Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals May 18, 2009


The Heavenly Alternative
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:1-11
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. -2 Corinthians 5:8

Recently, I wished a young friend "happy birthday" and asked him how it felt to be a year older. His playful response? "Well, I guess it's better than the alternative!"

We laughed together, but I later stopped to think-is it really? Don't misunderstand me. I'm happy to live as long as the Lord allows me to live and to watch my kids and grandkids grow and experience life. I'm not excited about the inevitability of death. But as a believer, the alternative to getting older is heaven-and that's not bad!

In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul talks about the reality of living with the aches and pains of our physical bodies, our "tents" of flesh. But we should not live in despair about aging. In fact, the apostle calls us to just the opposite. He wrote, "We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" (v.. Confident! Pleased! Why? Because our alternative to earthly life is that we will be present with the Lord-forever! The heavenly perspective of what awaits us can give us confidence for living now.

If you know Christ, His promise can give you what the hymnwriter called, "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow." What a great alternative!  - Bill Crowder

He's gone "to prepare a place for you,"
That where He is, "there you may be."
Our death is not the end of life-
We'll be with Christ eternally! -Hess


Death is gain because it means heaven, holiness, and Him!


Read: Romans 3:21-31
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. - Romans 3:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
Credit card owners, retail shoppers, sweepstakes contestants, mortgage customers, and even Web site visitors have all learned the same lesson, but Bishop Fulton Sheen summed it up most succinctly. He was reviewing a contract for a television deal when he said with a sigh, "The big print giveth, and the fine print taketh away."
It's understandable when people unfamiliar with the Bible balk at the simple offer of salvation in verses like John 3:16-they want to know, where's the fine print? While the Bible does have more to say about salvation than simply, "believe and be saved," the terms of salvation outlined in the Bible don't constitute a complex web of misleading promises. If anything, Scripture reveals why the principle offer of salvation is so simple: Jesus Christ actually delivers on His promises.

Today's passage explains how faith in Christ is the decisive human component in salvation. It is the channel through which true righteousness is issued from God (v. 22), the atoning work of Christ's crucifixion is imparted, and the justification of our sins is received (v. 30). These overwhelming tasks need to be accomplished for us to have a relationship with God, and faith in Christ makes it possible.

All three of those results are woven together in Jesus Christ. Justification is a pardon from our sin. Despite our guilt, God views us as not guilty-He can do that because of Christ's atoning sacrifice, which propitiates or satisfies God's wrath against sin. We can be justified because God has meted out justice through the suffering of Christ (Isa. 53:12). In fact, Paul revealed that before Christ's death, the sins of the world had yet to be punished-truly we serve a patient God (v. 25)! But God doesn't merely wipe away the record of sin. He also provides the righteousness we are unable to manufacture through our own efforts. We'll explore this reality much further in the coming days: faith isn't just the means to earn a salvation merit badge.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you believe in the saving work of Jesus Christ? That kind of faith should result in humility and obedience. Righteousness comes from God, and it's a gift that doesn't allow us to look down on anyone. Spend time this week memorizing this passage if you can, or at least select a key verse. Recite it to yourself daily as a reminder that there is no room for arrogance in the body of Christ. And praise God for His patience, mercy, and grace that allow a sinner to receive righteousness!



 

God Does Care

In yesterday's devotional, I told you about the three levels of faith Jesus talks about.  The first of these levels is found in Mark 4:37-40,

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.  But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.  And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!"  And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you have no faith?"

The first level of faith that Jesus speaks about is no faith.  No faith believes God does not care.  It is typified by the disciples who woke Jesus in the midst of the storm and said, "Lord, don't You care that we're perishing?"

Perhaps you are in a storm today; and, to you, it seems like God is asleep and that He doesn't even care.  That He is aloof, disinterested, and disconnected from you.  That you are going through hell and He doesn't care.

Do not believe that lie.  If you buy into the lie that God does not care, it robs you of faith.  And you cannot get any lower than that. 

Do not believe the lie that God is detached and unconcerned.  Don't think, "If God cares about me, why would this have happened?  Why am I going through this storm?  Why is this happening in my life?  God doesn't care about me.  He doesn't even know my name."

My friend, God does care.  He is not going to let you perish.  He is interested in even the smallest details of your life.

1 Peter 5:7 says, He cares for you! 


PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

War In Heaven
READ: Revelation 12:7-12
War broke out in heaven . . . . [And Satan] was cast to the earth. -Revelation 12:7-9

Philip Pullman is a gifted writer of fantasy books. His Dark Materials trilogy includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass and is very popular among young readers. But below the surface of these sympathetic characters and compelling subplots is a sinister purpose. The story culminates in a great war against God.

In these books, Pullman views the fall of Satan as a righteous cause for personal independence from God's "tyrannical" control. He implies that Satan's attempt to usurp the throne of God was the right thing to do!

In the book of Revelation, we read of the endtimes: "War broke out in heaven . . . . [And Satan] was cast to the earth" (Rev. 12:7-9). That future war is being preceded by an earthly conflict on the battlefield of our minds.

We must recognize Satan for what he is-a liar (John 8:44). His strategy is to take God's words out of context and twist them into falsehood (Gen. 3:1-7). Our best defense against him is to hold firmly to the truth of God's Word (Eph. 6:10-18).

Our loving heavenly Father is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9). But neither will He force our obedience. He leaves the choice to us.  - Dennis Fisher

For Further Study
Want to learn more about spiritual warfare? Read
What In The World Is Satan Doing? on the Web at
www.discovery.series.org/q1001


When Satan strikes, strike back with the Word of God.


 

Little Faith

In our last devotional, we looked at the first level of faith:  no faith.  We learned that no faith is based on the belief that God does not care, and that such a belief is completely false.  God does indeed care for you!

Today we are going to look at the second level of faith.  It is found in what Jesus says in Matthew 6:30-34,

"Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?'  or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For after all these things the Gentiles seek.  For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

This second level of faith is little faith.  As we see in this passage, little faith is a worried faith, worried about tomorrow and occupied with lack instead of being occupied with God. 

While people with little faith believe God cares, their focus is wrong.  They are concentrating on, "What am I going to eat?  What am I going to wear?  How am I going to get by?"

Now, those are all legitimate things; and your Father knows you have need of those things.  So rather than focusing on your lack and being worried about tomorrow, pulling tomorrow's clouds over today's sunshine, let your focus be on God and His sufficiency, His care, and His abundant love.

Do not live a life of little faith. 

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

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

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


Read: 1 John 1:5-2:6
If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9

TODAY IN THE WORD
The topic of salvation requires that we first address the reality of sin. Most people don't like to discuss sin, especially their own. As Mark Twain put it, "A sin takes on a new and real terror when there seems a chance that it is going to be found out." Unfortunately for those of us who would like to pretend we're pristinely righteous while keeping our sins hidden, confession goes hand-in-hand with salvation.
In fact, confession of our sins is intertwined with our faith in Jesus. The word Paul used to describe a proclamation of belief in today's key verse is the same compound Greek word John used in reference to admission of sins (1:9). Translated in both places as "confess," the word is formed from the combination of the Greek words for "same" and "word." A confession is an acknowledgment of the truth, expressing words that match reality.

It is impossible, as John wrote, to have a truthful understanding of our holy God without acknowledging how sinful we are. And by John's reasoning, without confessing our sins, we can't hope to walk in righteousness, and neither can we enjoy a relationship with God. We have quite a lot riding on confession! The implication of not confessing is to accuse God of lying- not a wise decision. But the results of confession are extremely desirable: fellowship with each other and purification of sin by the blood of Jesus Christ (1:7).

John's goal was to help believers stop their sinful lifestyles (2:1), filling his simple statements with deep complexity. John rejoiced in the assurance that Jesus testifies in our favor before God (2:1). While God offered forgiveness for confessing sinners, John stressed God's divine priority on righteous living. Confession is not a means for getting off the hook-confession is a gateway to an intimate relationship with God and a true life in Him!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
All our thoughts about the legitimacy of our beliefs will go for naught if they don't appear in our actions and in our words. Pay close attention to confession today in two directions. Privately confess your sins to God and freely receive His forgiveness-and be specific in your confession so as to avoid an inward denial of certain sins. But also make it a point to confess the name of Jesus to those around you. Words have a powerful effect on our actions. See what a difference speaking the truth can make!

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

GOD BLESS!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals May 20, 2009

Restoring Spiritual Sight
READ: John 9:1-11
The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. -Psalm 119:130

Sanduk Ruit is a Nepalese doctor who has used his scalpel, microscope, and simplified cataract surgery technique to give sight to almost 70,000 people over the past 23 years. The poorest patients who visit his nonprofit eye center in Katmandu pay with just their gratitude.

Our Lord Jesus Christ healed many of physical blindness during His time on earth. But of greater concern to Him were the spiritually blind. Many of the religious authorities who investigated the healing of the blind man refused to believe that Jesus was not a sinner (John 9:13-34). This caused Jesus to say, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind" (v.39).

The apostle Paul wrote of this spiritual blindness when he said, "If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them" (2 Cor. 4:3-4).

The psalmist said, "The entrance of Your words gives light" (Ps. 119:130). God's Word is what will open our eyes and cure spiritual blindness.  - C. P. Hia

Come to the Light, 'tis shining for thee!
Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see-
The Light of the world is Jesus. -Bliss


A world in darkness needs the light of Jesus.

Great Faith

In today's devotional, I want to look at the third level of faith.  It is found in Matthew 8:5-10,

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented."  And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."  The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof.  But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.  For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"

We saw in previous devotionals that the first level of faith is no faith, the second is little faith, and now the third is great faith.

Great faith says, "Lord, Your word is enough."  The centurion said, "Only speak a word."  He understood the authority of Jesus' words.  He said, "Jesus, all You have to do is say it.  You don't even have to come into my house.  I don't have to see anything.  Your word is all the evidence I need."

That is what great faith says,  "Lord, Your Word is all the evidence I need.  Things don't have to look differently and I don't have to feel differently.  Your Word is it.  I don't need any other kind of confirmation.  It doesn't matter what the circumstances say.  Lord, Your Word settles the issue for me."

That is great faith, and that is what we should be pursuing. 

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

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

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


Read: Ephesians 2:1-9
It is by grace you have been saved. - Ephesians 2:5

TODAY IN THE WORD
In ten major league seasons, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays finished at the very bottom of their division every year but one, when they climbed to second-to-last place. They never won more than 70 games in a season (and never lost fewer than 90). But after the 2007 season, the Devil Rays ceased to exist and the Tampa Bay Rays were born. They changed the team colors, the logo, and the mascot-a ray of light instead of a tropical fish. The biggest change, though, was winning. Their remarkable transformation culminated with an appearance in the 2008 World Series.

Paul told the Ephesians of a much more dramatic turnaround-their own. The narrative in Ephesians 2 is succinct and powerful, and it is the story of every believer in Christ. But Paul's story ventures into territory modern Christians rarely explore. Not many stories today begin with the focal character being dead, but Paul told the conversion experience from a spiritual perspective. Spiritually speaking, a person without faith is dead in sin. Such a person isn't merely dead, but also controlled by wicked forces, presumably under the authority and influence of Satan (v. 2). That dreadful background of sin, death, and wicked subservience is common to us all, and we all deserved destruction (v. 3).

The process from death to life isn't very complicated, according to Paul's telling of the story. According to Ephesians 2, the conversion story of believers is essentially as basic and glorious as Paul's was-God loved us, and in His mercy He gave us life. As we see it unfold, the details vary and the timeline can be extended. But from God's perspective, He has already raised us up and given us a heavenly seat next to Jesus (v. 6)!

From lowly beginning to exultant conclusion, the story of a believer's salvation is much bigger than we tend to realize, encompassing the reign of Satan and the conquering victory of Jesus Christ. And not a bit of that story has anything to do with our own merits. We are saved by the grace of God. We are living examples of God's loving-kindness at work.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It is relatively easy to think that God's grace is responsible for our salvation, but it is much more difficult to believe in our hearts and apply in our attitudes. Pride stirs within us waiting for an opportunity to erupt-the best way to defeat it is to praise God for what He has done. Verbally give Him credit for everything He has given you, especially your salvation. And don't just praise Him on Sunday mornings; incorporate praise of God into your everyday conversation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals May 21, 2009

Is He Enough?
READ: Acts 3:1-10
Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. -Acts 3:6

Is Jesus enough? That's a question many Christians need to ask themselves. They have abundant material possessions. But do these believers depend on Jesus? Or on their stuff?

While having wealth is not condemned in Scripture as long as priorities are in order and the needs of others are addressed, those of us with relative wealth must remind ourselves that Jesus-not riches-sustains us.

The apostle Peter helps us with this in the story of the lame man begging at the temple gate in Jerusalem. This man asked Peter for money, but Peter replied, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6).

The man lying at the gate thought the answer to his problems that day was money, but Peter showed him that the answer was Jesus. And He still is.

I read about a group of Chinese Christians who have much to teach us as they seek to spread the gospel in their homeland and beyond. These believers say, "We can't afford any big programs or fancy gospel presentations. All we have to give people is Jesus."

Jesus is enough for our brothers and sisters in China. He is enough for the poor. Is He enough for you?  - Dave Branon

You may have much gold and grandeur,
Yet by God be reckoned poor;
He alone has riches truly
Who has Christ, though nothing more. -Anon.


Our greatest riches are the riches we have in Christ.

Your Purpose

Today I want to speak to you about your destiny and purpose.  First, read Ephesians 2:10,

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

The word beforehand refers to before the foundation of the world.  What the apostle Paul is saying in this verse is that before we were ever born, God prepared good works for us to walk in them.  God decided that we would be doing certain things.

Listen to that same verse from the Knox Translation,  We are His design.  God has created us in Christ Jesus, pledged to such good actions as He has prepared beforehand to be the employment of our lives.  I like that.

Paraphrased, "You were designed with a unique purpose, and that is what you should be doing with your life."

In Philippians 3:12, Paul also states,

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

The phrase "I press on" literally means "I pursue."  What is it that Paul states he is pursuing?  He is pursuing his purpose.

On that Damascus road, Jesus laid hold of Saul of Tarsus, and He did it for a reason.  There was a purpose involved.  From the day that Jesus Christ laid hold of him, Paul's life became a progressive search to lay hold of the answer to the question, "God, why have You laid hold of me?  What is my purpose?"

My point?  You have a God-designed purpose in life!  There is something that you are wired up to do as the employment of your life. 

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

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

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


I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1941, the whooping crane was on the brink of extinction; a single migrating flock of 15 birds comprised the entire population of the species. To help introduce more flocks into the wild, a group called Operation Migration trains whooping cranes that have been raised in captivity to fly south for the winter using a human-guided aircraft. The birds trust one human alone, recognizing him as a parent from the moment they hatch. They will follow him and only him to a migration spot thousands of miles away-and after the winter, they return home.
The technique that is saving the whooping crane resembles, in a sense, Christ's method for leading us to our heavenly home. Jesus' message to the disciples in this passage begins with the thought of a home in heaven. He gave them assurance that He was going to prepare a heavenly residence where they would join the Father. But He mystified them with the notion that they already knew how to get there.

Christ's explanation was profound for His audience then and remains so today. He alone is the way to the Father; He alone portrays the truth of who the Father is; and He alone gives eternal life in communion with the Father. We may not be able to plot our eternal destiny on a map, but we know exactly how to get there-Jesus is the Way.

This passage refutes two common heresies. One is the belief that many paths will get to God. Jesus allowed for no such multiplicity (v. 6). He followed up His exclusive claim with an even bolder one: that seeing Him was tantamount to seeing the Father. This claim speaks against the heresy that Jesus merely has a close relationship with God but does not possess a divine nature. Philip missed the gravity of Jesus' statement, probably expecting Jesus to unveil the glory of the Father in a separate grand display. He echoed Moses' request in Exodus 33:18-23 when God told him, "You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." But Jesus was the unveiling. They had seen God.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Pondering the exclusive claims of Jesus triggers feelings of sorrow for those who have never heard His name or refuse to believe He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Sometimes this sorrow provokes our fears of being narrow-minded or cruel, but that's the wrong perspective. Look through the eyes of Christ, not through the darkness of this world. Introduce someone to Jesus today, and trust Him to open eyes. To do so is to reflect His compassion and love; it is not close-minded, but open-hearted.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals May 22, 2009


I'm Right; You Must Be Wrong
READ: Luke 6:37-42
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. -Luke 6:37

My friend Ria admires the great blue heron's amazing 6-foot spread of wings and marvels at his majestic appearance. She welcomes the sight of him gliding in for a landing on a small island in the middle of the pond near her home.

Now, I can appreciate that the heron is a marvelous and unique creature. But I don't ever want to spot him in my backyard! That's because I know he won't be there just to admire the garden. No, this not-so-fine-feathered version of persona non grata (someone not welcome) will be checking out our pond for a take-out fish dinner!

So, am I right? Or is Ria? Why can't we agree? Different personalities, history, or knowledge can color people's views. It doesn't mean that one person is right and the other wrong, yet sometimes we can be unkind, rigid, and judgmental if there is not agreement. I'm not talking about sin-but just a difference in opinion or perspective. We need to take care in judging others' thinking, motives, and actions because we too desire that kind of benefit of the doubt (Luke 6:37).

Can we learn from someone who sees things with a different perspective? Do we need to practice a little patience and love? I'm so grateful that God is abundantly patient and loving with me.  - Cindy Hess Kasper

You've been so patient with us, Lord,
Though we are slow to hear;
Give us the grace to show such love
To those we hold so dear. -K. De Haan


A little love can make a big difference.


 

The Place of Blessing

In Genesis 12:1-3 we read,

Now the LORD had said to Abram:  "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Notice how God says to Abram, "Abram, I'm going to bless you, and you will be a blessing."  But here is what I want you to see:  Abram's being a blessing was tied to being in God's purpose.  He could only become a great blessing if he followed God's calling.

You will never be the blessing God intends for you to be if you are not flowing in your purpose.

Was there risk involved for Abram?  You bet!  He had to leave everything that was familiar to him, all of his security, everything that was comfortable and familiar.

He left Ur of the Chaldeans, which history tells us was one of the most highly developed cities of the ancient world.  They had cobblestone streets, an underground sewage system, and it was a place of world trade.

Abram left all of that and went out on an adventure by faith, pursuing the purpose that God had for his life.  And in pursuing that purpose, God blessed him, and he became a blessing.

But think about this.  What if he had stayed back?  What if he had said, "I'm secure here; I have it made; I have a nice house and everything I need.  I think I will stay put."  We would not even know his name.

Pursue your purpose.  That is the place of God's blessing. 

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

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

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



Read: Romans 5:1-11
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. - Romans 5:6

TODAY IN THE WORD
Katherine Harmon's book, You Are Here: Personal Geographies and Other Maps of the Imagination, differs greatly from a standard atlas. She compiled instead a great variety of essays, illustrations, and pictures that map out emotions, life stories, and philosophical concepts, including a "Geographical Guide to a Man's Heart with Obstacles and Entrances Clearly Marked."
In Romans 5, Paul gives readers another unconventional map: a "You Are Here" guide to the course of salvation. He reminds them about where their faith had taken them in the heavenly realms, where they stood in the grace of God, and where they were headed in eternal glory. It is a helpful resource for any believer who feels lost, confused, or discouraged by their current circumstances.

The first two verses give us a quick synopsis of past, present, and future salvation while the rest of the passage expounds upon those stages. The first point on the map was God's love for us, even while we were sinners (v. ; indeed we were His enemies (v. 10)! Despite our lowly status, God gave His Son to die for the ungodly. Paul emphasized that it was God, and not us, who originated this journey. Then, at the moment we first believed in Christ, we were declared righteous in God's eyes. That path brought us into a state of peace with God as our relationship with Him was restored or reconciled.

Our current state of reconciliation with God was one reason Paul gave for us to rejoice right now (v. 11). The other cause for celebration in the here and now was actually our lack of peace with the world. Our present sufferings cause us to persevere toward the future, shaping us into the people God wants us to be and creating in us a longing for the glory that awaits (v. 4). We have a hope that is emboldened by the Spirit of God pouring the love of God straight into our hearts (v. 5)! Our hope points toward the ultimate destination on the salvation map: being spared from the wrath of God and sharing instead in His eternal glory (vv. 2, 9).



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Why not spend some time today mapping out the course of your salvation? You don't need to draw out an actual map (although doing so would certainly make for an interesting illustration). At the very least, write down some of the key points in your journey of faith. Include among them God's love for you from the beginning, the sacrifice of Christ upon the Cross, and the eternal glory that awaits you in heaven. Be encouraged that your present situation is a part of that glorious path toward Christ!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals May 23, 2009

Make Way
READ: Isaiah 40:3-5
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. -Isaiah 40:3

Dwight D. Eisenhower was known for his courageous leadership during World War II. His battle-tested skill equipped the troops to reclaim Europe. Soon after returning to the US as a hero, he was elected president.

While in Europe, Eisenhower had experienced the danger and difficulty of navigating the twisting roads. So, for the sake of US national security, he commissioned a network of roads that became the nation's interstate highway system. Mountains were tunneled through and valleys were traversed by mammoth bridges.

In ancient times, conquering kings gained access to newly acquired territories through highways built for their troops. Isaiah had this in mind when he declared, "Make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isa. 40:3). And John the Baptist called people to repentance to "prepare the way" into their hearts for the arrival of King Jesus.

What preparation needs to be done to allow Jesus unhindered access to your own heart? Are there rough places of bitterness that need the bulldozer of forgiveness? Are there valleys of complaining that need to be filled with contentment? We can't afford to neglect this spiritual engineering. Let's prepare the way for the King!  - Joe Stowell

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way;
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me. -Moen
© 1990, Integrity's Hosanna! Music.


Repentance clears the way for our relationship with the King.

The Signpost of a Provoked Heart

Without a doubt, God has plans for you.  Your life is no accident.  You have a purpose.  In today's devotional, we will discover an important key to help you understand your calling.         

Let's look first at Acts 17:16-17,

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.  Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.

The word provoked literally means that his spirit was deeply troubled, his spirit was grieved within him. 

That gives us the first step in understanding your purpose.  What grieves your heart?  Paul was grieved about this city wholly given over to idols.  And the next verse begins with the word therefore.  He did something about it. 

Generally, the things that grieve you in your heart are things that God has gifted you to change.  They point you to your purpose.

For instance, in Job 30:25, Job said, "Has not my soul grieved for the poor?"  If you read Job's story, a big part of his ministry had to do with helping the poor.  It was tied to what caused his heart to grieve.

Then there was David who was grieved and provoked as Goliath was taunting the Israelites.  Why?  David was called to be a leader and a warrior in Israel.  It was a signpost pointing to his calling.

What is it that provokes you in your heart?  Whatever it is, do something about it. 

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

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

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

Read: John 10:22-30
They shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. - John 10:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
People suffering from hypochondria are overcome with fear that they have contracted a serious disease despite all assurances to the contrary. The stress and anxiety can be so acute that the fear of sickness can cause real symptoms such as heart palpitations, stomach pain, and tingling in the extremities. One of the only treatments for this irrational fear of disease is cognitive behavioral therapy, a process of reconfiguring the way people think about and act toward their health.
The question of eternal security can induce a form of spiritual hypochondria. When we concentrate on our sins rather than on our Savior, we can be overcome with fear about our eternal destiny. We begin to ask the question about ourselves or others, "Would a true believer really do that?" But sin is a condition that afflicts us all. For our spiritual health, we should turn our eyes to the One who can heal us.

The Jews in today's passage were asking the more appropriate question: Was Jesus the Christ? Unfortunately, they were oblivious to the answer. If they truly believed in who Jesus was, they would have recognized what His miraculous works had said about Him and followed Him-not just by following His example of righteousness, but with entirety of purpose. Those who are truly His sheep know His calling and would follow only Him. They are still vulnerable to wandering, as sheep are prone to do, but they never forget the Shepherd. What's more, He never forgets them (v. 27).

The process of salvation as Jesus described it is fascinating. The Father gives believers to Jesus, believers follow Him, and it is Jesus who gives them eternal life. The security of the believer then rests entirely in the almighty grip of Jesus and His Father, who are one in unity (while remaining distinct Persons). Jesus managed to give believers supreme hope that nothing could take their eternal life away while at the same time dashing the hopes of anyone who rejected Him. The Jews understood the implication of Jesus' statement, even though they didn't believe it. They tried to stone Him for blasphemy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you believe your salvation in Christ is secure? Remember that your faith is not in the doctrine of eternal security-it's in the One from whose hand we can never be snatched! You are not saved by your lack of sin, your good works, or anything other than faith in Christ. If you truly believe in Christ, live for Him and obey Him. Instead of counting the sins of other believers, we should be more concerned with people who appear to do good but fail to recognize Christ as their Savior.



PRAY, PRAY, PRAY
GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals May 24, 2009

The Witness Of Friends
READ: 1 John 1:1-7
We have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us. -1 John 1:2

Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Halberstam died in a traffic accident 5 months before the publication of his landmark book about the US war in Korea. In the days following the author's death, fellow writers and colleagues volunteered to conduct a national book tour on his behalf. During every engagement, they paid tribute to Halberstam by reading from his new book and offering personal recollections of their friend.

When it comes to conveying the essence and importance of a person, there's no substitute for a friend. After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, His followers began to tell others about the unique Person they had known. "We have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us" (1 John 1:2). Their purpose was that others might come to know God the Father and Christ His Son (v.3).

At times we may feel that witnessing to others about our faith in Christ is a frightening task or a burdensome duty. But talking about a Friend whose presence and influence have transformed our lives helps us see it in a new light.

The gospel of Christ has always been most powerfully presented by the witness of His friends.  - David C. McCasland

Lord, help us see, through transformed eyes,
This world of people in despair;
We want to reach out with Your love
To tell them just how much You care. -Sper


The more you love Jesus, the more you'll talk about Him.

Intimacy with God

Paul, in Philippians 3:10-12, gives us the other principle for discovering your purpose,

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.  Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 

Paul said, "I am pursuing my purpose," but it was a purpose based on knowing God.  Look at what he said in verse 10,  That I may know Him.

The understanding of his purpose came out of that primary desire and pursuit of knowing God Himself and living in intimacy with Him.

Perhaps the most important thing you could do in your life right now is to just lock yourself away, grab your Bible, and go sit at the beach.  Find that place of communion with God.  As you get to know Him, you will also discover your own heart and the dreams and desires that God put within you.

They are there.  They may be covered with debris, they may be covered with dust, but they are there.  You can find out what they are if you will develop that intimate relationship with God.

It is in closeness with God that His breath blows the dust off of undiscerned and unrecognized purposes and dreams. 

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

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

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


Read: Romans 10:4-13
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. - Joel 2:32

TODAY IN THE WORD
In one of his final addresses to the people of Israel, Moses laid out before them a simple choice: life or death, blessing or curse, obedience or wickedness, loyalty or rebellion (Deut. 30:19). The Israelites could either remain with God and enjoy life or abandon Him and reap death. It wasn't a test of their abilities but a question of their will. Moses informed them that the Word was not out of their reach (Deut. 30:11-14) and that God would impart unto them the ability to obey it (Deut. 30:6).
Moses was speaking about the Word of God that was delivered to His people in the form of the law. In today's reading, Paul overlaid the image of Christ against the backdrop of Moses' well-known speech. He quoted the passage three times (vv. 6-8 use excerpts from Deut. 30:12-14) to draw a parallel between the written Word of God (the law) and the Word made flesh (Christ). Just as God had made His law available to the people, He also made His Son accessible.

No one needed to ascend to the heavens, because the Son of God was born on earth. And no one needed to cross over into the world of the dead, for Christ had risen! Believing in your heart in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is to be saved, with Him and through Him, from death. It's a simple choice: life or death, Jesus or anything else. And believing in Jesus' true identity as the Son of God is equally important.

In his address in Deuteronomy 30, Moses used the word Lord or the Lord your God 15 times in 20 verses. Paul wasn't just drawing a connection between the law of the Old Testament and the Word of the New; he was identifying Jesus Christ with Yahweh, the Lord of Israel. To a Jewish audience, this was no small statement. Confessing with their mouths that Jesus is Lord was to acknowledge that He was more than just a man. Jesus the Nazarene was and is one with the God of Heaven. That confession, speaking the truth about who Jesus is, brings justification and permission to enter God's presence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? If you are saying "yes" for the first time or the four hundredth time, you will find salvation through that belief. You are not on your own now to produce righteousness. Unlike physical birth, upon which a baby is separated from its mother, spiritual birth brings you into life in connection with Christ. Don't let a day go by without acknowledging that Jesus is Lord. Let that truth be the beginning of a day of serving Him in obedience.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals May 25, 2009

The Arlington Ladies
READ: Matthew 26:6-13
What this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. -Matthew 26:13

In 1948, the US Air Force Chief of Staff noticed that no one attended the funeral of an airman at Arlington National Cemetery, and that deeply disturbed him. He talked with his wife about his concern that each soldier be honored at burial, and she began a group called the Arlington Ladies.

Someone from the group honors each deceased soldier by attending his or her funeral. The ladies also write personal notes of sympathy and speak words of gratitude to family members when they are present. If possible, a representative keeps in contact with the family for months afterward.

Margaret Mensch, an Arlington Lady, says, "The important thing is to be there for the families. . . . It's an honor to . . . pay tribute to the everyday heroes that make up the armed forces."

Jesus showed the importance of paying tribute. After a woman poured a costly, fragrant oil on His head, He said that she would be honored for years to come (Matt. 26:13). The disciples were indignant and thought her act was wasteful, but Jesus called it "a good work" (v.10) for which she would be remembered.

We know heroes who have given their lives in service to God and their country. Let's honor them today.  - Anne Cetas

Lord, help us to appreciate
The work that others do,
The service given from their hearts,
Their sacrifice for You. -Sper


We honor God when we honor one another.

Weeping

In 1 Samuel 30:1-4 we read,

Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way.  So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive.  Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

David experienced the sudden loss of his family and it tore his heart out.  Notice that David and his men lifted up their voices and wept until they had no more power to weep.

Feeling sorrow and anguish and expressing it is not wrong.  In fact, it is normal, especially when you have experienced a sudden and personal loss.

Perhaps, like David, you have lost family members.  Or maybe you have wayward children.  They were brought up in the way of the Lord, but they are living a lifestyle that is diametrically opposed to the ways of God right now, and your heart is broken when you think about it.

Maybe you have experienced some other loss in your life, something of value, something that is important to you, something that has meaning to you.  If so, it is okay to grieve!

God has wired us to be emotional beings.  We are not robots.  It is right for loss to affect us on a personal, emotional level.  As the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:4, there is a time to weep.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

Sorrow has its place and its time, but there is also a time for it to end and to be replaced with something else. 

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

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

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



Read: Hebrews 5:1-10
Once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. - Hebrews 5:9

TODAY IN THE WORD
The word monopoly usually carries a negative connotation, but sometimes it's really a good thing. A patent is a sort of monopoly that protects an inventor from having his idea stolen and copied. Natural monopolies mean only one entity can provide goods or services. Typically public utilities have been natural monopolies, and some small towns might have only one doctor. In these cases, one option is better than none at all, especially when your well being is at stake.
Christians are often accused of unfairly believing that Jesus has a monopoly on salvation. But other objects of faith aren't able to give people access to heaven for the simple reason that they lack the power to do it. Jesus Christ has a supernatural monopoly on salvation because He alone has the unique capability to usher sinful people into communion with a holy God. The writer of Hebrews called Him "the source of eternal salvation," (v. 9) and explained how He is superior to every high priest before Him.

As a bridge between God and man, a high priest had to be connected to both. Despite his lofty position, a high priest was chosen from among the people and was guilty of sins just like they were. He needed to identify with the weaknesses of the people he was representing. His connection with God and the opportunity to intercede came not from his own merits but from the fact that God bestowed the honor upon him (v. 4). In that sense, Christ was no different.

Jesus didn't bypass the procedure for becoming high priest. He was born as a man. He was appointed by God. He endured the sufferings and weaknesses of human form, and although He never sinned, He was tempted as we are (Heb. 4:15). The One who needed no sacrifice became ours, and He who demands our obedience was obedient Himself. In so doing, He became the perfect High Priest who can both fully identify with our role as followers and yet perfectly commune with our Holy Father. Jesus is the sole source of salvation because He alone was able to pay the price (v. 9).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you believe that Jesus can completely identify with your sufferings? Do you really accept that He is also divine? And given those two amazing truths, do you also believe that He represents you before God? If so, things like worry, selfishness, and pride have no place in the equation. Respond to that truth in two ways. First, be humbled that you have a place in the divine plan; second, be empowered to serve Christ in whatever way He asks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals May 26, 2009

Calling Evil Good
READ: Isaiah 5:18-23
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil! -Isaiah 5:20

The Wizard of Oz has remained popular for years. People of all ages have learned moral lessons from Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they traveled down the yellow brick road. Of course, in the plot line the great enemy to be overcome is the Wicked Witch of the West. Evil is clearly depicted and overcome by good.

A new Broadway musical, however, turns the moral sense of the original story on its head. In this rewriting of the story, the wicked witch is presented as a sympathetic character. Born with green skin, she feels like an outsider. Major characters, plot lines, roles, and other details are altered so that the wicked witch is really just a misunderstood person. The audience might come away with the idea that evil is good and good is evil.

During the ministry of the prophet Isaiah, a reversal of moral values took place in Israel. Some actually lifted up the evils of murder, idolatry, and adultery as good. In response, Isaiah gave a stern warning: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil!" (Isa. 5:20). In our relativistic world, popular culture constantly challenges biblical values. But studying, memorizing, and meditating on God's Word can ensure our discernment between good and evil.  - Dennis Fisher

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


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

Taking Responsibility

In the devotional yesterday, we saw how it is okay when we experience loss to weep and to grieve.  I want to point you to verse 6 of that same passage to learn another important lesson related to experiencing loss.  1 Samuel 30:6 says,

Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters.  But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him.  David was not only grieving for the loss of his own family, but he was now being blamed for the whole thing.  In fact, they were blaming him to the point that they wanted to take his life.

When you experience troubles, do not be someone who always wants to blame others.  I know that it is human nature to want to point the finger and to lash out at somebody else when we are in trouble or when we have experienced loss.

In fact, I think blaming others is just part of our fallen fleshly DNA.  Just take a look at what Adam and Eve did in the garden when they messed up.  When God turned up and asked what happened, Adam said, "Well, it's the woman that You gave me.  She gave me from the tree, and I ate."

And when God asked Eve what happened, she replied, "Well, it was the serpent.  It was the snake."

So Adam blamed his wife, and blamed God who gave him his wife, and Eve blamed the snake.  Neither Adam nor Eve took personal responsibility.  It was somebody else's fault.

If the problems you are experiencing today are your fault, take responsibility, and do not blame others. 

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

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

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



Read: Ephesians 2:10-22
And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. - Ephesians 2:22

TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2003, representatives from the Hatfield and McCoy families signed a truce to put an official end to the feud that had ended practically a century ago. The once embattled relationship has now become the center of an annual co-family reunion with attendance in the thousands, echoing the prayer included in the treaty: "We ask by God's grace and love that we be forever remembered as those that bound together the hearts of two families to form a family of freedom in America." Israel might be known today for conflict with Palestinians, but in Paul's day a different division took center stage. Today's reading begins with the results of salvation for the individual, but it culminates in a much broader result of salvation: the unification of Israel and the church, two groups who have been divided by history, controversy, and a principal disagreement on the identity of Christ. As we begin studying the results of salvation, we see quickly that salvation leads to the impossible becoming not only possible but also expected. Before our salvation, doing good works to please God was futile (Isa. 64:6), but after salvation good works become our preordained purpose. We are also saved unto unity both with God and with other believers-most notably, God's chosen nation of Israel. In our current global climate, the heart of today's passage might still appear to be impossible. How could Jesus both divide and unite these two groups? But we mustn't make the mistake of confusing popular opinion with the will of God. The truth is, there are many people of Jewish descent who believe in Christ-Paul being a notable example. And through Christ we have all been brought near to God and together with each other. Now all who believe in the name of Christ are united under the same head and the same covenant. We are saved from division and are united in Christ, created unto good works and constantly being built together as one (v. 22).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Upon the moment of faith, a believer is indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13), but the individual is not His only dwelling place. Paul also described the body of believers from all backgrounds as part of a holy temple being built together as His dwelling place. Unity is a must in the house of the Lord. Put aside any petty divisions both in your church and outside your denomination and long and pray to be united with all believers by the One who brings us peace, Jesus Christ.


PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals May 27, 2009

None So Blind
READ: Psalm 82
Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. -Matthew 25:40

Singer Ray Stevens is generally given credit for writing the phrase "There is none so blind as he who will not see," a line from the song "Everything Is Beautiful." But preacher Matthew Henry used the phrase 250 years ago when commenting on the lyrics of another songwriter, Asaph.

Asaph's lyrics were not as upbeat as those of Stevens. His song was a rebuke to the Israelites for failing to fulfill their God-given purpose. God had chosen them to show the world how to live right and judge justly, but they were failing miserably. Instead of defending the weak and fatherless, they were defending the unjust and showing partiality to the wicked (Ps. 82:2-3).

In his commentary on Psalm 82, Henry wrote: "A gift in secret blinds their eyes. They know not because they will not understand. None so blind as those that will not see. They have baffled their own consciences, and so they walk on in darkness."

Jesus confirmed God's interest in the weak and helpless. He explained that whatever is done for the "least of these" is done for Him (see Matt. 25:34-40). And He chided His disciples for keeping children away from Him (Luke 18:16).

Those who have eyes that see what God sees find ways to help the helpless.  - Julie Ackerman Link

Love through me, Love of God,
There is no love in me;
O Fire of love, light Thou the love
That burns perpetually. -Carmichael
© Dohnavur Fellowship.


A test of true Christian love: Do you help those who can't help you in return?

Strengthen Yourself

For today's devotional, I would like you to read 1 Samuel 30:6 again as it contains another truth I want you to see,

Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters.  But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Notice that this verse begins by saying, David was greatly distressed, but it ends this way,  But David strengthened himself in the Lord.

It is all right to weep, but when you are done, you need to strengthen yourself.  It is all right to grieve, it is all right to express those emotions, but when you are done, you need to strengthen yourself in the Lord.

You need to connect with God in whatever way you find is best for you.  If it is lifting your hands and worshiping Him, then that is what you should do.

If it is getting into His Word (which I would suggest for everyone) and spending time feeding your spirit, then do that.  If it is reminding yourself about how God has helped you in the past, you need to do that.

Personally I believe that is what David was doing when the Bible says he "strengthened himself in the Lord."  I think David was reminding himself about:

·        How God delivered him from the lion and the bear;

·        How God delivered Goliath into his hands; and

·        How God delivered him when Saul tried to kill him.

I am confident David was thinking, "You know, God hasn't delivered me so miraculously in my past to get to this point and to let go of my hand and abandon me.  I know He is going to help me now."

David was strengthening himself in the Lord, and you need to learn to do the same thing.

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

FEATURED RESOURCE

Godly Wisdom for a Great Marriage

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

Read: James 2:14-26
Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. - Philippians 2:12

TODAY IN THE WORD
Near the end of the nineteenth century, a young doctor abandoned his general practice to specialize in ophthalmology. His status as an eye doctor, though, soon became a matter of philosophical debate: is a doctor with no patients really a doctor? Without any patients calling or visiting, the so-called doctor had plenty of spare time to focus on other things, like writing. And that is why the failed ophthalmologist, Arthur Conan Doyle, is better known as an author than a doctor.

Such is the problem of a Christian whose faith never results in good works-he is like a doctor who doesn't practice medicine. Just as Sir Conan Doyle was fully capable of treating patients, a believer is empowered by faith unto righteousness (Eph. 2:10). But without good works, our faith becomes little more than a work of fiction. James called that kind of faith useless and dead, asking rhetorically if such faith is truly saving faith (v. 14).

This passage is controversial in light of Paul's assertion that justification comes not by works but by faith. For the sake of argument, he presented faith and works as separate and distinct elements. The book of James makes an important clarification: practically, faith and works form a connection as vital as the spirit and the body. Just as the spirit departs when a body dies, the absence of good works signifies a dead faith.

James referred to the example of Abraham, who was commended for his faith-and his faith was substantiated by his actions. Imagine what the book of Genesis would look like had Abraham believed God but stayed home. A Christian who does no more good works than a demon can hardly take heart in the merit of their faith! Still, we must remember that faith is a prerequisite to doing anything pleasing to God (Heb. 11:6). Works without faith is like a doctor who has never attended medical school-without faith, we completely lack the qualifications for righteousness.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This topic has provoked difficult debate, but it's remarkably simple to live out. Doctors practice medicine. Lawyers practice law. Writers write. Builders build. In the same manner, Christians live like Christ. We shouldn't wonder how many good works we have to do or try to gauge the quality of other believers' good deeds. Focus instead on obeying God's Word. Following Christ is what you do. If you believe in Him, carry out the mission and the purpose He laid out for you. That's no mystery.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

GOD BLESS!