Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

February 04, 2010

A Question Of Values

READ: Colossians 3:1-11
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. -Colossians 3:2

On a trip through Chicago, I saw a poster advertising a business management seminar. The poster's message was intriguing: The Value of a Leader Is Directly Proportional to That Leader's Values. The accuracy of that statement struck me. What we value shapes our character-and will ultimately define how we lead, or whether we can lead at all. This does not apply only to leaders, however.

For the follower of Christ, values are even more significant. When Paul wrote to the believers at Colosse, he said, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2). His point is that only as we allow our values to be motivated and shaped by the eternal (not the temporal) will we be effective ambassadors of Christ in the world. It is in the understanding that we are pilgrims in this world, not tourists, that we can keep a clear perspective and an undistracted heart-and can more effectively serve the Savior.

It has been said that we live in a world that knows the cost of everything but the value of nothing. In this world of the "here and now," however, followers of Christ are called to build our values around what lasts forever. To say it another way: The Effectiveness of a Believer Is Directly Proportional to That Believer's Values.  - Bill Crowder

O Lord, You see what's in the heart-
There's nothing hid from You,
So help us live the kind of life
That's honest, good, and true. -D. De Haan

Hold tightly to what is eternal, but loosely to what is temporal.
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Where's Your Heart?

I want to have you read and think about Mark 12:41-44 today,

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury.  And many who were rich put in much.  Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.  So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."

That is quite a picture, isn't it?  Jesus sitting opposite the treasury, watching what people put in and how they put it in.  I believe Jesus still watches during offering time.  He watches how we give, what we give, and why we give.  He said, "Where your treasure is, that is where your heart is also."

Notice He calls His disciples over and says, "This poor widow has put in more than everyone else."  Why?  Because He wanted them to understand that God measures your gift based on what you have.

Some people could give $1,000, and there is really no sacrifice at all.  It never touches their life, never causes any kind of change of priorities.  While for other people, $10 or $15 is a great sacrifice.

I believe some of the rich people Jesus points to in this passage were giving out of their abundance, but from heaven's viewpoint, they were putting it in with a teaspoon.  But this little widow, who put in less than a penny, walked up with a shovelful-everything she had.  It got heaven's attention.

Where is your heart when it comes to giving?
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Read: Isaiah 12
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you. - Isaiah 12:6

TODAY IN THE WORD
The book of Esther contains one of many great rescue stories in the Bible. A prideful official in the imperial Persian court plotted the murder of all Jews. God, however, had placed a Jewish woman named Esther in the position of queen, though no one at court was aware of her ethnic identity. At a key moment, in a daring step of faith, Esther revealed her identity and the evil plot against her people to the king, who issued decrees encouraging the Jews to defend themselves. A day of intended genocide became instead a day of salvation, joy, feasting, and celebration (Esther 8:15-17; 9:16-28). Known as Purim, it remains a festive celebration to this day.
Joy is found in God's rescue and deliverance, as we've seen already this month. That's what the prophet Isaiah wrote about in today's reading as well. These two short psalms (vv. 1-3 and 4-6) are seen by many commentators as a worshipful conclusion to Isaiah 7 through 11. These chapters deal with God's protection of Israel based on His covenant with David, as well as His judgments on the sin of Israel and Assyria and the coming of His kingdom. The overall themes are God's just and loving control of history and His care for His people.

Specifically, the first psalm acknowledges the justice of God's judgment, but even more, Isaiah rejoiced in the miracle of God's forgiveness and the restoration of the covenant relationship. The core truth is that God is our salvation, strength, and song (v. 2; see Ex. 15:2). The core response is fearless trust. The core image is "wells of salvation," from which we draw spiritual life and rejoice in His goodness to us (v. 3; cf. John 4:10-14).

The second psalm is essentially a list of actions, framed as imperative verbs. That is, hearers are called to give thanks, to worship, to pray, and to witness. God's character and actions fill our hearts to overflowing with joy-we cannot help but sing and shout!
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you have a personal hymnbook? A personal collection of favorite Christian songs might be low-tech-a three-ring binder full of photocopied pages. It might be high-tech-a special playlist on your mp3 player. It might be personal, music for you and God alone. It might be a group compilation done by your family or small group. In any case, the purpose of a personal hymnbook is to "Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world" (v. 5).


GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 05, 2010

Like A Tree

READ: Ephesians 4:11-16
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. -Psalm 1:3

In the quietness of my final years I plan to watch a tree grow-a birch tree I planted as a tiny sapling over 30 years ago. It stands now in mature splendor, just outside our picture window-beautiful in every season of the year.

So it is with our spiritual endeavors: We may have planted, watered, and fussed over our "saplings" (those we've mentored) for a time, but only God can make a "tree."

Occasionally I hear from those I ministered to years ago, and discover to my delight that they have grown to maturity and have been greatly used of God-with no help from me. It's a gentle reminder that I plant and water for a while, and help others "grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ" (Eph. 4:15). But only God "gives the increase" (1 Cor. 3:6-7).

German theologian Helmut Thielicke writes, "The man who doesn't know how to let go, who is a stranger to quiet, confident joy in Him who carries out His purposes without us (or also through us or in spite of us), in Him who makes the trees grow . . . that man will become nothing but a miserable creature in his old age."

So, at my age, I may yet tend a sapling or two, but mostly I will let go and watch them grow.  - David H. Roper

A Prayer: Lord, I want to be used by You in others' lives. Teach me from Your Word so that I can help others follow You. And enable me to let go and trust You to work in them. Amen.

Those who follow Christ can help others follow Him too.
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Rich or Poor

It is interesting that Jesus, in our devotional yesterday, did not try to keep the widow from giving all she had.  It is especially interesting considering what He said a little earlier in Mark 12:38-40,

Then He said to them in His teaching, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers.  These will receive greater condemnation."

You can hear the protection of God for widows in the voice of Jesus.  You can hear His concern, and you can hear the judgment of God on those who manipulate, abuse, and take advantage of defenseless people and widows.

Yet, right on the heels of saying that, this widow gave all she had, which means she probably didn't even have anything left to buy food for a meal that night.  With her gift of less than one penny, she had nothing left.  And yet, Jesus said she gave more than everybody else.

Jesus did not give the slightest indication that she shouldn't have given an offering.  He didn't run after her and say, "Now wait a minute, Ma'am!  You shouldn't be doing this.  You're a widow.  God doesn't want this."  On the contrary, it seems that He commended her for it, even calling her gift to the attention of the disciples.

Why do you suppose this lady would have given like that-all she had?  I reckon because of her love for God and her love for the work of God.

Which is what Jesus looks for when we give, whether we are rich or poor.
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Read: Lamentations 5
Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. - Lamentations 5:15

TODAY IN THE WORD
Horatio Spafford was a wealthy Chicago lawyer. A family man with a wife and children, he was also a strong supporter of D. L. Moody's evangelistic campaigns. In 1870, his only son died of scarlet fever at age four. Then in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, he was financially devastated. Did he lose faith? No. Instead, in 1873 he decided to go with his family to Great Britain to join Moody for one of his crusades. Detained by business, he sent his family ahead. Their ship collided with another ship, and 226 people were drowned, including all four of Spafford's daughters. Although devastated by grief, amazingly, he still did not lose faith. He penned the classic hymn, "It Is Well wth My Soul," to express steadfast trust in God's goodness.
This hymn story echoes the heart of the prophet Jeremiah in today's reading. How can we pray when the joy is gone? It's only possible by taking comfort in God's greatness and love, even-or especially-when we wrestle with grief and pain. The book of Lamentations was written about the conquest of Jerusalem, including the destruction of Solomon's temple and the exile of the Israelites. Jeremiah wrote five lament poems about this devastating chapter in national history. Judah had brought disaster on itself by sinning and incurring God's just judgment, but this fifth lament contains the cry of a faithful remnant who acknowledged national responsibility and prayed for forgiveness (vv. 7, 16).

The prophet's picture of his people's sorrow and desperation is moving. The Promised Land, their inheritance from the Lord, "has been turned over to aliens, our homes to foreigners" (v. 2). Losing the land feels like losing family (v. 3); the land and the people have been brutalized and humiliated (v. 11). They scrape along as a homeless and devastated people, suffering from physical need, illness, and crushed spirits. "Joy is gone from our hearts" (v. 15). Despite the situation, they have faith that God can restore the relationship and renew their joy (vv. 19-22).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jeremiah's poem shows us how to pray when the joy is gone, especially when it's our fault. As with the Israelites, our sin can lead God to discipline us, allowing us to experience the consequences of our choices. We reap what we sow. In such cases, our prayers or personal laments can imitate the heart of the prophet by including two main ingredients: (1) Full expression of grief and desperation. Sin cuts us off from the Lord and ruins our lives. (2) Plea for forgiveness. This includes taking responsibility and vowing to change.


GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 06, 2010

Charlie's Walk On The Moon

READ: Genesis 5:21-32
Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. -Genesis 5:24

The documentary In the Shadow of the Moon includes the story of Charlie Duke, one of the Apollo 16 astronauts launched to the moon in 1972. While the command ship orbited the moon, Duke and another astronaut landed the lunar module Orion on the moon's surface. After 3 days of running experiments and collecting lunar rocks, the Apollo 16 crew safely returned to earth.

Later, Charlie had a spiritual transformation. He said it began when his friend invited him to a Bible study. After the meeting, Charlie prayed to Christ, "I give You my life, and if You're real come into my life." He then experienced an indescribable peace. It was so profound that he began to share his story with others. Charlie told them, "My walk on the moon lasted 3 days and it was a great adventure, but my walk with God lasts forever."

The Bible tells us of another man who walked with God. "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him" (Gen. 5:24). His spiritual walk with God was so close that God took him directly into eternity (see Heb. 11:5).

We can learn a lesson from Charlie and Enoch. For believers, no matter where our journey leads, our walk with God will last for eternity!  - Dennis Fisher

Let me walk with You, dear Savior,
Side by side and hand in hand;
Keep me clean and pure and faithful
Till I reach the heavenly land. -Hess

Keep eternity's goal in sight by walking daily in God's light.
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The Core Motivation for Giving

I want to return one last time to Mark 12:41-44 and have you consider one final thought about giving,

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury.  And many who were rich put in much.  Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.  So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."

In Phillips' translation of these verses, it says that Jesus sat opposite the temple alms box.  In other words, where people gave their gifts for the poor.  This courtyard area, referred to as the treasury, actually contained thirteen trumpet-shaped receptacles for giving.  Some of them were for specifically designated purposes, and one of them was for giving alms to the poor. 

If the Phillips translation is right, it makes the story all the more amazing.  This poor widow, with less than a penny, put it in to help the poor.

She gave it to touch the life of another.  Which is why I hope you will give.

Heaven is too real, hell is too hot, eternity is too long, people are too lost, and life is just too short for us not to be actively engaged-through our giving as well as other means-in reaching people.  The only thing we take to heaven with us are the precious souls we reach for Christ.

That ought to be the core motivation for us to give to God's work.
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Read: Acts 13:42-52
The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. - Acts 13:52

TODAY IN THE WORD
For more than a decade, a radical Hindu group has been persecuting Christians in India, aiming to destroy the church there. Its members target poor believers and threaten them with the loss of their homes if they do not convert to Hinduism. Visits and leaflets are followed by warnings of violence and death. The group calls its campaign "homecoming" and holds reconversion ceremonies at which people burn their Bibles and vow to pray only to Hindu gods. Last year it claimed to have converted 50,000 Christians in the state of Uttar Pradesh alone and plans to push out all pastors there within the next five years.
Keeping the faith in the midst of persecution is a formidable challenge. Even in the midst of suffering, however, believers can experience joy as a gift from the Holy Spirit. Today's reading is from Paul's first missionary journey. He and Barnabas had stopped at Pisidian Antioch, a Roman colony and crossroads city. He preached an evangelistic sermon at the local synagogue, and the results were positive. Many were interested in discussing the gospel, and Paul was invited to preach again the following week. Paul's desire was for the Jews to know that their Messiah had come (v. 43).

By the next week, however, the Jews felt such hatred for Paul that they drove him out of the city as a heretic. What had changed? The missionaries had shared the good news of Jesus with the Gentiles as well. Many were attracted to the gospel, and the Jews felt jealous. Just as the Pharisees condemned Jesus for associating with tax collectors and prostitutes, so these Jews abused Paul and opposed his message. This attitude prompted him to point out that God loved the Gentiles as well, as Scripture itself made clear (vv. 46-48). When push came to shove and Paul and Barnabas were sent on their way, they were "filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit" because the word of the Lord was taking root in new soil (v. 52).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In our hands, verse 52 might read differently. The two missionaries were exhausted, no doubt; faithful, definitely; courageous, certainly. Those qualities are easy to see. But "filled with joy"? What an unexpected phrase! Of course they didn't like being persecuted, but there was no greater joy than the spread of the gospel and the gift of life to those who were spiritually dead. The world does not understand our joy. Our joy is not a natural response to circumstances but rather a supernatural celebration of God's work.

GOD BLESS!

[

[Judy Harder]

February 07, 2010

Distracted

READ: Luke 10:38-42
Martha was distracted with much serving. -Luke 10:40

The university where I teach as an adjunct professor provides laptop computers for its students. While this can be an aid to the students in many ways, I have discovered one way it hinders learning: The laptops can become a distraction during class.

Because the students take notes on their laptops, they have them open on their desks during class. The problem is that they find texting their friends, visiting Facebook, or checking things on the Internet more interesting than my lectures.

A laptop loses value in the learning environment if it becomes a distraction-even if what the students are doing is positive.

Good things can do that. Things that have value can draw our attention away from what we should be paying attention to. This was true for Martha. Luke 10:40 says she was "distracted with much serving," which took her away from spending time with Jesus. In the same way, a good hobby can have value in and of itself. But if it distracts you from your family responsibilities or relationship with God, some changes are needed.

Are life's good options distracting you from what your primary priorities should be? Return, as Jesus told Martha, to what "is needed."  - Dave Branon

A Prayer: Help me, Lord, to make and to keep right priorities. To put You and time with You first. Give me discernment and the willingness to obey You today. Amen.

We were created to glorify God.
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Robbing God-of What?

Malachi 3:8-9 gives us a sober warning,

"Will a man rob God?  Yet you have robbed Me!  But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?'  In tithes and offerings.  You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation."

Now if you think about this statement, you have to ask, "How do you rob God?  I mean, really, what does that mean?"

There are two ways we rob God when we refuse to tithe: 

1.      We rob God of honor that is due Him.  In Proverbs 3:9 it says to, Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase.  By giving God the first part of our income, we are honoring Him as being first in our lives.  We demonstrate faith in His promise to supply our needs as well-and God is honored by our faith.

2.      We rob God of the opportunity to bless us.  In Malachi 3:10, God promises to bless us if we bring Him the first tenth of our income (the tithe).

The promise in Proverbs is that our barns will be filled with plenty if we will honor the Lord with our firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9-10).

He can bless us.  He desires to bless us.  Let us not rob Him of the opportunity to do so, nor of the honor that is due Him.
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Read: Hebrews 12:1-11
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. - Hebrews 12:2

TODAY IN THE WORD
For the ancient church, the anchor symbolized hope. Archaeologists have found depictions of anchors on believers' graves as far back as the late first century. The writer of Hebrews said of God's redemptive purposes, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Heb. 6:17-20). There is also a story from about A.D. 100 about an early church martyr, Clement, whom the Roman emperor Trajan ordered to be executed by tying him to an anchor and throwing him into the sea. According to legend, the water receded to reveal Clement's tomb, built by angels. The anchor was thus transmuted from an instrument of death into a symbol of hope and joy.
Joy motivates us, as it did Christ Himself, to endure suffering and discipline. Today's verse is the key: The focus of our faith is Jesus, "who for the joy set before him endured the cross" (v. 2). What was the "joy set before him"? It was the joy of obedience and subsequent vindication by God. Sent by the Father, He perfectly completed His mission of redemption. He submitted unto death and then triumphed over it, undoing and transcending the Fall. Upon completing His atoning work, He now sits at God's right hand as our great High Priest and Savior forever. There is no pretense that the cross was anything but shame and suffering, but it was not the end of the story. His suffering pales in comparison to the glorious salvation He accomplished through His obedience. The "joy set before him" was and is a joy rooted in eternal life and love!

Given that Jesus was the Son of God on a unique mission of salvation, how can we imitate His example? What is the joy set before us? It is the joy of His work of redemption being fulfilled in our lives. One day, because of what He did, we will be made perfect! It is the joy of our own obedience in the face of suffering. Our impurities are being purged and our shape hammered into what He intends (vv. 5-11).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Based on Hebrews 12, what are the characteristics of believers who imitate Christ? First, we have a sense of history and of the "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. Second, we pursue holiness and struggle against sin. Third, we have perseverance; we're in it for the long haul. Fourth, we exercise all-out effort-there are no cruise control settings in the Christian life. Fifth, in faith, we need to fix our eyes on Christ. And sixth, we have a close relationship with God, our loving Father who guides our every step.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 08, 2010

In Praise Of Slowness

READ: 2 Peter 3:1-9
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness. -2 Peter 3:9

If there were a contest for most popular virtue, I suspect that "fast" would beat "best." Many parts of the world seem to be obsessed with speed. The "fast" craze, however, is getting us nowhere-fast.

"The time has come to challenge our obsession with doing everything more quickly," says Carl Honoré in his book In Praise of Slowness. "Speed is not always the best policy."

According to the Bible, he's right. Peter warned that in the last days people would doubt God because it seems He is slow ("slack") in fulfilling His promise to return. Peter pointed out, however, that this seeming slowness is a good thing. God is actually demonstrating His patience by giving people more time to repent (2 Peter 3:9), and also being true to His character, as in patient or slow to anger (Ex. 34:6).

We too must be slow to become angry-and slow to speak (James 1:19). According to James, "quickness" is reserved for our ears. We're supposed to be quick to listen. Think about how much trouble we could avoid if we learned to listen-really listen, not just stop talking-before we speak.

In our rush to meet goals and deadlines, let's remember to speed up our listening and to slow down our tempers and our tongues.  - Julie Ackerman Link

Dear heart, let perfect patience be thy goal;
It is the way earth's noblest souls have trod.
'Tis just a calm adjustment of the soul
In all things to the perfect will of God. -Hayward

When you're tempted to lose patience with another, think how patient God has been with you.
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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.
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Read: James 1:2-8
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
- James 1:2

TODAY IN THE WORD
Death Valley, California, is one of the hottest, most barren places on earth; it averages less than two inches of rain per year. In the spring of 2005, a once-in-a-lifetime event happened-six inches of rain fell! The result was astonishing. Colorful wildflowers-pink, purple, orange, white, blue, and golden-bloomed in the desert. Where there had been only sand, salt flats, and black basalt mountainsides, there sprang up a kaleidoscopic rush of blossoms. These flowers' seeds have coatings so thick they can lie dormant for decades, waiting patiently for enough moisture to grow. When they do, for a few months Death Valley becomes a showcase for the beauty of God's creation.
What a striking picture of today's reading! Christians who "consider it pure joy" in the midst of trials and sufferings are, from the world's perspective, as unexpected as flowers in the desert. James's instructions go against all reason and emotion.

How and why are we supposed to do this? To "consider" or "count" (ESV) is like putting a label on something. We're not being told to fake a feeling, but rather to rejoice in the results of a spiritual process. As with yesterday's reading, when Christ endured the cross for "the joy set before him" (Heb. 12:2), we are to count trials as "pure joy"-uncorrupted by cynicism or doubt-because testing develops perseverance and perseverance leads to maturity (vv. 3-4). The experience doesn't feel pleasant, and it might even involve shame and suffering, but the spiritual outcome can transcend the feelings and inspire present joy.

In this reading, James has two other pieces of advice for getting through trials. One is to ask God for wisdom (v. 5). Wisdom is practical knowledge about how to live in godly ways, especially under difficult circumstances. The other is to "believe and not doubt" (v. 6). Affirming what we know to be true about God is faith, a rock that cannot be moved by any storm of life.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you undergoing trials and suffering? It need not be as dramatic as the persecution recounted at the beginning of the devotion two days ago. It might be a neighbor who spreads the word to stay away from the "crazy religious person" next door. It might be malicious workplace gossip prompted by resentment of your integrity. It might be a child who is straying from the Lord. To be able to consider such things "pure joy" goes against our grain and requires complete dependence on the Lord.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 09, 2010

God Incidents

READ: Hebrews 11:1-10

In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6
In the normal course of providence, God works in and through creation, not despite it. For this reason, some answers to prayer are difficult to prove with certainty.

"Only faith vouches for the connection," C. S. Lewis writes. "No empirical proof could establish it." We believe a prayer has been answered not because of any scientific criteria proving it, but because we have faith.

Most of the ways we encounter God-nature, the Bible, the Lord's Supper, the church, other people-include things we can touch. God's own state, though, is the realm of spirit. Prayer reflects that difference between us.

Although we may ask God to intervene directly, it should not surprise us if He responds in a more hidden way in cooperation with our own choices. An alcoholic prays, "Lord, keep me from drink today." The answer to that prayer will likely come from the inside-from a stiffening resolve or a cry for help to a loyal friend-rather than from some marvel like the magical disappearance of liquor bottles from a cabinet.

Whether God supernaturally intervenes or is giving us the power to obey Him, we trust His character. We see a true partnership, intimate and intertwined.  - Philip Yancey

Help me to walk aright,
More by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heavenly light-
Teach me Thy way. -Ramsey

An important part of praying is a willingness to be part of the answer.
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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.
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Read: Nehemiah 8:5-18
The joy of the Lord is your strength. - Nehemiah 8:10


TODAY IN THE WORD
In the movie Chariots of Fire, Scottish sprinter Eric Liddell was asked to run a race scheduled for a Sunday. This would have been a violation of his Christian convictions and he refused, even though he was under tremendous pressure as a representative of his country in the 1924 Olympics. But what mattered most to Liddell was God's approval. He ran, as he said, because God made him fast. "When I run, I feel His pleasure." How could he dishonor God by working on the day set aside to worship the Lord?
The joy of the Lord was Eric Liddell's strength, empowering him to stand firm in his convictions. The same faith and joy empowered Nehemiah in today's reading. Under his leadership, Israelites had returned from Babylon and completed rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. To honor the occasion, the leaders organized a public reading of Scripture. Ezra the priest stood on an elevated wooden platform, not unlike a pulpit in that it helped with visibility and audibility. The people stood for the reading of God's Word, a custom still practiced in some synagogues and churches today. The reading was no mere formality, but a time of teaching and instruction. In the absence of multimedia technology, Levites scattered throughout the crowd, "making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read" (vv. 7-8).

Though it was a joyful occasion, the people wept. Why? Because the Word showed them their sinfulness. They grieved at how they had grieved the Lord. Though the time for repentance would come (Nehemiah 9), on this day the leaders commanded the people to cease weeping and celebrate instead. God had brought them home from exile! The walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt! They were to rejoice in God's presence, His many blessings, and this day of sacred national worship (v. 12). Their celebration developed into the rediscovered Feast of Booths (vv. 13-18). How they rejoiced to be able to put God's commands into practice!
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The body language in today's reading maybe caught your attention. People stood up to show respect for the Law. They lifted their hands. They said, "Amen." They bowed down with their faces to the ground. They said with verbal and nonverbal language what their hearts were feeling. We are familiar with actions such as bowing our heads, kneeling to pray, and clapping for joy. In your times of worship, how does your body language say what your heart is feeling? God is glorified by our full-body responses to His Word and work.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 10, 2010
 
Rich Toward God

READ: Luke 12:13-21
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Luke 12:34

I watch the fluctuations of the stock market and reflect on the effects of fear and greed. A character in a 1980s movie had this philosophy: "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right! Greed works! . . . Greed [will] save . . . the USA!" What foolish thinking!

I think of that occasion when a man asked Jesus to serve as an arbiter and make his brother share their inheritance. Jesus refused the request but went on to do the man a greater kindness. He pointed out the motive behind the man's request and its consequences: "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15).

Then Jesus told a parable about a man who harvested a bumper crop and began to make plans to increase and enjoy his riches. He concluded: "God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God" (vv.20-21).

The trouble with greed is that ultimately our goods go. But worse-we go. Better to store up treasure in heaven, invest in spiritual riches, and become "rich toward God."  - David H. Roper

The treasures of earth do not last,
But God has prepared us a place
Where someday with Him we will dwell,
Enjoying the riches of grace. -Branon

Our real wealth is what we invest for eternity.
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Keep Trusting

In the passage we looked at yesterday, Peter encouraged us to see the trials we face as temporary, something that only lasts for a while.  I want you to read that passage again today, and then I want to point your attention to another truth that is vital to enduring through whatever trial you may be facing.

It says in 1 Peter 1:5-7,

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.

One of the critical things you and I need to do when faced with trials is continue to trust God in the midst of those trials.

No matter how difficult, do not unplug your faith, even when things get rough.  Keep trusting God and His promises.  Why?  Well, look at what verse 5 says:  We are "kept by the power of God through faith."

When you keep your faith plugged in, you are then kept by God's power.

That word keep means to preserve.  It means to protect, to guard.  It is used elsewhere in Scripture of a garrison of soldiers protecting something.  When you are going through a trial, God will protect you through His power when you trust Him.

That word power is the same word in the Bible translated miracle.  I take it to mean this:  When you or I are in a season of trial, if God has to work a miracle to keep us and protect us, He will do it.

Whatever your trial...keep trusting.
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Restore to me the joy of your salvation. - Psalm 51:12

TODAY IN THE WORD
Michael Wong, a chemical engineer at Rice University, has discovered a new way to clean up toxic waste-with gold dust. He combined gold with the metal palladium, then used the mixture to dust toxic chemicals. The dust broke down the chemicals into a gas that's not harmful to the environment. His "gold detergent dust" could be used to clean up cancer-causing waste at 27,000 toxic sites nationwide at costs much lower than other methods. One day it might even be used to provide purified drinking water in developing nations that do not have enough.
Just as Wong's gold dust cleans up toxic chemicals, in the same way God's forgiveness purifies sin in our life. You might be surprised that Psalm 51, David's well known confession of adultery with Bathsheba, is part of this month's study. It teaches lessons about sin, repentance, and getting our hearts right with God . . . but joy?

The key is verse 12, which shows that confession of sin is all about restoring the joy of our salvation. In New Testament terms, we were filled with joy the day we trusted Christ and were saved from our sins. But when we sinned again and offended the very God who had saved us, joy dimmed, as well it should. Only confession and repentance can restore that joy.

In this psalm David prayed for his relationship with God to be restored. He had sinned-only God could give him a clean heart. He had yielded to temptation and disobeyed-only God could renew a steadfast spirit within him. He deserved to be cast from God's presence, but pleaded for mercy. He had offended God and deserved punishment, but he put his hope in God's unfailing love to forgive him (v. 1; see Isa. 43:25). As a forgiven sinner, he would be the best evidence and testimony for God's lovingkindness. He would be a joyful messenger calling others to repent, be forgiven, and have the joy of their salvation restored as well.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God knew we would struggle with sin in the course of our Christian lives. Until He returns and we dwell with Him forever, it's inevitable. He's provided confession as a type of prayer and spiritual discipline by which we can repent, seek forgiveness, and enjoy a restored relationship with Him. Without Him, we would still be lost and spiritually dead. With Him, we have life and hope and joy, even when we mess up and think, say, or do things that anger Him. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift" (2 Cor. 9:15)!

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 11, 2010

The Other Side

READ: James 4:13-17
What is your life? It is even a vapor. -James 4:14

When someone said to my friend, "See you in a year," it sounded odd when he replied, "Yes, see you on the other side." He meant that he'd see him on the other side of a one-year deployment for the US Navy. But because the phrase is often used of heaven, it made me think about the uncertainty of life. I wondered, Who will be here in another year? Who might by then be on the other side-in heaven?

We certainly don't know what the next year-or hour-will bring. In his epistle, James wrote about this uncertainty. He rebuked the greedy merchants for boasting about what they would do that day, the next day, or even the next year (4:13). Their sin wasn't that they were making plans; it was forgetting God and arrogantly boasting about those business plans.

James reminded them: "What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (v.14). Commentator Peter Davids says that James was pointing out their foolishness and saying, in essence, "Come now, you who make plans-you don't even understand how little control you have over life itself."

No part of life is outside the control of God. So when we make plans, we need to remember, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that" (v.15).  - Anne Cetas

Tomorrow's plans I do not know,
I only know this minute;
But He will say, "This is the way,
By faith now walk ye in it." -Ryberg

Write your plans in pencil and let God have the eraser.
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Keep Laughing

I want to head back to 1 Peter 1:5-7 again today.  Something tells me we could all continue to use the encouragement of Peter's words, especially the advice I want you to focus on today.     

1 Peter 1:5-7,

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.

Regardless of what you may be going through today, you need to rejoice.  Peter says in verse 6, In this you greatly rejoice, even if for a season you are experiencing various trials.

Friend, keep your sense of humor.  It will help you outlast your trials.

I read a story once about a guy parachuting when the wind blew him onto a track where they were racing cars...not a good place to land in a parachute.  He was trying to get his parachute off when another gust of wind came and started dragging him face first down the track.

He finally got the parachute off and stood up only to see a car racing towards him.  He quickly jumped out of the way and said to himself, "Man, I'm glad that's over!" and turned to get off the track.  As he did, he stepped in a hole and twisted his ankle.

That was just too much!  Even in his pain, he just started laughing!

Keep your sense of humor.  Even if you are going through the roughest patch you have ever been through.

Do not let your trials rob you of your joy.
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Read: Deuteronomy 16:1-17

The Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete. - Deuteronomy 16:15


TODAY IN THE WORD
Chicago is the American city most in need of joy, at least according to a recent, unscientific online survey. Taken by the Mars Candy Company, the survey of nearly 350 American cities placed Chicago first, followed by New York, Houston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. As a result, Mars-maker of M&Ms, Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, Dove, and Three Musketeers candy bars-in an effort to spread more joy, gave away 50,000 free samples of their candy bars on Michigan Avenue in Chicago on October 1, 2009. That induced smiles!
In today's reading, the people of Israel received instructions to joyfully celebrate God's blessings to them in three sacred festivals: Passover (vv. 1-8), the Feast of Weeks (vv. 9-12), and the Feast of Tabernacles (vv. 13-17). Passover celebrates the nation's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. No yeast is permitted in the Passover meal as a symbolic reminder of Israel's hurried departure. The Feast of Weeks, also called Pentecost, marked the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and was a holiday of thankfulness for God's provision and blessing. The Feast of Tabernacles was another harvest festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt to Canaan. The people lived in small booths in order to remember and honor God's provision during their long journey in the wilderness.

Specific historical events and the people's overall relationship with God were involved in these joyful occasions. These were national feasts, not individual choices or even family traditions. All of God's people were to gather together in obedience to His command. These were also times for worship and offerings, not just pleasure or leisure (though those were included). No work was permitted to be done, as that would have been a distraction. Celebrating was intended to draw the community's attention to their blessings and the Giver of these good things. This completed the circle and so made their joy "complete" (v. 15; see John 16:24).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How can "celebrate," "rejoice," and "be joyful" be obeyed as biblical commands? We're so used to thinking of joy only as a spontaneous emotion that it might sound as if we're being told to force or fake a feeling. Instead, we're being given a godly understanding of joy. Joy begins with obedience. And when we stop in obedience to count our blessings, like the Israelites in today's reading, we realize that the Giver of blessings is also the Giver of joy. In this case, feelings follow actions!


GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 12, 2010

Send The Light

READ: Philippians 2:12-18
Become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. -Philippians 2:15

American businessman Mark Bent has spent $250,000 to develop and manufacture an affordable solar-powered flashlight. Thousands have been distributed free or at low cost to people living in African refugee camps. One daily solar charge provides 7 hours of life-giving illumination for people in homes, schools, and medical clinics where darkness had encouraged crime and violence.

The contrast between darkness and light is a prominent image in the Bible's presentation of Jesus the Messiah. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined" (Isa. 9:2). "In [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it" (John 1:4-5).

It's our privilege as followers of Jesus to be His light-bearers today. Paul urged the Christians in Philippi to become "blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15).

Instead of being afraid or oppressed by the spiritual darkness around us, we can rely on the grace that God gives His children to shine for Him.  - David C. McCasland

Lord, may I be a shining light
For all the world to see
Your goodness and Your love displayed
As You reach out through me. -Sper

Jesus came to give light to a dark world.
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Stop the Worry

Over the last few devotionals, we have been talking about trials and how we should respond.  Today I have a simple but important word for you directly from God's Word:  Don't worry.

1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us,

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Jesus said, "Don't take an anxious thought for tomorrow.  Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof."  When we worry about tomorrow, we pull tomorrow's clouds over today's sunshine.

I have shared many times in my ministry about the incredible truth of Jesus' command, "Do not worry about tomorrow."  It is like we have this 24-hour fuse.  We are wired up to deal with the stresses of life one day at a time.

If you worry about tomorrow today, you are putting a 48-hour load on a 24-hour fuse, and something is going to give somewhere.

Some people don't just worry about tomorrow, they worry about next week and next month.  No wonder the fuse is blowing!

You see, what the mind cannot contain, it will impose upon the body.  If your health is breaking down, worry may just be the problem.  The Bible says to cast all of your care, the whole of your care, all your anxieties, on Him, once and for all.

Roll your burden on the Lord.  The Bible says be anxious for nothing.  And that means nothing.  Do not worry about your children, do not worry about your money, do not worry about your future, do not worry about anything.

Your Heavenly Father does care for you, and it is His good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.
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Read: Deuteronomy 16:1-17

The Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete. - Deuteronomy 16:15


TODAY IN THE WORD
Chicago is the American city most in need of joy, at least according to a recent, unscientific online survey. Taken by the Mars Candy Company, the survey of nearly 350 American cities placed Chicago first, followed by New York, Houston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. As a result, Mars-maker of M&Ms, Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, Dove, and Three Musketeers candy bars-in an effort to spread more joy, gave away 50,000 free samples of their candy bars on Michigan Avenue in Chicago on October 1, 2009. That induced smiles!
In today's reading, the people of Israel received instructions to joyfully celebrate God's blessings to them in three sacred festivals: Passover (vv. 1-8), the Feast of Weeks (vv. 9-12), and the Feast of Tabernacles (vv. 13-17). Passover celebrates the nation's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. No yeast is permitted in the Passover meal as a symbolic reminder of Israel's hurried departure. The Feast of Weeks, also called Pentecost, marked the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and was a holiday of thankfulness for God's provision and blessing. The Feast of Tabernacles was another harvest festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt to Canaan. The people lived in small booths in order to remember and honor God's provision during their long journey in the wilderness.

Specific historical events and the people's overall relationship with God were involved in these joyful occasions. These were national feasts, not individual choices or even family traditions. All of God's people were to gather together in obedience to His command. These were also times for worship and offerings, not just pleasure or leisure (though those were included). No work was permitted to be done, as that would have been a distraction. Celebrating was intended to draw the community's attention to their blessings and the Giver of these good things. This completed the circle and so made their joy "complete" (v. 15; see John 16:24).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How can "celebrate," "rejoice," and "be joyful" be obeyed as biblical commands? We're so used to thinking of joy only as a spontaneous emotion that it might sound as if we're being told to force or fake a feeling. Instead, we're being given a godly understanding of joy. Joy begins with obedience. And when we stop in obedience to count our blessings, like the Israelites in today's reading, we realize that the Giver of blessings is also the Giver of joy. In this case, feelings follow actions!


GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 13, 2010

Reunion Dinner

READ: Revelation 19:1-9
Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! -Revelation 19:9

Many Chinese go to great lengths to attend a traditional annual reunion dinner with their families. Held on the eve of the Lunar New Year, the reunion dinner usually takes place at the home of their parents or eldest sibling.

Chinese working overseas have to arrange their travel bookings early to ensure they have tickets for the heavily booked airline flights and bus journeys. To fail to book early is to risk missing out on the family reunion.

The Bible tells of an even more important reunion dinner in heaven. Revelation 19:9 calls it "the marriage supper of the Lamb." Unlike the Lunar New Year reunion dinner, however, no one knows the date for this event except God (Matt. 24:36). Nor do we have to worry about making travel arrangements.

Who is invited to this heavenly reunion dinner? All those who belong to God's family will be there, "those who believe in [Jesus'] name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13).

Will you be at the reunion dinner in heaven? You can secure your place at the heavenly banquet by trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today.  - C. P. Hia

How Can You Have The Assurance Of Heaven?
Recognize your sinfulness (Rom. 3:23); believe Jesus died for you (Acts 16:31); receive Him as Savior (John 1:12); trust His promise (John 20:31).

Christ believed is salvation received and heaven assured.
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Your Real Adversary

As we continue to think about the reality of trials in our lives, and the challenge it is to handle those trials, I want to point you to another important teaching about trials in today's devotional.
You need to realize who your adversary is.  It is not God; it is the devil.  Look at 1 Peter 5:8-9,

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Some of the trials and sufferings that we experience are the direct result of the adversary's work.

Some people want to blame God for everything, but the Bible says it is the thief- the devil-who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  Jesus came to give us life and more abundantly.

Peter makes this even clearer in verse 10,

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Our God is the God of grace.  The devil is seeking to devour.

Frankly, I hate the middle part of this verse, After you have suffered for a while....   Clearly, God wants us to understand that suffering is going to happen.  Trials are going to happen.  No matter how much you may say, "I don't receive it!", it is still there!  You are going to go through difficult times.  It is part of the human experience.

But when you go through that time of trial, remember not to blame God.  It is the devil who is your adversary!
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Read: Ezra 6:13-22

Then the people of Israel . . . celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. - Ezra 6:16

TODAY IN THE WORD
Construction engineers in Warsaw, Poland, recently built a railway tunnel that was too small for trains to fit. This expensive and embarrassing mistake was discovered by building inspectors, whose measurements revealed that the roof was too low for real trains to pass through. Apparently, the fiasco was the result of a lack of communication between workers building the tunnel and other workers laying new track.
Thankfully, Nehemiah and his team were better engineers than that! For them and for all the people, completing their construction project within God's sovereign plan brought great joy. While rebuilding the temple had been an obvious priority upon the Jews' return to their homeland, they had also been preoccupied with survival issues, such as setting up homes and farms and raising crops. They had faced opposition or at least nosy oversight from governor Tattenai and the local bureaucracy, until Darius's confirmation of the original decree opened the door to finishing the temple rebuilding project (v. 13). To tell the truth, the people had also been guilty of putting their own interests first, ahead of God's commands, and this had earned them a famine (see Haggai 1).

But now, under the leadership of Nehemiah and others, the rebuilt temple was at last completed, and the people responded with joy (v. 16). Finishing the new house of God symbolized to them that He was again present with His people and that the covenant relationship had been restored. They were once again His consecrated, set-apart people. God had decreed and arranged it all, from the Exile that was His judgment on their sin to the imperial decrees that enabled their homecoming. Human kings thought they held the power, but it was God who ordered events and changed hearts to accomplish His will. The dedication ceremony included worship, sacrifices, instruction from Scripture, reestablishment of the ministry of the priests and Levites, and a celebration of the Passover feast. "The Lord had filled them with joy" (v. 22).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Committing our plans and projects to the Lord and seeking His gift of joy in their completion is always a good idea. According to Proverbs 19:21, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Encouragingly, " 'I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future' " (Jer. 29:11). Our response: "My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices" (Acts 2:26).

GOD BLESS!