Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals August 29, 2009

"Cast Down" Sheep
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READ: Psalm 23
He restores my soul. -Psalm 23:3

In his classic book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, W. Phillip Keller gives a striking picture of the care and gentleness of a shepherd. In verse 3 when David says, "He restores my soul," he uses language every shepherd would understand.

Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a "cast down" position.

When a shepherd restores a cast down sheep, he reassures it, massages its legs to restore circulation, gently turns the sheep over, lifts it up, and holds it so it can regain its equilibrium.

What a picture of what God wants to do for us! When we are on our backs, flailing because of guilt, grief, or grudges, our loving Shepherd reassures us with His grace, lifts us up, and holds us until we've gained our spiritual equilibrium.

If you've been cast down for any reason, God is the only one who can help you get on your feet again. He will restore your confidence, joy, and strength.  - Marvin Williams

This Shepherd of mine knows each trial, each snare,
And at just the right moment my Lord will be there,
On His shoulders to carry each burden for me-
Yes, the Lord is my Shepherd, and always shall be. -Henry


The weak and the helpless are in the Good Shepherd's special care.

The Prayer of Agreement

This prayer is found in Matthew 18:19, where Jesus says,

"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."

When I pray with other people, nine times out of ten this is the prayer that I pray with them.  And most of the time I will quote this verse to them.

I remember working for a ministry years ago and praying with the folks who called on the phone.  When I prayed with someone, I would walk them through this verse before we prayed.

The steps I pointed out were simple:

There needs to be at least two of us praying.
We need to agree.
We need to be on earth (I usually got a laugh out of this one).
What we are asking God for needs to come under the category of "anything" (which their request always did).
God will do it.
The only part people ever got hung up on was the agreement.  "What does it mean to agree?" they would ask.  I would say, "Simple, to agree means to agree."  Don't over-spiritualize it.  If we decide to get lunch together at a certain time at a certain place, and you say, "Ok, see you there," we have just agreed.

To agree in prayer is no different.

Read this verse again.  Look at it step by step, and follow it-in all its simplicity.  If we do our part, God will do His.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
and
click here to listen to Bayless Conley at OnePlace.com.

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

Although it's God's plan for husband and wife to flourish in their marriage, it won't happen by accident. A great marriage takes work. In this 4-part series, Bayless and Janet explore God's Word relating to marriage and share personal insight from over 25 years of experience. You will learn about the specific roles that God gives to both husbands and wives along with how God's commandments can be applied to strengthen and improve your marriage, and much more!


Read: Proverbs 1:1-19
Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it. - Proverbs 22:6

TODAY IN THE WORD
Bill Gates is mainly known as the founder of Microsoft and wealthiest man in the world. The entrepreneur resigned from Microsoft last year in order to focus all his attention on his philanthropic work through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This move would have been shocking a decade ago; Bill Gates reportedly considered himself too busy to get involved with philanthropy. Both of his parents had been involved with charitable organizations for years and were quietly pushing him to spend some energy giving money and not just making it. With the support of his father, Bill finally agreed in 1994 to set up a structure for charitable giving.
Bill Gates followed the example of his parents, and as believers we have a tremendous responsibility to instill truth into the children in our lives and live as examples for them to follow. We'll spend our last few days this month looking at some specific Scriptures addressed to young people-but they also contain an exhortation for those of us who are not so young.

The book of Proverbs begins as instruction to young people on the best way to live. It acknowledges that a sinful lifestyle can be enticing; greed and even violence look appealing or fun, especially when accompanied by peer pressure (v. 10). But no matter how much pleasure, profit, or popularity is advertised by wickedness, the consequence is death and destruction.

Obeying the Lord and seeking wisdom leads to knowledge and life. Knowing God is the first step toward a life that is "right and just and fair" (v. 3). Only a fool would reject this path of wisdom and discipline for the enticements of sin (v. 7).

Note that this instruction to young people contains an implied exhortation to parents: for a son to listen to his father's instruction, the father must speak truth. For a son to cling to his mother's teaching, she must be imparting wisdom. Sin offers young people the flash of fitting in and getting stuff; parents must offer the wisdom of seeking wisdom and finding life.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you're a parent or grandparent, are you committed to seeking wisdom in your own life so that you can provide an example and instruction for your children? And if you're a young person, are you choosing spiritual priorities over sinful enticements? Even if you're not a parent or grandparent, there are many children who need the influence of godly believers. Consider helping with the Sunday school program at your church, or volunteering as a Big Brother/Big Sister in your community.


GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals August 30, 2009

The Power Of Love

READ: Zephaniah 3:14-20
The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love. -Zephaniah 3:17

The documentary film Young@Heart gives a rollicking look at a senior chorus of 24 singers whose average age is 80. Filled with humor and poignant moments, the film includes this remarkable singing group's deeply moving performance at a New England prison. When the concert concludes, the singers walk into the audience, greeting the surprised prisoners with handshakes and hugs.

The inmates' unexpected amazement at this personal touch reminds me of the book of Zephaniah in which the prophet brings a powerful message of God's presence and love to His people during a dark time: "The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" (3:17).

According to Bible teacher Henrietta Mears, Zephaniah "begins with sorrow but ends with singing. The first of the book is full of sadness and gloom, but the last contains one of the sweetest songs of love in the Old Testament."

God's love for us is always astonishing, especially when it touches us at a low ebb of life. During our darkest times, the Lord comes to us with His joy, His love, and His song.  - David C. McCasland

If your heart is filled with sadness,
Or you struggle with despair,
Turn to God, who'll bring you gladness
When you sense His love and care. -Sper


In God's garden of love, you are His forget-me-not.


Read: Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:14
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. - Ecclesiastes 12:1

TODAY IN THE WORD
From 2003 to 2005, 180 people died in Japan in 61 separate instances of group suicides. What makes these cases particularly disturbing is that the people, most of whom were young, apparently didn't know each other before meeting to die together. In a typical case, five or six people in their 20s would be found asphyxiated in a car.
Many people question, "What's the point of life?" Some struggle to find an answer, and since death will come to everyone at some point, why bother waiting? Yesterday we saw some instruction for young people that came from early in Solomon's life. Today's reading comes from the book of Ecclesiastes, written late in Solomon's life, after he had pursued everything life had to offer and then reflected on this question: What's the point of life if death is coming?

Earlier in this book Solomon had examined the value of pleasure, work, popularity, and wealth, and found that none of them provided an answer to his question.

Now he offers a word to young people. Enjoy your youth-but have an eternal context (11:9). Be happy-but know that judgment will come on the decisions that you make. Don't spend time burdened by anxiety and worry-but don't place your hope in youth or strength (11:10). Make God a priority now-because old age and death will come, and then it will be difficult or even too late to change (12:1).

We live in a culture that idolizes youth and fears aging and death, but the words of Ecclesiastes remind us about eternal priorities. Youth is a time to enjoy the blessings of life but also to remember the Source of those blessings. Youth is not a time to idolize or cling to, because it will end and then be considered worthless (v. .

Finally, Ecclesiastes provides the answer to its central question: "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (12:13). Death is not the end of the story; in light of eternity, only obedience to the will of God matters.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is God the top priority in your life? What does your checkbook reveal? How about your daily planner? Are you more focused on knowing and obeying God, or on pursuing wealth, popularity, pleasure, or work? If you need to surrender some aspect of your life to the Lord, take the time to pray through that issue today, and resolve with the help of the Holy Spirit to live with eternal priorities.


GOD BLESS!
`

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals August 31, 2009

Like A Diamond In The Sky
READ: Psalm 8
You have crowned him with glory and honor. -Psalm 8:5

Astronomers discovered a star in the sky that has cooled and compressed into a giant diamond. The largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found on Earth is the Cullinan Diamond-at over 3,100 carats. So how many carats are in the cosmic diamond?-10 billion trillion trillion carats!

In our world, diamonds are prized for their rarity, beauty, and durability, and we often hear it said, "Diamonds are forever." But God isn't enamored with diamonds. To Him there is something far more precious.

Thousands of years ago, David marveled at the great value God had set on human beings: "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor" (Ps. 8:4-5).

In fact, God placed such a high value on us that it cost Him dearly to buy our redemption. The purchase price was the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19).

If God places such a high value on us, we should also place a high value on the people He has brought into our lives. Bring them before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to show you how each is more priceless than the most costly jewel in the universe.  - Dennis Fisher

Oh, teach me what it cost Thee
To make a sinner whole;
And teach me, Savior, teach me
The value of a soul! -Bennett


We are more precious to Jesus than the costliest diamond.

Kindness

While traveling from one city to the next, a man was overtaken by robbers. Taking his clothes and possessions, they left him badly beaten. Not long after the attack, a priest traveled the same road. He passed by without stopping. Then another traveler saw the man but did not offer to help.

Finally, someone stopped-a Samaritan. He put bandages on the man's wounds and took him to an inn for the night. The next day he gave the innkeeper money and instructions to take care of the wounded man.

The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 is a wonderful example of godly kindness. It also demonstrates that kindness often requires something of us-time, plans, privacy, and desires. The Good Samaritan interrupted his travel plans to help a stranger. What better example to follow than that of Christ? He gave us the ultimate gift of kindness-He died that we might live.

However, we cannot learn to be kind simply by disciplining ourselves. Kindness can be hard work, and from time to time, this may mean that we have to face difficult situations that drain us emotionally and physically.

Often kindness cannot grow apart from conflict and strife. We learn to be kind through the kindness of others, but we also learn a greater kindness when we are called to be kind and caring in difficult situations.

A disagreement with a co-worker, spouse, friend, or family member can tempt us to be abrupt or uncaring. Circumstances appear out of focus and God's fruit of kindness becomes lost in the battle. However, through the power of Christ we are able to act in kindness even toward those who hurt us. Is there someone who needs your kindness today?

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble (1 Peter 3:.

The Holy Spirit possesses a dynamite-like power that works within a believer to blast out anything that is unlike God. Michael Youssef explores this topic in our free resource this month-"Dynamite Power." Download it today.

By Passionately Proclaiming Uncompromising Truth, Leading The Way is revolutionizing lives at home and around the world. Discover more at www.leadingtheway.org.

Read: Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. - Colossians 3:20

TODAY IN THE WORD
Civil rights leaders had planned a march in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963. The sheriff, Bull Conner, was legendary for his brutal methods, and few people at the organizing meeting were volunteering-until the children stood. When some said they were too young, Rev. James Bevel asked, "Are they too young to go to segregated schools? Are they too young to be kept out of amusement parks? Are they too young to be refused a hamburger in a restaurant? Then they are not too young to want their freedom." Over one thousand children marched in Birmingham, facing fire hoses, police dogs, and imprisonment. Their courage was captured by television cameras and began to reshape national views on civil rights.
In our reading, Paul was giving instructions to the church in Ephesus on how to live together as the body of Christ. And he included children in his discussion of Christian relationships. Children are not too young to receive instructions about holy living, nor should they be excluded from life in the church.

This teaching would have been rather revolutionary at the time. First, for children to be addressed at all was shocking, since they had no rights or privileges in society. Second, the book of Ephesians instructs children to obey their parents, but the command includes the provision "in the Lord." This obedience doesn't stem from the parents' "ownership" of the child, but rather because this obedience brings glory to God. He ordains the structure and relationships of the family, and obedience is ultimately an act of submission to Him.

Next, Paul connected this command back to the Law given by God to Moses (see Deut. 5:16). Obedience is connected to being blessed by God and being in a position for Him to work through us. Finally, Paul addressed fathers with an exhortation on parenthood. Parents have authority, but the point is not to browbeat or "exasperate" their children. It is to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (v. 4).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you came from a godly home, these verses may bring warm, comforting memories. But if you didn't-or currently live in a dysfunctional family-you might feel frustrated knowing that your family doesn't measure up to these standards. We've seen unhealthy families throughout our study, and one thing is consistent: God works despite our failures. He cares about families, and He has the power to heal bruised and broken relationships. You can trust Him to heal the pain of your past or repair the damage in your present family.

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

GOD BLESS!
`

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals September 1, 2009

Reminders Of Love
READ: John 19:1-7, 16-18
God is love. -1 John 4:8

After the US entered World War II in 1941, Estelle tried to talk her boyfriend Sidney out of joining the Army. But he enlisted and began his training in April of the following year. For the next 3 years he wrote her love letters-525 in all. Then in March 1945, she learned that her beloved fiancé had been killed in combat.

Although Estelle did eventually marry, the memories of her first love lived in her heart. To honor that love, she published a book of Sidney's wartime correspondence more than 60 years later.

Like those letters, the Lord has left us with reminders of His love-the Scriptures. He says: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you" (Jer. 31:3).

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9).

The Bible also tells us that "Christ . . . loved the church and gave Himself for her" (Eph. 5:25).

"[Jesus] gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us" (Titus 2:14).

"God is love" (1 John 4:.

Read God's Word often and be reminded that Jesus loves you and died for you.  - Anne Cetas

With lovingkindness I have drawn you,
Proving that My love is true;
Do not neglect to read of that love,
Written in My Word for you. -Verway


Nothing can compare to the love of God.

The Prayer of Intercession

Today I want to help you understand the prayer of intercession...the sixth and last of the kinds of prayer we have been covering over the last week of devotionals.

1 Timothy 2:1 points us to this type of prayer,

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.

Intercession, as we find it here, is a technical term for approaching a king on behalf of another.  In a general sense, related to prayer, intercession is seeking God on the behalf of others.  But, more specifically, it is coming to God for one who has no standing with Him.

A number of years ago, I was ministering in Nigeria, speaking at a large conference in the city of Onitsha.  While there, we were invited to go meet the king of Onitsha.

It was pretty exciting driving in a motorcade with little flags on all the cars.  I felt like a big shot!  But when we got to the palace, we had to have someone go on our behalf in order to meet with the king.  I had no standing with the king, and neither did anyone else in our party.

The person who brought us to the king of Onitsha was an intercessor.  And that is the idea of this word intercession.  You are coming to the King of kings on the behalf of someone who presently has no standing with Him.

Do you remember when Abraham went before God for the city of Sodom-desiring that God would spare Sodom?  What was Abraham doing?  He was acting as an intercessor.  He was coming between God and someone who had no standing with God.

We all should be praying prayers of intercession.  You and I are to make intercession for the lost.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
and
click here to listen to Bayless Conley at OnePlace.com.

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

Although it's God's plan for husband and wife to flourish in their marriage, it won't happen by accident. A great marriage takes work. In this 4-part series, Bayless and Janet explore God's Word relating to marriage and share personal insight from over 25 years of experience. You will learn about the specific roles that God gives to both husbands and wives along with how God's commandments can be applied to strengthen and improve your marriage, and much more!

Read: Matthew 18:1-10
See that you don't look down on one of these little ones. - Matthew 18:10

TODAY IN THE WORD
A beautiful old hymn declared, "When He cometh, when He cometh to gather His jewels / all His jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own. / Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning / they shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for His crown. Little children, little children, who love their Redeemer / are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own."
Throughout our study this month we have seen how God uses the stories of children in the Bible to reveal truth to all of us about Himself and the way He works. As we conclude this study, our passage today captures the heart of God's desire for children: to love Him and be saved.

The disciples were arguing about who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and they asked Jesus to settle the dispute. He did-though not in the way they expected. He brought a little child into the midst of the disciples, and informed them that this child provided the model for greatness in the kingdom (v. 3). This should cause us to recall the first day of our study, for Jesus again instructed His followers that humility is valued above status in the heavenly economy (v. 4; cf. Matt. 19:14).

Additionally, Jesus here affirmed the worth and value of little children. Children are welcome in the kingdom of God, and as followers of Jesus we are to welcome children too. This command has both a positive and negative component: the positive side tells us to extend an invitation of faith and love to children; the negative side warns that leading a child astray will result in judgment (v. 6).

Sin is destructive and deadly, and Jesus took the time to declare a significant warning against permitting the influences of sin to go unchecked. It is better to sacrifice something dear to us than to let that lead us into sin. Our humility, willingness to embrace children into faith, and resistance to sin are all marks of the followers of Jesus.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you have time for additional study this week, review what we have studied this past month and reflect on what God has taught you from this series on stories of young people in the Bible. Pray that the children in your life will be filled with faith in Jesus and will love Him with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. And pray that your life will be characterized by humility, repentance, and a desire to welcome children into life with Christ.

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

GOD BLESS!
`

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals August 1, 2009

Running A Marathon
READ: Philippians 3:12-21
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:14

The Comrades Marathon, which began in 1921, is the oldest ultra-marathon. Covering 90 km (56 miles), it is held annually in South Africa. Bruce Fordyce completely dominated this marathon in the 1980s, winning it nine times between 1981 and 1990. His 1986 record of 5 hours 24 minutes and 7 seconds stood for 21 years before it was finally broken in 2007. It's amazing to me that he has continued to run in this race every year.

In a sense, we as Christians are all in a marathon. It takes endurance to run and finish the race of life. When the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he spoke of how he was "reaching forward to those things which are ahead" (3:13) and pressing on "toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (v.14).

Our Lord Jesus has set an example of how to run life's marathon. The Bible tells us that Jesus "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2). Despite "hostility from sinners," He completed His race (v.3).

The secret to finishing well is to look forward to the joy that awaits us after life's race-eternal life with Him.  - C. P. Hia

I ran to meet Him when I heard His call-
The Savior's arms were open to receive;
And I'm still running since I gave my all,
Inviting others also to believe. -Hess

The Christian's race is not a competitive event but an endurance run.

Regaining Your Cutting Edge

Over the next several devotionals, I want to focus your attention on something that affects every Christian at one time or another:  Losing our spiritual edge.

God wants us to stay spiritually sharp.  Consider Ecclesiastes 10:10,

If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.

God is using this analogy to illustrate a very important truth:  If you lose your edge spiritually, you lose your effectiveness as well.

Maybe you feel that way today.  Though you are exerting strenuous effort, you are making little progress in your spiritual life.  God wants you to go forward.  He wants you to progress and not become stagnant in your spiritual life.

I have a friend whose father was a logger many years ago.  It was a time when they cut all the timber by hand with just an ax.

One day his father shared about the way he would operate.  After he chopped down a tree, he would sit on the stump of the tree he had just chopped down, take out a file he kept on his belt, and he would sharpen the edge of the ax.  He would sit there until the ax was very sharp again, then he would go after the next tree.

Each time he chopped down a tree he would do exactly the same thing.  But he said most of the other guys didt do that.  They just wanted to keep going, never stopping to sharpen their axes.

Without fail, he said, he always got more done than they did, and he used a lot less effort.  They had to exercise more strength, yet they got less done.

Over the next several days, we will look at what it takes to regain that spiritual edge.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
and
click here to listen to Bayless Conley at OnePlace.com.

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

Although it's God's plan for husband and wife to flourish in their marriage, it won't happen by accident. A great marriage takes work. In this 4-part series, Bayless and Janet explore God's Word relating to marriage and share personal insight from over 25 years of experience. You will learn about the specific roles that God gives to both husbands and wives along with how God's commandments can be applied to strengthen and improve your marriage, and much more!


Read: Proverbs 8:1-36
For whoever finds [wisdom] finds life and receives favor from the Lord. - Proverbs 8:35

TODAY IN THE WORD
In a musical stage production, the overture is the orchestral introduction to the upcoming performance, typically occurring before the musical itself begins. In the case of Broadway musicals, the overture often highlights musical themes from prominent songs in the upcoming production. This way, the audience is given a musical foretaste of what is to come.
This month's study is on the book of 1 Kings, but we start today with an overture from Proverbs that highlights the themes of the book: wisdom and folly. According to Proverbs, wisdom is a way of life. The one who possesses wisdom fears the Lord and hates evil (v. 13), which leads to great blessing: wealth, prosperity, power, and life (vv. 14, 18, 21, 34-35). Wisdom is beyond compare, more precious than silver, gold, and rubies (vv. 10-11, 19). Conversely, lack of wisdom finds expression in pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech (v. 13); eventually it leads to death (v. 36).

Wisdom doesn't come magically, nor do we possess it as an inherent birthright. Rather, Scripture tells us we must seek it (v. 17), we must respond to its call (vv. 1-6, 32-36). Moreover, wisdom belongs to God (vv. 22-31) and accordingly must be sought from Him. Today's overture from Proverbs presents two paths: the way of wisdom which leads to life, and the way of foolishness which leads to death.

Scripture specifically mentions that by wisdom, kings and princes will rule well (vv. 15-16). And so the exhortations and warnings in Proverbs 8 stand as a signpost for the book of 1 Kings. Wisdom and folly are both at play in the chapters to come. Wise kings will obtain incredible wealth, power, and life; foolish kings will receive prophetical rebukes, destruction of their kingdoms, and death. As we embark on this month's study of 1 Kings, train your mind and heart to be attuned to the appearance of wisdom and folly, that you too may learn and know the blessing of God's wisdom.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Proverbs 8:35 states that "whoever finds me [wisdom] finds life and receives favor from the Lord." Do you believe the truth of these words? Do you value wisdom as life-giving favor from the Lord? As we begin our study of 1 Kings, pray that God would show you in His Word both the way of wisdom (that you might follow in it) and the way of foolishness (that you might avoid it), so that the words of Proverbs 8:35 would ring true in your own life this month


GOD BLESS!
`

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals September 3, 2009

Patience In Prison
READ: Genesis 40:1-14,23
[God] Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." -Hebrews 13:5

Have you ever noticed that other people's forgetfulness can try your patience? As a college professor, I find my patience stretched when a student forgets to do an assignment that's clearly spelled out in the syllabus.

In the Old Testament story of Joseph, we see a far worse example of forgetfulness-and we can only imagine how he struggled to be patient as a result.

While in prison, Joseph interpreted a dream of the king's butler, which led to the man's release. Joseph told him, "Remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house" (Gen. 40:14). It would seem that after Joseph had helped the butler gain freedom, remembering him would have been high on his "to do" list. But it was 2 years before the butler spoke to Pharaoh about Joseph (41:9). Finally, Joseph was freed.

Imagine the impatience Joseph felt as he waited each day in that dungeon (40:15)-perhaps thinking his only chance at freedom had passed. Yet Joseph had a resource: He had God's presence (39:21), as do we (Heb. 13:5). When you're feeling impatient, lean on the God who is always with you. He'll turn your impatience into patient trust.  - Dave Branon

Tune your anxious heart to patience,
Walk by faith where sight is dim;
Loving God, be calm and trustful
And leave everything to Him. -Chambers

Patience means awaiting God's time without doubting God's love.

Are You Listening?

Yesterday we began a series of devotionals focusing on how you can regain your spiritual edge.  As we think about how to do that, it is important to consider those things that would indicate we have become spiritually dull.

I believe the number one characteristic you find in someone who has lost their cutting edge spiritually is that the voice of the Holy Spirit is no longer recognized.  Those impressions that the Spirit makes upon your heart, through which He guides you, are no longer clear.

In Matthew 13:14-15, Jesus talks about this in a pretty plain way,

"And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:  'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull.  Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.'"

This concern is echoed in Hebrews 5:11, where the writer, in talking about the priesthood of Christ, says,

Of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

Have you lost the edge?  Have you lost that sensitivity to the voice of God?  Hearing with the physical ears, but not understanding in the heart; seeing with the physical eyes, but not perceiving what God is doing?

Jesus said that happens when the heart becomes dull.  When someone loses that edge spiritually, it results is an insensitivity to the voice of God.

If this describes you today, ask God to open your eyes to see and your ears to hear.  Begin now to regain your spiritual edge.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
and
click here to listen to Bayless Conley at OnePlace.com.

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

Although it's God's plan for husband and wife to flourish in their marriage, it won't happen by accident. A great marriage takes work. In this 4-part series, Bayless and Janet explore God's Word relating to marriage and share personal insight from over 25 years of experience. You will learn about the specific roles that God gives to both husbands and wives along with how God's commandments can be applied to strengthen and improve your marriage, and much more!


Read: 1 Kings 1:1-53
I will raise up your offspring to succeed you . . . and I will establish his kingdom. - 2 Samuel 7:12

TODAY IN THE WORD
Nearly a year ago, the United States had a presidential election. Like so many before it, the months leading up to Election Day were filled with emotional words and strong opinions from all sides around the nation. Yet, as the election and then inauguration came and went, a remarkably peaceful exchange of power happened. No mass riots, no violent subterfuge, no civil war. Such peaceful transitions of power were not always the norm in the nations' histories.
The opening chapter of 1 Kings presents us with a kingdom in transitional crisis. King David was old and feeble, yet as he neared death he was remarkably unconcerned about the future of his kingdom. Seizing the moment, David's son Adonijah took matters into his own hands and declared himself the new king. Scripture gives an ironic description of Adonijah's qualifications-he was "very handsome" (v. 6)-and details the growing division in the priestly and military ranks (vv. 7-8). The kingdom was experiencing a crisis of leadership.

In stepped the prophet Nathan. While the kingdom teetered on the edge of disaster, Nathan informed Bathsheba of the situation and devised a plan to rouse David from his indifference. Informing David of the breaking news and reminding him of his promise to Solomon, Nathan and Bathsheba called David to action. The weak and silent David depicted in the first half of the chapter now issued a cascade of commands (vv. 28-37). Solomon was anointed king, the city rejoiced, and Adonijah and his cohort submitted to Solomon's reign. Disaster averted.

From one perspective, the fate of the Davidic kingdom hinged on Nathan; God seemed out of sight. But as we often find in Scripture, when God is not out in the open, He is often working behind the scenes. Recall that 1 Kings follows directly the events of 2 Samuel, and there God had promised that He would establish David's kingdom forever (2 Sam. 7:12-13). In 1 Kings 1, Nathan acted, but the broader context of Scripture tells us that God was at work fulfilling His promises.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you are tempted to look at the world around you and despair that all seems moving toward godlessness. Let the message of today's passage remind you that God is still in control, and that no act of prayerful and godly faithfulness goes unused in the promise of God's kingdom. Pray the Lord's Prayer today, focusing especially upon the first three petitions that God would be honored, that His kingdom would come, and that His will would be done in your life and in the world.

GOD BLESS!
`

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals September 4, 2009

Journeys
READ: Philippians 1:8-18
I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. -Philippians 1:12

On a map in the back of my Bible, each of Paul's missionary journeys is shown by a colored line with arrows indicating his direction of travel. On the first three, the arrows lead away from his place of departure and back to a point of return. On the fourth journey, however, Paul was traveling as a prisoner, bound for trial before Caesar, and the arrows point only one direction, ending in Rome.

We might be tempted to call this an unfortunate time in Paul's life, if it were not for his view that God was leading and using him just as much on this journey as He did on the previous three.

He wrote: "I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear" (Phil. 1:12-14).

Even when our journey in life is marked by confinement and limitations, we can be sure that the Lord will encourage others through us as we speak His Word and trust in Him.  - David C. McCasland

The journeys that we take in life,
Though unexpected they may be,
If we commit to follow Christ,
His work through us the world will see. -Sper

For the Christian, what looks like a detour may actually be a new road to blessing.

Instruments in the Hands of God

Yesterday we saw that the first sign a person has lost their spiritual edge is that he or she no longer recognizes the voice of the Holy Spirit and His leading. 

The second characteristic of someone who has lost their edge spiritually is they lose their usefulness as an instrument in the hands of God.

Revelation 14:14-16 tells us,

Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe."  So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

The One sitting on the cloud with a crown on His head is the Lord Jesus Christ.  The harvest on the earth is the salvation of lost humanity, men and women who do not yet have a relationship with God.

Then what is the sharp sickle?  It is the Church.  It is you.  It is me.  If God is going to reap the harvest of lost humanity, it is going to be through His people.

You and I are to be a sharp sickle in God's hand in His great plan of mankind's redemption.  That means the housewife, the doctor, the businessman, the student, the truck driver...every one of us.  We are to be setting our hand to whatever practical work we have been gifted to do to see people being saved and being discipled.

Let us determine to be an effective instrument-a sharp sickle-in the hand of our God.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
and
click here to listen to Bayless Conley at OnePlace.com.

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

Although it's God's plan for husband and wife to flourish in their marriage, it won't happen by accident. A great marriage takes work. In this 4-part series, Bayless and Janet explore God's Word relating to marriage and share personal insight from over 25 years of experience. You will learn about the specific roles that God gives to both husbands and wives along with how God's commandments can be applied to strengthen and improve your marriage, and much more!

Read: 1 Kings 2:1-12
Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands. - 1 Kings 2:3

TODAY IN THE WORD
Many universities have a tradition called the "Last Lecture." A professor, usually near retirement, is asked to prepare a lecture guided by the question: "If it were your last chance to give a talk to your students, what would you say?" Naturally, the topics vary, but typically professors focus on those themes from their life and work that they find most important and enduring, and which they want others to embrace as well.
David's parting words to Solomon are a kind of "Last Lecture." Scripture tells us, "When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son" (v. 1). What can we learn from David's last words to his son? Notice first the point of emphasis: "Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways" (v. 3). Above all, David instructed Solomon in obedience to God and His Word. Next, note the implicit assumption that Solomon was already a man of faith; David personalized things by saying, "the Lord your God." Since Solomon was a man of faith, David called him to act upon that faith in obedience.

Moreover, today's passage teaches us two important lessons about God's "way." First, God's way is clear. David referred Solomon to God's commands "as written in the Law of Moses" (v. 3). We do not have to guess how God wants us to live; He has already given us instructions in His Word. How important it is, then, to study and know God's Scripture to us!

Second, we see that God's Word is beneficial. After exhorting Solomon to obedience, David explained: "So that you may prosper . . . and that the Lord may keep his promise to me" (vv. 3-4). God's commands are for our own good. Obedience is part of finding enjoyment and blessing in God. David's instructions do not neglect the nitty-gritty of kingdom politics (vv. 5-12), but the emphasis is clear: faithful obedience to God's Word is central to Solomon's security and blessing.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps today's emphasis upon obedience seems unusual. Does not God grant His favor unconditionally? Indeed, He does. But Jesus reminds us that the Christian life must include obedience. The wise man not only hears His words, but "puts them into practice" (Matt. 7:24). Only then will one enjoy the security and blessing of a sure foundation in times of trouble. Ask God today for a renewed heart of obedience to His Word, that you may know the joy and blessing of walking in the way of your God.

GOD BLESS!`

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals September 5, 2009

Einstein's God
READ: Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. -Psalm 19:1

When the great physicist Albert Einstein was asked if he believed in God, he responded: "We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written those books. It does not know how. . . . That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human beings toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws." Although Einstein marveled at the design he saw in nature, he did not believe in a personal Creator.

The psalmist shared Einstein's sense of awe about nature but took the next step and believed in the Designer behind the design: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork" (Ps. 19:1).

The wonder we feel as we behold our universe should serve as a road sign pointing to the One who created it. The Scriptures tell us, "All things were made through [Christ], and without Him nothing was made that was made" (John 1:3).

Are you struggling in your beliefs? Look up at the stars tonight. In the sky is crafted an amazing road sign pointing to the Designer behind the design.  - Dennis Fisher

God wrote His autograph
Upon the sky last night,
In the stars I never saw
A signature so bright! -Schoeberlein

Creation's design points to the Master Designer.


Read: 1 Kings 2:13-46
The kingdom was now firmly established in Solomon's hands. - 1 Kings 2:46

TODAY IN THE WORD

With the recent economic downturn, many people are worrying about their financial security. Americans are becoming careful about how they spend money, where they invest, and whom they trust with their resources. Even established institutions once thought to be pillars of security no longer appear impervious to financial tumult.
The topic of security is central in today's passage, not economic security but rather political stability for God's kingdom. Indeed, the Hebrew word for "establish/make secure" is used four separate times in 1 Kings 2 (vv. 12, 24, 45, 46). Underlying the seemingly ruthless reign of Solomon's first days in office lies the central theological concern: to "establish" Solomon's throne "securely" (v. 24).

Seen in the context of 1 Kings 2:5-9, today's passage also demonstrates the outworking of David's call for Solomon to use his wisdom in dealing with kingdom enemies. Adonijah's seemingly innocuous request for Abishag as his wife was, in the ancient world, tantamount to a play for the royal throne. Solomon's response explicitly referenced the establishment of his throne and his dynasty by God, and the subsequent need to protect them from usurpers (v. 24).

Likewise, in Solomon's dealings with Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei, either Solomon or the narrator of the passage mentioned fulfilling God's promise (v. 27), peace for the kingdom (v. 33), or the eternal "security" of David's throne before the Lord (v. 45). Scripture ends the chapter with a summary of the preceding violence: "The kingdom was now firmly established in Solomon's hands" (v. 46).

This chapter may seem bloodthirsty, and Solomon might appear ruthless and politically calculating. The theological indications in the text suggest something else. This was part of what it meant for God to secure His kingdom for Solomon: to eliminate all threats to its peace and security, using violent means if needed. God will go to great lengths to protect His people.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's text paints a picture, not just of Solomon's earthly kingdom, but also of God's eternal kingdom on the Judgment Day. In Matthew 13, for example, Jesus describes the end as a day when "everything that causes sin and all who do evil" will be uprooted and cast into the fire (Matt. 13:40-43). Only then will peace and security be established forever in God's kingdom. Given the description of God's zeal for establishing His kingdom, our only true security is to submit to the true King, Jesus. Will you do that today? 

GOD BLESS!
`

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals September 6, 2009

Life Is Good
READ: Romans 8:31-39

I am persuaded that [nothing] shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-39
While shopping in a nearby tourist town, I wandered into a small store stuffed with clothing and other items all marked with the slogan "Life is good." Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that simple truth.

When the work of earning a living, raising a family, maintaining health and fitness, and managing relationships starts to overwhelm us, it's good to think about how small our part in the universe really is. While we obsess over our work, God quietly does His. He keeps the earth rotating, the planets revolving, and the seasons changing. Without any help from us, He makes the sun rise every morning and set every evening. Every night He changes the pattern of lights in the sky. He turns out the light so we can sleep, and turns it on again so we can see to work and play. Without lifting a finger, we get to enjoy sunrises and sunsets. Every year the seasons change on schedule. We don't need to pray about it or tell God that it's time to send spring. All that He does reminds us He is good (Acts 14:17).

Life will at times be difficult, often it is painful, and for now it is imperfect. But still it is good, for in all these things nothing can separate us from God's lavish expressions of love (Rom. 8:39).  - Julie Ackerman Link

Thank You, loving Father, for the good gift of life. Forgive me for making it complicated for myself and others. I thank You and praise You for all You do so that I can enjoy so much. Amen.

God's grace is immeasurable; His mercy inexhaustible; His peace inexpressible.

No Exemption

2 Kings 6:1-7 gives us some important insight into how to regain our spiritual edge,

And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us.  Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell."  So he answered, "Go."  Then one said, "Please consent to go with your servants."  And he answered, "I will go."  So he went with them.  And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.  But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, master!  For it was borrowed."  So the man of God said, "Where did it fall?"  And he showed him the place.  So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.  Therefore he said, "Pick it up for yourself."  So he reached out his hand and took it.

There are a number of principles I want to draw from this story.

Although we will be focusing on the one man who experienced the loss of his ax head, for today's devotion I want to draw your attention to the majority. 

As we see from this Scripture, this school for the prophets was needing to expand, to build a bigger building.  And notice that everyone had a part to play in what God was doing.  It says "Let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell."

In God's Kingdom plan, being spiritually sharp is not for just a few people.  We all have a responsibility to grow.  There is no exemption.

God has a role for you to play.  You have not been given an exemption from being a part of God's kingdom plan.  He has a part for you to play in His great plan to reach the world!

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
and
click here to listen to Bayless Conley at OnePlace.com.

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

Although it's God's plan for husband and wife to flourish in their marriage, it won't happen by accident. A great marriage takes work. In this 4-part series, Bayless and Janet explore God's Word relating to marriage and share personal insight from over 25 years of experience. You will learn about the specific roles that God gives to both husbands and wives along with how God's commandments can be applied to strengthen and improve your marriage, and much more!
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Read: 1 Kings 3:1-2
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all. - James 1:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ever since the 1960s sitcom, "I Dream of Jeannie," countless kids in America have imagined an encounter with a magic genie who grants one wish to the lucky finder. Numerous hours have been spent discussing the best wish: to have lots of money! to be invisible! to live forever! to travel in time! to have as many wishes as I want! Whether discussed by children or adults, what we would wish for reveals a lot about our heart.
King Solomon was given something like a one-wish opportunity, not by an imaginary genie, but by God Himself. A man who "showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David" (v. 3), God responded by appearing to Solomon in a dream and saying, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you" (v. 5). Here was the chance of a lifetime. But God's question was also a test that revealed Solomon's true character. Given that Scripture tells us that "the Lord was pleased" with Solomon's request (v. 10), today's passage can be read as biblical instructions in prayer.

First, notice where Solomon began: not with his request, but by recounting God's activity. He referenced God's faithfulness both to David (v. 6) and to Abraham (consider his description of a nation "too numerous to count" [v. 8]). Scripture calls us to begin our prayer to God by focusing less on our own needs and more on what God has already done for us.

Second, consider Solomon's humility. Admitting his own inability to govern such a large nation (vv. 7, 9), Solomon recognized his need for divine aid. He requested wisdom: "a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong" (v. 9). Solomon's request was for God's help in the task of leadership, not for glory or honor for himself.

Finally, notice Solomon's outward focus. His request was not a selfish one; rather, he wanted wisdom so he could rule his people rightly. How much of our prayer time is focused on ourselves rather than the needs of others?
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
After Solomon's request for wisdom, Scripture recounts the famous story of two women bickering over a child (vv. 16-22). Solomon's incisive response brought forth the truth and rendered justice (vv. 23-27). Scripture summarizes it well: all Israel "saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice" (v. 28). In the words of our key verse, God's promise of wisdom is for more than just Solomon-He will give it to each of us. Today, approach God as the generous, giving God that He is.


GOD BLESS!
`

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals September 7, 2009

Prelude Of Praise

READ: Psalm 150

I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. -Psalm 61:8

We enter a concert hall, find our seats, and listen with anticipation as the members of the orchestra tune their instruments. The sound is discordant, not melodic. But the tuning is simply a prelude to the symphony.

C. S. Lewis suggested that's how it is with our devotional practices and even our worship services. Sometimes they sound discordant, but God hears our prayers and praises with fatherly delight. We are really preparing for participation in the glorious symphony of heaven. Now we are making a minuscule contribution to the harmonies of angelic and redeemed hosts. But our adoration, though feeble, pleases the heart of the Divine Listener more than the finest rendition of earth's greatest orchestra.

Are we eagerly awaiting our participation in heaven's symphony of praise? Are we joyfully participating in the adoration that delights the heart of God? Or do we regard devotion as more of a discipline than a delight?

Our attitudes will be transformed when we realize that praise delights God's heart. Praise helps us to tune our lives to heavenly harmonies.

Praise is an indispensable preparation for the worship that will be our eternal joy. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Ps. 150:6).  - Vernon C. Grounds

Joyfully, heartily resounding,
Let every instrument and voice
Peal out the praise of grace abounding,
Calling the whole world to rejoice. -Routley

The heart filled with praise brings pleasure to God.

Are You Just Swinging the Handle?

As you look at your life today in honesty and transparency, perhaps you would have to say that you have lost that edge, that excitement, that zeal, that spiritual passion you once had.

If indeed you have lost your edge, how can you get it back?  Over the next seven days, I will help you understand how to regain your spiritual edge based on 2 Kings 6.

The first principle I want to focus on is based on the man who lost his ax head, as we learn in 2 Kings 6:4-5,

...when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.  But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water.

Now, it would have been senseless for him to have kept chopping with a wooden handle with no ax head on it, wouldn't it?!  He would make no progress.

And yet that is what a lot of Christians do today.  They have lost their cutting edge, and they are just going through the motions, making no progress at all.

They are chopping away with just a wooden handle!

They think, "Well, I know I'm supposed to go to church, so I will go.  As long as I keep busy, maybe nobody's going to know the state of my heart."  And they will do this not just for weeks or months, but some people have been doing this for years.

No progress, no growth.  They are just swinging that handle without an ax head.

If this is you, do not just keep swinging the ax handle.  If you are not making progress, admit it.  Until you are willing to face up to the fact that you have not been growing, you can never regain your spiritual edge.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
and
click here to listen to Bayless Conley at OnePlace.com.

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

Although it's God's plan for husband and wife to flourish in their marriage, it won't happen by accident. A great marriage takes work. In this 4-part series, Bayless and Janet explore God's Word relating to marriage and share personal insight from over 25 years of experience. You will learn about the specific roles that God gives to both husbands and wives along with how God's commandments can be applied to strengthen and improve your marriage, and much more!

Read: 1 Kings 4:1-34
God gave Solomon wisdom . . . as measureless as the sand on the seashore. - 1 Kings 4:29

TODAY IN THE WORD
One evening, a mother and child began preparing a recipe that called for a number of spices. Checking the pantry and finding none of them, the woman decided to use some substitutes, assuming the difference would not matter. After a painfully unappetizing dinner in which the flavors of the meal were all wrong, the precocious child noted: "I guess the details matter after all!
The same can be said for today's reading. The previous chapter demonstrated God's gift of wisdom. Today's reading ends with an explicit return to the wisdom motif (vv. 29-34 mention wisdom seven times). These literary bookends suggest that the intervening verses are also about Solomon's practice of wisdom. From this perspective, the otherwise tedious details of the first part of this chapter become important lessons about both the practice of wisdom and about God's faithfulness to His promises.

Our text begins with a detailed list of "officials," "secretaries," and "governors" working under Solomon. Why? In short, such a list demonstrates Solomon's wisdom in managing a vast kingdom (note especially the daily provisions for Solomon's court in vv. 22-23). The results underscore that wisdom was exercised: the kingdom enjoyed a long period of peace and security, and the people found abundance and happiness. Biblical wisdom impacts not only morals and justice, but also the practical, administrative ordering of our world.

First Kings 4 also demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His promises. In the description of Solomon's kingdom, Scripture uses language that echoes the promises God made long ago. The people are "as numerous as the sand on the seashore" (v. 20), echoing God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:17. The vast borders of the kingdom resonate with God's promise of land in Genesis 15:18-21. Finally, the abundance, peace, and exaltation of Israel recall God's promises to Israel in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. For readers keeping in mind God's earlier activity and promise, 1 Kings 4 shines as a banner of God's faithfulnes
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If 1 Kings 4:1-31 gives us a picture of wise administration, 1 Kings 4:32-34 gives us a picture of wise learning. In addition to his proverbs and songs, Solomon was also renowned for his knowledge of trees, animals, birds, reptiles and fish. Biblical wisdom can also entail a love for God's natural world. Spend time this Sunday enjoying God's creation. Perhaps take a walk in the woods, visit the zoo, or simply explore your backyard, thanking God for the ability to know His world and its magnificent order.


GOD BLESS!
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