5/1/23 THE BIBLE – A Living Book 1 SCRIPTURE: PSALM 119:18 “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.”

COMMENTS: We are living in a time when it is becoming more popular to see the Bible as a old book of make believe stories of those who believed in God because they didn’t know any better or hopes of being able to help themselves. Today the humanistic belief is that education and modern technology will lift us into a better life and empower us to fulfil our dreams. Yet war and suffering are getting worse as morality and devotion to obey bible teachings diminish. History, both in recent generations as well as ancient history without God is being repeated. Prophecy tells us in the last days men will turn from God and be deceived by their own lustful and selfish hearts. I pray both myself and my family will not be deceived – scripture tells us that even the “elect” would be deceived if the Holy Spirit didn’t guide their hearts.

Matthew 24 gives us Jesus’ own words describing the time when He will be returning. Christians will be the focus and target for persecution. Good will be judged as evil and evil judged as good. We are now living in a time when Matthew 24 is quickly becoming a reality. Each day brings more fulfillment. Well, Christ not only gives us warning of danger and sacrifice being faithful will cost, but also the promise of eternal life and eternal home waiting for those who will be and remain faithful to Christ. He gives us His Word, His abiding Holy Spirit, encouragement and support of other believers, and one and one fellowship with God daily. A familiar hymn “How Big is God” reminds us that God is big enough to rule and be present in the entire universe while being small enough to abide in the mind and soul of each believer who welcomes Him. Do welcome Him today. He is only a prayer away!

5/2/23 HE Will Give You Rest 2
SCRIPTURE: MATTAHEW 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

COMMENTS: When there isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish work and family demands, we generally absorb extra needed from sleep time and from our devotion time but also from worship time with other believers in church. Also sacrificed are times God wants us to minister to others. Scriptures tells us to give to God first of our time and money and trust Him to help us use the remaining 90% to satisify daily demands. I have not always been faithful practicing this but when have, I can testify somehow time and money remaining was sufficient. I think God works both to make us more efficient in our time and money and energizes us with wisdom and energy but also believe He helps us prioritize what we do and understand what can be eliminated or put off. Finishing the day knowing I have done what God wanted is satisfying and makes rest sweeter and more complete so more refreshed for next day. Having another day to start over or build off yesterday are God’s way of giving mercy and grace for renewal. When we think of it, each morning and each evening tell the world of God’s plan, our limitations, and His mercies.

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5/3/23 Cause for Amazement 3SCRIPTURE: ACTS 5:29 “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

COMMENTS: I hope and pray we will never have to face the level of persecution that Daniel and his 3 friends faced, but know there are millions in the world today who do. I am reading Joni Eareckson Tada’s new book “Joni & Ken” revealing the demands and pain both Joni and Ken have endured over 30+ years of marriage and yet how God has grown their faith in Him and love for each other as well as ministry they both have blossomed. I appreciate how Joni exposed both way God strengthened and help each of them during the challenges of 30 yrs of marriage but also sharing the discouragements they each faced and how God led them to surrender to His hands of guidance and how God empowered and energized each to do their part. I also appreciate that God told Ken, during a period of discouragement that his focus and purpose was to “take care of Joni” and revealed to Ken how precious Joni was to Him. That was before they faced the breast cancer Joni faced on top of everything else. It helps me to realize how unique and yet how powerful God’s work is for each of us is, whether hard or light. Yet one of the common commands Christ gives each of us is to forgive all who hurt or are unkind to each of us.

5/4/23 The Day Before Easter 4SCRIPTURE: Job 14:1-14“Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.² He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.³ And doth thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?⁴ Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.⁵ Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;⁶ Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.⁷ For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.⁸ Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;⁹ Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.¹⁰ But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?¹¹ As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:¹² So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.¹³ O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!¹⁴ If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.¹⁵ Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands”.

COMMENTS: Today’s scripture reveals the grief Job experienced during his dark times of trial. He lost his health, his family, his possessions, and even his health – his body was racked with pain from boils. Peter also revealed anguish from consequences of sin and God’s correction. However, what is also revealed is just how brief and precious life is and also how fragile life is. Yet how foolish we are to continue to sin and test God’s mercy. The best we can do is seek God’s mercy, be in fellowship with Him, and be obedient to all He reveals to us. Our future is in His hands anyway, but how much better to be in His hands of mercy instead of His hands of correction and judgment. I am amazed how gentile has been God’s hand of correction to Arlene and I as well as how mild our times of trial have been. I know that hasn’t been true of many Christians and may not be true in our future but am sure God’s Hand and Will for us will be good and can look forward to it. I also know our future is bright especially when look to heaven. I can see why my parents and my aunt and my sister all looked forward to heaven as got closer to it and could see that joy and anticipation in their eyes as they approached the time of their death. That is our heritage and pray it is yours. But even if it isn’t, that is hope God offers you as well!!!

5/5/23 Tough Questions 5

Why did Jesus say some people wouldn’t die before he came back? Well, it seems He is not talking about His return to take His Church to heaven. Maybe He was referring to His Resurrection or His encounter with Saul – Paul and work of evangelism that would come of that or many encounters after His resurrection before His assention. Maybe He is referring to indwelling of the Holy Spirit since God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are one. Truth is there are a lot of promises God is faithful to keep in spite of our inability to understand the way He chooses to keep them. This may indeed be one of them.

COMMENTS: I think it is really reassuring for scripture to tell us nothing surprises God or happens without Him knowing it will happen. That means anything you and I will face is totally in His knowledge and in His control. That doesn’t mean you and I will understand what He shows or tells us and certainly won’t understand how His Will will play out until we will look back on it and maybe not this side of heaven. But it is good to see His hand at work now and again and see glimpses that do make sense to us. That helps us gain confidence to trust Him going forward.

5/6/23 Hiding the Trash 6

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:53: “Surely you know I could ask my Father, and he would give me more than twelve armies of angels” The trash in our lives – sin, can be dealt with a number of ways:

1. We can try to hide it but sooner or later our sins will be discovered.
2. We can admit our sins and confess them to Christ seeking his forgiveness and mercy. This also opens the door to change and turn away from our past sins and not to repeat them.

Christ died for our sins and chose to do so, even though He had the power to destroy those who put Him to death and judged Him. He knew He would provide the only way we could be saved (John 3:16-17 and John 14:6). As the above verse also state, He had authority to call down more than enough angels to deliver Him, but H refused because He knew what was at stake – our eternal souls.

COMMENTS:We are living in a world that no longer is willing to admit sinfulness and Christ as our source of mercy and forgiveness and fresh start. It is becoming more common to deny the existence of sin or judge Christians as being judgmental or worst if they talk about sinfulness and forgiveness Christ offers. Yet Max Lucado’s comparison to trying to ignore or hide a bag full of trash reminds me just how futile it is for us to ignore or try to manage our sinfulness on our own. Why do we work and try so hard to do things on our own without help and instruction expecting to succeed? Yet I have done that and continue to start down that road often and have to check myself. GPS enables “men to get directions without asking anyone” I too, like most men, will do anything I can to avoid asking directions but had to admit it is partly price but also because I tend to either forget or write down incorrectly directions when ask for them. I also find when ask for directions they may be slightly flawed, but have found that at times with GPS directions too. Yet avoiding God’s instructions in scripture are even more foolish, especially when have examples of people from past generations that suffered from disobedience as well as those who prospered when obeyed God’s laws and His directions.

5/7/23 The Tenderness of God 7

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 4:15-16 “¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”

COMMENTS: I am reading a book by Jim Cymbala (pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle) “THE LIFE GOD BLESSES”. He shares how important it is to seek God with our whole heart and with a humble heart. The bible is full of examples of those God blessed and protected who were close in relationship to Him. Daniel was a wonderful example of God blessing and protecting a man who remained faithful and in communion with Him his entire life. David Jeremiah’s book “Handwriting on the wall” reveals to us the tremendous prophecies God blessed – entrusted to Daniel and how righteous Daniel lived as a result of staying in close relationship and prayer with Him.

II Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

Psalm 139:7-10 “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your persence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

5/8/23Bible Gateway Lent Devotional 8

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 31:31-34 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD.“I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor,  or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me,from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” COMMENTS: The book I am reading by Jim Cymbala (pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle) “THE LIFE GOD BLESSES” is sharing a lot of examples and scripture support fact that God loves a humble heart that seeks God and listens to His words and follows them with all his heart. God covenants to be with and protect and save those who do so. Uzziah was a king to did that until prosperity and power planted seed of pride that destroyed his humble and seeking heart. Result was tragedy for him. I am concerned that prosperity not corrupt my heart or the heart of each of my family. That is my prayer that God will save and keep each their entire lives.

5/9/23 Tough Questions 9

In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “The Father is greater than I.” What does he mean by that?

COMMENTS: I’ve heard several explanations of the trinity. One was God has revealed himself in 3 way but is same God. I’ve also heard an explanation that all 3 (Father-Son-Holy Spirit) are equal co-God heads as a God family. Christ prayed to the Father and even asked the Father to spare Him drinking the cup of suffering and separation from the Father at the cross. I am convinced we simply cannot comprehend God nor hope to explain the theology of the trinity. Things we can’t comprehend are those things we need to rely on what scripture tells us and accept what we can’t understand on faith instead of try to limit God or allow doubt to discount what scripture tells us. Scripture tells us Christ is divine and equal to Father and Holy Spirit and one with the Father and Holy Spirit. Likewise, the Holy Spirit came to support us after Christ return to heaven. I am finding it easier to accept those things I can’t explain than I could 40 yrs ago. I thought then I just needed to read and pray more to gain understanding. However, I now believe that there is much I can learn by study and prayer but there are also things I simply can’t understand and should not try to explain when I simply don’t have sufficient understanding. On this subject 40 years ago I thought I had the trinity figured out but now I am convinced I did not and shouldn’t try to act as I did. That doesn’t weaken my faith but actually gives me greater confidence to accept Christ and be fully convinced He is God and we can have full confidence we can trust Him and rely on His help every day until our last day and especially on that day. Besides, if God can be everywhere anytime at the same time (or multi-places at same time) so he isn’t limited by time or space, it is conceivable He could separate Himself to take on human form and it’s limitation and be on earth as a human and still in heaven as God. How one cell can separate and multiply to become a whole human life may give us some clue but I don’t think we can just think of God that way and have a good understanding of Him. It is also conceivable that to try to figure out how God did that is limiting Him in our minds so still isn’t an accurate visualization of Him. So why try when we simply can’t understand God well enough and at best will only confuse ourselves and convey errors in describing God anyway??? Well, it may be fun to try to figure out the mysteries told us about God in scripture, but I do think we need to be careful to understand how important it is not to read too much into scripture or limit God to our understanding of scripture.

5/10/23 God As Our Refuge 10

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 71:1-12 “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” COMMENTS: Not only have my 62 years of life and 52 years of Christian life convinced me that scripture is true and represents God’s law and nature, but am convinced that life is much better if live by them, and to seek ways of getting closer to Him and seeking how to serve and obey Him better and become more like Him instead of trying to do the least needed to maintain my salvation. Examples of other Christians convince me (especially Daniel in Bible) that the more we pray and fellowship with Him and study His Word, the more like Him we will become and the most we will recognize the sinfulness we are still engaged in. Yet instead of giving a sense of hopelessness and being defeated, God provides more joy and fulfillment and sense of worth and meaning and being forgiven. A sense of our remaining sinfulness only serves to help us recognize how much we need Him and how little we can provide for ourselves.

5/11/23 Speaking in Silence 11

An Encouraging Word from Max Lucado: Speaking in Silence

My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak.

SCRIPTURE: James 1:19 “¹⁹ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”

COMMENTS: I can remember the days in high school when I would struggle with math problems, especially geometry word problems. Even though my dad had finished high school, math was beyond what he recalled or could help me with. Yet, what I remember was he would take the time to read the problem back to me several times and listen as I talked thru the logic of figuring it out. I remember his concern and patience but also his humility thinking he wasn’t much help. The same held true in later years when I would come home from work with engineering problems I didn’t know solution for. He would do that same – listen and ask a few questions without realizing how much a help he was. Time between father and son was precious and overshadowed the issues at the time. However, my dad reminded me that God is the “GREAT DESIGNER” so why not go to the source with the answers. I found his advice to be true and found His help to be a prayer away and during a time of especially great challenge gained help by a group of us praying together early before work.

5/12/23 Learning From God Brings Much Wisdom and Knowledge 12

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 50:4-9 “⁴ The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.⁵ The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.⁶ I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.⁷ For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.⁸ He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.⁹ Behold, the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.”

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.

COMMENTS: This morning we went to a large church (Surfside UMC in Surfside Beach NC). Church holds 500 and has two services. Pastor read Luke 7:36-50. Woman who washed Jesus’s feet with her tears and hair and poured expensive perfume on his feet showed far more love and devotion to Him than his disciples or those at house He was eating at. Jesus explains that her devotion was greater because she realized how much He love and forgave her. Jesus says he who has much forgiven loves more than he who had a little forgiven. I think the closer we get to Christ and more like Him we become, the more we realize just how sinful we have been and still are and will tend to draw us to love Him more and more. Today’s devotion reminds me how weak, like Simon Peter, I still am and how easily I can betray Jesus, like Judas, when circumstances make it easy. Yet I am also reminded how incredibly passionate He still loves me and longs to be in closer relationship with me and change me to be more like Him. How I want to strive to be more like Him and desire to be in closer relationship with Him too. When I look at the lives of men like John Wesley or newer examples like Joni Eareckson, I realize just how far below them I am still living and, yet, realize how far below Christ they even were living. I am sure glad Christ meets me where I am and patiently work at the pace I am willing to go, but can sense Him pushing me a bit at times.

5/13/23 Do You Want to See Jesus? 13 . SCRIPTURE: John 12:20-33 “Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”

COMMENTS: Today on way home from Beckley, WVa we listened to one of Joni Eareckson Tata’s audio books, which she read on audio tape. I am amazed at the depth of her faith and life. Yet in spite of or because of her physical handicap, she notices and appreciates the simplest things like flowers and acts of kindness of others as well being able to drive a fan with handicap controls. Yet the depth of her devotion and fellowship with God is very evident. God often speaks to her to stop and notice and speak to someone. Yet even she struggles with boldness sharing Gospel and confessed times she missed opportunity since judged it as a distraction from planned schedule. If she can miss opportunities, how much more so are you and I prone to do so and, like her, need to confess and receive forgiveness from God as well as seek a deeper walk to notice and embrace those opportunities (distractions) He puts in our path. She comments about one of those distractions she missed due to being rushed to go to a speaking engagement but one of her helpers did stop and invited the woman Joni had noticed to come and hear her. Result was a woman who was struggling with cancer and was loosing the battle but came to Christ during that evening’s service – Joni said in book was an opportunity she almost missed except for God’s grace giving her opportunity to another to bring her and Joni together to invite her to Christ. I pray I will be willing to accept God’s distractions too and if miss any, He will either give me another chance to give that change to another to win another to Him. 100 yrs from now, it won’t matter what we’ve accomplished but it will matter if we lead one to Him.

5/14/23 Instruction From the Lord 14

SCRIPTURE: Exodus 12:1-14 “The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.

“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-32 “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.”

COMMENTS: I have to admit there are times when I feel close to God and prepared to receive communion and also times when I am no and experience is more a ritual than a meaningful worship experience. Yet I am reminded worship is all about Him and not about me even though it the relationship with me God is pursuing. I believe Christ both understood and designed a relationship with Him to involve work for us too but the good news is the hardest portion was done by Him and He left the much easier tasks for us. I am so glad we can know and love Him and have the confidence He will never leave us or fail to help us in need or provide sufficient help in any of lifes experiences and dangers we could or will face. We also have the examples of countless generations and close family and friends to help us know with a certainty we are in His hands too. I hope, especially if you will or are facing more dangerous and challenging situations than I will or have, you will have that confidence and knowledge of His help too.

5/15/23 Constant Fellowship with God – God’s Goal for Us 15

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 51:11-16 “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. / Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.”

COMMENTS: Today I am especially reminded just how much I am in God’s hand and depend on His provision and mercies. Times when I think I am in control of life’s situation and my future, God has a way of showing me the foolishness of that thinking. I am also reminded just how much He is interested in fellowship with me even with the small things I deal with during day. However, today is different for me since I learned from Dr. James McLaughlin that I have early stage of Parkinson’s Disease. A tremor in my left arm and tendancy to drag my left foot caused me to investigate issue with my family doctor who referred me to Dr. McLaughlin. I have all 12 symptoms of the disease, so little doubt even though no evidence yet on brain scan. He suggested trying Q10 so will go back on it tomorrow. Yet I am encouraged since God granted me blessing of a disease that is slow progressing and will mean a few more years before will need to deal with symptoms and treatment more aggressively. Experience is reminding me how precious life and wise use of time I have is and how important it is to use my time wisely with family and friends and ministry for Him. Yet I am also reminded just how precious God’s promise of eternal life with Him is.

5/16/23 A Faithful Life Can Impact Even a Tyrant if Stay True 16
Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6b

SCRIPTURE: DANIEL 4:1-37 “Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you² I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.³ How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.⁴ I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:⁵ I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.⁶ Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.⁷ Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.⁸ But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,⁹ O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.¹⁰ Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.¹¹ The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:¹² The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.¹³ I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;¹⁴ He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:¹⁵ Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.¹⁸ This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.¹⁹ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.²⁰ The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;²¹ Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:²² It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.²³ And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;²⁴ This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:²⁵ That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.²⁶ And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.²⁷ Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.²⁸ All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.²⁹ At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.³⁰ The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?³¹ While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.³² And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.³³ The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.³⁴ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:³⁵ And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?³⁶ At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.³⁷ Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

COMMENTS: Daniel 4 tells how God dealt with King Nebuchadnezzar. God gave the king another dream and Daniel interpretation that when the king would praise his accomplishments with pride God would take his kingdom and make him graze like a cow. 12 months later he did that and the dream came true for 7 years until he repented. A proud heart is offensive to God in kings or in any one of us. God loves a humble and obedient heart that relies on Him. That is an important lesson for me and you to be reminded of.

Today’s passage from Daniel is especially meaningful to me since I now know I have Parkinson’s. I too need reminded I am not in control of my future or my life and dare not be like Nebuchadnezzar and pat myself for any success or prosperity I am enjoying.

5/17/23 How to Repent 17

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

COMMENTS: Today’s story reminds us what God thinks of a proud heart and how dangerous our situation is if we think we brag on ourselves and pat ourselves for our accomplishments without giving Him credit and praise. I have felt that temptation at times but wasn’t long before God humbled me or situations changed and I found I didn’t have all the answers. God has really been gentile in correcting me and am really grateful for that but am glad satan’s deceptions didn’t lead me down a long path before God would give me a wakeup call. As I recall Joni Eareckson Tata’s life and experiences, I am beginning to pray God will use me and any limitations I face with Parkinson’s (if He chooses not to heal me) to honor Him and grow me into the faithful person He dreams of. I am almost embarrassed to ask God for healing after reading Joni’s physical limitations and suffering He chose not to heal and entrusted to her. I am beginning to see physical suffering as opportunities God entrusts to us to help us learn to trust Him and rely on Him more. However, I have to admit I am praying for healing and hoping He will continue to be gentile with me when it comes to either physical suffering or persecution.

5/18/23 The Limits of God’s Patience 18
He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.
Psalm 103:9

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 75:6-7 “⁶ For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.⁷ But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

COMMENTS: If the Israelites saw their future of wondering 40 yrs and missing out entering promise land, would they have chose differently? If they would have seen their captivity in Babylon, would their kings and they have chose to obey and followed God? Well, God definitely warned them enough through their prophets and they still disobeyed and faced God’s judgments. I think you and I can remember times in our youth of disobeying our parents and facing punishment especially when had little doubt would get away with anything. Why do we think we can outsmart God or that He will treat us any different than those before us? It does seem God give some people “more rope” than others and that he treats some more harshly than others. It also seams some face harsher challenges to their faith than others as well. That is a mystery I can’t explain well either. There are plenty of examples of people suffering due to folly of others as well as those who suffer because of their own folly. God seems to still be letting it rain on the just and unjust alike but at different levels of intensity, agree? In the case of Nebuchadnezzar he knew better but his pride got the best of him but finally woke up and repented and have evidence he is in heaven now. However, his grandson – Belshazzar had plenty of opportunity to repent and learn from his grandfather’s errors and God appears to have given him a shorter rope to judgment. However, Daniel suffered the same judgment as rest of Israel but with one big difference. Because Daniel trusted God and remained faithful to Him, his situations and outcome were quite different and Daniel senses God’s presents and maintained a close relationship to Him while being in captivity and impacted how God both used and helped him as well as enabled Daniel to be a witness to both his countrymen as well as his captors (enemy). Romans 8:28 applied to him as well as to us.

5/19/23 The Judge of All 19
Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting. Daniel5:27

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 12:47-48 “⁴⁷ And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.⁴⁸ But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

COMMENTS: The United States has a amazing history of God’s providence from time of pilgrims coming seeking freedom to worship but also to witness God’s mercy and Gospel to natives. Even Christopher Columbus came with vision to bring Gospel to new world and what has been missed in modern texts is fact that God even gave this vision to Columbus. There is plenty of evident to be convinced that we won the revolutionary war not out of our strength and support but because of God’s providence and intervention. WWII was, likewise, won because of God’s intervention and outcome came close to being very different. I believe the prayers and actions of godly men and women made the difference throughout history and still does. Just as Solomon’s wisdom was associated with his willingness to see that wisdom from God, the leadership of our country and wisdom of any judgments of justices from supreme courts down to local county courts seem to becoming more and more foolish. Is this going to continue or will there be a change? God entrusted Daniel the vision of things to come and shared glimpses unworthy kings. Yet, Daniel’s understanding was limited to what God only was willing to show him. Daniel’s vision is also giving us a glimpse of things to come without a full and clear picture of time and way will unfold. With us, as with Babylon’s kings, a choice is offered to either continue a path of disobedience or change and go a different path of obedience and repentance. A big difference now is because of Christ’s sacrifice, God’s mercy continues freely to all who repent. I really think God has been long suffering with the US because of His grace and covenant He made with founders. I believe we have been spared invaders in past and have prospered because of faithfulness of key people in each generation who have been faithful to Him both in public offices as well as in pulpits and congregations and in everyday places in each generation. I want to be one of those who continue to do so in my generation and am praying my children and grand children will as well. Will you covenant with me and with God as well?

5/20/23 Speaking the Truth 20
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:20

SCRIPTURE: ACTS 23:1-10 “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.² And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.³ Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?⁴ And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?⁵ Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy pe⁶ But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.⁷ And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.⁸ For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.⁹ And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.¹⁰ And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.”

COMMENTS: There is a difference between with-holding information that can do harm vs either being dishonest or with-holding truth with less than best motives. In examples above telling truth brought risk of punishment of death from king. Daniel’s 3 friends had already experienced the fiery furnace and Daniel was yet to experience the Lion’s Den but was to with a future king. How many times have we shared information with others to either hurt them or puff ourselves up instead of for reason of being helpful. However, more likely we have said things with intent of being helpful but came across as being critical or judgmental. That can be a fine line and pointing out faults of others and being viewed as critical instead of encouraging. I think it best to present criticism as would like to receive it “Golden Rule” (Matthew 7:12). Yet being prepared to receive is just as important as preparing to give. I was to always be open and accountable so as not to be defensive when my wife or my children or church family offers “constructive criticism”. The best advice is to reflect and pray before giving a response. You may want to reflect on your experience w.r.t. to both giving and receiving criticism and recall reaction(s) and what would have been more helpful.

However, what is even more important is to be open for God’s correction. To be as Psalmist and seek God to show us our lives from His vantage point and point out to us any offense and lead us to repentance, forgiveness, and change. We all can see clearly the ways others offend or irritate us (some more than others). However, how often to see look for and recognize ways we irritate or offend others. They should be obvious to us by reactions, even suttle reactions we get. Do we work and changing those things that hurt or offend others or simply consider that their problem and expect them to deal with it…. Well, the golden rule can apply to a multitude of life situations but I believe it definitely applies here.

5/21/23 Tick, Tick, Tick … 21 My times are in Your hand. Psalm 31:15

SCRIPTURE: JOB 14:5 “⁵ Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;”

COMMENTS: Job’s story is one of the oldest in scripture but is unique because God shares the reason for Job’s suffering later in story – something that can remain a mystery during life’s struggles. Job faced one terrible thing right after another without a clue as to why. His friends were no help and were convinced Job had hidden sins God was punishing. The book of Job reveals face that Job’s suffering was not all about Job but was all about God and His ultimate authority and need for Job to submit and honor and praise and worship and trust Him completely. Job was faithful but needed God’s correction when he started to look at himself and took his eyes off God. Job was able to stay true as long as he kept his eyes on God. That is a good lesson for you and me too. As I continue t reflect on Joni Eareckson Tata’s example, I am reminded how that has been true for her and her ability to be an example none of us could conceive being able to do but because she has been able to keep her eyes on Christ, she continues to be an example of a sustained life fully surrendered to Christ and continues to positively impact millions while sustaining a joy and confidence few with whole bodies are able to do. As I continue to seek and sort out what Parkinson’s means for me and how God will use this ailment to honor Him and give me opportunity to be a witness for Him, I am struggling with where to begin. Fortunately it is a slow progressing ailment so have time to sort it all out. However, I am already gaining a peace and assurance that God has much left for me to do and be, and appears He is still being very gentle with me related to adding trials to grow my faith and relationship with Him. I am grateful for that but realize each day may bring new challenges as well as opportunities to make a difference. I pray that will be true for you as is for me.

5/22/23 How Not to “Pow!” 22
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3

SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 “⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

COMMENTS: Casting our cares on Him is such good advice but not always remembered or easy to do, but becomes easier as we maintain an ongoing relationship with Christ. That is done by regular praying and opening our hearts and thoughts to Him. So, that relationship does start with confession and repentance for our sins but only becomes real with an ongoing relationship thru prayer and bible study and connecting with a local congregation of believers. I guess we all have our own ways of handling life’s stresses and I have been guilty of exposing those I love most either to neglect as I try to focus on daily issues or show my frustration and impatience to them. Yes, there are regrets but am so glad for God’s mercies and forgiveness and also forgiveness of my wife and children and grandchildren and church family as well as those I worked with. Each morning reminds me of the fresh start God gives every morning and each evening reminds me that all days bad and good have a finite end. My 62 brief years have shown me what matters each day is the impact I make on other’s lives, not whether I successfully complete the tasks I’ve planned for the day. That is something I know but still have to be reminded of very often or I will forget. That helps keep me focused on His work especially when things don’t go to my plan. God’s interruptions are how we know God often works but I never seem to be willing or able to embrace them naturally (and know that is true of everyone). I guess that is the way He intends anyway, but He just expects us to willfully accept them, right?? Even mature saints like Joni Eareckson Tata keep having to relearn that lesson, as she shared in her book “Joni & Ken” so I guess I shouldn’t beat myself up too much when I still have that battle. How about you? I think allowing each other see our struggles helps encourage us instead of just showing our best foot and allowing others think their weaknesses and problems mean they are the only Christians coming short of the mark or having battles. Pray for me with my struggles and I’ll continue to do same for you knowing God will be with us both each day.

5/23/23 The Wonders of Prayer 23

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 65:1-5 “Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.² O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.³ Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.⁴ Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.⁵ By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:”

COMMENTS: The devotion I’ve included for today do not seem to connect but I believe they do. As we approach the Rapture and Tribulation period I we are told the prophecies will make more sense but also the dangers and persecution will become more dramatic and dangerous. I believe, like David Jeremiah, that Christians will be taken to heaven and spared the Tribulations period but many of those left who will see prophecy unfolding and seek Christ’s forgiveness experience salvation and refuce the Antichrist’s mark when it will be required but will then face persecution during this time. The importance of an ongoing relationship with Christ and connection thru prayer and scripture to establish and sustain the right path will be even more essential than today. From what I understand of prophecy from Daniel and Ezekiel and Matthew 24 as well as Revelation, it is hard for me to believe anyone can survive long during Tribulation without receiving the mark and then be destined to God’s judgment. To not receive mark will mean being targeted for prison and execution by Antichrist’s law so being in hiding and depending on food and support either directly from God would likely be the only way of escape. The 12 book “Left Behind” series is a vision of this 7 year time from the perspective of one bible scholar and is reasonable but am sure will not play out exactly that way. I pray you will not be “left behind” but if you are, PLEASE ACCEPT CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND DO NOT ACCEPT THE “MARK OF THE BEAST”, which will be required either on your hand or forehead in order to buy or sell anything even if it means lose of a loved one or your own life. Scripture tells us no one who received the mark will receive God’s forgiveness and mercy to receive eternal life. Best to receive death and eternal life instead of extended your life and face God’s judgment later, especially since this terrible time will only last 7 yrs before Christ stops it.

5/24/23 Welcome to the Den 24

My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me.
Daniel 6:22

SCRIPTURE: DANIEL 6:10-11 “¹⁰ Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.¹¹ Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.”

COMMENTS: Today’s lesson does apply to yesterday’s letter and devotion. Daniel’s example of death by being eaten alive by hungry lions was price he was willing to pay for simply praying openly to God and refusing to worship the king. This is equivalent to refusing to receive the “Mark of the Beast” during Tribulation time, so best to be resolved to make this choice before facing it instead of being unprepared. Otherwise, I don’t think anyone will be capable of the level of courage needed to make that kind of choice. A close relationship with God was the only way Daniel could have gained that much courage so we need to as well whether terrible times are at our door step or we are facing much easier challenges. I often said if holding onto a rope, a ¼” rope will hold my weight and would be comfortable with it suspended 6 ft off the ground but if suspended 1000 ft off the ground I’d want a 1” rope. You and I need to hang onto a strong relationship with God grounded in His Word as deep as can so we are well prepared for any storm that comes our way and our witness will be evident as well as positive impact on others.

God has been gentle with me over the years but I have no promise future will be as gentle, nor do you. I certainly didn’t deserve that and know there is plenty of evidence to believe future challenges may be worse. However, the promises and evidence from scripture and past experience of Christians of years gone by is God never asked us to endure what, with His help, we can not bear. Maybe God is gentle when He knows we are too weak to bear more?? That said, I believe David Jeremiah’s study of Daniel is very beneficial even if we will not face the early stages of persecution Satan will unleach during Tribulation time. I am sure satan would have done so in every generation God would have let him.

5/25/23 May Flowers 25

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made …
Psalm 139:14a

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 8:4-9 “⁴ What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?⁵ For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.⁶ Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:⁷ All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;⁸ The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.⁹ O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”

COMMENTS: I’m glad today we can take a break and take some time to enjoy God’s blessings. I appreciate how Joni notices and enjoys the simplest things like flowers or sunshine or a kind smile or gesture. Arlene is away in Buffalo area with her sister Carol to support Donna and her sister Mary Jane – Mary Jane’s daughter Jen is in ICU battling for her life from a gall bladder surgery gone bad. I’m at home helping Bernard Baker fill in graves at local cemetery and watering new flowers Arlene planted. I hadn’t really looked at them until started watering and caring for them. Their beauty as well as the sunshine and warmth of this week, by taking time to notice, makes praising God much richer and meaningful than otherwise would be and better prepares me to pray for Jen and family.

I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but admit diagnosis of Parkinson’s is still just few days old so continue to reflect how God wants to use it and me to impact others and to appreciate all the blessings and creation He showers every day. I am so blessed still having a strong body and a wife and daughter and son who am so proud of. Being able to know and love and be a part of their families is such a precious gift so many either do not live to experience or have lost the opportunity to love and and be loved by them due to poor choices that can’t be fixed or changed. Such blessings are priceless and yet such a joy to experience. I find myself praying for some I know who don’t have such blessings and pray God’s mercy and intervention to restore families and those relationships.. Yet, I also know heaven will be such a wonderful place for that restoration for those who at least receive His salvation even if restoration doesn’t happen til heaven!!

5/26/23Scriptures to Live By in the Latter Days 26

1. Pray (2 Chronicles 7:14)
   
   2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) reminds us, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2. Stand fast (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
   Stay true and stand strong on Christ’s teachings and on Scripture no matter what popular belief is.
3. Hold on (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
   Don’t be swayed or intimidated as world judges good as evil and evil as goo.
4. Work hard (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, Luke 19:13)
   Our primary goal is not just to go to heaven but impact as many lives for Christ as we canso as many go to heaven with us as possible.

COMMENTS: OK, back to the prophecy grind… Scripture, especially Psalms, share some pretty dark periods when outcome wasn’t certain and yet David and Psalmist embraced God and prayed with all his heart without assurance his life would be spared. We grow during difficult experiences and are far more likely to grow spiritually during times of great trial and least likely to grow (more likely to regress) during times of prosperity and ease. Time and time again, the Israelites rejected God and turned to idolatry during prosperity and repented and turn backed to God during captivity and hardship and suffering. Why do we think we are any better prepared to manage prosperity properly??

So be on your guard especially if things are going good and seek God whether you think you need to or not, but realizing you are more apt to want to when circumstances give a sense of urgency that you need God’s help. In days after 911, churches were filled and people would flock to pray but when uncertainty and urgency faded, most went back to “life as usual” and seeking God and praying and going to church became a rare or never appointment with God again. Sad but true, but needn’t be true for you and me. I’m working at that and pray you are too….

The devastation in Moore, Oklahoma from the Level 5 tornado that destroyed much of the town and took 24 lives has been dominating the news over last few days and has triggered a coordinated focus of prayer as well as effort of emergency relief. The courage of so many has been revealed during that day and generosity of our nation is again revealed. Yet we are again reminded how fragile life is and how quickly and easily our lives can be disrupted or taken. Be reminded how much you and I are totally dependent on God and need to be totally surrendered to Him. He is gentile to those who submit to Him but harsh to those who show a proud and defiant spirit.

5/27/23 Faith to Endure 27

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of [the prophets] who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
Hebrews 11:32-33

SCRIPTURE: DANIEL 6:23-28 “²³ Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.²⁴ And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.²⁵ Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.²⁶ I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.²⁷ He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.²⁸ So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”

COMMENTS: I don’t know about you, but when I think about the level of persecution most Christians faced during first 150 yrs after Christ and other examples recorded in scripture prior to that (including Daniel), or the level of persecution in China over past 50 yrs or in North Korea or in many muslim countries currently, I become ashamed of my lack of boldness and failing and reluctant to share the Gospel by word and example. I tend to think I should be able to endure and be more faithful without complaint or a need for divine help. I shouldn’t have to bother God with my little problems and issues. Yet scripture and experience of every believer from past and currently is EVERY BELIEVER NEEDS A ONGOING AND VIABLE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS / HER SAVIOR AND CAN NOT MAKE IT ON THEIR OWN. Even severely persecuted Christians will say God wants us to come to Him with little things as much as big things because HE WANTS A DAILY RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OF US!!! That is something that still puts a chill up my back – GOD PASSIONATELY WANTS A DAILY RELATIONSHIP WITH ME AND WITH YOU!!! To try to do things on my own, even little things, undermines that relationship so there is no reason for me or you to be reluctant or ashamed to go to Him daily or hourly, right??? OK, I’ll keep reminding myself of that and hope you will too…

5/28/23 Looking Forward 28

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.
2 Peter 3:14-18 “¹⁴ Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.¹⁵ And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;¹⁶ As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.¹⁷ Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.¹⁸ But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.;

COMMENTS: We have had some great trips as a family. One that came back to life was a 3 week trip we took to California and explored coast from San Diego/Mexico north thru Yosemite and worked our way back past Grand Canyon and Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore before going back to Las Vegas to fly home. We recorded that trip on a new video camera and recently transferred onto 2 DVD’s and was able to copy them so Deb and Donny could enjoy and share. To see them and Arlene and I much younger is fun but also shows how much we’ve aged since June 1996. Since I’ve retired we’ve taken a trip to Orlando/Disney with Deb and her family as well as a 3 week trip to California (Arlene and I) to see Rose Parade and … and then a 3 week trip back to Florida with a cruise to Virgin Islands is almost embarrassing. Enjoying our retirement years with each other and taking advantage of such opportunities is something we will cherish in later years but also see them as gifts God is allowing us to enjoy and enrich our lives and praise Him for. Yet, I have to admit such indulgences are not what we are used to or can totally justify. These opportunities came mostly from discounts our time share has offered as well as financial blessing God has given. Using the resources God gives us wisely is something we don’t take lightly and know tithing and additional giving to God’s work needs to continue to be a top priority to us going forward especially as end times become closer and urgency of sharing God’s message increases. I pray we will be faithful and encourage you to do so with resource God gives you too. After all, if heaven is as wonderful as scripture tells us, than anything we experience here won’t hold a candle to that so really aren’t missing anything if give up some things here to further God’s kingdom, right??

5/29/23 Hover Boards 29

And the vision of the evenings and mornings which was told is true; therefore seal up the vision, for it refers to many days in the future.
SCRIPTURE: Daniel 8:18-27 “¹⁸ Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.¹⁹ And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.²⁰ The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.²¹ And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.²² Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.²³ And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.²⁴ And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.²⁵ And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.²⁶ And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.²⁷ And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.”

COMMENTS: I think it is interesting when we look at books written to interpret prophecy in the past 50-75 years, that no one thought we would still be waiting for 2^nd coming in 2023. Some made predictions that WWI was beginning of Tribulation period, some were convinced that Hitler was the antichrist, some believe 1984 was start of end time and we were going to fall off the cliff on 1/1/2000. When I was a teen I was fascinated with Bible prophecy and was convinced I would not retire before Christ returned. My sister decided not to have children mostly because she didn’t want to bring children into a end time world. Even the “Back to the Future” series gave a different picture of 2015 (a 30 yr look ahead from 1985) than we can see from 2023. Cars still have wheels and likely will still require wheels and gasoline to power them in 2015 instead of being powered by “mister fusion”.

I think, if we look back at history, we can convince ourselves the outcome of crisis could have been much different and worse. God’s mercy is so evident in history. How Hitler was defeated and the evil genius he showed early and fundamental errors he did that enabled the allies to defeat him remind me the faithfulness and prayers of countless millions of Christians did make a difference and God’s hand did stop Hitler before satan could fulfil his plan thru him. God is never surprised and certainly will never be defeated or out-foxed or out-maneuvered. Quite the opposite, which is confidence and assurance we can stake our lives and futures and the lives and futures of those precious to us as well!! THIS IS THE GOOD NEWS YOU AND I MUST NOT BE BASHFUL TO SHARE AND LIVE!!

5/30/23 The Mystery of God 30
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 63 “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;² To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.³ Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.⁴ Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.⁵ My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:⁶ When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.⁷ Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.⁸ My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.⁹ But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.¹⁰ They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.¹¹ But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.”

COMMENTS: Knowing God’s ways are better than your and my ways can be understood in principle but when it comes down to a specific day or situation, what does that mean? The parents and family of the 24 who died in Moore, OK a few days ago or the families seeing nothing left of their homes who are asking why may not accept Isaiah 55:9 as easily as you and I can. Those who endured the holocaust asked why God didn’t stop Hitler for so long? The Israelites know why Babylon invaded and took them into captivity because they were warned to repent or God would judge them. Daniel and his friends knew why they were taken into captivity along with those who were guilty of idolatry and the reason for God’s judgment. Daniel suffered too even though he was not guilty of the idolatry of others. Scripture tells us rain falls on the just and unjust alike. I am kidding myself if I try to understand and justify why unjust people are spared at times and good people suffer loss. There are plenty of examples in scripture of this as well as in our own fields of experience. Yet, God only promises that He will be with us and will not permit us to suffer what we can not bear with His help. However, I have resolved it is best to leave some of these questions unanswered and acknowledge God does not have to explain Himself to you and me and has the right to do what He Wills and really doesn’t need to explain Himself to us. Yet, the good news is God is passionate to have a loving relationship with you and me. Can you look back and see situations that prove God has put situations and people in your path that have drawn you to Him? If yes, you have assurance God loves you. But I also ask what do we have to loose? If we follow Christ and learn we were deceived as the world is telling us, than only thing we have lost is consequences of living a unrestrained life of sin but IF GOD IS REAL AND SCRIPTURE IS RIGHT, THAN WE HAVE GAINED ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM AND HEAVEN WITH HIM WILL BE A REWARD THAT WILL OVERSHADOW SUFFERING WE MIGHT ENDURE ON EARTH. Trusting Him and letting a complete understanding of His Will rest in His time may be what we have to settle for in meantime. If you are a parent can you recall an instance when you had to ask your child to do what you ask even when they don’t understand why? If you are not, do you recall a time when your parents told you to do something you did not understand but later did understand. I think that is probably the best explanation as to why we can’t understand God’s ways.

5/31/23 May Flowers: Special Delivery 31
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Proverbs 31:28

SCRIPTURE: I KINGS 2:18-20 “¹⁸ And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.¹⁹ Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.²⁰ Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.”

COMMENTS: Doesn’t it seem odd it took so long for mother’s day to be established. Maybe it has been universal in all generations to take mothers for granted. However, Psalms especially shares how important a mother’s influence is and importance God has placed on her job. I can testify the example and influence of a strong Christian father and mother have guided me on a path to accept Christ at a young age (10) and kept me on a path all my teen and adult life to maintain a relationship with Him. That influence has helped me make choices that spared me many regrets and consequences many of my piers have suffered. I can see God’s Hand at work guiding me to wise choices through those years and even now. It is heart warming for Donny and Debbie to tells us how much they appreciate us and our influence on them and their families. They seem to have forgotten our mistakes and only remember what we’ve done right. We’re glad for that. Yet I am reminded we are simply reflecting the influence our parents had on us and most of all the influence Christ has had on our lives. We shouldn’t be surprised since Arlene and I remember what our parents did right and consider any mistakes insignificant and just part of being human. Yet, to marry a Christian spouse who shares our desire to follow Christ and make Him center in our families makes all the difference in the world and makes making right choices and having a great marriage and raising children with fewer regrets so much easier but still so challenging. Christ has made all the difference and has helped us in ways I am just starting to realize. Yet, I am so grateful the mistakes of spending time working late that should have been spent with my children has been forgiven. That is part of God’s grace and mercies. Yet in today’s society the value of a Christian home and values is being attacked and belittled and treated as obsolete. I fear the consequences of that folly as my grandchildren grow to adulthood and face life’s challenges raising their families. That is one of the big reasons I decided to maintain this devotional journal to be read and shared by my family and others who God might speak to thru it.