Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

March 18, 2011

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
Will I Bring Myself Up to This Level?
. . . perfecting holiness in the fear of God -2 Corinthians 7:1


Therefore, having these promises. . . ." I claim God's promises for my life and look to their fulfillment, and rightly so, but that shows only the human perspective on them. God's perspective is that through His promises I will come to recognize His claim of ownership on me. For example, do I realize that my "body is the temple of the Holy Spirit," or am I condoning some habit in my body which clearly could not withstand the light of God on it? (1 Corinthians 6:19). God formed His Son in me through sanctification, setting me apart from sin and making me holy in His sight (see Galatians 4:19). But I must begin to transform my natural life into spiritual life by obedience to Him. God instructs us even in the smallest details of life. And when He brings you conviction of sin, do not "confer with flesh and blood," but cleanse yourself from it at once (Galatians 1:16). Keep yourself cleansed in your daily walk.

I must cleanse myself from all filthiness in my flesh and my spirit until both are in harmony with the nature of God. Is the mind of my spirit in perfect agreement with the life of the Son of God in me, or am I mentally rebellious and defiant? Am I allowing the mind of Christ to be formed in me? (see Philippians 2:5). Christ never spoke of His right to Himself, but always maintained an inner vigilance to submit His spirit continually to His Father. I also have the responsibility to keep my spirit in agreement with His Spirit. And when I do, Jesus gradually lifts me up to the level where He lived-a level of perfect submission to His Father's will- where I pay no attention to anything else. Am I perfecting this kind of holiness in the fear of God? Is God having His way with me, and are people beginning to see God in my life more and more?

Be serious in your commitment to God and gladly leave everything else alone. Literally put God first in your life.
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The Power of Proclamation

In our last few devotionals, we have seen we are to pray for the unsaved and live lives that shine the gospel.

But there does come a time to speak up.  Look at Romans 10:13-14,

For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."  How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?

When the time does come to speak up, a lot of Christians are like arctic rivers:  frozen at the mouth.  But someone must tell the story!

Pray for the unsaved, let your light shine, and when the time comes, tell them the gospel story.  Paul said in Romans 1:16, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.

Through just a simple proclamation of the message, many people, when they hear it, will believe and be saved.  The reason for that is found in Romans 10:17,

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

A proclamation of the message causes faith to arise in people's hearts.  Just simply tell them the gospel story:  Mankind was separated from God,  Jesus paid the price for their sins,  He was raised from the dead, and if you put your trust in Him, you can be saved.

As well as opening your mouth to share the Good News, you might consider writing letters to your friends to simply and clearly share the gospel.  Incorporate your own story if you feel it would be helpful.

It is easy to share the gospel if you just remember three things:  our rebellion, our ransom, and our response.  With those three things, you can share the gospel with anyone.
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Read: Nehemiah 3
The whole body . . . grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. - Ephesians 4:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Terrell Owens, a wide receiver in the National Football League, has amassed impressive Hall of Fame statistics. He's recognized as one of the most talented players at that position. But as the 2010 season was about to begin, Owens still hadn't been signed to a team. He was healthy and ready to play, and the problem wasn't his football skills-it was his reputation as a divisive showboat who cared only about his own accomplishments and not the fortunes of the team. Although he has amazing athletic ability, few teams feel like he will focus on helping them achieve their shared goals.
Some Christians seem to think that being a spiritual superstar is all that's required for success. They act like their gifts are the most important and assume they can function just fine without any help from God's people. Today's passage provides an illustration that this kind of thinking will lead to frustration, not success. Nehemiah inspired the people to work together to accomplish the daunting task of repairing the gates of Jerusalem.

We might be tempted to think that this chapter is a dry rehearsal of information. But if we look carefully, Scripture gives us interesting clues about how the people of God should function. First, notice that the high priest himself, Eliashib, was part of the work crew for the Sheep Gate (v. 1). The spiritual leader of Israel didn't consider himself too good for manual labor, or above the lowly task of rebuilding the gate.

Others followed his example. Perfume-makers and goldsmiths, Levites and merchants, all pitched in to help (vv. 8, 17, 32). Many of these people were probably not skilled masons or construction workers, but they didn't use that as an excuse to shirk the community effort. The daughters of Shallum even joined in to help repair a section of the wall (v. 12). There's a place for everyone in the work of God.

This list of people and the part of the wall they worked on gives us a rich picture of how individuals contribute to the larger work of God's people. Spiritual teamwork means putting the needs of the community above any desire for personal glory.
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APPLY THE WORD
What project in your spiritual community can you be part of? It might not be glamorous-but then repairing the Sheep Gate probably didn't seem very glamorous either. It might not be a perfect match with your gifts, but then Malkijah the goldsmith probably never thought he would end up repairing the Tower of the Ovens (v. 11). If this is the season of rolling up your sleeves to join with others to accomplish something for God, don't make an excuse like the nobles of verse 5.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 21, 2011

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
Identified or Simply Interested?
I have been crucified with Christ . . . -Galatians 2:20


The inescapable spiritual need each of us has is the need to sign the death certificate of our sin nature. I must take my emotional opinions and intellectual beliefs and be willing to turn them into a moral verdict against the nature of sin; that is, against any claim I have to my right to myself. Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ . . . ." He did not say, "I have made a determination to imitate Jesus Christ," or, "I will really make an effort to follow Him"-but-"I have been identified with Him in His death." Once I reach this moral decision and act on it, all that Christ accomplished for me on the Cross is accomplished in me. My unrestrained commitment of myself to God gives the Holy Spirit the opportunity to grant to me the holiness of Jesus Christ.

". . . it is no longer I who live . . . ." My individuality remains, but my primary motivation for living and the nature that rules me are radically changed. I have the same human body, but the old satanic right to myself has been destroyed.

". . . and the life which I now live in the flesh," not the life which I long to live or even pray that I live, but the life I now live in my mortal flesh-the life which others can see, "I live by faith in the Son of God . . . ." This faith was not Paul's own faith in Jesus Christ, but the faith the Son God had given to him (see Ephesians 2:. It is no longer a faith in faith, but a faith that transcends all imaginable limits-a faith that comes only from the Son of God.
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The Snare of Fear

Proverbs 29:25 tells us,

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.

A snare is a noose used for catching an animal.  Fear will cause you to be snared or trapped, just like an animal.

I have a friend in the church who has a very large nut tree in his yard, which the squirrels regularly raid.  He put this big net over the tree, but it did not seem to deter the squirrels at all.  So he finally got a trap and set it up on the roof right next to the nut tree.  To date, he has caught about 120 squirrels.

When the squirrel is in the trap, it is totally at his mercy.  It can't go anywhere.  He happens to be a fairly merciful gentleman, so he takes them over to a local park and lets them go.

When fear gets a hold of your life, you become like one of those trapped squirrels-you are not going anywhere.  You are at its mercy.  You will not progress spiritually.  It keeps you bound.  The fear of man can keep you from obeying God; it will keep you from pleasing God.  It will keep you from the joy you would experience when you trust God.

In fact, there is a contrast in our verse today.  The man or woman who is bound by the fear of man, will not be trusting God in some area of his life.  Look at the two parts of the verse together:  The fear of man brings a snare, but... in contrast ...whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Do not allow the fear of man to control your life.  Instead, trust in the Lord. 
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Read: Nehemiah 6:1-14
But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." - Nehemiah 6:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Robert Sternberg was a mediocre student in his Introduction to Psychology class-in fact, he earned a C in the course. His professor wrote on his paper, "There was a famous Sternberg in psychology and it is obvious there will not be another." But three years later, Sternberg graduated summa cum laude from Stanford University with exceptional distinction in psychology. In 2002, proving his professor's prophecy wrong, he became the president of the American Psychological Association.
In our reading, we see more of the opposition against the work of Nehemiah, and the attacks included schemes, lies, and false prophecies. Nehemiah had to choose whether he would believe the word of his enemies or remain steadfast in God's call.

First, Sanballat and his cronies conspired to trap Nehemiah outside Jerusalem (v. 2). The text hints that this was proposed as a sort of negotiation, a scheme intended to lure Nehemiah by the promise of a truce or peace settlement. Nehemiah saw the trap for what it was and refused to leave his work (vv. 3-4).

Next, Sanballat issued a threat: he was circulating a story that Nehemiah had declared himself king of Judah in defiance of the Persian authorities. Sanballat would communicate this information to the Persians if Nehemiah refused to meet with him (vv. 5-7). Again, Nehemiah resisted the bait, recognizing that Sanballat's plot was intended to frighten him and the people away from completing the work on the wall of Jerusalem. Instead of being manipulated by Sanballat, Nehemiah responded with prayer: "Now strengthen my hands" (v. 9).

Finally, Sanballat and Tobiah hired a Jewish man to tempt Nehemiah to go into hiding. Shemaiah alleged that a plot on Nehemiah's life required that he hide in the temple for safety (v. 10). Nehemiah had confidence in God's protection and wisdom to recognize deceit; he refused to cower and abandon the work (vv. 11-13). Notice Nehemiah's prayers in 5:19 ("Remember me") and in verse 14 ("Remember Tobiah and Sanballat"). He could trust the Lord to know his heart and judge him and his enemies justly.

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APPLY THE WORD
Nehemiah was determined to believe the call of God, not the false prophecies of failure. When we have committed the truth of God's Word to our hearts and minds, we can reject the claims of Satan that we will never serve God, never be forgiven, or never amount to anything for God. Choose one of these verses to keep you focused on God's love and care for you: Philippians 1:6; Jeremiah 29:11; or Deuteronomy 31:8.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 22, 2011

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
The Burning Heart
Did not our heart burn within us . . . ? -Luke 24:32


We need to learn this secret of the burning heart. Suddenly Jesus appears to us, fires are set ablaze, and we are given wonderful visions; but then we must learn to maintain the secret of the burning heart- a heart that can go through anything. It is the simple, dreary day, with its commonplace duties and people, that smothers the burning heart- unless we have learned the secret of abiding in Jesus.

Much of the distress we experience as Christians comes not as the result of sin, but because we are ignorant of the laws of our own nature. For instance, the only test we should use to determine whether or not to allow a particular emotion to run its course in our lives is to examine what the final outcome of that emotion will be. Think it through to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is something that God would condemn, put a stop to it immediately. But if it is an emotion that has been kindled by the Spirit of God and you don't allow it to have its way in your life, it will cause a reaction on a lower level than God intended. That is the way unrealistic and overly emotional people are made. And the higher the emotion, the deeper the level of corruption, if it is not exercised on its intended level. If the Spirit of God has stirred you, make as many of your decisions as possible irrevocable, and let the consequences be what they will. We cannot stay forever on the "mount of transfiguration," basking in the light of our mountaintop experience (see Mark 9:1-9). But we must obey the light we received there; we must put it into action. When God gives us a vision, we must transact business with Him at that point, no matter what the cost.

We cannot kindle when we will The fire which in the heart resides, The spirit bloweth and is still, In mystery our soul abides; But tasks in hours of insight willed Can be through hours of gloom fulfilled.
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Don't Lose Out

In 1 Samuel 15:18-19, 24-26, Samuel, the prophet, comes to King Saul, and this is what he says,

"Now the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, 'Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.'  Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD?  Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the LORD?"...  Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.  Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD."  But Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel."

Saul disobeyed God and then lied about it, tried to cover it, and tried to shift the blame to the people.  Did you notice that part?  Why?  Because he feared the people.

Because of the fear of man, Samuel said to him, "You have lost your place."  Later on he says, "God has found a man better than you, a man after His own heart."  And He chose David to replace Saul as the king of Israel.

I want you to think about this:  God had promised Saul that his seed would sit on the throne, but it was a conditional promise God gave to him.

Saul lost out because of his disobedience caused by the fear of man, and so did his offspring!  And David, a better man than Saul, ended up on the throne of Israel, through whom our Savior came.

If the fear of man can rob us of our destiny and affect our offspring, just think what faith in God can do!
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Read: Nehemiah 6:15-19
This work had been done with the help of our God. - Nehemiah 6:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Shane was a college student preparing for a lucrative career in law when he knew God was nudging him toward seminary instead. After wrestling with the decision for several weeks, he finally prayed, "Okay, God, I'll go to seminary on one condition: you have to help me learn Greek." Never a strong student in languages, Shane began to study Greek-at which he excelled. He went on to seminary and today is an ordained minister and seminary professor training other pastors-to-be in the Greek New Testament.
Following God's call doesn't mean we get to sit back, put our feet up, and wait to see what happens. Instead, it means we "put our shoulder to the plow" and trust that God will enable our work to bear spiritual results (Luke 9:62). God blessed Shane's studies-but he actually had to study; he didn't wake up one morning proficient in Greek. Nehemiah had to actually build the wall; he didn't simply pray and then open his eyes to see a completed wall surrounding the city.

Our passage reveals the spiritual consequences of our obedience. The announcement of the completed wall almost seems like an afterthought, a simple statement of fact (v. 15; see Ezra 6:15). After threats, opposition, and exhaustion, the wall had been built in 52 days. The text focuses our attention on the most important detail: the significance of the completed wall.

The enemies of Nehemiah had persistently tried to undermine the confidence of God's people, but when the wall was finished, it was their own self-confidence that lay shattered (v. 16). The people they had derided as "feeble" had accomplished a construction feat (see 4:2). There was no denying that they were empowered by a strong and mighty God.

The final verses illustrate the problem of intermarriage that we saw in the book of Ezra. Tobiah, the foe of the Jewish resettlement and rebuilding, had married a Jewish woman (v. 18). This meant a number of the Jewish nobles and officials found themselves under legal or financial obligation to a spiritual enemy. He continued to threaten Nehemiah and to attempt to coerce Jewish leaders to align with him.
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APPLY THE WORD
Our obedience to God doesn't just accomplish His work in our lives. It also testifies to others about His power and His faithfulness. If you've seen a spiritual "wall" completed in your life, share that story with others, and write it down in a spiritual journal so that you can remember the great work of God. Praise God that He specializes in strengthening His people to finish the good works to which He calls them! (see Eph. 2:10).

God bless

[Judy Harder]

March 23, 2011

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
Am I Carnally Minded?
Where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal . . . ? -1 Corinthians 3:3

The natural man, or unbeliever, knows nothing about carnality. The desires of the flesh warring against the Spirit, and the Spirit warring against the flesh, which began at rebirth, are what produce carnality and the awareness of it. But Paul said, "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). In other words, carnality will disappear.

Are you quarrelsome and easily upset over small things? Do you think that no one who is a Christian is ever like that? Paul said they are, and he connected these attitudes with carnality. Is there a truth in the Bible that instantly awakens a spirit of malice or resentment in you? If so, that is proof that you are still carnal. If the process of sanctification is continuing in your life, there will be no trace of that kind of spirit remaining.

If the Spirit of God detects anything in you that is wrong, He doesn't ask you to make it right; He only asks you to accept the light of truth, and then He will make it right. A child of the light will confess sin instantly and stand completely open before God. But a child of the darkness will say, "Oh, I can explain that." When the light shines and the Spirit brings conviction of sin, be a child of the light. Confess your wrongdoing, and God will deal with it. If, however, you try to vindicate yourself, you prove yourself to be a child of the darkness.

What is the proof that carnality has gone? Never deceive yourself; when carnality is gone you will know it-it is the most real thing you can imagine. And God will see to it that you have a number of opportunities to prove to yourself the miracle of His grace. The proof is in a very practical test. You will find yourself saying, "If this had happened before, I would have had the spirit of resentment!" And you will never cease to be the most amazed person on earth at what God has done for you on the inside.
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Not Ashamed

I have a question to ask you today.  Has there ever been a time when you were afraid to confess the name of Jesus?  In John 9:20-23, we have the example of the parents whose son had been born blind but was healed by Jesus.

Look at their response when asked who healed their son,

His parents answered them and said, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know.  He is of age; ask him.  He will speak for himself."  His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.  Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."

How many Christians have held their tongue when they should have been giving praise to the name of Jesus?  Praise for answered prayer, for the miracles He has done, but they were intimidated by unbelievers?

I was coming back from Africa when a Muslim man on the plane put a blanket on the floor, got down on his face and began to pray.  This man was not ashamed at all about kneeling down on the plane in front of everyone.

I thought, "Oh, Jesus!  How many times have Your people kept silent because they were afraid of what someone might think of them?"

Throw off the shackles of fear and timidity, and boldly take your stand for Christ!

Proverbs 28:1 says, The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
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Read: Nehemiah 7
Now the overseer is to be above reproach. - 1 Timothy 3:2

TODAY IN THE WORD
Some elementary school students chafe at learning multiplication tables. Few teenagers enjoy studying for their written driving exam. No one goes to culinary school simply because they want to learn how to peel potatoes or chop onions. But all of this basic information is necessary in order to progress to important material: algebra and geometry, driving a car, or preparing gourmet meals.
Our passage transitions between the account of the rebuilding of the wall and the book's climax in chapters 8 through 10. We might wonder what devotional benefit could possibly be found in reading this list of names-especially since we've already read this list in Ezra 2! But as it sets the scene for the coming events, this chapter also includes helpful reminders for us about the nature of spiritual leadership.

First, notice the criterion that Nehemiah used to select other leaders. He chose Hananiah as commander of the citadel because "he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do" (v. 2). He understood that spiritual qualifications are most important for carrying out God's work (see also 1 Timothy 3).

Next, we see Nehemiah's concern for the restoration and protection of God's people. He gave instructions to appoint gatekeepers and guards (vv. 1, 3). He also addressed population issues confronting Jerusalem: surrounded by hostile people who felt threatened by the return of the Jews, Jerusalem needed to regain population in order to establish God's people in the land again. Otherwise, they would be susceptible to attacks from outside the city and infiltration and intermarriage within the city.

Nehemiah discovered the records of the first families who returned after the decree of Cyrus (v. 5). The diligence and care of a spiritual leader are manifested in this bit of the story-Nehemiah could have ignored this history from some 90 years earlier. But his priorities were obeying God and serving His people, not promoting himself as the sole architect of the reconstruction. He took the record of the past into account before forging ahead with decisions for the future.
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APPLY THE WORD
Spiritual leadership has times when grateful people offer thanks. Other times feature dramatic confrontation with those who oppose the work of God. And other moments are like today's passage: the "grunt work" of ministry that's often not noticed or appreciated but is necessary for the spiritual growth of God's people. Take a moment to write a note of thanks to your pastor and other spiritual leaders for their faithful ministry.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 24, 2011


Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
Decreasing for His Purpose
 
He must increase, but I must decrease -John 3:30


If you become a necessity to someone else's life, you are out of God's will. As a servant, your primary responsibility is to be a "friend of the bridegroom" (John 3:29). When you see a person who is close to grasping the claims of Jesus Christ, you know that your influence has been used in the right direction. And when you begin to see that person in the middle of a difficult and painful struggle, don't try to prevent it, but pray that his difficulty will grow even ten times stronger, until no power on earth or in hell could hold him away from Jesus Christ. Over and over again, we try to be amateur providences in someone's life. We are indeed amateurs, coming in and actually preventing God's will and saying, "This person should not have to experience this difficulty." Instead of being friends of the Bridegroom, our sympathy gets in the way. One day that person will say to us, "You are a thief; you stole my desire to follow Jesus, and because of you I lost sight of Him."

Beware of rejoicing with someone over the wrong thing, but always look to rejoice over the right thing. ". . . the friend of the bridegroom . . . rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:29-30). This was spoken with joy, not with sadness-at last they were to see the Bridegroom! And John said this was his joy. It represents a stepping aside, an absolute removal of the servant, never to be thought of again.

Listen intently with your entire being until you hear the Bridegroom's voice in the life of another person. And never give any thought to what devastation, difficulties, or sickness it will bring. Just rejoice with godly excitement that His voice has been heard. You may often have to watch Jesus Christ wreck a life before He saves it (see Matthew 10:34).
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No Worries

I trust that these words from Isaiah will encourage you today.  Read carefully what God has to say,

"I, even I, am He who comforts you.  Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass?  And you forget the LORD your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; You have feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he has prepared to destroy.  And where is the fury of the oppressor?... But I am the LORD your God, who divided the sea whose waves roared-the LORD of hosts is His name" (Isaiah 51:12-13 and 15).

God spans the heavens with the palm of His hand.  The nations are as a drop in the bucket before Him.  There is nothing too hard for Him, and nothing He cannot do.

A number of years ago, I had the chance to go elk hunting with a friend in Montana.  We were lying outside under the stars, and I was unprepared for the glory I saw.  I have never seen so many stars in my life!  It took my breath away!

As we lay there, I said, "You know what?  God spans the heavens with His hand, and you and I are worried about paying the rent!"  It was just one of those moments.  We both just cracked up at how ridiculous it was to worry when God was so big.

What are you worrying about today?  Whatever it is, place it into God's hands.  After all, His hand spans the entire universe!
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Read: Nehemiah 8
All the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" They bowed down and worshiped the LORD. - Nehemiah 8:6

TODAY IN THE WORD
The Jewish festival of Purim was established by Mordecai and Esther after God's deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's evil plot to destroy them (see Esther 9). The celebration, which continues among Jews today, includes sharing gifts and food with both friends and the needy so that all may participate in the joy.
We've reached the focal point in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah (which were originally compiled as one book). It would be a mistake to think of these accounts as primarily about rebuilding the temple, rebuilding the wall, or describing the return of the people. While all of those things happen in these chapters, they point to the critical event of the spiritual restoration of the people of God. The Lord was not simply bringing them back into the land; He was bringing them back into relationship with Him.

The people requested the public reading of the Law (v. 1). The text underscores the spiritual unity here; go through the passage and note how many times the words "all the people" or "the whole company" occur. This unity centered on the Word of God and their hunger to hear it proclaimed.

The people were also unified in their praise (v. 6). Their worship, led by Ezra, centered on "the LORD, the great God." After hearing the Word explained, Nehemiah instructed the people that it was time to rejoice! There would be time for grieving and mourning to come (we'll study this tomorrow), but for the time being, worship of the Lord was to be accompanied with joy (vv. 10-12, 17).

This joy should also be shared with those in need. Using language that echoes the instructions of Purim, established only a few decades earlier, Nehemiah instructed the people to share food and drink with others (vv. 10, 12). Expressions of joy from worship are intended to praise God as well as to promote generosity.

Finally, the people were unified in their obedience. By keeping the Feast of Booths they demonstrated a willingness to follow God's commands and to identify with the long history of the people of God.
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APPLY THE WORD
We might not associate a "sacred day" with joy and celebration and feasting, but Nehemiah declared that "the joy of the LORD is your strength" (v. 10)! Take time for an intentional meal of celebration with family and friends, and rejoice in the goodness of God. With hectic schedules and cultural notions of "perfect" entertaining, we can easily let the habit of gathering to share together slip by. As part of your celebration, you could volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry together to extend help to others.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 25, 2011

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     

Maintaining the Proper Relationship
 
. . . the friend of the bridegroom . . . -John 3:29


Goodness and purity should never be traits that draw attention to themselves, but should simply be magnets that draw people to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing others to Him, it is not the right kind of holiness; it is only an influence which awakens undue emotions and evil desires in people and diverts them from heading in the right direction. A person who is a beautiful saint can be a hindrance in leading people to the Lord by presenting only what Christ has done for him, instead of presenting Jesus Christ Himself. Others will be left with this thought- "What a fine person that man is!" That is not being a true "friend of the bridegroom"- I am increasing all the time; He is not.

To maintain this friendship and faithfulness to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful to have the moral and vital relationship to Him above everything else, including obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey and our only task is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, seeing that nothing interferes with it. Only occasionally is it a matter of obedience. At those times when a crisis arises, we have to find out what God's will is. Yet most of our life is not spent in trying to be consciously obedient, but in maintaining this relationship- being the "friend of the bridegroom." Christian work can actually be a means of diverting a person's focus away from Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends "of the bridegroom," we may become amateur providences of God to someone else, working against Him while we use His weapons.
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Your New Nature

As human beings, we are constantly confronted with opportunities to fear.  People have fears concerning their health, their finances, terrorism, relationships, their jobs...the list is almost endless.

I want to challenge you with a thought today, and it is simply this:  Realize who you are.  If you are born again, you are a new creature in Christ Jesus, and it is not in your nature to be afraid.

Consider what the Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7,

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Which points to our problem with fear.  We listen to our heads, and we listen to our flesh, rather than listening to our spirit.  As a result, our lives can be overwhelmed with fear.

I want to challenge you today to listen to your spirit instead of your head.  The real you on the inside is made after the image of God.  Once you realize who you are and what you are made of, it will help deliver you from fear.  Consider these verses that talk about the real you:

·        Ephesians 4:24, And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

·        2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

When you understand your true nature, that you are made after the image of God, you will know freedom from fear.
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Read: Nehemiah 9:1-15
Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. - Nehemiah 9:5

TODAY IN THE WORD
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the 13 colonies of Great Britain were now the 13 united states, independent from the rule of King George III. Most of the Declaration of Independence outlined the history of grievances the colonists had suffered under British rule. This account provided the background and framework for their assertion that they were justified in declaring independence from King George.
Our passage includes a history of the actions taken by a sovereign Ruler, but this was no earthly monarch. Instead, the people recounted the works of God, which provided the background and framework for their belief that worshiping the Lord was justified.

After three weeks of feasting, celebrating, and observing the appointed feasts of the Law, the Israelites gathered again for a solemn assembly (v. 1). The Levites led them in a time of reading the Law, confession, and worship (vv. 3-5). Notice today how Scripture helps us understand the appropriate context for our confession and grieving our sins before God.

First, the focus of confession begins with God, not ourselves. The declaration of praise opens with an acknowledgment of who God is: "You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens . . . the earth . . . the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything" (v. 6). Because He is the Creator and Giver of life, God deserves praise. He determines the standards for His creation.

Next, God did not only create all things, He also cares about His creation and His people. He has chosen to enter into relationship with people, and "you have kept your promises because you are righteous" (v. . He intervened to rescue His people, and He tenderly provided for every spiritual and physical need (vv. 9-15).

This history of what God has done reveals a powerful, faithful, holy, loving God who created, protected, and communed with His people. Truly, this God is worthy of all praise and obedience.
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APPLY THE WORD
Tomorrow we'll look at the specific confession of the people, but it's important that we not rush past this element of confession-the focus on God. Our own times of confession are not intended to be times when we wallow in our own failures, but instead are occasions for us to praise the Lord for His character and His relationship with us. How have you experienced God's power, faithfulness, and love in your own life? Spend time today praising Him for all He has done.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 28, 2011

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     

Isn't There Some Misunderstanding?
'Let us go to Judea again.' The disciples said to Him, '. . . are You going there again?' -John 11:7-8


Just because I don't understand what Jesus Christ says, I have no right to determine that He must be mistaken in what He says. That is a dangerous view, and it is never right to think that my obedience to God's directive will bring dishonor to Jesus. The only thing that will bring dishonor is not obeying Him. To put my view of His honor ahead of what He is plainly guiding me to do is never right, even though it may come from a real desire to prevent Him from being put to an open shame. I know when the instructions have come from God because of their quiet persistence. But when I begin to weigh the pros and cons, and doubt and debate enter into my mind, I am bringing in an element that is not of God. This will only result in my concluding that His instructions to me were not right. Many of us are faithful to our ideas about Jesus Christ, but how many of us are faithful to Jesus Himself? Faithfulness to Jesus means that I must step out even when and where I can't see anything (see Matthew 14:29). But faithfulness to my own ideas means that I first clear the way mentally. Faith, however, is not intellectual understanding; faith is a deliberate commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ, even when I can't see the way ahead.

Are you debating whether you should take a step of faith in Jesus, or whether you should wait until you can clearly see how to do what He has asked? Simply obey Him with unrestrained joy. When He tells you something and you begin to debate, it is because you have a misunderstanding of what honors Him and what doesn't. Are you faithful to Jesus, or faithful to your ideas about Him? Are you faithful to what He says, or are you trying to compromise His words with thoughts that never came from Him? "Whatever He says to you, do it " (John 2:5).
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Who Made the Sun Shine?

Look again at Luke 12:16-21,

Then He spoke a parable to them, saying:  "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.  And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?'  So he said, 'I will do this:  I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."'  But 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."

Take a look at the few words that this man spoke.  In his short declaration, he uses the word I six times and the word my five times!

His perspective was a very selfish one.

Here are a few questions to ponder:

·        Who gave the rain that made his crops grow?
·        Who made the soil out of which his crops grew?
·        Who made the seed he planted?
·        Who caused the sun to shine?
·        Who gave him the physical strength to work the field?
·        Who gave him his soul? 

The answer to all of those is God. Yet he makes no acknowledgement of God in his speech, planning, or giving.  He should have been thanking God for all His blessings and asking the Lord what He wanted done with His things.

Be faithful to acknowledge God and to ask Him what to do with His resources over which you are a steward.
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Read: Nehemiah 11
Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess. - Numbers 33:53

TODAY IN THE WORD
When the State of Israel was founded in 1948, the government proclaimed "the renewal of the Jewish State in the Land of Israel, which would open wide the gates of the homeland to every Jew." In 1950, the Law of Return granted every Jew in the world the right to come to Israel as an oleh (Jew immigrating to Israel) and become an Israeli citizen. Today, nearly 30 percent of the Jewish population of Israel are immigrants from around the world, some fleeing persecution and others wishing to participate in the world's only Jewish state.
After the high point of the book in the preceding three chapters, today's text returns to Nehemiah's concern in chapter 7 (see 7:4-5). Major construction projects had been completed. The people had confessed sin and committed themselves to service. Now it was time to sort out the organizational details that would make the resettlement of God's people in Judah a successful, long-term endeavor.

The people had settled in their ancestral towns, but Jerusalem remained underpopulated, likely because until the wall was rebuilt the people had significant security concerns. Now that provision had been made for greater protection, the leaders settled in Jerusalem, and the people volunteered one tenth of the population of their towns to now reside in the capital (vv. 1-2).

The rest of this chapter reveals something about Nehemiah's concerns and his leadership. First, his record of the settlements and population shows his commitment to organization and detail. He did not treat the matter of God's people settling into their land as a haphazard affair. The people had been commanded to settle the land after the Exodus; now Nehemiah was recording that process again after the return from Exile (see Num. 33:53; Deut. 10:11; Joshua 13-21).

Second, Nehemiah exhibited spiritual concern that the resettlement would facilitate the spiritual stability of the people. He detailed the provision for Levites in Jerusalem (vv. 15-18) as well as enough priests and singers to conduct worship in the temple (vv. 12, 22).
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APPLY THE WORD
The praise and worship of the Lord on Sunday is an important part of our spiritual obedience. But God also cares about how we're living from Monday through Saturday. The details might not seem glamorous or spiritually significant, but every part of our lives, from how we conduct ourselves at work to our attitudes toward our family members to how we organize our finances, matters to God.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 29, 2011
 
Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     


Our Lord's Surprise Visits
You also be ready . . . -Luke 12:40


A Christian worker's greatest need is a readiness to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience has been. This battle is not against sin, difficulties, or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in our service to Jesus Christ that we are not ready to face Jesus Himself at every turn. The greatest need is not facing our beliefs or doctrines, or even facing the question of whether or not we are of any use to Him, but the need is to face Him.

Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical situations. The only way a servant can remain true to God is to be ready for the Lord's surprise visits. This readiness will not be brought about by service, but through intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This sense of expectation will give our life the attitude of childlike wonder He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious. In other words, we must stop using religion as if it were some kind of a lofty lifestyle-we must be spiritually real.

If you are avoiding the call of the religious thinking of today's world, and instead are "looking unto Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2), setting your heart on what He wants, and thinking His thoughts, you will be considered impractical and a daydreamer. But when He suddenly appears in the work of the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. You should trust no one, and even ignore the finest saint on earth if he blocks your sight of Jesus Christ.
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Life's Proper Focus

Read Luke 12:16-21,

Then He spoke a parable to them, saying:  "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.  And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?'  So he said, 'I will do this:  I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."'  But 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."

This parable really helps us bring life into the right perspective.  The rich man in this story failed to do three things.

He failed to realize that he was only a steward and not the owner of his goods.
He failed to have an eternal perspective.
He failed to consider how brief this earthly life can be.
How did he fail in these three areas?  By not understanding just how short life is and where to place his focus.

He talked about building barns but instead he had a burial.

He said he had many years but God said "this night."

He thought he was wise, but God said he was a fool.

Let's learn from his mistakes and bring our life into proper focus.
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Read: Nehemiah 12
God had given them great joy. - Nehemiah 12:43

TODAY IN THE WORD
The Psalms have been described as the songbook of Israel. The final psalm is a crescendo of praise: "Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."
From the account in our reading today of the dedication of the Jerusalem wall, it seems that Nehemiah was certainly familiar with Psalm 150! Just as this psalm builds into a chorus of praise, the description of this celebration almost bursts off the page with music and joy.

Instruments of cymbals, harps, lyres, and trumpets were appointed for praise (vv. 27, 35-36, 41). Singers gathered from around Judah, and Nehemiah divided them into two large choirs "to give thanks" (v. 31). Then he sent them in opposite directions around the wall, in effect surrounding the city with a citadel of praise. What a beautiful picture of the power of praise literally encircling the city along with the rebuilt wall! The rejoicing was so full, rich, and loud that it could "be heard far away" (v. 43).

Not only was the celebration full of joy, it was also concerned with appropriate worship. The priests and Levites ensured their own ritual purity as well as that of the people (vv. 30, 45). This outpouring of praise to dedicate the wall extended to acts of generosity and service to ensure that the ministry of the temple was provided for (vv. 44-47). The people didn't stop with songs and rejoicing; they were willing to bring their firstfruits and tithes required by the Law.

By the end of this dedication, we see that the spiritual life of Judah has been ordered according to God's instructions. "All Israel contributed," rejoicing "because God had given them great joy" (v. 47).
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APPLY THE WORD
If you have breath in your body, you have reason to praise the Lord! Take some time today to praise Him with music. You might choose to gather with friends or family to sing or play musical instruments. Or you could listen to some praise music throughout the day, whether at work, home, or in your car. Thank the Lord for the works He has completed in your life, and thank Him for "every good and perfect gift" (James 1:17).

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 30, 2011

Spring Sharathon 2011 is going on right now!

please log onto www.kghy.org

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     

Holiness or Hardness Toward God?
He . . . wondered that there was no intercessor . . . -Isaiah 59:16

The reason many of us stop praying and become hard toward God is that we only have an emotional interest in prayer. It sounds good to say that we pray, and we read books on prayer which tell us that prayer is beneficial- that our minds are quieted and our souls are uplifted when we pray. But Isaiah implied in this verse that God is amazed at such thoughts about prayer.

Worship and intercession must go together; one is impossible without the other. Intercession means raising ourselves up to the point of getting the mind of Christ regarding the person for whom we are praying (see Philippians 2:5). Instead of worshiping God, we recite speeches to God about how prayer is supposed to work. Are we worshiping God or disputing Him when we say, "But God, I just don't see how you are going to do this"? This is a sure sign that we are not worshiping. When we lose sight of God, we become hard and dogmatic. We throw our petitions at His throne and dictate to Him what we want Him to do. We don't worship God, nor do we seek to conform our minds to the mind of Christ. And if we are hard toward God, we will become hard toward other people.

Are we worshiping God in a way that will raise us up to where we can take hold of Him, having such intimate contact with Him that we know His mind about the ones for whom we pray? Are we living in a holy relationship with God, or have we become hard and dogmatic?

Do you find yourself thinking that there is no one interceding properly? Then be that person yourself. Be a person who worships God and lives in a holy relationship with Him. Get involved in the real work of intercession, remembering that it truly is work-work that demands all your energy, but work which has no hidden pitfalls. Preaching the gospel has its share of pitfalls, but intercessory prayer has none whatsoever.
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He Has Said, So We May Say

In our last few devotionals, we have been talking about fear, and how to be free from it.  Today, I want to give you a final thought to consider on fear.  It is based on Hebrews 13:5-6,

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  So we may boldly say:  "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?"

I want you to notice what the Bible says,  He Himself has said...So we may boldly say.  God says something, so you can say something.

What does God say?  He says He will never leave you.  He says He will never forsake you.  As a result you can say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?"

When you understand that God will never leave you or forsake you, you can live without fear.  And that freedom from fear will be reflected in both your actions and in your speech.

What are you facing today?  Would you be afraid if God was standing beside you saying, "It's alright.  I am here"?  Well He is with you!  He said He would never leave you or abandon you!  You may not see or feel Him, but He is with you-now and always.

It is time to start acting and speaking like you believe it.

Boldly say, "The Lord is helping me!  I will not fear!"
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Read: Nehemiah 13:1-14
LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. - Psalm 26:8

TODAY IN THE WORD
At its peak, an estimated 24 million listeners tuned in to Paul Harvey's radio programs, The Rest of the Story, News and Comment, and Paul Harvey News. He was probably best known for The Rest of the Story, which was sometimes described as part history and part mystery. With his trademark delivery, Harvey would have millions of Americans on the edge of their seats when he began, "Hello Americans, I'm Paul Harvey. You know what the news is. In a minute, you're going to hear . . . the rest of the story."
After the glorious celebration in yesterday's reading, our text today is like the rest of the story. And in many ways, we might wish that the book of Nehemiah had just ended on the high note of praise and joy and worship. But instead, we have the unvarnished truth about the way that spiritual community began to disintegrate over time.

The first three verses pick up where chapter 12 ended. When the people heard the instructions in the Law to keep separate from the idolatrous enemies of true worship, they complied. Then things went downhill. After 12 years as governor in Jerusalem, Nehemiah was recalled to the court of Artaxerxes (v. 6). We're not told how long he stayed in Persia, but at some later point he was given permission to return to Jerusalem.

He discovered that one of his chief opponents, Tobiah the Ammonite, was being housed inside the very temple of God (vv. 4-7)! This directly contradicted the command of God that no Ammonite should be allowed in the assembly of God (see v. 1; Judges 10:6). Now this foe of righteousness had wormed his way into the heart of Jewish worship and identity.

Nehemiah responded by forcefully removing Tobiah and all his possessions and ordering the rooms to be purified again (vv. 8-9). He then learned that the commitment to provide for the Levites and singers had been neglected, forcing the spiritual leaders to leave the temple in order to provide their own food (v. 10). Nehemiah installed new leadership to ensure that the house of God and its service would be provided for and respected.
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APPLY THE WORD
Scripture is honest with us about the reality of the spiritual life. A great high point of fellowship with God might be followed by a drift away from our commitment to serve Him. Do you have a sustained passion for the work of God, or have you grown complacent about things in your life that contradict a life of faith? If you resemble Eliashib, who let Tobiah into the temple, repent and return to your commitment to the Lord. Pray to have Nehemiah's zeal for the things of God.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 31, 2011

Spring Sharathon 2011 is going on right now!

please log onto www.kghy.org

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     


Heedfulness or Hypocrisy in Ourselves?
If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death -1 John 5:16


If we are not heedful and pay no attention to the way the Spirit of God works in us, we will become spiritual hypocrites. We see where other people are failing, and then we take our discernment and turn it into comments of ridicule and criticism, instead of turning it into intercession on their behalf. God reveals this truth about others to us not through the sharpness of our minds but through the direct penetration of His Spirit. If we are not attentive, we will be completely unaware of the source of the discernment God has given us, becoming critical of others and forgetting that God says, ". . . he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death." Be careful that you don't become a hypocrite by spending all your time trying to get others right with God before you worship Him yourself.

One of the most subtle and illusive burdens God ever places on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning others. He gives us discernment so that we may accept the responsibility for those souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them (see Philippians 2:5). We should intercede in accordance with what God says He will give us, namely, "life for those who commit sin not leading to death." It is not that we are able to bring God into contact with our minds, but that we awaken ourselves to the point where God is able to convey His mind to us regarding the people for whom we intercede.

Can Jesus Christ see the agony of His soul in us? He can't unless we are so closely identified with Him that we have His view concerning the people for whom we pray. May we learn to intercede so wholeheartedly that Jesus Christ will be completely and overwhelmingly satisfied with us as intercessors.
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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: Nehemiah 13:15-31
Remember me with favor, my God. - Nehemiah 13:31

TODAY IN THE WORD
Chapter 2 of the Gospel of John describes Jesus' passionate purification of the temple: "To those who sold doves he said, 'Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a market!' His disciples remembered that it is written: 'Zeal for your house will consume me'" (vv. 16-17). The passage the disciples recalled comes from Psalm 69:9, and the end of that psalm concludes: "For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it; the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there" (vv. 35-36).
Throughout the book of Nehemiah we've seen his dedication to the Law of the Lord and his frequent prayers to God. In chapter 12, it seems evident that Nehemiah knew the psalms and modeled the celebration after their prescriptions for praise. In chapter 13, Nehemiah's heart for the temple and Sabbath of God are consistent with Psalm 69, and it is reasonable to think that he believed the prophetic words that God would rebuild the cities and resettle the people in Zion. Nehemiah's passion for the things of God foreshadows the passion of Jesus Himself.

In today's reading, Nehemiah discovered that the commitment to keep the Sabbath, made in 10:31, was now ignored (vv. 15-18). Both Jews and foreigners were trading on the Sabbath instead of consecrating the day to the worship of God. Nehemiah didn't merely bemoan this state of affairs-he took zealous action to ensure that the Sabbath observance would be in keeping with the commands of a holy God. He shut the gates, posted a guard, and warned the merchants that they would be removed by force (vv. 19-22).

The plague of intermarriage had again afflicted the people, even including a marriage between a priest and the daughter of Sanballat. As Nehemiah noted, if even the wise king Solomon couldn't maintain his loyalty to God when surrounded by his foreign wives, how did these men expect to be obedient to the Lord (vv. 23-31). Again, Nehemiah demonstrated that spiritual leadership requires a commitment to doing God's work in God's way.

GOD BLESS!