Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

March 06, 2010

Is It Well?

READ: Philippians 4:4-7
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7

As the high school chorale prepared to sing Horatio G. Spafford's classic hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul," a teen stepped forward to tell the song's familiar history. Spafford wrote the song while on a ship that was near the spot at sea where his four daughters perished.

As I listened to that introduction and then the words sung by the teenagers, a flood of emotions washed over me. "Where his four daughters perished" were hard words to grasp as I listened again to Spafford's words of faith. Having lost one daughter suddenly, I find the idea of losing four unfathomable.

How could it be "well" for Spafford in his grief? I hear the words "When peace like a river attendeth my way" and remember where peace can be found. Paul says in Philippians 4 that it can be found as our heart-prayers are voiced to God (v.6). By trustful praying, we unburden our hearts, divest our anxieties, and release the grip on our grief. And we can gain "the peace of God" (v.7)-an inexplicable, divine calmness of spirit. This peace supersedes our ability to understand our circumstances (v.7), and it is a guard on our heart, through Jesus, that protects us enough to allow us to whisper, even in the pain, "It is well with my soul."  - Dave Branon

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea-billows roll-
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul. -Spafford

Jesus never makes a mistake.
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God's GPS

Hebrews 13:20-21 are two verses that give me great encouragement,

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.

These verses teach us that God is working in us all the time to bring us to maturity-our destiny in Christ. 

A friend of mine shared a brilliant illustration of this one time.  He likened God's guidance to that of the Global Positioning System (GPS), one of those systems they now have in cars that guides you to your destination.

A GPS system uses a satellite to give an aerial view, and its sole function is to get you to your destination, your "destiny."         

As you travel to your destination, you have a map on the screen, and this little annoying voice talking to you through the whole trip, "Left turn a quarter mile ahead; left turn 150 feet ahead; left turn 50 feet ahead."

If you miss your turn, it immediately computes a new course for you so you can get back to where you are supposed to be.  And if you mess up on those directions, it then computes another new course.     

In the same way, God has a destiny for us to fulfill, something that fits into His great master plan.  By His grace, He is guiding us all the way, even when we get off track.  God just readjusts and says, "This is the next thing you need to do to get back into My plan."

Through His "GPS," He is always working to get us where we need to be.  Praise God! 
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Read: 1 Kings 18:16-40

O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God. - 1 Kings 18:37

TODAY IN THE WORD
If you've ever lived in a home with a teenager, you've probably experienced sarcasm. Requests to do chores are met with, "Sure, Mom, I'd LOVE to take out the trash [huff, huff, eye roll]." When queried whether homework has been completed, the little darling says, "Of COURSE, Dad, I'm not STUPID!"
Scripture contains descriptions of ungodly people using sarcasm, but you might be surprised to find accounts of sarcasm from saints like Paul and Elijah and even God Himself. For the next few days we'll explore occasions when sarcasm is used to make a redemptive point.

Today's passage opens with Ahab's inverted view of reality. He addressed the prophet Elijah as the "troubler of Israel," yet from the litany of sins committed and endorsed by Ahab, he himself was the source of much of Israel's misery (vv. 17-18). He not only tolerated the worship of false gods in Israel, but he also actively promoted the cult of Baal and supported its prophets (see 1 Kings 16:29-33).

Elijah confronted the people of Israel with the choice between serving God and Baal (v. 21). Yet the people refused to choose the Lord, so Elijah prepared a dramatic demonstration of the difference. He stacked the deck in favor of Baal: Baal had 450 prophets; God had one. Baal had a dry altar; God had an altar that was completely drenched with water.

Even with these advantages, the prophets of Baal failed to produce fire. Elijah taunted them: "Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened" (v. 27). This egged the prophets of Baal to further exertion, and it contrasted Baal with the Lord who never sleeps and who is always present with His people (v. 36; see Ps. 121:4).

There was no answer from Baal, but there were consequences from Jehovah (v. 40). Ultimately, though, Elijah's sarcasm was intended to provoke the people of Israel to repentance by revealing the ridiculousness of Baal worship. His sarcasm challenged evil in order to turn the people back to reality.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Elijah's sarcasm toward the prophets of Baal contrasts with his sober prayer to the Lord in verses 36 and 37. Elijah was not flippant when it came to the worship of God. Is your own worship characterized by ridiculous posturing and exertions to no effect? Or do you come before the Lord humbly and prayerfully, expecting Him to work in accord with His Word and character? The pretension and presumptuousness of sin should be scorned, but the worship of our holy God demands our offering of praise.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 07, 2010

God's Helpers

READ: Psalm 103:19-22
Bless the Lord, you His angels. -Psalm 103:20

I was having a conversation with some children about God and superheroes when Tobias asked a question. An imaginative, curious 5-year-old, he asked anyone listening: "Does God have a sidekick like Hercules does?" His wiser, older brother, age 7, quickly responded: "Yes, He has thousands of them-they're His angels."

Angels are a popular topic of discussion, and people believe a number of myths about them. For instance, some people pray to angels, thinking they are on the same level as God Himself. And some believe that people become angels when they die. But here's what the Bible, our authority, teaches:

· God created angels (Col. 1:15-17).

· Angels worship God (Neh. 9:6), and are known by these terms: archangels (Jude 1:9), cherubim (2 Kings 19:15), and seraphim (Isa. 6:1-3).

· They minister to God's people (Heb. 1:13-14) by guarding and protecting them (Ps. 91:9-12).

· They are given special assignments by God (Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:26).

· God's angels rejoice when we repent of sin and turn to Christ for salvation (Luke 15:7,10).

Only God deserves our worship. So let's join the angels in singing His praises!  - Anne Cetas

All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all. -Perronet

Angels are God's special helpers.
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The Road to Perfect and Complete

I want us to focus our attention today on James 1:2-4,

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

What I want to look at today is how God seeks to bring us to maturity by building patience into our lives.  If there is one thing I have learned in my Christian walk, it is that God is not in as much of a hurry as I am!

Now, what is patience?  Patience is the long-lasting quality of your faith.  If you let go of your patience, your faith falls to the floor.

The end result God is looking for is that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  The word perfect here means mature.  God is developing maturity in us by working on our patience.

I have a dear friend who has a great church.  They endeavored to build another building on their property and it ended up being a major undertaking.  In fact, it turned out to be the most difficult thing he had ever done.  I mean, it took a strip out of his hide.

Eventually it got built, but you know what my friend says about it?  He says, "You see that building?  I didn't build that building.  It built me."

Going through those trials, facing those difficulties, having his faith tested, having to trust God when it seemed like there was a lack of finances, having to hold onto God's Word when he was a laughing stock with some people, all of that built character in him as he stood the test.

I have a question for you:  Has anything been building you lately?  If so, rejoice, because God is working maturity in you! 
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Read: 2 Corinthians 11:6-12:19

Everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. - 2 Corinthians 12:19

TODAY IN THE WORD
Essayists James and Kate Williams reflected on humor and Christians: "The best humor, seen among both believers and unbelievers, is redemptive in orientation. . . . In an argument, humor can gently or uproariously sweep away the sinful battlements built by pride, which desires always to be taken seriously."
In our passage, Paul pleaded with the church in Corinth and used sarcasm and pointed humor to sweep away their foolish pride. We can identify parallels between Elijah's taunts designed to provoke the Israelites to choose God and Paul's sarcastic rhetoric intended to prod the Corinthians to identify with Christ.

First, just as Ahab had originally labeled Elijah as the troublemaker, the Corinthians had treated Paul as a fool. This church found itself enthralled by false apostles who used the latest and greatest rhetorical techniques to convince the Corinthians that they had a "new and improved" gospel. Paul was depicted as a bumpkin, in part because he didn't demand a fee for his preaching services (see 2 Cor. 11:1-15).

Second, like Elijah had done with Ahab, Paul understood that his beloved church had inverted reality. To shock them into recognizing their dangerous error, he declared, "You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise!" (11:19)-and then proceeded to outline exactly what their so-called wisdom looked like: they embraced preachers who manipulated, abused, and exploited them! In contrast, Paul loved them.

The charge that Paul was an unworthy apostle because he had not taken their money sounds absurd: "I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!" (12:13). The pointed edge of Paul's cry should have prompted the Corinthians to realize that they were wrong, not Paul.

Paul did not use sarcasm in this letter to score rhetorical points with the Corinthians or to demonstrate his superiority and put them in their place. Rather, he longed for the Corinthians to see the truth of their situation so that they would stand strong for Christ (see 12:20-21). By exposing their folly, he wanted to renew their faith.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sometimes someone we love embraces a lie and declares that it is truth. Our study yesterday and today can help us think about how to respond. We might need to use sarcasm to puncture the delusion and to provoke a return to reality.
But more importantly, like both Elijah and Paul, we must be willing to humble ourselves before God, and then seek the restoration of our loved one (see 2 Cor. 12:9-10, 19).

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 08, 2010

To The Rescue

READ: Luke 15:1-7
There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. -Luke 15:7

Martie and I recently traveled to some major cities in several countries. We were struck with how lost our world is and grieved over the millions who have never heard the message of the saving grace of Jesus. The thought of reaching our world for Christ felt overwhelming.

Until I remembered the story of the boy walking on a beach. Encountering hundreds of starfish dying under the heat of the burning sun, he started throwing them back into the sea. A passerby asked, "What are you doing?" "Saving their lives," the boy replied. "Forget it," the man said. "You can't possibly save all these starfish." "Right," replied the boy, "but it makes a big difference to each one I do save."

I love the boy's perspective. When the wave of sin threw us onto the shore to die, God sent His Son to walk on the beach to rescue all who would repent. And, as Jesus told His listeners in Luke 15, each time someone is rescued, heaven throws a party. "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7).

Has heaven rejoiced over your rescue? If so, join the ranks of those who reach other lost souls with the rescuing grace of Jesus.  - Joe Stowell

Your love, O God, would spare no pain
To conquer death and win;
You sent Your only Son to die
To rescue us from sin. -M. Gustafson

When you've been rescued, you'll want to rescue others.
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It Will All Work Out

Ephesians 1:11 is a powerful verse with a vital lesson,

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.

Over the 30 years of my Christian life, I have come to have great confidence in God's ability to work things out.  No matter what is going on or how obscured my understanding of a situation is, I believe God is always working things according to His great sovereign plan.

It is as if there is this giant tapestry that God is weaving, and my life is a part of it.  I sometimes get caught up with the temporal things and the stuff that is happening, but God reminds me, "Hey, nothing is taking Me by surprise.  I'm weaving all of these things into this great pattern.  Your mistakes, the stuff that happens to you, it is all going to turn out alright!"

Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?  The thing you are embroiled in right now did not take God by surprise.  He did not look at your situation and say, "Oh no!  I didn't figure on that!  Gabriel, do you have any suggestions?  What are we going to do?"

I know that sometimes in my microscopic view of things I have said, "Lord, such and such has got to happen."  And God has replied, "Well, you don't have the big picture."  Then, as time went on, God pulled the camera back, and I got the wide view, and I realized God was up to something very cool-totally apart from what I thought "had to happen."

Whatever your situation, you can rest assured that God has plans to work things out.  God is working all things after the counsel of His own will.  So relax!  Even if your present circumstances have totally taken you by surprise, God saw it coming and made provision far ahead of time.
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Read: John 1:43-51

You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel. - John 1:49

TODAY IN THE WORD
American television shows are frequently exported to other countries with subtitled dialogue. Some hospital-based comedies have encountered difficulty; American medical jargon doesn't always have an equivalent, which makes the subtitles confusing and therefore not funny.
We might have a similar reaction to our passage. We miss some of the puns present in the original language, and the context is foreign to us. When we dig into this story, however, we see how Jesus used humor and gentle sarcasm to reveal the truth to Nathanael.

When Nathanael first heard the news about Jesus, he was unimpressed, based on Jesus' town of origin: "Can anything good come from there?" (v. 46). Jesus knew Nathanael's dismissive prejudice and accompanying self-importance. His first statement to Nathanael contains several layers of humor. First, He illustrated that not only was Nathanael eager to criticize others, he was also equally ready to accept credit for himself. Jesus seemingly gave Nathanael a compliment, and Nathanael responded, "How do you know me?" (v. 48)-in other words, Yep, that's me, an upstanding Israelite!

The compliment itself contains a subtle sarcasm that doesn't translate in English. It's a play on the name of Jacob, or Israel. Jacob means, "deceiver," and Jesus was saying in effect: "Here comes the first honest son of Deceit!" Jesus revealed the reality of Nathanael's own origin and misplaced self-importance.

Next, Jesus informed Nathanael that He saw him under the fig tree, often associated with a place where Jews would sit to study and reflect on Scripture. Nathanael, who just moments before had dismissed anyone from Nazareth, now enthusiastically declared, "You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel" (v. 49). Jesus' words and tone convey the sense of, "Is that all it took to convince you-that I saw you under a tree? It's going to get a lot more impressive than that!" Now Jesus revealed the truth about His own divine power and important mission ahead (v. 51).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Before his encounter with Jesus, Nathanael had a rigid view of who was good and who was not. Part of the grace Jesus extended to him was seeing who was truly good-Jesus, the Son of God. Do you suffer from the same problem as Nathanael? Do you write off people because they're from the wrong side of the tracks, wrong denomination, or wrong age group? Do you eagerly take credit for your own piety? Ask the Lord to adjust your perspective so that your focus is on His goodness and grace.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 09, 2010

Don't Forget

READ: Deut. 8:1-2,10-18
Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments. -Deuteronomy 8:11

One of my favorite Far Side cartoons is captioned "Superman in his later years." It shows the elderly Man of Steel perched on a window ledge, ready to leap, as he looks back and says, "Now where was I going?"

Forgetfulness happens to us all, and while our occasional lapses may be amusing or annoying, a lack of memory toward God can be disastrous.

With the people of Israel poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses challenged them to "remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness" (Deut. 8:2) and to "beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments" (v.11).

Forgetting God can spring from: Testing (vv.2-4). God allowed His people to hunger and then provided manna. When we lack the necessities of life, it's easy to feel that God has somehow forgotten us. Satisfaction (vv.10-11). Abundance or need may produce spiritual amnesia because both cause us to focus on ourselves, not on God who provides. Pride (vv.12-16). If prosperity brings a feeling of self-accomplishment, then we have forgotten God.

Humility, obedience, and praise help us remember God's faithful provision and care. Let's not forget to thank Him today for all He's done.  - David C. McCasland

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony,
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary. -Hussey

Never let the abundance of God's gifts cause you to forget the Giver.
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Exceedingly Great and Precious Promises

2 Peter 1:2-4 says,

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

I want to draw your attention to verse 4 where the Scripture states that through the promises we partake of God's nature.

The promise is the connector, it is the pipeline through which God's nature flows to us.

"What is God's nature?" you might ask.  It is the answer to everything you need!  His nature is life, it is health, it is peace, it is wisdom, it is abundance.  There is an answer in God's nature for every one of mankind's needs.

That is why the promises are called "exceedingly great and precious."  Without a promise, there is no pipeline.  Without a promise, we cannot partake.

But when you take a promise-an exceedingly great and precious promise-and act upon it in faith, God's nature is released into your situation.

Thank God for His promises! 
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Read: Philemon 1-25

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1

TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever heard anyone start off a complaint: "I'm not going to complain, but . . ."? Or deliver a piece of news about someone by saying, "I'm not naming names, but . . ."? In our passage, Paul deploys a similar rhetorical technique in his comments to Philemon. Paul used this gentle sarcasm in order to restore a fractured relationship and highlight that spiritual obligations trump legal ones.
Philemon had a slave named Onesimus who had run away (vv. 1-2, 15-16). Onesimus had encountered Paul and embraced the gospel. Paul was now sending him back to fulfill his obligation to Philemon, and Paul wrote this letter to help explain the situation to Philemon and also to smooth possible tensions.

While Paul believed that Onesimus had a responsibility to return, he also subtly undermined the master-slave dynamic. First, he noted his wish that Onesimus could stay with him, for he had been helpful and Paul loved him (vv. 11-13). Paul hinted that perhaps as a favor to him, Philemon would release Onesimus to return to Paul, freed from his slave obligations (v. 14). Second, Paul acknowledged the legal reality of master-slave relationships but noted that Onesimus had become "better than a slave-as a dear brother" (v. 16). He appealed to Philemon's own status in Christ to position Onesimus as a "brother in the Lord." The spiritual relationship was more important than the legal one.

Third, Paul knew that financial restitution might be in order, and he asked Philemon to send any bill to him. In case Philemon was tempted to be too angry or harsh in reclaiming his debt, Paul gently reminded Philemon of his own spiritual debt to Paul. He said in effect, "I won't even mention the fact that you owe me your entire life!" (v. 19). Note the number of requests that Paul made of Philemon in verses 20 through 22. Philemon might have had a legal claim over Onesimus, but Paul had a spiritual claim over him in the Lord-a much stronger basis for his decision about treating his slave and new brother in Christ.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you identify with Onesimus, struggling with a difficult boss or shirking a responsibility. As a follower of Jesus, your responsibility is to render honest service and make restitution as necessary. Perhaps you identify with Philemon, demanding your rights and repayment without regard for the spiritual reality and relationships. As a believer, our spiritual obligations trump our legal privileges. Our Savior has provided us with the ultimate generosity, grace, and forgiveness; and His Spirit empowers us to offer that to others.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 10, 2010

Reminders

READ: 2 Peter 1:5-15
I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things. -2 Peter 1:12

Jill Price has an extraordinary memory that has stunned scientists. In 2006, her overdeveloped memory was described in a scientific journal article, "A Case of Unusual Autobiographical Remembering." Price has no special aptitude for memorizing lists of words, numbers, facts, or languages. But she does remember what happened to her on any given day over the last 30 years. Name any date and Price will tell you what day of the week it was, the weather, what she had for breakfast, the TV programs she watched, and the people she spoke with.

Few of us have a memory like that. That's why we need reminders to complete simple tasks and keep our appointments. This is especially true when it comes to spiritual truth. The apostle Peter showed he understood the need of spiritual reminders when he wrote: "I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things . . . . Yes, I think it is right . . . to stir you up by reminding you . . . . Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things" (2 Peter 1:12-15).

No matter what kind of memory we have, we need to be reminded of biblical principles. Daily Bible reading, small group studies, and involvement in a local church can all help us to remember God's vital truths.  - Dennis Fisher

Remembering the Word of God
Does not come naturally;
We need reminders to fulfill
What God wants us to be. -Sper

Let God's Word fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your steps.
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Richer Blessings

Jeremiah 23:3-4 says,

"But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.  I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking," says the LORD.

As we discovered in one of our earlier devotionals, God gives richer blessings to these who remain faithful (the remnant).  A good question to ask is, "What are the blessings for those who remain faithful?"

Jeremiah gives us a good clue,

They will have no fear.
They will lack for nothing.
They will be fruitful. 
They will increase.
Are you interested in increasing?  In fruitfulness?  In not being afraid?  God says those are things that happen to the remnant.  These are the rich blessings you will receive if you stay faithful, committed, and obedient.

I once read a story about an old member of the Brooklyn Dodgers, a pitcher named Harry Hartman.  In 1918, he was called up from the minors to pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  It was his dream come true!  On his first pitch, the batter hit a single.  No big deal.

The next batter hit a triple.  Harry walked the next guy on four consecutive pitches.  The next batter hit a single.  Harry Hartman walked off the mound, went into the locker room, showered, put on his street clothes, went to a local naval recruiting office, and enlisted.  The next day he was in uniform and was never seen again in professional baseball.  He got discouraged and quit.

No matter what, do not give up!  Remain faithful, because God promises great blessings to those who stay the course.
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Read: Job 38:1-21; 42:1-3

Who are you, O man, to talk back to God? - Romans 9:20

TODAY IN THE WORD
As a young teenager, Ashley believed she was fat, ugly, and worthless, and she developed anorexia. She recorded in her journal, "Has God given up on me? . . . Why did God make me like this?" At a Christian camp, a counselor told Ashley how to view herself as wonderfully made by God, and she embraced Christ and began to submit her eating to the Lord. Instead of questioning God, she now praises Him for His work in her life.
We all have moments when our hearts cry out, "Why, God? What are You doing?" Jesus himself cried on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46; cf. Ps. 22:1). The book of Job provides one of God's longest answers to this plea.

Our passage follows Job's suffering and the vastly unhelpful speeches of his friends. In chapter 9, Job acknowledged the challenge of bringing his complaint before God: "Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing. He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason" (9:16-17; see Job 9:1-10:22).

God did respond, and in Job 38 through 41, He referred back to Job's earlier laments (see 9:9; 38:31), demonstrating that He had heard Job's cries. Ultimately, though, God answered Job by saying, "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?" (38:4). Or, When you create your own world, get back to me with your questions! In comparison to the eternal Creator of the world, Job didn't have much life experience, as God sarcastically noted: "Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!" (38:21).

What do we make of this response to Job's pain? First, God didn't give Job an explanation, but He did provide a context for prayer: God is God, and we are not. But though He is the all-powerful Creator, He also has compassion. Unlike Job's assumption, God did not crush him or multiply his wounds. Rather, He restored his wealth and relationships. Even in the darkest trial, He is still full of compassion (see Lam. 3:22).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We cannot command God to stoop to our demands and give an account of Himself. But we can bring our pain and problems before Him in submission to His perfect plan. God doesn't promise us answers, but He does promise His unending love, compassion, faithfulness, and salvation. To remind yourself of our great and good God, sing the beautiful hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" as part of your devotional time. Even in our darkest sorrow, "morning by morning, new mercies" we see from His loving hand.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 11, 2010

God's Mercies

READ: Genesis 32:3-13
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies. -Genesis 32:10

Less than the least of all God's mercies." This was the motto 17th-century English poet and clergyman George Herbert engraved on his signet ring, and it was the phrase with which he signed his letters and books. Jacob had spoken these words when he pondered God's goodness despite his own sin and shame: "I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant" (Gen. 32:10).

The word "mercies" is from the Hebrew word chesed, meaning "God's enduring love." I think it is significant that it rose from the heart of one who saw himself as utterly unworthy.

Relying solely on God's faithful love, Jacob cries out: "Deliver me!" What an odd combination of thoughts: "I am not worthy . . . . Deliver me" (vv.10-11). Unlike some who seem to have it all together, Jacob knew that everything he brought to God had been ruined by sin. He thought of himself as a man undeserving of God's grace. But his hope lay not in his worth but in the promise of God to look with favor on those who throw themselves on His mercy. Humility and contrition are the keys that open the heart of God.

As He did with Jacob, God hears us when we humbly cry out to Him for mercy.  - David H. Roper

For mercies so great, what return can I make?
For mercies so constant and sure?
I'll love Him, I'll serve Him with all that I have
As long as my life shall endure. -Chisholm

Mercy is an unearned blessing bestowed by God on an unworthy recipient.
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Liberty!

Look at Isaiah 30:21,

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.

The idea this verse is conveying is that if you get off-course with God, He is going to let you know you are making a wrong decision or a wrong turn.

The Living Bible puts it this way,  And if you leave God's paths and go astray, you will hear a voice behind you say, "Not this way.  Walk here."

What I have come to realize is that you and I have far greater liberty within the parameters of God's will than I previously thought.

It is important that you stay open and keep things laid out before God.  But I have discovered, as I said, that we have far greater liberty than I previously thought.  Let me give you an example.

Not long ago, my wife and I were very seriously considering selling our house and moving.  Real estate had gone up so much that the equity in our house had more than doubled since we bought it.  So we got to thinking that it might be a good time for us to move.

I did not have a word from God about moving.  But I just know God well enough to know that I could make a decision like that.  If I was getting into an area where we were going to make a mistake, God would let me know!

Some people get so uptight about everything.  But as long as you stay open to God, you can make those kinds of decisions, because He will be there to direct you if indeed you are making a mistake.

That is true liberty! 
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Read: Numbers 22:1-35

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. - 1 Corinthians 1:27

TODAY IN THE WORD
The popular 1960s television show, Mister Ed, featured a horse who could talk. But Mister Ed would only talk to his owner, often putting the long-suffering Wilbur in embarrassing situations. A talking animal in Scripture also embarrassed her owner. The story of Balaam and his donkey will begin several days of looking at comic characters in the Bible.
The Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, and their numbers threatened the Moabites. Their king sent emissaries to Balaam to ask him to cast an evil spell on Israel. Balaam was a spiritual hired gun-willing to bless or curse for a fee. And Balak was offering quite a hefty payment! (v. 17).

Balaam had access to hear a word from God, but he was unwilling to obey what he had heard. His repeated attempts to "find out what else the Lord" would say-after God had clearly told him not to go with Balak's men-angered God (vv. 19, 22). Balaam knew that his power was constrained by God, but he really wanted to find out a way to get the wealth offered by the Moabite king (see 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11).

Balaam wouldn't listen to God, so the Lord put him in the position of listening to a donkey. First, his donkey charged off into a field, then she crushed him against a wall, and finally she just lay down in the middle of the path. Balaam, the powerful sorcerer, was being completely humiliated by this animal (v. 29)! And then, the donkey opened her mouth and spoke to Balaam; her words of truth challenged his actions and attitude. In case he had any doubt about who was actually in the right, he or his donkey, the angel of the Lord made it perfectly clear (v. 33).

Balaam thought he was wise; his donkey proved him a fool. He wanted great wealth; he received the wages of sin (see Josh. 13:22). He was willing to curse Israel; God turned his words into blessing (see Numbers 23-24).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Each of us has access to hear the word of the Lord today, through reading and studying Scripture. For us, like Balaam, the question is whether we will obey what we have heard. What distractions or temptations challenge your obedience? For Balaam it was a love of money; for us it might be a desire for an inappropriate relationship, a selfish use of our time, or reluctance to give up a habit. Rather than acting like spiritual fools, let's resolve to obey the word the Lord has given.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 12, 2010

United Goal

READ: 1 Cor. 1:10-17
I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you. -1 Corinthians 1:10

The spotted owl has been disappearing in the US. Originally it was believed that old growth logging was its greatest threat. But research shows that one of the owl's relatives may be the problem. For the past 15 years, the barred owl has been rapidly migrating westward. Barred owls, which used to live exclusively east of the Mississippi, compete for the same food as spotted owls but are more aggressive and adaptable.

In a similar way, our greatest spiritual conflict often comes not from outside the church, but from other Christians. This was happening in the church of Corinth, and Paul took some time to address the divisive spirit that had grown in this congregation. This spirit threatened the unity of the church. Paul, with a pastoral nudge, encouraged the Corinthians to agree on the essentials and not be divided over the nonessentials. People were quarreling because they were aligning themselves with different Christian leaders-Paul, Apollos, Peter, and even Christ. In creating these divisions, they were valuing their favorite leader above unity in Christ.

Paul said the one essential that should unify the church is preaching the good news. That should be our united goal as well.  - Marvin Williams

Lord, bless our congregation,
We humbly ask of Thee,
That we may walk together
In perfect unity. -Fennema

A united church is a strong church.
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Amazed

1 Corinthians 8:2 is a short verse, but one that has come to have real meaning in my life,

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

Here is what this verse has come to mean to me:  The more I realize of God, the more I realize how little I know of God.

It is almost as if God is represented by this enormous mountain, and it is shrouded in fog.  As the fog retreats, I can see how vast this mountain is and how little I have really seen, how little I have explored, how little I have experienced.  I am in awe as I look at this enormous mountain.

I once thought, "I'm really mature in God.  I've learned so much.  Look at these gems I've dug out!  And I've experienced this, and I've climbed here, and I've looked from the heights."  Then the fog began to roll away, and I realized I hadn't even gotten out of the foothills yet.

God just really amazes me.

Think about God.  He merely spoke and created the universe.  I read an article not too long ago where scientists now think that perhaps there is not just a "universe" but there is really a "multiverse," or multiple universes.

Whether it is one that spans millions of light years, or multiple universes spanning even greater distances, God made it all just by saying something.

And that is what I mean.  The more I learn of God, the more I am amazed at just how little I really know of Him.  I hope you too will be amazed, and let that wonder and amazement bring you into the worship of our great and awesome God!
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Read: Judges 3:12-30

You, O Lord, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations. - Psalm 59:8

TODAY IN THE WORD
Alfred North Whitehead declared that the Old Testament didn't contain anything funny: "The total absence of humour from the Bible is one of the most singular things in all of literature." Given our story today, one doubts that Whitehead read much of the book of Judges!
Our passage opens with Israel again doing evil and the Lord delivering them into the hands of Eglon, the king of Moab. After eighteen years, God provided a deliverer, Ehud from the tribe of Benjamin (see 20:16). God wasn't satisfied with just a boring, ho-hum mode of deliverance. Instead, He used Ehud for one of the funniest overthrows of an oppressor recorded in Scripture.

The plot to assassinate Eglon included Ehud leading a group to bring tribute to the king. Presumably the Moabite guards checked the Israelites for weapons, but since Ehud had strapped his sword to the right thigh instead of the customary left, it went undetected. After the presentation of tribute, Ehud offered a secret message to Eglon. The Hebrew word for "message" here, dvar, can refer either to a word or a thing. Ehud had a secret dvar from God for Eglon, all right-only it was message by sword (cf. Heb. 4:12).

The story contains details that demonstrate God's mockery of Eglon and his power. His name means "young bull," but instead, he became like a fatted calf slaughtered to deliver Israel. His immense girth became instrumental in his demise (v. 22).

As attendants waited, the stench of Eglon's eviscerated intestines wafted out. Assuming that the king must be relieving himself, his servants stayed outside the door to give him privacy. Not only was it embarrassing that the king was engaged in his toilet . . . but it was taking a really long time (v. 25). Not content to simply remove King Eglon from the scene, God allowed him to suffer humiliation even in the eyes of his own attendants. While Eglon lay dead, Ehud escaped and rallied the Israelite troops. God had defeated Eglon, and now it was their turn to flush the Moabite troops from stronghold into subjection (vv. 28-30).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God is not impressed by the power of petty dictators, the clout of criminals, or the strongholds of Satan. He will have the final victory and exercise judgment-sometimes with a hilarious dose of humiliation-over all of them. Do we cower when we should rally? Do we give evil more credit than it deserves? The story of Eglon should remind us that our Father is in control, and He laughs at evildoers. No matter what we are going through, God can provide deliverance.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 13, 2010

A Safe Pair Of Hands

READ: Psalm 138
Your right hand will save me. -Psalm 138:7

Edwin van der Sar, goalkeeper for the Manchester United soccer team, had a "safe" pair of hands. He kept the ball from entering his team's goal for 1,302 minutes, a world record in one season! That means that for almost 15 games of 90 minutes each, no one was able to score even one goal against his team while he was guarding the goalposts. But one goal by an opposing team in March 2009 ended his record.

The psalmist David found comfort in the safest pair of hands-God's hands. He wrote of God's protection in Psalm 138, "You will stretch out Your hand . . . and Your right hand will save me" (v.7). Like David, we can look to God's safe hands to keep us from spiritual danger and defeat.

Another assurance from God's Word for followers of Christ is Jude 1:24-25: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." That doesn't mean we'll never stumble. But it does mean we won't stumble so badly that God cannot pick us up.

God's safe pair of hands can never fail-ever!  - C. P. Hia

From Him, who loves me now so well,
What power my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, or earth or hell?
No-I am His forever. -Small

No place is more secure than to be in God's hands.
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God's Priority

In Matthew 28:18-20, we have the top priority on God's list,

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Amen.

Just imagine after the Resurrection that an angel comes up to Jesus and says, "Jesus, this is wonderful!  You have paid the price for mankind's sin.  What are You going to do to let the whole world know that they can be saved and they won't have to perish and spend an eternity without God?  What is Your plan?  How are You going to do it?"

And Jesus replies by saying, "Well, My few disciples are going to tell people, who in turn will tell other people, who are going to tell other people, who are going to tell other people."

Puzzled, the angel then asks, "Well, do You have a backup plan?"  And Jesus says, "No."  Still confused, the angel asks, "Well, no offense, Lord, but what if they fail?"  Jesus replies by saying, "I have confidence in them."

My friend, there is no Plan B.  God has no backup plan.  You and I are it!  We are Plan A!  The problem is, too many Christians today do not have God's priority as their priority.

Over the next few devotionals, I am going to share with you what I call the five "P"s of evangelism.  I pray they will encourage you to actively share the Good News of our risen Savior! 
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Read: Exodus 3:9-4:17

I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I am has sent me to you. - Exodus 3:14

TODAY IN THE WORD
The phrase, It's not you-it's me, has been used to end countless relationships. Today we'll see God repeat, It's not about you-it's about Me, to start a relationship with Moses.
As the story begins, we know three facts: Moses identified with his people (see 2:11); he knew about God (3:6); and God shared his concern about Egyptian oppression of the Israelites (3:7). Here God dramatically and miraculously revealed Himself to Moses. God had a mission: rescue the people of Israel. He had an end: lead them to a wonderful land. He had a means: Moses.

This should have been exactly what Moses wanted! But he was less than enthusiastic. And thus began a dialogue between Moses and God: "Who am I?" (v. 11). God replied, "I will be with you"; in other words, It's not about you, Moses. It's about Me. Moses asked, "What if they ask me for your name?" God replied, "I am has sent you"; It's not about you, Moses. It's about Me. God connected His name with His promises and His very character, and He even added signs to provide additional assurance (vv. 14-22).

It's like the Lord Almighty leading a pep rally for the greatest deliverance in history-and the star player still refuses to take the field. Moses protested, "What if they don't believe me?" God gave him three signs to verify the mission and messenger. Undeterred, Moses complained, "I can't speak!" God reminded him, "I made your mouth, and I will help you"; It's not about you, Moses! It's about Me! Surely Moses had run out of excuses! And he had. He finally got to the truth: "Please send someone else." Moses had the opportunity to be the spokesman for Creator God, to overthrow the yoke of the most powerful ruler in the world, to lead his people to a beautiful land. And he didn't want it.

God had patiently met each objection, but finally He was angry. If Moses was unwilling to let God be enough, then he could deal with his brother.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Bible teacher Beth Moore has said, "God is going to do things His way, or He'll do things His way! The question is how much time we want to waste kicking and screaming in between." It's not about our objections or our limitations. It's all about God. It's His call, His provision, His goal, His assurance, His promises, and His character. How foolish to resist an offer to participate in any mission with such a God. If He is for us, who can be against us?

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 14, 2010

Unique Privileges

READ: Romans 8:12-17
Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself. -Ephesians 1:5

In Forever Young: My Friendship with John F. Kennedy, Jr., Billy Noonan recalls the life experiences he shared with the son of President John Kennedy.

In 1980, as one of the stories goes, John Jr. and Billy were invited aboard the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. On a guided tour of the ship, the two young men and their guide inadvertently entered a restricted area. When an officer stopped them, the guide pointed to John and said, "This is his father's ship." Snapping to attention, the officer saluted John. He explained his understanding that when a US Navy ship is named for someone, it is considered that person's ship. Thus, as the son of the man for whom the ship was named, John Jr. had unique privileges.

This illustrates a vital spiritual principle. As adopted children in God's family, we who have been saved possess the position of sonship. Paul wrote that as believers we are "predestined . . . to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself" (Eph. 1:5). By virtue of this sonship, we have the unique privileges that belong to the children of the King of kings.

In life's challenging voyage, we can take courage that our "Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15) owns the ship and shares all with us. Praise God, we are joint-heirs with Christ!  - Dennis Fisher

The wealth of God is ours to share
Through Jesus Christ the Lord,
Joint-heirs with Him we claim it, then,
According to His Word. -Sherbert

A Christian's inheritance is guaranteed forever!
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An Encouraging Word

A while back I ran into a woman who I hadn't seen in quite some time.  Being my friendly self I said, "Hi!"

The moment I said that she replied, "Oh, Bayless!" and proceeded to open her purse and pull out a letter I had written to encourage her three years earlier.  She said, "I take this with me everywhere I go."

I wanted to cry!  I mean, I was touched.  But then I thought, "Is there no one else who comforts you?  Is there no one else who speaks encouraging words into your life?"  And I wonder the same about you. 

Are you needing some encouragement today?  I don't know what you may be faced with, but I personally find comfort and encouragement in the following passage.  It is 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11,

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.  Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Think about this for a moment.  As you look into eternity, which is what ultimately matters, you and I are not appointed to wrath!  That is good news!  That is great news!  That is encouraging news!  And that is great comfort!

God is storing up wrath against the ungodly.  But, just like in ancient Egypt when the death angel passed over every home where the blood of the Lamb was, I thank God the wrath of God passes over us!

It is being stored up, but not for me or for you.  As believers in Jesus Christ, we have escaped the wrath of God.

Thank you, Jesus! 
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Read: Exodus 32:1-35

I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf. - Exodus 32:24

TODAY IN THE WORD
When called to come for dinner, three-year-old Cole immediately declared, "I can't! I don't have a mouth!" Four-year-old Drew was told to pick up his toys. Without missing a beat he noted: "But the dinosaur in the toy box will eat me!" When preschoolers tell a big whopper of a lie, it can be a humorous attempt to avoid mealtime or chores. They need to be taught that such extravagant excuses don't exempt them from the consequences of disobedience.
In our passage today, Aaron-a grown man!-delivers an even bigger lie. This story, while containing some of the funniest moments in Scripture, also reveals the deadly consequences of defying divine instructions.

While Moses was on the mountain meeting with the Lord, the Israelites grew tired of waiting. They asked Aaron to make some gods to lead them, since "as for this fellow Moses . . . we don't know what has happened to him" (v. 1). There's no record that Aaron made the slightest protest at this demand. Instead, he gathered their gold and shaped it into a calf; Scripture notes the care and intentional craftsmanship of Aaron (v. 4). Then he declared that this idol had delivered Israel from Egypt, he built an altar, and he initiated a festival of worship and celebration of the golden calf!

When Moses returned to the camp, he angrily confronted his brother: "What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?" (v. 21). Aaron recounted what happened, and all the details were correct . . . until he announced that he threw the gold into the fire and-vóila! Out came this calf! God had already told Moses what had happened, but Aaron still didn't admit his full complicity in the idolatry (v. .

Note God's reaction to this sin. He angrily called them "your people" and offered to destroy them and start over to make a great nation from Moses (v. 10). But Moses had learned the lesson from the burning bush: he knew it was really all about God. The people were a laughingstock (v. 25)-but they were God's people. His character and reputation and promises were at stake.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
None of us enjoy being confronted about our sin. Aaron illustrates the wrong way to respond; excuses or outright lies make us look absurd. Besides, God knows the truth anyway. Instead, when brought face to face with our sin, we should follow the example of David (see 2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51). Acknowledge the truth about our transgression, repent before God, and seek a restored relationship. God doesn't promise to spare us from consequences, but He does promise forgiveness. He will not violate His own character.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 15, 2010

Last Line Of Defense

READ: Romans 8:31-39
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. -Romans 8:37

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was the site of a battle that turned the tide of America's Civil War. One of the focal points of the conflict was a rocky knoll called Little Round Top where Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the men of the 20th Maine Infantry stood their ground. Had the Confederate troops gotten past Chamberlain's men, some historians believe the Union army would have been surrounded-possibly leading to the loss of the war. The "20th Maine" was the last line of defense.

Followers of Christ are also engaged in a vital war. As we battle "the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:11), we are called to wear the armor of God and to stand firm in the conflict (vv.10-18).

And like the Gettysburg soldiers, we have a "last line of defense." For us, though, this defense is greater than any human force. In Romans 8:31-39, Paul says that our ultimate confidence is in the undying love of Christ. So complete is our protection that nothing can "separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (v.39).

When the enemy seems overwhelming and all seems lost, remember, we have an unbeatable last line of defense: "We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (v.37).  - Bill Crowder

We are more than conquerors
Through Him who loved us so;
The Christ who dwells within us
Is the greatest power we know. -Carmichael

God's plan always leads to victory.
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Forever With Him

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 gives us powerful prophetic words,

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Jesus Christ will return, and the church will be caught away!  We will meet the Lord in the clouds and in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we will be changed.  From that moment on, we will always be with the Lord.

Maybe you are going through a rough patch right now.  If so, let me remind you that this earthly life is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.  But we have eternity in store.  Thank God we will ever be with the Lord!

If He tarries and we die before He returns, we get to go to heaven.  But I have a feeling, with the way things are shaping up, that we will be the generation that sees His return.

Have you noticed how the eyes of the world are on the Middle East?  This is all end times stuff.  Also, one of the things that Jesus said would be a precursor to the end is that the Gospel of the Kingdom would be preached to every nation, literally, to every language group.

And you know what?  That will be completed in our generation.

So keep your eyes fixed on His return, and that day you will meet Him in the air and be with Him forever! 
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Read: Judges 6:11-40

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty. - Zechariah 4:6

TODAY IN THE WORD
In November 2006, a 9-year-old girl in Las Vegas ran out into a busy boulevard and was hit by a Cadillac. A group of homeless men were sitting and drinking across the street when one of them, a one-eyed alcoholic named Stanford, saw the little girl trapped under the car. The men ran over and miraculously lifted the 5,000-pound car, saving the girl's life. Even the police spokesman called the rescue "incredible."
From what we know about Gideon, his selection to be the deliverer of Israel was equally incredible. In his first appearance in Scripture, he was hiding in a winepress to keep his wheat a secret from the Midianites. The angel of the Lord appeared and addressed him as a "mighty warrior"-hardly the address we would expect given Gideon's location and actions (v. 12).

Gideon's response didn't sound very mighty. Essentially he asked, "Where is God?" Given the situation of God's people, there didn't seem to be much evidence of God's presence. The Lord responded to both issues implied in the question. First, He was selecting Gideon to deliver the people. Second, as to His whereabouts, He was right there, present with Gideon (v. 14). But Gideon was locked into his defeated viewpoint. He didn't even recognize the Lord, complaining, "I can't do it! My clan is weak! I'm weak!" Notice that this wasn't untrue from a human perspective. But God was offering Gideon a divine perspective.

Gideon did finally recognize, worship, and obey God-but he was still plagued by fear (vv. 22, 24, 27). When the men of the town threatened him for destroying their idolatrous altars, Gideon's father defended him-and included a subtle mockery of Baal (v. 31). Gideon had obeyed, however tentatively, and God's Spirit came upon him to empower him for his calling (v. 34). The Lord remained patient with Gideon as he requested yet additional confirmation that God's promised deliverance would come. Whether Gideon believed it himself, God would use him to be a mighty warrior in a legendary defeat of Midian.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What do you believe as truth about yourself? Do you think too highly of yourself, falling into the trap of the Pharisees? Or do you think you're too weak, too young or old, or too limited in some way to be effective? God determines the truth about us. Begin with the truth about your creation in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). Then remember your identity in Christ as a redeemed, loved child of God (Rom. 1:7). And finally, remember that the Holy Spirit fills and equips us for what He has called us to do (Eph. 2:10).

GOD BLESS!