Devotion Archive
These are devotions that have been published periodically on the "Seeking Understanding" web page. You can go to "Seeking Understanding"
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Older Testament |
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Newer Testament Thessalonians - Philemon
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Devotions Listed
in Biblical order.
Devotional -- Exodus 40:33-34
Then Moses set up
the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the
entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work. Then the cloud
covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Exodus 40:33-34
These
two verses remind us of a very significant truth. There is an important
difference between our work and God's grace. After numerous chapters outlining
the work that went into the preparation of the tent that would be used for
worship, we read these simple words. Moses finished all the work.. Then the
Lord's glory and presence filled it. Moses worked at preparing the place, just
as God had instructed Him. But the key to their worship was the presence of God,
which could only come by God's gracious gift of Himself.
I remember when our church built a new building, how much planning, building,
financing and moving went into it. When it was finished, it was a beautiful
building. But it was not truly complete until God graced us with the glory of
His presence. Only then could there be true praise, worship and fellowship.
The apostle John writes in his gospel concerning the fact that Jesus, the Son
of God, became a human being. He writes
Let's not settle for the empty tent that we often build by our own religion.
As attractive as it might be, it pales next to the glory of God. Let us do all
we can to prepare ourselves for His presence in our lives. Let us ask Him to be
gracious unto us and to come to us as He has promised. Then let us embrace Him
when He comes.
As Jesus contemplated going back to heaven for a period of time, now going on
2000 years or so, he assured his disciples, and with them you and me.
Devotional
-- 2 Samuel 6:21
"I
will celebrate before the LORD." 2
Samuel 6:21
Sometimes we can
become paralyzed by self consciousness. We can be so concerned about how we look
to other people that we fail to take any action at all. A child, for instance,
who is extremely shy and self conscious may speak in such hushed tones that he
or she can't be understood at all.
In the same way, being sensitive to what other people might think of us can
squelch our expressions of love or celebrations of joy. We fail to express
ourselves because we fear embarrassment. But consider the example of David in 2
Samuel 6. David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all
his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the
LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the LORD was entering
the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she
saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her
heart. . . .
When David returned home to bless his household,
Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has
distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his
servants as any vulgar fellow would!" David said to Michal, "It was
before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house
when he appointed me ruler over the Lord's people Israel--I will celebrate
before the LORD. (2 Samuel 6:14-16, 20-21)
David wasn't afraid to
act like a kid before the LORD. He expressed his love and joy without
inhibition. It didn't matter that his wife, Michal, made fun of him. He had to
express his admiration of the LORD.
I must admit that I, for one, can be too self-conscious. What about you?
Let's not fail to celebrate for fear of what some else might say. Maybe we need
to be free to just act like a child before the LORD once in a while.
Devotional
-- 2 Chronicles 7:14
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 will I hear from heaven and will
forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
When I was a boy, my father pastored a church that was way out in the
country. It was beautiful drive to church and back. However, then the strip
mines came. Over a few short years, it seems, the mining companies ravaged the
land. Where green hills and meadows once were, now the eye could see only black
landscape.
I imagine sin to work destructively in our lives like mining did with the
land. To satisfy many desires, the gift that God has given us can become ravaged
and ruined. However, because God is so marvelous, all is not lost.
This verse makes it clear that if we repent and turn to Him, God has promised
to not only forgive our sins, but he will heal the wounds as well.
These days, the land around my father's old church look altogether different.
A national association of zoos has established a wildlife center where exotic
and endangered animals can be raised in safety. The land can support such a
project because it has been reclaimed and is once again green.
God can do the same in our lives if we turn to Him. He has promised not only
to forgive us, but to reclaim what has been damaged. Praise God!
Devotional
-- 2 Chron. 25:1-2
Amaziah
was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem
twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Jehoaddin ; she was from Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 25:1-2
He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly.
Second
Chronicles
25 tells of King Amaziah of Judah. There is an interesting description
in verse two, which
in the TEV reads,"He did what was pleasing to the Lord, but did it
reluctantly."
That certainly
describes the situation of many well-meaning people. They try to do what God
wants of them, but they do it with their whole heart. Instead they do it
reluctantly, or half-heartedly. Eventually, in Amaziah’s case, his reluctance
led to disobedience and tragedy. You can read the whole story in 2 Chronicles
25.
The Lord wants us to love Him with our whole heart. I don’t believe Jesus
is satisfied just being on friendly terms with us, do you? He loves you so much
that He wants all of your devotion and love in return. Too often, however, we
are more like Amaziah.
There is no doubt but that we can’t live in perfect obedience. We can,
however, devote our hearts to Jesus, confess our faults and seek to correct our
behavior according to His word. We can seek to serve Him with enthusiasm and
whole-hearted devotion, rather than with reluctance.
Maybe you would like to pray with me the words of the Psalmist.
Devotional -- Psalm 18:1-3
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Ps. 18:1-3
As we contemplate the danger in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, we cannot help but imagine that those involved are conscientiously about the business of setting up their defenses. Anyone who fears attack is only smart to set up a fortress, shelter, or stronghold. During an assault, they are even wiser if they use it. They would be foolish to have a place of safety prepared, only to go running out into the line of fire.
The psalmist, David, identifies our place of safety. It is the LORD who is our strength, our fortress and our rock. He is strong and faithful. He provides refuge for those who trust Him. He is our shield and our stronghold. He is our deliverer.
How foolish we would be if we failed to go to our God when we are assaulted. Prayer is not so much an admission of weakness, as many suppose, but the recognition of God’s strength! We recognize that He is the source of true security, and therefore, prayer is the smartest thing to do.
No doubt, you face your share of trying situations. Don’t be foolish and try to go it alone. Don’t rush into the line of fire, thinking it proves one brave. Rather, go to God in prayer, which is the smart thing to do. There you will find peace and safety.
If you need prayer support, you can click the appropriate link below, and my prayer group and I will be sure to pray for you. May you know the Lord's safe embrace.
Devotional
--
For the director of music. A psalm of David. May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. O LORD, save the king! Answer us when we call!
As I write this, we are in the midst of watching a terrible tragedy unfold in our nation. I cannot help but reflect on how fortunate we have been to live in such peace and security, when so many in our world deal with this fear and pain every day. I am also convinced that America is suffering because she has taken a stand with Israel, those chosen by God. No doubt, standing for what is right and following God will result in suffering at the hands of those who oppose His will.
The psalmist recognizes that the key is found not in chariots and horses, but in faith in the living God. Rather than trusting in military power and technology, may we as Americans turn once again to the God of our fathers. And may we recognize that God has provided Jesus as Messiah, Savior and the ultimate authority.
"... God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:36-38
May you take opportunity to seek the Savior during this time. Join with friends, family or your church to pray for those who are suffering, and that God may be gracious to us. May we each do our part to return to God. I am convinced that as a nation, faith in Him is critical to our survival.
Devotional -- Psalm 25:3
No
one whose hope is in you (Lord) will ever be put to shame. Self-preservation may be one of our greatest instincts. None of
us wants to be put to shame, and sometimes find ourselves resorting
to almost any strategy
if it will protect us from humiliation. It may appear that we must choose
between doing what is "right" or doing what is "most
effective" in protecting our own image. However, such a choice may be
misleading.
Consider the testimony of David in Psalm 25."No
one whose hope is in you (Lord) will ever be put to shame" (v. 3).
Even though we may be tempted to resort to deception or even treachery, in
order to protect ourselves from disgrace, Scripture would suggest that our best
recourse is to live with integrity and obedience to God.
David continues, "My eyes are
ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare
. . May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is
in
you" (v. 15&21).
Isn't this where faith has opportunity to evidence itself? Do we really
believe that God's way is best? If so, then during times when we are threatened
and our instinct insists on self-preservation, we will keep our eyes all the
more focused on the Lord and trust the integrity and uprightness that comes in
being obedient to His instruction to save us from shame.
Devotional
--
Psalm
25:3
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? " Psalm 27:1
Fear! It can take the form of acute panic, or it can slowly gnaw at our insides over a long period of time. fear can prevent us from doing and being our best. Sooner or later, everyone experiences some kind of fear.
One way in which fear wields its power over us is that it demands our attention. When we fear that something is lurking in the shadows, for instance, we peer intently into the darkness, trying to make out the features of the enemy that we think threatens us. We can't get our minds off of it. We are afraid, and as it demands our attention, fear tightens it grip on us.
For those who know the Lord, however, there is another way. The Psalmist has discovered it. The secret is to focus on the strength of the Lord, rather than on the power of our fears. Rather than peering intently into the darkness, focusing on the enemy, we are better off focusing on the nature of God. He is our strength and salvation. Our security and freedom is discovered in His strength.
Of course, it can be difficult to take refuge in the Lord if our relationship with Him is strained. The first step toward conquering our fears is to be reconciled to God, so that we may take refuge in Him. Only when we confess our sin, humbly cast ourselves on God's mercy and trust His grace to provide for us, will we begin to embrace the One who is our Protector and Savior. Ironically, its when we admit to our powerlessness that we discover God's strength in our weakness. As we focus on God's strength, made evident in our weakness, our fears begin to fade.
If something is causing you to be afraid, don't focus all your attention on the problem. Don't fret over your weakness. Admit your weakness, turn to the Lord, and take refuge in the One who is our light and salvation.
God bless you
Devotional -- Psalm 27:1-3
The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the
stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance
against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will
stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war
break out against me, even then will I be
confident.
Psalm
27:1-3
This is one of those great psalms of the Bible. It is a psalm of confidence At first it might appear that the focus of this paragraph is courage, but in giving it greater attention we realize the true focus is the LORD Himself. In the midst of darkness, who is our light? When we are vulnerable, exposed and frightened, who is our strong haven of safety? It is the LORD!! Our God is bigger than those things that threaten us.
We live in a time when we often feel like helpless pawns before enormous bureaucracies. We can make numerous phone calls and still find no one who seems able to address our complaint or concern. We feel like our voice matters little when it comes to what will be shown on TV, taught in school, or interpreted as the law of the land. We even find it difficult to protect our reputation from the rumor mill at work. We feel so small in the face of it all. But the Bible says our God is bigger and stronger.
One of the most basic aspects of faith, it seems to me, is to believe that God is greater and mightier than all else that might threaten us. When we feel overwhelmed by the pressures of those things that mitigate against us, focusing on our own resources will only make us feel weaker. Strength and courage come when we recognize that the One who has come to our rescue, our Savior, is greater than every foe.
Is your life grounded in the confidence of God's sure victory and steadfast defense of what is right and good? Do you have the assurance that "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4)? When you travel through the valley of desperation and fear, look into the face of your Savior and find strength and courage.
The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
Devotion
Psalm 27:4-7
One
thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell
in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon
the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
Psalm 27:4-7
We
have been looking at this great psalm of confidence. Last time we found that the
God and Savior of the Bible is bigger and stronger than any adversary that we might
face. This time, as the psalm continues, we see how this shapes our priorities.
If God is strong and mighty, then our top priority in life should be to remain
steadfastly grounded in Him.
Notice first that there is
security in the presence of God. He is enduring, so that we might dwell in His
house all of our days. He is beautiful and pleasant. He hides and protects us
from our enemies. He inspires joy and singing in our hearts. We know that when
we call on Him, He will be merciful to us.
Therefore, the keys to security
and peace seem obvious. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his
temple (Ps. 27:4). If we truly want peace,
this must be our priority.
We
are reminded of Jesus' reassurances in John 14. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. In
my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I
am going there to prepare a place for you.
Later,
in verse 6, He adds, "I
am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through
me (John 14:1-2,6).
Having
just gone through the unsettling tragedy of the terrorist bombing in America, we
live with a greater sense of insecurity than we may have know before. However,
Jesus would encourage us to make sure we have our priorities in order. The key
to security and peace is to seek His presence. There is safety in dwelling with
Him. We know that He has gone to prepare a place for us in the presence of the
Father, where there is protection, beauty and peace. Furthermore, Jesus claims
that He is the only valid passport.
You
see, when we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ we needn't fear even death.
We can be assured of a safe place on the other side. If you are seeking personal
peace, make your ultimate priority that of dwelling in His presence, where you
can find safety. Cultivate your faith and dependence on Jesus, who alone
provides access into the life you are truly seeking.
Devotion
Psalm 27:8
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. We
have been looking at Psalm 27, and we have seen that our God and
Savior is bigger and
stronger than any adversary we may face. As we come into His presence through
faith in Jesus we find security and contentment. Now we learn more about the
beauty and majesty of His presence. The real fruit of being in His presence is
to be found as we seek His face.
My
heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. The psalmist also sees help and
guidance. Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my
oppressors (v. 11). God knows the straight
and trustworthy path in which we should walk. He can guide us into safety. Just
as a child would look into a parent's face and hopefully find acceptance,
security and guidance, so it is for those who will look into the face of the
Savior.
If true security is to be
found when looking into the face of the Savior, then it is certainly
counter-productive to run from Him, avoid Him, or hide our faces in unnecessary
shame.. While that may be our first instinct, it is more helpful to consider the
thought of the psalmist.
"My
heart says of you,
'Seek his face!' Your face, LORD, I will seek" (Ps.
27:8).
Allow
me to encourage you to take the time to look into the face of Jesus
and learn from
Him. you can do so by by studying His word everyday and reflecting prayerfully
upon it. In these troubling times, we needn't be overwhelmed with fear or
insecurity. In the face of Jesus you will find peace.
Devotion
Psalm 27:13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of
the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Ps 27:13-14 Psalm
27 also helps us in our search for inner peace. Based on earlier verses in
this
psalm (discussed already) we realize that based on the conviction that God is
stronger than any other, we begin to find peace and security in His presence.
Through faith in Jesus we find entry into this safe haven where we can look into
the face of the One who accepts us and guides us. Yet there are two other
elements to living with peace that we find in this psalm. They are trust and
patience.
I
am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the
land of the
living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
(Ps 27:13-14)
Now
it would be naive to think that being a Christian makes life easy. Few find
life's journey one of clear sailing. Each of us finds ourselves facing trials, temptations,
or overwhelming odds.
When
we do, we must first cling to our
convictions. We must remain confident that
God has not forsaken us and that we will see the goodness
of the LORD in the land of the living. We must continue to trust God.
Then
we must simply wait. We must wait for the LORD. We must allow Him to work
in His own way and in His own time. No doubt, this will require strength
and courage. However, it is surely the wisest choice we
can make when we are facing adversity. We must be patient.
This
may be one of those times when you are facing adversity. Let me encourage you.
Meditate on God's matchless strength. Make the seeking of His presence a
priority. Take time to look into His face and find acceptance and guidance. Then
trust Him and wait upon Him. He will not fail you.
Ps 27:8-11
Do not hide your face from me, (Ps. 27:8-9). When you imagine looking
into the face of God, what do you see? The psalmist sees warmth and acceptance.
In the face of God, we can find commitment that even surpasses that of one
parents.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive
me (v. 10).
Devotion Psalm 28:3
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts Ps 28:3
Most of us would never consider ourselves to be evil people. Evil people are murderers, robbers, rapists, etc. Most of us would consider ourselves to be decent folks.
Yet, in my personal devotions, I was surprised at the Psalmist's definition of evil. Those who speak cordially and friendly with their neighbors, but harbor malice in their hearts are labeled among the wicked in this verse. Chances are that most of us have, at some time or another, been cordial toward someone against whom we have hard feelings.
What are we to do if this is the case? Do we choose not to be cordial? Is this verse implying that if we have malice in our heart it is better to speak out in malice? Surely that is not the point. The point is that the problem is in our hearts.
Often we feel that as long as something is private and we keep it to ourselves, then it has done no damage. We can harbor negative feelings about someone as long as we treat them right. However, according to Psalm 28:3, this is not to be considered commendable, but evil.
It seems to me that there are two ways to begin working on this dilemma. The first is to ask the Lord to heal the bitterness and malice in one's heart. We need cleansing from within and only God can truly heal the heart.
The other possible strategy is to go to the person in question and "speak the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15). This is more than just being cordial or polite. It is to sit down heart to heart, and tenderly and sensitively confront the problem at hand. Such honesty might lead to healing both the relationship and the heart.
May God grant us honesty in our relationships and tender love in our hearts.
Devotional
-- Psalm 103:10-11
. . .
He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our
iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love
for those who fear him; Ps.
103:10-11
I will never forget my own encounter with him. Just knowing that I was to be in his office sent fear coursing through my veins. However, much to my surprise, I found him delightfully friendly. I actually got the feeling that he liked students.
God also has a reputation that goes before Him. Sometimes He is perceived as one who anxiously watches for opportunities to punish sinners. We might fear even coming into His presence. But listen to the good news.
. . . He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; (Psalms 103:10-11)
Oh, I think it is important to fear God's authority and role as Holy Judge.
But we can also rejoice that God is patient and merciful. The truth is, He is on
your side if you will simply trust Him.
Devotional
--
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. Psalm 119:5-6
Most people would do almost anything to avoid humiliation. Humiliation and shame are feelings that are painful and damaging. Not only does one's reputation suffer, but there is a loss in self-esteem within.
Of course, no matter what we do, someone is liable to ridicule our actions. In some cases, we might even wonder if someone is intentionally trying to shame us or humiliate us publicly. We can only hope that we have made the right choices and that if and when all the facts become known that we will need not be ashamed.
Our text from Psalm 119 let us in on a secret. Living according to God's commands can protect us from humiliation. Someday, of course, there will be an ultimate settling of all matters before God, commonly called The Judgment. If we have made the right choices and conducted ourselves correctly, we will not need to be ashamed when accounts are settled.
But notice that several words jump out of that text. "Ways" speaks of our journey through life over a period of time. Our life's course is a collection of our ways. "Steadfast" speaks of remaining faithful to one's convictions over a period of time. Steadfastness requires consistency in our actions. Finally, "decrees" or "commands" are more than just suggestions. They deserve more than just a cursory glance. They deserve our total attention.
These verses cause me to ask myself, "As I journey through life, am I giving God's Word more than just a cursory going over? Am I giving it my full attention so that God's commands become my convictions? Am I faithful to obey those commands and stand firm in my convictions over an extended period of time?"
Of course, none of us lives perfectly. Thankfully, we are saved by grace as we place our total trust in Jesus. However, if a person can more consistently act according to God's standards, I believe that when all the facts become known, they will not be ashamed.
Devotional -- Psalm 149:4
"For the Lord takes pleasure in His people." Psalm 149:4
Have you ever given much thought as to why God created things the way He did? Why did He create the human race? What's in it for God, so to speak?
In this age of machinery, computers and robots, it would be easy to view God as mechanistic. It might appear that He is simply a great force or power that has et things in motion, and then sort of energizes the process; but without any personal involvement of feelings. Have you ever thought much about God's feelings?
Sometimes, you run across a Bible verse that can refresh your spirit. Psalm 149:4 is such a verse as it reassures us, "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people." Think of it. God takes pleasure in us. He enjoys us.
That is why worship is so important. When we worship, God enjoys our presence with Him. Prayer is important because God enjoys hearing from us and communing with us. Bible is important because God enjoys teaching and sharing with us. Yes, God enjoys your friendship. That is why He created you. He desires to share enjoyment with you.
In today's automated society, we get used to punching the appropriate buttons
and then waiting on the correct response. It might be helpful to remind
ourselves as we enter prayer, Bible study and worship, that we are not dealing
with an almighty computer, but rather, we encounter God, who enjoys our
presence. It will refresh your spirit.
Devotional -- Proverbs 28:6
Better
to be poor and walk in integrity than to be crooked in one’s ways even though
rich.
Proverbs 28:6
Sometimes
integrity can be costly. A person
of integrity keeps one’s word and lives according to one’s convictions.
There will of course be times when this will put us in conflict with others who
may hold the keys to our income. Living by one’s convictions might cost a
promotion, raise or bonus. We may find ourselves left out of key relationships
or overlooked because we did not play according to the “politically correct”
rules.
But
remember the benefits. Those who walk with integrity can live with clear
conscience. One avoids being entrapped by the entangling web of greed. A person
of integrity can look friends and family in the face without shame. And
integrity paves the way for an open prayer life, whether rich or poor.
Living with integrity is not easy. Sometimes the price may be steeper than other times, but surely the benefits outweigh the costs in every case. What price can we put on a clean conscience and an upright heart?
Not only is this important for one’s individual life, but it is also important for our nation. God has blessed us and we have become the richest nation in the world. However, we dare not allow greed to dictate our choices. Better to be poor and live with a clear conscience before God than rich and crooked. God can empower and protect us if we will live according to His will for us.
May God help us to live with integrity, no matter what the cost.
Devotional -- Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1b-2
Do you think it is possible that we sometimes feel too familiar with God? We talk about Him as if we've got Him all figured out. We may come before Him in prayer without proper forethought, or carelessly make promises to Him without careful attention to the responsibility of keeping those promises.
However, the preacher of Ecclesiastes provides wise counsel for us.
Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1b-2
We are reminded here to keep in mind that God is God and we may not understand as much about life, death and eternity as we think we do. It is our great privilege to come before the Almighty and listen. We may come into His presence with candor and confidence. Yet we also need to keep mind that when we come, we come before the Almighty God who understands all things, and our proper place is to listen and learn.
I trust you have accepted Jesus as Savior, which gives you the right to come into God's presence. Then, I hope you take time to exercise your great privilege of coming to Him in Bible study and prayer with the intent to listen and learn.
Devotional -- Isaiah 42:19-20
"Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the LORD? You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing." Is 42:19-20
I'm sure you've known the experience of busily trying to explain something to someone, only to notice that though they were looking at you they weren't listening to you. You have also probably had occasion to sit in church or in class and suddenly realize that you're not really listening, but that your mind is a million miles away.
I recall a meeting that I was in not long ago. There were about 12 around the table. One man was expounding on something or other, when I noticed that there were several private conversations going on around the table -- whispering here and there. Most of the group weren't really listening to this fellow. In fact, I reflected, neither was I at the moment!!
In the above text we read that God realizes that though we may look like we are listening, we are not necessarily paying attention. Think about the tragic picture it paints. God is speaking to His people, but they simply aren't paying attention. Maybe they are too caught up in their own private concerns to notice God or hear His voice. Maybe they are distracted by all the activity going on around them and find it hard to focus on God. In either case, the end result is a sort of deafness and blindness to God.
I believe Jesus will be active in your life today. The Savior will walk with you and provide safety, guidance and opportunity. Yet many will simply not realize it because we won't be paying attention. Too often, I'm afraid we simply aren't listening.
I
can remember my parents saying to me as a youngster, "Mark, look at me and pay attention!" Maybe
Jesus is saying the same to us. Let's try to focus our attention
on the Lord more often during the day
and seek to hear His voice. Maybe at the end of the day we should take time to
reflect on his activity and presence in our life. Chances are that if we do,
we will find ourselves walking in His ways more often and praising
Him more
enthusiastically.
Devotional
-- Isaiah 48:17-18
This
is
what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD
your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you
should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have
been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah
48:17-18 What are we to do about our careers, our children, our health, our finances,
etc. And on top of all that, we have to worry about God's expectation. Is it any
wonder that peace is so hard to come by?
But wait. Maybe we've let our priorities get out of line. Worry about all the
important decisions we have to make can sap our time and leave us exhausted. In
the end, we have little time to read the Bible and pray. But worrying doesn't
bring peace -- while knowing God's ways does. Worrying so much may be the
roadblock to your experiencing peace.
Listen to God as He speaks through Isaiah.
This
is what the LORD
says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who
teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If
only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a
river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
. Isaiah 48:17-18
Why worry over
what is best when we have the Almighty God as our advisor? He won't mislead us.
He promises to teach us what is best for us and to direct us. The result of
living in His way and obeying His commands, is peace.
Maybe, rather than investing so much time and energy in stewing and fretting
over the challenges before us, it would be better to read the Bible regularly
and take time to pray. A regular diet of God's advice, and obedience to follow
it up, will result in peace for your life. I hope you read your Bible, and know
His peace.
Devotional
-- Isaiah 53:1-3
" Who
has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been
revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a
root out of dry ground. He
had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that
we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man
of sorrows, and
familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was
despised, and we esteemed him not.
Is. 53:1-3
Isaiah 53 foretells the coming of one who has been called the Suffering
Servant. In retrospect, this passage clearly speaks of the mission and ministry
of the Messiah, Jesus.
For the moment, let’s simply consider the first three verses, and the
insights we can gain into understanding Jesus. Isaiah first describes our Lord
as men would see Him. "Growing
up as a tender shoot out of dry ground"
gives no hint of power, strength, charisma, or anything that would warrant
special attention. In physical appearance, he must have been rather plain with
no beauty or majesty to attract us to him. In fact, it is prophesied that He
would be despised and rejected by people, that he would know sorrow and
suffering.
Jesus came because He loves us, but His mission was one of suffering, not
self-gratification. Speaking of himself, Jesus said,"For
even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his
life as a ransom for many" (Mark
10:45).
In Mat 16:21 we read that "From
that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to
Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests
and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be
raised
to life." Jesus
knew exactly what His life was all about, and that it was to serve and to
suffer, rather than to be served.
Allow me to make two suggestions that I believe are worth your consideration.
First, thank the Lord Jesus that He suffered for you. Tell Him that you realize
he was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with
suffering, and that he intentionally chose to do that for you. And tell him you
are thankful.
Secondly, in light of Jesus' purpose, consider what it means when Jesus says, "If
anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily
and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses
his life for me will save it. (Luke
9:23-24). How might that influence your choices at this time?
May God bless you as you follow Jesus example.
Devotional
-- I
Seek
ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
As we enter a new year, we cannot help but wonder just what it might bring. While we wish for the best, none of us is assured that we will live even one more day, much less another year. That is why the Bible clearly encourages that we should seek the LORD today – while He may be found. He is as near as your next prayer, because He is waiting for you to call upon him.
In 2 Corinthians 6:2 Paul tells us “I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." In other words, you know you have today. You know that the Lord is near and waiting for you to call upon him for salvation. Do not put it off. Ask Him now to come into your heart, forgive you of all your sins, cleanse you on the inside and make you a new person. You will be glad you did.
If you would like to know more about Jesus, click on the link at the bottom of this page. May God bless you as you seek Him this year.
Devotional --
Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and
a future.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I
will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you
seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Each of us has probably had the painful experience of being avoided by someone. Maybe as a child, older kids would run and hide from you when you came on the scene. Though you might realize now that they were simply having fun at your expense, but it brought you pain then. I have even seen children cry during a game of ‘hide and go seek’ when no one seem to find them, and they began to feel abandoned by the others in the game. It can be very upsetting to hunger for someone’s attention or affection, only to be rebuffed.
Some people imagine that God is sort of playing hide and seek with them. They assume that God doesn’t want to be found by them, or at least that He makes it very hard to find Him. But Scripture indicates that God wants you to find Him!
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Actually, a sensitive reading of the Bible shows that all through the Older Testament God is crying out to be found. For example, all the way back in the garden of Eden, it was God who came walking in the cool of the day looking for Adam. You see, God wanted to be found, and wanted to restore the broken relationship with Adam. And God wants to be found by you and me, and to restore His relationship with us.
The real issue is not whether God wants to be found, but rather, how much we want to find Him. We must seek Him with all our heart. We must seek His will with all our heart. Otherwise, our sin and waywardness remains between us, and fellowship with Him cannot be restored.
We must want God and His way more than anything else. When we do, we will not be disappointed. God is not avoiding us. In fact, He sent His Son Jesus precisely so that we might find The Father through him, and our relationship with Him might be established.
Consider what Jesus says in John 14.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." John 14:6-7
You can find and know God the Father through seeking Jesus His Son. "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. {10} For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10
May you find Jesus today. If I can help you in your quest to know Jesus, please contact me at rbcmkeyser@yahoo.com.
May God bless you. -- Pastor Mark
Devotional -- Micah 7:18
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
Micah 7:18 This is one of
my favorite descriptions of God. He is unique, and it is partly because of His
forgiveness.
I fear that many
Christians these days have lost the wonder of this fact. We have become so
accustomed to describing God in terms of love and compassion (accurately so, I
might add) that we fail to see the strength that is demonstrated in such
forgiveness. Rather than seeing God as one who is decisive and takes action, we
sort of perceive God as passive when it comes to sin and justice.
In
many other parts of the world, a forgiving God simply seems inconceivable. How
would one who is holy, righteous and mighty in power, allow sin to go
unpunished? Doesn't the Almighty have to take decisive action against sin? We
would answer, "Absolutely!!"
That's
the wonder of the Biblical account of God's forgiveness. God has dealt
decisively with sin. He punished Jesus for our sin. Since Jesus lived without
sin, he was the only fitting sacrifice for the sins of the world.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
(2 Cor 5:21) No,
-- only the God of the Bible is described in this way. Who
is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant
of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (Micah
7:18).
Why
is He this way? He is this way because He loves us. He loves us enough to use
His strength and power to do the unthinkable, rather than the expected, so that
we might experience the unimaginable -- an intimate relationship with Him.
Pretty
awesome, wouldn't you say? I hope you are taking advantage of His invitation to
intimacy. Confess your sinfulness, accept His forgiveness and ask Him to indwell
you with His Holy Spirit. That's what it is all about.
Devotional
-- Matthew 1:21-23
"She will
give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will
save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the
Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will
give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means,
"God with us."
Matthew 1:21-23
There is no doubt that the longer one lives the more one realizes that
problems are just a part of life. Everyone faces their share of difficulties.
Yet, there are those times when we feel somewhat overwhelmed by our troubles,
and we aren't really sure we can make it through.
The author of Lamentations had such experiences. But in the long run those
times of trouble turned out to be times of strengthening. In Lamentations 3:55
he writes, I called on your
name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit. 56 You heard my
plea: "Do not close your ears to my cry for relief." 57 You came near
when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." O Lord, you took up
my
case; you redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:55-58
Isn't
that rich? Sometimes it is in our very darkest hour, when our own resources
have completely
run out, that we experience the gracious touch of the Lord. We sense the
reassuring voice of the Spirit of God saying, "Fear not."
For some, the Christmas holidays can be a very difficult time. If you are
facing a dark hour of the soul during these days, I want to encourage you to
take heart. The meaning of the incarnation of Jesus is that God is with us. The
angel who announced Jesus' coming to birth to his step father Joseph, explained
to him concerning Mary, his betrothed,
Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us.
And this same Jesus promised us, just before He went to be with the Father, He has promised that he will never desert us. Life can have it's
darker moments, but if you have trusted in Jesus as your Forgiver
and Leader, he has
promised to be with you through it all. Someday, we will look back and say, " O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life." May
you know the embrace of the Savior during this season of His birth.
Devotional
-- Matthew 1:2 But
after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream
and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your
wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. {21} She will
give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will
save his people from their sins." {22} All this took place to fulfill what
the Lord had said through the prophet: {23} "The virgin will be with child
and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which
means, "God with us." {24} When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel
of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. {25} But he had
no
union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Personally I am struck that God, who
possesses all power, would do such a thing in order to forgive you and me.
Realistically speaking, there is no doubt that power often leads to oppression
rather than forgiveness. Even God is not obliged to put up with our mistakes and
rebellion. Surely you agree that we are expendable. He could create a whole new
order and simply scrap this world and all of it's inhabitants. He doesn't have
to put up with all our grief. We wouldn't, would we? Would anyone?
The initial account of the birth of Jesus in the New Testament come in Matthew’s gospel, and it includes a series of names by which he is to be called. Like walking through a garden with a variety of fragrances, we are introduced to the sweet truth about the One we call Lord and Master.
He was to be called Jesus because he is our Savior and rescues us from he sin that condemns us. Christ is a reference to his being the Messiah, the anointed one, the King who leads his people to peace and contentment. Immanuel indicates that in Jesus God has come to be with us and identifies with us in the most intimate of ways.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s reflect on the fact that he is God, come to identify with us and understand us, in order that he might rescue us from sin and give us peace and contentment. We have much to rejoice in during this season and much to worship him for. May you discover that Christmas is more than a mad rush for stuff. It is time to embrace and receive the greatest gift ever given from the Greatest Lover ever known. May you know the love of God during this time.
Devotional -- Matthew 2:11
"And
then, opening their treasures, they offered him
gifts..."
Matthew
2:11
If there is a verse that most widely describes this
time of the year, this may be it. As Christmas approaches, people
are "opening
their treasures" in order to offer gifts.
I would guess that the wise men labored a bit over what gifts they should
take to a king, don't you? We certainly labor over trying to find just the right
gift for each person. We walk miles in stores, and go through hundreds of racks
and shelves (or at least catalogues or web pages) seeking to find that special
gift.
In order for a gift to qualify, it generally must meet at least two criteria.
First, it should be something that is of value to the one who will receive it.
It should be in keeping with their interests, personality, etc.
Secondly, it would seem that a gift should cost us something. Often
it is money, but it could be our time and effort, for example. We
like the gift to be
something that says, "I sacrificed for you, because I love and appreciate
you." As a result we spend a lot of time, money and effort trying to
complete our Christmas gift list.
But what about our gift for the King this season? I mean, it is
His holiday, of course. Have we labored in considering what we might
offer Jesus this year?
Might it be a little too easy to just answer, "My life," and then
go on living as usual?
Let's take time to think about what is of value to Him. Let's contemplate
what will be sacrificial enough to evidence our love for Him. It might be the
tools of your trade, your leisure time and toys, or the time your family spends
together. It might be the gift of increased prayer, more deliberate Bible
reading, or visiting someone who is lonely. Whatever you choose to give, it is
for the King, and is important enough to deserve careful time and attention
during this season.
Maybe you could take time as a family to consider the question together. What
can we give Jesus this year? What will He find valuable and what will evidence
our love for Him?
May God bless you as you seek to complete your Christmas list.
Devotional
-- Matt
5
Blessed
are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, "Boy
did I work up an appetite!" With the increased physical exercise that
comes with spring and summer, we are liable to find ourselves working up
more of an appetite. During the winter months, we are more apt to be
complacent and get fat. With good weather, however, comes increased activities.
We burn calories and as a result, hunger for yet more the added
nourishment we need. When
reading Jesus' words,
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
for righteousness, for they shall be filled," I
began to reflect on what might be considered the key to hunger and
thirst. It seems to me that increased activity and exercise play a
most important role in increasing our need for the nourishment for
which we hunger. In the same, our hunger and thirst for righteousness
will increase as we are actively involve in situations that require
it. Laying
around in our own private world, ignoring and avoiding the difficult
decisions of life and the demanding social issues that exist can lead
to a false sense of complacency. While thinking of ourselves as
spiritually satisfied, when in reality we become spiritually lazy and
out of shape. Far preferable to complacency is a hunger for
righteousness which comes as we invest ourselves in ministering and
dealing with tough issues of life. As we strive to right the wrongs,
we will find ourselves hungering all the more for righteousness, and
depending on the Lord to supply. If
you find yourself feeling "spiritually fat' consider getting
involved in a little righteous exercise. It may increase your
appetite, and your blessing. Devotional
--
Matt
6:22-24
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But
if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.
If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! In the above text, Jesus insists that we cannot serve two Masters. I dare say
that too many of us are caught in a rat race today where we are trying to
satisfy even more than two.
The prevailing thought these days is one that
embraces diversity. We need to accept all opinions. We want to do things in such
a way to to keep the most people happy. We try to satisfy our employer, our
spouse, and mostly ourselves. We hope this will lead to the most quality life.
Besides, didn't someone say that variety is the spice of life?
Consider on the
other hand the message of Jesus. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John
10:10). He promises abundant life. Yet he also warns us that if we are to find
fullness in him, it will require a singular vision and commitment. We must
set our sights on serving the one Master who is able to lead us in the way of
abundant life.
If
our eyes are blurry, we will not see clearly to gain the prize.
We must devote ourselves singularly to that which we seek to attain.
If true happiness
is to be found in Jesus, we cannot follow Him just part of the time. Off and
on
discipleship will not due.
This is not something
that Jesus refers to only once. It is found peppered throughout his teaching.
Consider the following examples.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
(Mat 6:33)
Jesus
himself demonstrated this singular purpose. Knowing that if the
Father's plan was to be
accomplished, he must go to the cross, he refused to be turned to the right or
to the left. He would not be distracted.
And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to
Jerusalem.
(Luke 9:51) Then
he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For
whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses
his life for me will save it.
(Luke 9:23-24)
The
Bible says,
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
(Heb 12:2-3).
Life is demanding as it is. Don't
complicate matters by blurring your vision with more than one master. May we
singularly commit ourselves to serving Jesus, who leads us in the fullness of
abundant life.
Devotional
-- Luke 17:1-3
Jesus
said to his
disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to
that person through whom they come. 2 It would be better for him to be thrown
into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one
of
these little ones to sin. 3 So watch yourselves. . . . "
Luke 17:1-3a
In Luke 17:1-3 Jesus gives His disciples a warning. No doubt, temptation to
sin will always be present and we are each responsible to resist temptation and
obey the Master. But our responsibility goes beyond a simple focus on our own
affairs. Jesus calls us to pay attention to the way our actions (or lack
thereof) affect those around us. Woe to us if we are the source of temptation
and stumbling in someone else's life.
"But I'm not really sure how I'm affecting others," you say.
"I just go about my business and I'm not really sure how other people
perceive me." Maybe that is part of Jesus' point. "So watch
yourselves," He insists. We must actively and intentionally consider how
our choices, reactions, and behaviors impact those with whom we interact, and
those who simply observe.
May our lives be a constant source of strength rather than a hindrance to our
friends. May we be a testimony to what God can do in a person's life. And may
God forgive us for those times we fail, giving us the strength and direction to
make the appropriate changes. Devotional
-- John
17:1-3
After
Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the
time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you
granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all
those you have given him.
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John
17:1-3
Reflect with me for just
a moment on life. What is life all about? What is the ultimate
purpose of living? Where
is it all leading? Why
invest our time and resources, our blood, sweat and tears? Without some idea
of what life is all about, it seems to me that we risk wasting our
lives by simply
frittering them away on each day's activities. Much of what we focus our energy
and passion on today, won't mean a thing to us even as soon as a year from
now. what a waste. As Jesus moves toward the twilight of his own life, he makes the important
statement quoted above Whether
we admit it or not, for many life is a matter of material success
of some sort. We try to accumulate
enough things that life will not be as hard. We feel more secure if we have
a nice "nest egg" set back for the future. Many think
that the point of life is to work hard enough to support an extensive
amount of leisure time
activities. In other
words, the point of life is security and fun. But Jesus clearly says that
eternal life, that is life at it's fullest and most extensive, is found in a
relationship with God Himself. It is possible to know the Author of life on an
intimate basis. You have the opportunity to be in regular conversation with the
One who knows the everlasting future. The destiny of the future is in his
hands. He wants to give you guidance for your life. He has the power to change
your life. As you walk in relationship to him, your everyday actions can take
on eternal purpose and impact. Thankfully, Jesus also tells us
how we can know such a life. He himself is the one who has been given the
authority to give us this quality of life. The key is found not in a religious
practice, so much as it is found in a relationship. You can know this life of
eternal purpose and meaning through a relationship with Jesus. Have you surrendered your life
to the Author of life? Have you embraced Jesus as your forgiver and leader? Are
you spending time deliberately seeking his guidance, talking to him about your
life and it's concerns? Are you enjoying eternal life today? You
can have in your heart the security that comes from confidence
in the One who loves you and gave Himself
for you. Let's not get so caught up in the responsibilities of everyday life
that we fail to enjoy life eternal. And if you are not sure, contact a
Christian friend or a Pastor. If you would like to e-mail me, I would
be glad to discuss this issue with you.
Devotional
-- 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
All
this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the
ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in
Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the
message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God
were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be
reconciled to God. In this passage we have one of those great portions of Scripture that clearly
speaks of God's work in the world, and our part in it. We read that God was
reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and that He has committed to us the
message of reconciliation.. We are, therefore, Christ's ambassadors. Through
Christ, God makes Himself known and makes possible a restored relationship with
the whole world. And we are to share in the task of getting out the good news of
reconciliation.
I am captured by the concept of being ambassadors for Christ. Many Christians
recognize that they are to minister to the world and assume that the motivation
is to meet human needs. In other words, it is for the world's sake that we bring
the Good News of God's salvation. But it is also for Christ's sake that we go as
His representatives. No matter what kind of responses we get, receptive or
rejecting, we continue to tell the story of Jesus because He deserves to have
His story told. We are His ambassadors. We not only tell the story for the
world's sake, but for Jesus' sake.
Of course, in order to be one of His ambassadors, you must be one of His
people. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus as Lord, Savior and Messiah? I
hope so. As the apostle Paul states earlier in 2 Corinthians 5, If you have yet to meet the Savior and would like to, simply send me an
e-mail and I'd be glad to share with you how you can entrust your life to Jesus.
If you already belong to Him, then be His ambassador and tell His story.
Devotional
--
"Am
I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?" Galations
1:10
There
are times when the Bible can speak to one's heart with a single
sentence. The apostle Paul sometimes poses a question or turns
a phrase
that can carry an entire message for us. In reading Paul's words, one can sense
the probing of God in one's own life. Galatians
1:10 is an example. "Am
I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?"
What at
first appears to be a simple question, upon further reflection, turns out to be
much more difficult to answer. Have you ever considered your true motivation in
life? Attempts to look within ourselves through introspection are not easy, and
sometimes we emerge from the process more confused than when we began. How do we
know what truly lies behind our choices, even choices to serve God? Is it
possible what looks like an act of service to God is really to enhance our own
image before men?
I suppose the only real way to be sure that our motives to
serve God are pure is when our service costs us something in the eyes of men. If
you further in Galations 1 you will find that Paul gives his personal testimony
as evidence of his commitment to serve God rather than men. There is long term
evidence of change in his life, based on his spiritual convictions before God.
In other places, we read of his personal suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
For Paul, at least, you might say the proof was in the pudding. His life
demonstrates that his service for God was motivated by his desire to please God.
What
about us. Consider some of the major choices you have made recently.
Ask yourself the question, "Am I now trying to win the
approval of men, or of God?" While its never easy to keep our motivations
sorted out, we need to ask ourselves the question over and over again.
Devotional
-- Ephesians 5:11-17
Have
nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose
them. For it is
shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything
exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything
visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live--not
as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days
are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will
is. Ephesians 5:11-17
Have you been looking for a good New Year's resolution? This passage in
Ephesians provides timely advice well worth considering for a New Millennium
resolution. As it opens with a contrast of light and darkness, we are keenly
aware that both these elements are present in our American culture as we turn
the page to a new Millennium. Parents seeking to raise small children with a
strong moral sense of right and wrong, worry about the picture that is presented
in the media, in the general public culture, and even by leaders in school,
social clubs and ball teams. We are appalled sometimes at what see on TV, and
realize that there is much worse being done in secret.
How can we guide our children to be lovers of what is truly good, and
wholesome and pure, rather than what is self seeking and based only on greed and
personal pleasure? How can we live in the light rather than in the darkness?
This passage gives us guidance. Notice that there are four calls to action which
can make a great new millennium resolution.
First we need to "Wake
up . . . and Christ will shine on you" Secondly, we need to "Be
very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise," (v.
15). This means we must live disciplined lives. We must exercise self-control,
rather than allow the culture to call the shots for us. It means reflecting on
what we do, and measuring our choices to make sure they are in keeping with
God's will for us. It's foolish to rush headlong, year after year, without
giving much thought to what we do and why we do it. Wisdom is disciplining
ourselves to live in keeping with God's plan.
Thirdly, we must "(make)
the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (v. 16).
The King James Version translates that verse as "redeem the time." The
Greek word means to "buy up" or to "rescue from loss." We
must do all we can to make every opportunity count in life, and refuse to waste
any opportunity on "fruitless deeds of darkness." Much of the world's
agenda is simply a waste of time in the long run. Who wants to come to their
golden years regretting that their life was wasted on immediate pleasure, but
lacking in enduring substance? Don't let the next years of your life simply
pass. Rescue each moment and invest each opportunity so that you may reap the
fruit thereof in the future.
And finally, "don't
be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (v. 17). Spend
time in the Scripture and in prayer so that you can discern the Lord's direction
for your life. You don't have to go through life blindly, groping in the
darkness. You don't have to chase after the speculations of politicians, news
anchors nor even preachers. You can find the guidance of God, the light of
Christ, as you study the Bible for yourself, and seek Him in prayer.
As we move from
one millennium to another, it needn't be a leap in the dark. I
can be a strategic move towards our eternal destiny. It's certainly
worth
consideration for a new Millennium resolution.
Devotional
-- Phil. 4:6
"Have
no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
(Phil. 4:6)
What
will tomorrow bring? Obviously, we don't know for sure. In this
era of "future shock" and rapid change, we hesitate to
even try and predict. Rather, we sort of learn to live with the
subtle stress that comes from feeling
that we are not adequately prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Can we ever
rest assured that we have enough savings, job security, physical conditioning
and life insurance to assure future happiness?
Consider this exhortation of Paul to the Philippians. "Have
no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which
passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
... I have learned in whatever state I am to be content ... I can do all things
in him who strengthens me ... And my God will supply every need of yours
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" We can trust God to supply our needs. We needn't place our confidence in our
nest-egg, or the market, or our circumstances. Rest assured that God will
provide in every situation - so you can be content. Whether you experience
abundance or want, Jesus lives and He cares for you. You can trust Him in every
circumstance of life.
Devotional
-- 1 Peter 3:14-15 But even if you should suffer for what is right,
you are blessed. "Do n
for they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:6
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love
the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew
6:22-24
Jesus replied, "No one who puts his
hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of
God."
(Luke 9:62)
In like manner, Jesus calls us to follow him solely
and absolutely.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20