Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals October 28, 2009
 
"Light" Of Creation

READ: Job 37:1-18
[God] does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. -Job 5:9

Among the wonders of Jamaica is a body of water called Luminous Lagoon. By day, it is a nondescript bay on the country's northern coast. By night, it is a marvel of nature.

If you visit there after dark, you notice that the water is filled with millions of phosphorescent organisms. Whenever there is movement, the water and the creatures in the bay glow. When fish swim past your boat, for example, they light up like waterborne fireflies. As the boat glides through the water, the wake shines brightly.

The wonder of God's creation leaves us speechless, and this is just a small part of the total mystery package of God's awesome handiwork as spelled out in Job 37 and 38. Listen to what the Lord's role is in nature's majesty: "Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes His lightning flash?" (37:15 niv); "What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside?" (38:19 niv). God's majestic creations-whether dazzling lightning or glowing fish-are mysteries to us. But as God reminded Job, all of the wonders of our world are His creative handiwork.

When we observe God's amazing creation, our only response can be that of Job: These are "things too wonderful for me" (42:3).  - Dave Branon

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful;
The Lord God made them all. -Alexander

When we cease to wonder, we cease to worship.

Obeying Civil Authority 

In Romans 13:1-3, the apostle Paul gives us some clear instruction on how we are to relate to our civil authorities,

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.  Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

I remember the days before I was saved.  If I saw a police car when looking in my rearview mirror, I was struck with instant paranoia.  There was a good reason for my fear. 

At that time in my life, I would have gotten in a lot of trouble if I had been pulled over.  I was constantly high on drugs and alcohol, and there were rarely times I was completely sober. 

Thank God I have been saved!  Today if I look in my rearview mirror and I see a police car, I may slow down a little bit; but I am not gripped with this feeling of paranoia because I live within the parameters of the laws of the land.  And if I do break a law, it is going to be out of ignorance and not out of willful rebellion.

If you live your life in fear of civil authority, it is time to check out why.  If you search your heart and find that you are not subject to the laws of the land as you should be, I encourage you to make that change today. 

You will be able to live your life without fear, and honor God in the process. 

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: John 16:5-15
He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. - John 16:14

TODAY IN THE WORD
Scientists at a Scottish university are working on a new means for preserving old books. They've revived a technique called TVA used in polymer research in the 1960s and are applying it in a new way. For 24 to 48 hours, books are placed in a special chamber, and during that time the TVA system chemically "sniffs" the books for signs of aging and decay. TVA can actually identify the chemical components of that musty smell one sometimes notices around old books. Problems such as dampness, mold, and poor storage conditions might be detected and addressed in this way.
Preserving a decaying book is not a problem when it comes to the Bible, for the Holy Spirit has supernaturally inspired and preserved God's Word. In today's reading, Jesus again spoke of His impending departure for heaven, this time focusing on the ministry of the Holy Spirit (vv. 5-7). When He left, Jesus would send His Spirit, who would reveal truth and remind the disciples of what they had seen and heard (vv. 12-15). This process would bring God glory and give us the New Testament. The Spirit is no freelancer. He would speak only what He heard and what belonged to the Father and the Son. God would be glorified because His truth would be made known.

At the heart of God's truth is the gospel, the full sweep and scope of the history of God's plan of redemption. To put it simply, the gospel is about moving from death to life, a rebirth that cannot take place without God. This is another aspect of the ministry of the Holy Spirit-He convicts people of guilt and sin (vv. 8-11). Without knowing we're sinners, we don't know we need righteousness. Without knowing we're dead, we don't know we need life. The Spirit tells us the victory has been won! The gospel is not a cold process or doctrinal fact, but a breathtaking and glorious testimony to the love and faithfulness of God.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Since the Holy Spirit brings glory to God by making known God's truth, it stands to reason that we can also bring glory to God by receiving, honoring, studying, and making known God's truth. The inspired writing process is complete, and we're blessed to have the entire Bible available to us in multiple translations. Are we spending time daily reading and studying it? Do we honor it by obeying how it teaches us to live? Are we spreading its good news through our words and actions?


GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals October 29, 2009

Almost-Perfect Disguise

READ: Revelation 12:7-12
The accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. -Revelation 12:10

Radovan Karadzic, once the leader of the Bosnian Serbs and accused of genocide, had been one of the most wanted men in the world. By growing a long, white beard, carrying false papers, and practicing alternative medicine, he fooled everyone-for a while. After 13 years in hiding, he was finally arrested.

The Bible tells us that Satan is also in the business of fooling people with disguises. Right from the beginning of human history, he pretended to be an enlightened advisor, telling Eve that God was not honest with her (Gen. 3:4). He "masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14 NIV), but the Lord Jesus Christ has unmasked him as "a liar and the father of it" (John 8:44).

People often err at two extremes in their view of Satan. Some dismiss him while others attribute more power to him than he deserves. Let us not be deceived. Satan is powerful as the "god of this age" (2 Cor. 4:4). But Christians need not cower before him in fear, because "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). The day is coming when Satan will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10).

Until that day, let's not be deceived but rather live godly lives that reflect the image of Christ, for He is "a man of truth; there is nothing false about Him" (John 7:18 NIV).  - C. P. Hia

In our day-to-day existence,
Evil often wears a mask;
Trust the Lord for true discernment-
He gives wisdom when we ask. -Hess

Satan offers nothing but tricks and deceit.
 
Pay Your Taxes!

Yesterday we learned from Romans 13:1-3 that we need to submit ourselves to the laws of the land if we want to live lives free from fear.  I want to focus your attention today on the remainder of that passage, Romans 13:4-7,

For he is God's minister to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.  Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.  For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing.  Render therefore to all their due:  taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

What I want to address today is the need to pay our taxes with honesty, not trying to dodge our responsibility.  It is a critical part of obeying the laws of the land as we discussed yesterday.

While I do not like working hard and in the end sending a large portion of every dollar to support the government, it is the right thing to do.  I am absolutely amazed when I learn of Christians who try to dodge their responsibility to pay taxes.

Friend, you must be honest and pay your taxes.  Certainly take advantage of all that the law allows, and do not pay more than you need to, but don't hide anything.  You need to make sure you do this because when you do, you are being obedient to God.

And there are always blessings tied to obedience-even if it is obeying God by paying your taxes!

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: John 17:1-5
Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. - John 17:5

TODAY IN THE WORD
Puritan pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards argued that discipleship is all about our "religious affections": "[E]veryone that has the power of godliness in his heart, has his inclinations and heart exercised towards God and divine things, with such strength and vigor, that these holy exercises do prevail in him above all carnal or natural affections, and are effectual to overcome them: for every true disciple of Christ, loves him above father or mother, wife and children, brethren and sisters, houses and lands; yea, than his own life." He called these inclinations or exercises of the heart and will "the affections of the soul."
Discipleship and obedience bring glory to God. Yesterday, we saw that the Spirit glorifies God by revealing truth, so it makes sense that obedience to truth would have the same result. We've also seen on previous days that Christ's perfect obedience brought glory to God, so it makes sense that our obedience would have the same result. Today's reading demonstrates this idea in the context of Jesus' "high priestly prayer." Since He was standing on the brink of Golgotha, it was a bold and faith-filled prayer! Christ knew that by completing the work God had given Him, He was about to glorify God (v. 4). Because of His mission of redemption, the gift of eternal life is available to all whom God has given Him (v. 2). Christ knew further that when He completed this work, God would glorify Him. Following the Son's death and resurrection, the Father would welcome Him home in triumph (vv. 1, 5).

This mutuality of the Trinity is part of God's glory, shared from eternity past. The Father glorifies the Son, and the Son glorifies the Father. The Father gave the Son authority; the Son used that authority to give life. The Father sent the Son to redeem, and the Son obeyed and sacrificed His life to save us. Once again, we see the gospel as the glory of God extended to humanity (v. 3).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How can we follow in the footsteps of Jesus? We can ask God what work He has for us to do, and then do it. We can give thanks for the gift of eternal life and live as people who have Christ in us. We can yearn for the day of His return, when every knee will bow and "every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Phil. 2:10-11). We can train the "affections of the soul" in the direction of passionate discipleship and the glory of God.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals October 30, 2009

Lost And Found
READ: Luke 15:4-24
This my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. -Luke 15:24

A Wall Street Journal article by Jennifer Saranow chronicled the extraordinary efforts of middle-aged American men who are trying to find the favorite car they once owned and loved, but lost. They are searching on-line car ads, phoning junkyards, and even hiring specialists who charge $400 an hour to help them search for an automobile that once symbolized their youth. These men want the actual car they owned, not one just like it.

Some would call their efforts frivolous-a waste of time and money. But the value of a car, like many things, is in the eye of the beholder.

In Luke 15, people who were despised by their society came to hear Jesus. But some religious leaders complained, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them" (v.2). To affirm how valuable these "sinners" are to God, Jesus told three memorable stories about a lost sheep (vv.4-7), a lost coin (vv.8-10), and a lost son (vv.11-32). Each parable records the anguish of losing, the effort of searching, and the joy of finding something of great worth. In every story, we see a picture of God, the loving Father, who rejoices over every lost soul who is found.

Even if you feel far from God today, you are highly valued by Him. He's searching for you.  - David C. McCasland

I once was lost, but now I'm found;
Praise God! Christ died for me;
He valued me, redeemed my soul;
From sin, He set me free. -Sper

Those who have been found should seek the lost.

Respecting Your Boss

In Titus 2:9-10, Paul writes a very interesting and important command,

Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

In our society, it is important to understand that this passage is giving us instructions as employers and employees.  And simply stated, as an employee, you are to be obedient to your boss.

One of the ways you do that is by not answering back.  It might be hard at times to hold your tongue, but you must.  It's not okay when you get to the water cooler to talk to the other employees like, "This idiot that we work for doesn't have a clue what's going on here."  I think that comes under the category of answering back.

And pilfering means stealing items of small value.  I remember this guy I knew in Oregon who did not like the place he worked.  In fact, he had a government job, and he would come home quite often with something he had stolen from his office.

Nearly every day he would rip off some small office supply like a stapler, or pens, or a hole punch.  While they were always things of small value, he would just keep stealing things.

The Bible says don't do that.  And you shouldn't steal time from your employer either by making personal phone calls during office hours.  Your employer is not paying you to take care of your business at the office.  That is stealing.

I believe that, as Christians, we ought to be the best employees in the world.  We should work so hard and bring such a good attitude into the workplace that we set the example to everyone with whom we work.

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: John 21:15-19
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." - John 21:15

TODAY IN THE WORD
A funeral sermon by the Puritan pastor Thomas Brooks reminds us: "Death is a change of our imperfect and incomplete enjoyments of God, for a more complete and perfect enjoyment of him . . . Death is another Moses: it delivers believers out of bondage, and from making bricks in Egypt. It is a day or year of jubilee to a gracious spirit-the year wherein he goes out free from all those cruel taskmasters which it had long groaned under . . . [Y]our dying-day shall be to you as the day of harvest to the farmer, as the day of deliverance to the prisoner, as the day of coronation to the king, and as the day of marriage to the bride. Your dying-day shall be a day of triumph and exaltation, a day of freedom and consolation, a day of rest and satisfaction!"
Today's reading teaches that death by martyrdom glorifies God. Believers of old used to long and pray for this kind of death. They didn't manipulate circumstances or act with foolhardy bravado and jump into death, but the fact is that Scripture says the world will respond to us as it did to Christ-with hostility, persecution, and sometimes murder (Luke 21:12-19; 1 Peter 4:12-19). The Beatitudes include a blessing on those who are persecuted for His sake (Matt. 5:11-12). Paul counted suffering for Him to be a privilege (Phil. 1:29). And Peter knew from the beginning of his apostolic ministry that he would die a martyr.

The scene was the conversation between Jesus and Peter over breakfast. Jesus reinstated Peter, the impetuous disciple who had disgraced himself by denying his Lord three times on the eve of the Crucifixion. As part of the dialogue, Jesus told Peter three things. First, "Feed my sheep," which was his calling to ministry (v. 17). Second, that he would die a martyr, which tradition tells us happened through an upside-down crucifixion (v. 18). Third, "Follow me," a command that encompassed Peter's overall identity as a believer (v. 19).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We've mentioned several times this month that Jesus' obedience unto death brought glory to God. In our Western society, where it's easy to get attached to modern comforts and conveniences, we might loose sight of the reality of Christ's death. His death was not a metaphor. It was a real and agonizingly painful event-He was led as the Lamb of God to an actual slaughter (Isa. 53:7). Even now, there are believers around the world suffering and dying for the name of Jesus. Their steadfastness glorifies the Lord!

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 2, 2009

Connectors
From you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. -1 Thessalonians 1:8


Marketing professionals have known for years that a product recommendation from a friend is among the most effective means of advertising. That's why many large companies recruit consumers who receive free samples of their products along with the encouragement to recommend them to family and friends. One major US corporation regularly sends coupons and products to 725,000 selected people called "connectors," who spread the word to others.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is more than a product. It is God's great plan for bringing people into a living, vital relationship with Him. But the gospel is conveyed most effectively by example and by word of mouth. Paul commended the Christians at Thessalonica for their exemplary living and their effective witness: "From you the word of the Lord has sounded forth . . . . Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything" (1 Thess. 1:. Because their lives had been radically changed (v.9), they found it impossible to keep silent about their faith.
A university professor who trains advertising professionals says, "It's human nature to talk about things that excite us." God's grace is all the incentive we need to recommend our Savior to a friend.  - David C. McCasland
I'll tell the world how Jesus saved me
And how He gave me a life brand new;
And I know that if you trust Him
That all He gave me He'll give to you. -Fox
© 1963, Fox Music Publications.

If you want others to know what Christ will do for them, tell them what He has done for you.

Contagious!   

Take a look at 2 Corinthians 9:2 where Paul writes these words,
For I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. 

Did you notice those last eight words, and your zeal has stirred up the majority?  Passion is contagious.
What do you think might happen if a community saw a church that was utterly on fire?  Where all the members in that church were passionate about their worship, passionate about their relationship with God, passionate about serving one another, passionate about real deal Christianity where the rubber meets the road?
I believe there is a divine attraction to that!  And I believe that it would transform a community.
Sadly, most communities witness just the opposite-compromise, apathy, and boredom-not passion.
Now, rather than complain, I want to challenge you to live life with real passion.  Go all out for God.  It only takes one person to ignite the fire of passion in others.
I heard the story of a man who came to hear D. L. Moody preach.  While sitting there the man next to him asked, "Do you come out here because you believe the things he's preaching?"
His response was, "No.  I come out because he believes it."
Passion is contagious!  Are people catching it from you?  Is your zeal for Christ stirring up those who come in contact with you?  If not, ask God to put that passion into your heart today and watch what happens!

Read: John 21:1-22
You must follow me. - John 21:22

TODAY IN THE WORD
We know Peter as the disciple whom Jesus called a "rock" and who confessed Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." But we also know him as the disciple who crashed in grand style when he came under pressure. How badly did Peter act? When Judas arrived with soldiers to arrest Jesus, Peter made a fool of himself with his sword and was rebuked by the Lord. Then he ran away in fear with the other disciples. Then he denied Christ three times, even after Jesus' direct warning that he would do so (see John 18). From a human point of view, we'd say Jesus had the right to end His friendship with Peter. But that's not what Jesus did. He forgave Peter and called him anew to discipleship. Jesus and Peter may have spoken privately before today's reading; after all, Christ had appeared many times since His Resurrection. Peter may have already known he was forgiven. In any case, Jesus publicly reaffirmed Peter here as His disciple, in effect re-calling him to ministry. His question to Peter, "Do you truly love me more than these?" stressed again the necessity of total commitment (v. 15). "More than these" might refer to the fishing gear-had Peter really left his old way of life?-or to the other disciples, in which case Jesus' question may have been meant to humble him in light of his past boasts (see Mark 14:29). Jesus promised that following Him would bring disgrace and suffering, and tradition has long interpreted verse 18 as a prophecy of Peter's crucifixion. He was not to worry about or be distracted by the fates of the other disciples, but to keep his eyes firmly fixed on Christ alone (vv. 21-22).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Peter could have used his failure as an excuse to give up on discipleship and return to an "ordinary life." What excuses do you make for not following Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 3, 2009

Calling Evil Good
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil! -Isaiah 5:20

The Wizard of Oz has remained popular for years. People of all ages have learned moral lessons from Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they traveled down the yellow brick road. Of course, in the plot line the great enemy to be overcome is the Wicked Witch of the West. Evil is clearly depicted and overcome by good.
A new Broadway musical, however, turns the moral sense of the original story on its head. In this rewriting of the story, the wicked witch is presented as a sympathetic character. Born with green skin, she feels like an outsider. Major characters, plot lines, roles, and other details are altered so that the wicked witch is really just a misunderstood person. The audience might come away with the idea that evil is good and good is evil.
During the ministry of the prophet Isaiah, a reversal of moral values took place in Israel. Some actually lifted up the evils of murder, idolatry, and adultery as good. In response, Isaiah gave a stern warning: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil!" (Isa. 5:20). In our relativistic world, popular culture constantly challenges biblical values. But studying, memorizing, and meditating on God's Word can ensure our discernment between good and evil.  - Dennis Fisher
In our day-to-day existence,
Evil sometimes wears a mask;
Trust the Lord for true discernment-
He gives wisdom when we ask. -Hess


If we know the truth, we can discern what's false.

What's Your Measure? 


In Luke 6:38, Jesus said these words,
"Give, and it will be given to you:  good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
That is a promise of Jesus that you can stake your life on.  Give, and what happens?  It will be given to you good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  Sounds like fun, doesn't it?!
But notice that He also added this,  "The same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."  If you take a serving spoon, and that is what you measure out your giving with, you will get an overflowing serving spoon.  It comes back to you good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing from a serving spoon.
The measure you use is what is measured back to you.  If you use a shovel, and that is what you measure it out with, that is how it comes back to you.
Wouldn't you rather have a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over shovel as opposed to a serving spoon?  The measure you use, Jesus said, that is what is used to measure back to you.
I believe many people are using a teaspoon and yet they are praying, "God bless me.  I have big needs."  I am sure God is saying, "I'm doing all I can.  You know, I'm pressing it down as much as I can press it down.  It is running over.  But a running over teaspoon is just not that much."
Are you using a teaspoon or a shovel?  Whatever you use is what comes back multiplied, but it is only according to the measure you use. 
   
Read: Philippians 1:3-6

I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel. - Philippians 1:4-5

TODAY IN THE WORD
Missouri Southern Baptists decided in 1993 to start a missions partnership with Baptists in the republic of Belarus in the former USSR. After decades of persecution, the churches of Belarus were enjoying new freedoms but also facing new challenges. The Missouri Baptists committed to provide finances, leadership training, construction help, and other resources. Since then, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of dollars have helped build churches, support pastors, and purchase curriculum. One project was a fundraiser to keep open a Christian children's camp; the goal now is to make repairs and improvements as funds and volunteers become available. Missions and church partnerships have existed since the days of the apostles. The close partnership between Paul and the Philippian church gave him joy and gratitude. (We'll learn more about the specifics of their relationship later in the month.) Paul's prayer life is an important background for our study. No doubt the Philippians felt encouraged by Paul's words of praise, and even more so by the fact that their "spiritual father" was continuing to pray for them (v. 4). Another essential background is the history that Paul and this church shared. The Philippians had supported him and the work of the gospel from day one (v. 5). So Paul's love for this church sprang from their shared experiences as well as from his prayers. The foundation for their partnership and for Paul's feelings is found in verse six--Christ's redemptive work. This is the reason Paul was confident of the Philippians' continued growth and ministry with him. God will not leave His work half-done or His people half-sanctified! Paul's glowing statements were intended to encourage the Philippians, not to make them prideful. His faith and hope for the future were based on God, not on himself or on the Philippians. He looked forward to an ongoing partnership, but knew that whatever might happen to him, God would keep working in them.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's verses show the thankfulness Paul had for the Philippians and the joy he felt when he thought about them.

Idolatry in Sex Addiction

Isaiah 44:18-22
18 They do not know nor understand; For He has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, And their hearts, so that they cannot understand. 19 And no one considers in his heart, Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, "I have burned half of it in the fire, Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it; And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?"  20 He feeds on ashes; A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?" 21 "Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me!  22I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:18-22 NKJV

Idolatry is sometimes the less-recognized sin involved in pornography addiction. The combination of sex and idol worship was often a diversion for the Israelites during their journey from Egypt and habitation of the Promised Land. God was greatly angered and grieved by their actions.  He repeatedly warned them of the consequences of their sin.
Pornography today offers a similar powerful draw to people. Sex and bodies are glorified, displayed and enhanced so people can fantasize to their heart's content.  As a result, sex addicts give thoughts of sex a "high place" in their minds, which is just like the altars for idol worship that the Israelites made throughout their land.  The sacrifices sex addicts make on these mental altars include time, talent, sleep, money and family relationships. 
Make no mistake, this "mental idolatry" of sex is just as serious as worshiping carved idols.  God has called us to worship and serve Him only; not things that he has created. When we rebel by worshipping sex, our life begins to decay from within.  We grieve the Holy Spirit by our repeated disobedience, and his power evaporates from us.  Our conscience of sin becomes dull and we become easy prey for further deception.  The above passage gives additional details:

God shuts our eyes and heart so that we cannot understand the truth
We lose the ability to reason rationally. The example Isaiah uses is a man worshiping a block of wood. We are turned aside by our own deceitful heart, and cannot find deliverance on our own, nor recognize the lies we have believed.
If any of these symptoms are familiar to you, there is still hope! God reveals the way back to Him and the new life that Christ bought you in verses 21-22:
21 "Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me!  22I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you."
The steps to regain spiritual vision and clear conscience are:  Remember that God made you, you are His servant and He will never forget you. Next, you must know that He has blotted out your sins through Jesus Christ. He has redeemed your life from the pit of hell and has broken your bondage to sin, so that you can now serve Him in spirit and truth. Finally, return to God by embracing His commandments for healthy living.   
I encourage you to go through our study Freedom Journey for specifics.  The benefits of living for God will far outweigh any pleasure you ever had in sin. Consider the psalmist's words:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:2-5 NKJV


Questions for further thought:
· What did God use to blot out the sins of Israel and all who would place faith in Jesus?
· What are some practical ways to keep your mind from idolizing sexual thoughts? (2 Corinthians 10:5; Colossians 3:1-2; Philippians 4:
· How is pornography degrading to God? (Genesis 1:27)

Prayer:
"Heavenly Father, Thank you for creating me.  Thank you for the wonderful gift of sexuality.  I confess that I have idolized sex and lusted about people sexually.  Please forgive me for these sins by the blood of Jesus.  Please help me destroy any altar or high place I have created in my mind for sexual idolatry.  Please teach me through the Holy Spirit how to keep my mind from idolizing sex.  I commit to learning about your commands for healthy living and following them each day as I walk forward.  Thank you, Lord! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 4, 2009

Titles And Responsibilities

READ: John 13:3-16
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. -John 13:14

Research conducted by a leading compensation technology firm found that among employees planning to leave their companies, a majority felt they were underpaid. Fewer than 20 percent of them, however, were receiving less than the industry standard for their duties.
Bill Coleman, of Salary.com, believes that many unhappy workers are overtitled rather than underpaid. Some companies give employees lofty titles even though their job responsibilities have not increased. In time, employees feel they deserve more money than their actual duties merit. "When it comes to salary," Coleman says, "it's what you do, not what you're called, that counts."
It's interesting how Jesus dealt with the issue of titles and responsibilities. During the Last Supper, He performed the task of a lowly servant by washing His disciples' feet, setting the stage for His astonishing statement about humility: "You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet" (John 13:13-14).
Christ the Lord set the example for all who would follow Him, confirming that it's not what we're called, but what we do that counts.  - David C. McCasland

When Jesus took a servant's towel-
His honor set aside-
He humbly showed us how to serve,
And how to conquer pride. -Sper

The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve self.
 
Living for Whom?   

Today I want us to return to Luke 12, but focus on verses 16-19,

Then He spoke a parable to them, saying:  "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.  And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?'  So he said, 'I will do this:  I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."'"
This guy is classic!  While he was rich, he was only rich toward himself.  He did not have any thoughts about being rich toward the Kingdom of God.  He was totally self-centered.
In fact, in the few short verses where this man speaks, verses 17, 18, and 19, he uses six "I"s, five "my"s, and four "I will"s.  He says, "My crops, my barns, my goods, my soul."  Pretty self-centered!
Yes, his land brought forth an incredible harvest, but who provided the fertile soil?  Who provided the rain?  Who provided the sunshine?  Who gave him his health?  Who gave him the ability to think and plan?  In fact, for that matter, who gave him his soul?
In Ezekiel 18:4 God says, "All souls are Mine."
This man totally left God out of his plans.  Everything he did, he did for himself.  And God said he was a fool.  On the very same day he made his boast, his soul was required of him.
Instead of a barn, he had a burial; instead of living in the lap of luxury, he had to stand before God and give an account of his life.

Read: Philippians 1:9-11
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. - Proverbs 11:30


TODAY IN THE WORD
We often think that prayer is merely talking to God, but it would be more accurate to see prayer as God's tool to change us. Henry Blackaby and Claude King explain this in Experiencing God,"Prayer is a relationship, not just a religious activity. Prayer is designed more to adjust you to God than to adjust God to you. God does not need your prayers, but He wants you to pray. You need to pray because of what God wants to do in and through your life during your praying. . . . Prayer is a relationship to a Person. It is a two-way communication with the God of the universe." In today's reading, then, it is especially appropriate that Paul prayed for positive spiritual change in the lives of the Philippians. His prayer naturally followed what we learned yesterday--that true Christian love is both an emotion and a spiritual reality. When Paul prayed that their "love may abound" (v. 9; cf. 1 Thess. 3:12), he had in mind primarily God's love at work in them. What will this love look like? Paul associated it with such qualities as knowledge, insight, and discernment. In other words, love sees as God sees, and understands His will. And the apostle didn't stop there. The Greek word translated here as "discern" was also used when discussing testing coins and metals for purity, so it makes sense that Paul next allied love with purity and blamelessness (Phil. 1:10). Additionally, love does as God does by following and obeying His will. In short, Paul wanted the Philippians to be "filled with the fruit of righteousness" (v. 11; cf. Gal. 5:22-23). Who can answer such an ambitious prayer? Only Christ can be the source of such love and holiness. How can believers grow in these godly traits? The secret is to abide in Christ (see John 15:1-17).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How's your prayer life these days? In effect, Philippians 1:3-11 is a prayer by Paul, beginning with thankfulness and ending with a petition. With this example in mind, we encourage you to pick one concrete way to improve your prayer life this month. Here are some ideas: (1) Make a two-column prayer list, one column for requests and the other for answers. (2) Read a book about prayer, such as one by E. M. Bounds. (3) Start a prayer journal.

 

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 5, 2009
 
The Cheat Test

READ: Psalm 119:129-136
Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. -Psalm 119:133

Dan Ariely, an economics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, conducted some tests on human behavior. In one experiment, the participants took an examination in which they would receive money for each correct answer. The participants didn't know, however, that Ariely was not testing their knowledge but whether they would cheat. He set up the test so that the groups thought it would be easy to get away with cheating.
Prior to taking the exam, one group was asked to write down as many of the Ten Commandments as they could remember. To Ariely's astonishment, none from this group cheated! But all the other groups did have those who cheated. Recalling a moral benchmark made the difference.
Centuries ago, the psalmist understood the need for a moral benchmark and asked for divine aid in following it. He prayed to the Lord, "Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. . . . Teach me Your statutes" (Ps. 119:133-135).
Ariely's "cheat test" experiment illustrates our need for moral guidance. The Lord has given us His Word as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (v.105) to direct us in our moral choices.  - Dennis Fisher
How precious is the Book divine
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine,
To guide our souls to heaven. -Fawcett


Like a compass, the Bible always points us in the right direction.
 
Giving When No One Sees

Matthew 6:1-4
gives some important insight into giving,

"Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.  Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.  Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men.  Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.  But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." Jesus points us to a truth that is vital to us as Christians:  Giving is an issue of the heart.
God will not honor your giving if, when you give, your heart is saying, "I want everyone to know what I'm doing.  I want to be noticed when I give.  I want everyone to know just how generous and kind I am and what a benevolent heart I have."
We should give with a pure motive.  When we give with the right motive, not to be seen by men but out of a right heart, God will reward us openly.  That may not exactly translate into dollars and cents, but it will translate into tangible blessings, things that people can see.
If nobody else knows you kicked in the extra hundred bucks, don't worry about it.  God sees, and He has a way of rewarding you openly.  Everyone will recognize the hand of God is on you.  God's blessings will come into your life.
So when you give, check your heart to make sure you are giving with the right motive.   

Read: Philippians 1:12-14
Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life. - 2 Timothy 1:8-9

TODAY IN THE WORD
On March 28, 1997, pastor Eugenio Nij of San Raymundo, Guatemala, was arrested and imprisoned on charges of assault and attempted murder. The charges were completely false--no evidence was produced. Yet Eugenio remained in prison despite petitions signed by hundreds of townspeople. In jail Eugenio continued to minister. He told Pulsemagazine: "I've preached thirty or forty times in the fifty days I've been here. . . . I've also been able to comfort fellow prisoners, some of whom have confessed their crimes to me while others are innocent. There have been twenty to thirty conversions. . . . As a minister, I find this a special experience from God." The apostle Paul had a similar experience as Eugenio. Far from thwarting him, his imprisonment actually served to advance the gospel (v. 12). We know that after more than two years of imprisonment, Paul had exercised his right as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar for justice. After a journey that included a shipwreck, he ended up in Rome under house arrest, awaiting trial (see Acts 24-28). This is the circumstance in which he wrote the letter to the Philippians. A lack of freedom didn't mean a lack of ministry, though. Paul's witness for Christ was stronger than ever! How? First, there was word of mouth. It had become clear that Paul was a religious prisoner, not some political rebel or common criminal (Phil. 1:13). The way he endured persecution for his faith spoke volumes to those guarding him. The "palace guard" Paul mentioned was likely the famous "Praetorian Guard," possibly numbering as many as 9,000 soldiers. It's easy to picture a soldier, after spending the day chained to the apostle, heading back to the barracks and telling his friends about this amazing prisoner. What an outreach!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Suffering is not an easy subject to think about, yet the Scriptures tell us that God uses suffering in many ways in the lives of His children. In His ultimate plan, suffering is for our benefit and to His glory.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 6, 2009


Serve Or Die

READ: Mark 10:35-45
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. -Mark 10:45


Dr. Paul Brand told me of a memorable Frenchman named Pierre, who had served in Parliament until he became disillusioned with the slow pace of political change. During a harsh winter, many Parisian beggars froze to death. In desperation, Pierre became a friar to work among them and organize the beggars themselves.
They divided into teams to scour the city for bottles. Next, he led them to build a warehouse out of discarded bricks and start a business processing the bottles. Finally, he gave each beggar responsibility to help another poorer than himself. The project caught on. In a few years he founded the charitable organization Emmaus.
Eventually, there were few beggars to be found in Paris. So Pierre went to India. "If I don't find people worse off than my beggars," he said, "this movement could turn inward. They'll become a powerful, rich organization, and the whole spiritual impact will be lost. They'll have no one to serve."
At a leprosy colony in India, Pierre met patients worse off than his former beggars. Returning to France, he mobilized the beggars to build a leprosy ward at a hospital in India.
"It is you who have saved us," he told the grateful patients. "We must serve or we die."  - Philip Yancey

THINKING IT THROUGH
In Mark 10:35-37, what did James and John seek?
What did Jesus say about the world's authority? (v.42).
How are followers of Christ to be different? (vv.43-45).


If you want a field of service, look around you.

Character Counts

So far we have learned about the first three "Cs" of soul winning in the last few devotionals.  Today let me share the fourth "C"-character.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27, particularly verse 27, tells us the importance of character in witnessing to others,
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  Therefore I run thus:  not with uncertainty.  Thus I fight:  not as one who beats the air.  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Paul said he was temperate in all things, that he disciplined his body.  He would bring it into subjection, meaning he had problems keeping his body in subjection, just like you and I do.
Every one of us has a propensity toward certain sins.  It is important, though, that we rein in our flesh and that we are temperate in all things because our lifestyle affects our message.
Take just a moment and do the following exercise.  Imagine you are an employer.  If you wanted to hire an efficient, competent, trustworthy employee, would you hire yourself at your present salary?
Or let's say that you were going to have to spend the rest of your life with someone just like you.  Would you look forward to it as a great opportunity and privilege?  Or not?
If your character is out of whack, people are going to have a hard time hearing what you have to say.  Character counts! 

Read: Exodus 15:1-21
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. - Exodus 15:2

TODAY IN THE WORD

W. E. B. Du Bois, the first African-American scholar to earn a degree from Harvard, studied the experience of black slaves in America. He wrote about the impact of the spirituals, calling them "Sorrow Songs" and describing them as "the most beautiful expression of human experience born this side of the seas . . . the greatest gift of the Negro people." Just as it did for the African slaves, music expresses hope in times of despair; music can also declare most eloquently our greatest joys. The hymn of Exodus 15 is the loud and jubilant chorus of an enslaved people who have been delivered. Verse one tells us that Moses and the Israelites sang this song after the spectacular rescue in chapter 14. The theological content given in this passage may be the hymn that develops later, in the days and weeks to come, from the original refrain of verse 21. Miriam sang this chorus on the banks of the Red Sea, using her tambourine as accompaniment. Perhaps as the freed slaves marched toward the Promised Land, they added verses to the this glorious refrain, "The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea." However the song was composed, the hymn has been preserved for us as a theological reservoir for discovering truths about God. All this "wisdom" about God comes from seeing Him in action. The Israelites did not enjoy the privilege of studying a sacred text about God. At that time, there were no worship services or ministry of preaching as we know it. What they knew of God was what had been revealed to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and what they had witnessed of His mighty deeds. This hymn expresses these new discoveries about their God. The strength of God is unrivaled; He easily defeats His enemies. The love of God is undeniable; He rescues the people of His promise. This hymn is a cry of confidence in God; He will lead them. They have nothing and no one to fear.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
 
Music has significant power to focus our minds and hearts on God and His Word. Music was an important part of Jewish worship. The book of Psalms is actually a hymnal! In Christian tradition, music has also played an important role. How can you incorporate more music into your personal devotions? Into your family devotions? Even if your church sings contemporary worship music, invest in owning your own traditional hymnal to learn and to teach your children hymns of the faith.


GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 9, 2009

Flawed And Frail

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise. -1 Corinthians 1:27

One of my boyhood heroes was Davy Crockett, the "King of the Wild Frontier." I looked up to him, admiring his courage and exploits.
Years later, my brother gave me a book that traced the experiences of the real-life David Crockett. I was surprised by his humanness. The real Davy Crockett made mistakes and had serious personal problems. The book depicted him as both flawed and frail.
This was both disappointing and reassuring to me. It was disappointing because he was less than I had come to believe, but reassuring because that reality made Crockett more accessible to me-and even more of a hero.
In the Bible we see that God consistently used people who were far less than perfect. That shouldn't surprise us. God is glorified by showing Himself strong through our weaknesses. It shows us that He desires to work through our lives not because we are perfect but because He is. And since He uses weak and foolish things (1 Cor. 1:27), it means you and I are prime candidates for His work.
The Lord isn't looking for superheroes. He uses those of us who are flawed and frail, so that He can show His strength and grace. He wants those with a willing and available heart.  - Bill Crowder
It's not in the flash of the style that you hone,
Nor all the degrees you've compiled;
The Savior is looking for servants who own
The warm, willing heart of a child. -Gustafson


In God's service, our greatest ability is our availability.
 
God's Guidance System 


In Matthew 6:22-24, Jesus tells us the impact when God has our whole heart,
"The lamp of the body is the eye.  If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon."
While it may not seem like it, Jesus is talking about the heart.
As we learned in our previous devotionals, if you give to God, and give for the right reasons, God has your heart.  Your heart belongs to Him.  When God has your heart, He can lead you; because that is how God leads, He leads through your heart.
That's really what this illustration is about.  That is what He means by, "The lamp of the body is the eye."
Think about the difference light makes when trying to walk on a narrow, craggy path.  When light comes into your eye, you can see your way.  Your eyes, when the light is able to come in, are a built-in guidance system, aren't they?
Well, you know what?  You have a guidance system God uses to lead you.  That guidance system is called your heart.  If God has your treasure, He has your heart.  But God can't lead you through your heart if He doesn't have your heart.
If God has your heart, then He can begin to lead you.  You can go anywhere He tells you to go.  And interestingly enough, the loyalty of our heart is expressed through our giving.  Giving and guidance tied together?  According to Jesus...definitely!

Read: Philippians 2:1-4
In humility consider others better than yourselves. - Philippians 2:3

TODAY IN THE WORD
What might the world have to say in response to the humility described in today's reading? Several recent book titles give us the general idea: Promoting Yourself: 52 Lessons for Getting to the Top . . . and Staying There; Promoting Yourself: 50 Ways to Increase Your Prestige, Power, and Paycheck; 101 Ways to Promote Yourself: Tricks of the Trade for Taking Charge of Your Own Success; Selling Yourself: Be the Competent, Confident Person You Really Are! In other words, the answer to the question is "me, me, me" and more "me"! The world revolves around self. Self must go out and get the best possible life for self that self can get. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, taught otherwise. The "if" that begins these verses is not a conditional or "maybe" statement, but rather an assumption about what is true. What is true is that we have multiple benefits from our salvation in and union with Christ, including encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion. Two main behaviors should flow from these benefits: unity and humility. "Unity" is described as being like-minded, being in one accord in spirit and purpose, and living in harmony with one another. "Humility" means considering others better than oneself and not acting out of pride or selfish ambition. What does this mean? We should treat people as created in the image of God, and we should love them as He does. Looking for others' benefit in this way is antithetical to the "looking out for #1" motto of the world. The foundation for all of this is Christ. Because of our spiritual union with Him, because of His love for us, and because He sent His Holy Spirit, we are able to aspire to unity and humility. As we saw yesterday, humility requires a rest-filled faith in God, that is, a confidence in who we are in Christ. Just as confidence in His Father's love and power freed Jesus to do a servant's action, being encouraged and comforted in Him frees us to act humbly.


TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Please read Philippians 2:3-4 one more time. When is the last specific time you can remember obeying this command? If you're not sure, or if the time you think of is embarrassingly far back, choose a specific person and action and carry out these verses before the week is done. We're asking you to choose not in order to eliminate spontaneity, but because we assume you probably already know of a specific situation in which you can put another person first and please the Lord through your obedience.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 10, 2009

Gossip-Free Zone

READ: Proverbs 25:8-18
A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.


In some offices, you can get fired for gossiping. According to a 2002 survey, the average employee gossips 65 hours a year. One Chicago firm decided to become a "gossip-free zone." They require that employees never talk badly about co-workers behind their backs. If you're caught, you lose your job.
A ministry for people in the entertainment industry takes a refreshing alternative to gossip. They combat it with prayer. Instead of putting down famous people who get in trouble with bad choices, they encourage people to pray for them.
Among God's commands to His people is "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex. 20:16). While this may be talking primarily about lying at judicial proceedings, gossip could also be included in the command because it violates the law of love toward our neighbor. Proverbs uses strong language to describe this use of our words. It's like "a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow" against others (25:18).
Gossip feeds into our natural desires to feel superior to others and to belong or fit in, so combating it in our personal lives can be a challenge. But if we choose to love through prayer, our lives can be a gossip-free zone.  - Anne Cetas

Lord, forgive us for speaking carelessly
about others to make ourselves look better.
Help us to think before we speak. Teach us
to be loving with our words. Amen.


You can never justify gossip.

For Just a Little While

Today's Scripture will start with the very last word of 1 Peter 1:4, just so you know who it is talking about, and go through verse 7,

...you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Notice in verse 6 it says, Though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.  That phrase "a little while" literally means a season.  The King James Version says, Though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.
I like the phrase "a little while".  That tells me the season is going to end.  It is not forever.  Every season ends.  Winter ends.  Spring ends.  Summer ends.  Fall ends.  Every season has a beginning, and every season has an end.
If you are in a trial right now and feeling the weight of it, you are grieved because of it,  I have good news.  It will not be forever.  Things are going to change.  It may not seem like it, but that season will come to an end.
Even if you are not experiencing a trial today, I am confident you have gone through such a season, and it is likely that you will probably experience such a season again.
When you do, or if you are today, be encouraged.  God's Word wants you-and me-to remember it is for just a little while. 

Read: Matthew 5:1-12
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. - Matthew 5:5

TODAY IN THE WORD
According to tradition, apostles and brothers Peter and Andrew died similar martyrs' deaths. In both cases, their enemies intended to crucify them on a Roman cross, but both asked their captors to change its shape out of deference to the Cross of their Lord. They felt unworthy to die in the same way that He had. So they turned Peter's cross upside down, while Andrew's they altered to be X-shaped. Today, both the upside-down cross and the X-shaped "St. Andrew's Cross" (called a "saltire" and sometimes referred to as the "Burgundy Cross") are historical symbols of Christian humility. "If anyone would come after me," Jesus said, "he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Our devotional topic for this first month of 2008 is humility and simplicity, two intertwined virtues that are essential for everyday discipleship. They are also prominent among the Beatitudes in our passage today. These "Blessed are" statements could easily be translated as "Happy are"-but not happiness in a merely emotional sense. Instead, spiritual happiness is the joy and contentment of redeemed people. Humility and simplicity appear at least four times in today's reading. First, "poor in spirit" (v. 3) is a metaphor for humility or lack of pride. People who are poor in spirit know their need for God and plead for His grace in their lives. In response, He gives them the kingdom of heaven as a gift. Second, "meek" (v. 5), also translated "gentle" (NASB), indicates humility before God as well as the resulting humility in relations with others. God blesses them with a rich inheritance. Third, "pure in heart" (v. , which literally means "clean" or "uncorrupted," includes simplicity, wholeheartedness, and a pure dedication to the Lord. Such people will be overjoyed to receive their reward, which is to see Him! Finally, enduring persecution (vv. 10-12) also requires humility. Standing firm under insults, slander, and suffering cannot be done in pride.


TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A good way to begin 2008 would be with an earnest prayer to develop more fully the virtues of humility and simplicity in your life. You might already have made such a resolution, but New Year's resolutions tend to be try-your-best and grit-your-teeth affairs, whereas spiritual qualities cannot be achieved through merely human effort. Taking the need for grace as your starting point, pray for the Lord to do whatever it takes in your life this year to give you a spirit of humility and simplicity.

I guess this is a reprint from 2008. I think there is trouble on the site I get this devotion from. The message is still good. Just bear with me and sooner or later it will get worked out, or not. God is directing us all.
Judy

GOD BLESS!