard it said a few years ago there are more people alive now than have lived from time of Adam. That means the opportunity for Christianity to grow is greater now than in past. That appears to be true in poor countries or countries where Christians are truly persecuted. It doesn’t appear to be true in the free world and Christianity is in a minority even if include just those who are affiliated with Christianity and don’t profess a faith in God. It is illogical to believe that our world and all living creatures, including humans, could have evolved or just happened without a designer and creator. I think anyone should be willing to admit anything made without thought and a purpose in mind wouldn’t have much value. Likewise, nothing can move or even change without an external force being applied. Science, I think, shouts of a creator even more than the Bible tells of a creator. However, not admitting the existence of God as our creator doesn’t mean HE doesn’t exist. Lets face it, we can’t will or ignore God out of existence. Scripture tells us that only a fool thinks there is not God. What does that say about those in our leadership and education system who believe that? I pray God will help us keep our children and grandchildren and their generation from being deceaved into thinking there is no God. Evidence is showing that is happening in increasing numbers. My generation started that ball rolling and my children’s generation is building off that deception. That ball seems to be too big to stop or even slow down, but we need to keep reminding ourselves our job is not to stop the ball but to be obedient to God. God’s job is to stop the ball and He will in His time. However, history tells us His time is affected by how repentant we are. I Chronicles 7:14 give us the promise that if God’s people, Christians, repent and turn from their sins, He will forgive their sins and heal their land. That is the formula for positive change and healing. Sound so simple and is addressed not to the pagan community but to the believers who profess Christ. That tells me not to be complacent or satisfied with where I am today in my Christian walk.

4/28/23Will Power: I Will Have Mer 28 “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” Romans 9:15

COMMENTS: There has been a debate for centuries between Calvanist (those who teach predestination) and Wesleyans (Armenians who believe in free will). FYI, Presbyterians are Calvanist and Methodist are Armenians. How do we reconcile God’s ability to plan and see future events and recognize God’s influence and still recognize we each have ability to choose God’s path or a sinful path. That is a mystery but history and scripture support both beliefs. Ardent Calvanists say backsliding or turning away from Christ either is not permanent or their salvation was not genuine in the first place. Baptists may hold to the “once saved, always saved” belief as well. How, then do we reconcile all three approaches and understand what is true to scripture. I have to admit I have not fully resolved the difference but do believe there is truth and validity to all three approaches Where I am currently on debate is belief that God knows what has happened and what will happen both in entire world and with each living creature so He is not surprised by anything we say or do. I believe His desire is for all to be saved and obedient to His will and does all His Will permits to give us every opportunity to do that. However, I believe if we choose not to, it is not because He doesn’t will it but because we ignore His opportunities. I also believe He is longsuffering so will not give up on us this side of the grave. I believe that also means we have the capability to receive salvation and turn away from it. When I was younger I feared if sinned after forgiven would we be judged if we died before had opportunity to repent again. That believe cause me much anxiety because I was not able to live the “perfect live” I knew God wanted me to live. Well, I have since concluded that God is a relational God, which means we start our relationship with him with repentance and forgivenss but daily having a relationship that keeps us from deliberately turning away from God and eventually bringing us to walking away from our salvation. I think answer to the question- where in the path of disobedience could or would we loose our salvation resides only with God and is futile to debate and our goal and focus should be to be in relationship with God and not try to test where the cliff is or how close to it we can to live.

4/29/23“I Wanted More…” 29 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.. Jeremiah 17:8

COMMENTS: To complete my thoughts first w.r.t. yesterday’s devotion, I am not clear at what point turning away from God could mean forfeiting our salvation. However, I do believe there is a point of after deliberate and repeated sinning when that would occur. Scripture gives us clues of that. I ended up coming to the conclusion I don’t want to live that close to the cliff to test that, so want to make sure I am close enough to God that I know when I need to turn back. Again, I concluded the answer to that question needs to rest solely with God and let him answer it for each of us. However, God want us to get as close to Him as can and not see how are away from Him we can be without falling off the cliff, right?? Today is Arlene’s and my wedding anniversary (45 years). If either of us would have decided to see how little time we could spend with each other and still be married, you and I both know we would not be married for 45 years. Have there been times we’ve disappointed each other or spent less time with each other than should have or felt less married than other times? Sure, but our commitment to each other and staying in relationship with each other (and especially our common relationship with Christ) enabled us each to both keep our marriage strong and recognize and avoid anything that would destroy that marriage relationship. I think the same is true with our salvation and relationship with Christ. Anyway, I’ll leave it to you to either come to the same conclusion or ??? Anyway, today’s devotion shows us a few dangerous and open manholes we can fall into. Jeremiah also tells us a tree with it’s roots nourished by a large river will not wither when drought comes. This gives us a clue how we are to live and benefits when hard times come. That is the difference the influence our lives can be and how attractive our faith can become to those who know us and interact with us regularly. Satan will do anything he is allowed to do to either destroy or ruin our lives, our relationship with God, and our witness. Matthew Henry’s statement is certainly true for Chinese Christians and should be true of us. Let’s work on making that true of us too, even if it means giving up some of the luxuries we have grown so accustomed to we think of as necessities. I don’t necessarily think we need to beat ourselves up but do think we need to clearly see where our true love lies?

4/30/23A Living Book 30
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. Psalm 119:18

COMMENTS: I can certainly testify the Bible is a living book for me. There is value in old college text books. I’ve on occasion referred back to them now and again over my working career but not as much at the end of my career as I did in the beginning. Some rules and formulas haven’t changed over the years but tools and methods of doing engineering analysis have changed and some old methods giving in 30 yr old textbooks no longer applied as well. I remember looking at a medical book from early 1800’s that gave details on how to do blood letting. Belief was then that some sicknesses could be corrected by letting out blood contaminated by the sickness. Little was understand about the reasons for sickness or that most of the times people got better in spite of this practice instead of because of it. People and doctors simply didn’t know better at that time. Scripture is a lot different than old textbooks. The timeless creator gave us an instruction book intended to help us be in relationship with Him and help us understand Him better and instruct us as to how to give Him access to our hearts and thoughts to give us one-on-one help along life’s way. This book ends the mystery of “Where do we go when we die?” and “Who is God and for what purpose did He create me?” The Bible was not written by some men who “didn’t know better” but by the inspiration of a God who has not changed and who is in control just as much now as when He created the world, everything on and in and around it, as well as the whole universe. How much more current or true can we find than that? Let’s face it, the latest and greatest books and textbooks released today will become outdated and be replaced by better technology as people gain a better understanding. That will obsolete the old textbooks. History has a way of showing us what happened and why. Since God has had an influence in all generations, we can and should take advantage of the wisdom and life learned experiences that history can teach us. I think current society is showing us we have gained much technologically but have lost much morally and relationally. Scripture even shows us things that have yet to happen along with credibility verified based on past prophecies that came true. Prophecy tells us in the latter days technology will soar while relationships with each other and with God will wither and die. How true is that today??? How much truer prophecy tells us that will be tomorrow…