Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

November 23, 2009

How Great Is Our God!

READ: Job 38:31-41;42:5-6

Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loose the belt of Orion? -Job 38:31

A team of astronomers from the University of Minnesota say they have found a giant hole in the universe. The void they've discovered is in a region of sky southwest of Orion. The mysterious empty place has no galaxies, stars, or even dark matter. One of the astronomers said that the hole in the heavens is a billion light-years across.
When I try to capture the meaning of such immensity, something happens to me. The fight goes out of me. I don't know what to do with my thoughts. Who can relate to the magnitude of such emptiness?
Then I remember what the Lord did with Job. He drew His suffering servant's attention to the same part of the night sky. Using the region of the constellation Orion along with the wonders of the weather and the natural world, the Lord brought Job to the end of his reasonings and arguments (Job 38:31; 42:5-6).
In the presence of such wonder, I want to join Job in collapsing before the Lord in surrender to His inexpressible power and wisdom. I want to let go of my anxiety, my anger, and my resistance to the mysterious leading of God. I want to claim my only confidence as being in the immeasurable greatness of our God.  - Mart De Haan

For Further Study
To increase your appreciation for the Creator,
read the online resource Celebrating The Wonder
Of Creation at discoveryseries.org/q1108


The wonders of the universe compel us to worship our wonderful God.
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Spiritual Treasure

In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul tells us,
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

If you look at this chapter, Paul helps us understand that this treasure is ministry, the gospel, the Word of God, and the light and the glory of God, God's presence.
Paul wants us to understand that God has placed in us an incredible spiritual treasure...a treasure residing in these earthen vessels...our bodies.  The treasure is in you and me!
But that treasure needs to be poured out.

I can't help but think that Paul was thinking of two particular earthen vessels that were used in his day.  One was the vessel of mercy and the other the vessel of honor. 

One place you would find the vessel of honor was around the home.  People would use the water to wash their feet after traveling the dusty roads before they would enter your house, or they would use the water to quench their thirst.  Like the vessel of honor, we are to wash the feet of our family, to humbly serve them and to help quench their thirst for more of God.

The vessel of mercy looked identical to the vessel of honor, but it was located in public places like the town square, so that any traveler coming through that arid land would be guaranteed to find a fresh drink of water.  It was placed where the needs were.  We need to take mercy where mercy is needed most-out onto the highways of humanity.

You are an earthen vessel filled with His spiritual treasure, so start pouring it out-in your home and out where the people are.
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Read: Philippians 3:17-19

Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1

TODAY IN THE WORD
Today's reading well describes the character and behavior of Dmitri Karamazov in the novel The Brothers Karamazov.The author, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, a Russian Christian of the last century, portrayed Dmitri as a slave to his appetites and passions. If he wanted a woman, he pursued her shamelessly. If he had money, he spent it on pleasures. He loved fine clothes and the best food, parties and entertainment, and did whatever it took to get them.

Thankfully, Dmitri changes for the better as the novel progresses. But some people never learn, just as some vices are timeless. The spirit of Dmitri Karamazov is alive and well in our modern materialistic culture.

Paul warned against this very mindset in Philippians 3. The Philippians (v. 16) may have been asking themselves, "How can we live up to what we know?" Verse 17 answers that question by referring to a theme earlier in the epistle: imitation.

Who should they imitate? Paul. Was this a prideful command on his part? No--we have already seen his humility (v. 12). He was primarily concerned with a Christlike pattern of living, and in fact the Philippians should imitate anyone who lived in the way Paul described.

Then came the warning, given with strong emotion (vv. 18-19). Many did not live by the pattern and were bad examples for believers. Opposing Paul's life purpose (v. 10), they were "enemies of the cross of Christ." Their eternal destiny of "destruction" (separation from God) should have been a red flag to the Philippians not to follow in their footsteps. "Destruction" is the opposite of salvation and definitely not the "prize" for which Christians were called (v. 14).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is your mind on earthly things these days? Even the best of us can fall into this error, at times becoming short-sighted and failing to see with eyes of faith.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

November 24, 2009

Impossible Itokawa

READ: Matthew 19:16-26
With God all things are possible. -Matthew 19:26

In 2005, Japan's unmanned Haya-busa spacecraft visited an "impossible" asteroid. Images and data indicate that the asteroid, named Itokawa, is twice as porous as loose sand. This has astonished scientists, who believe that asteroids make repeated impacts with other space rocks and hence should be very dense. As they make additional discoveries, scientists may learn why Itokawa is different. But for now, we have an asteroid that challenges scientific understanding.
Two thousand years ago, a young ruler asked Jesus an "impossible" question: "What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (Matt. 19:16). After an intriguing exchange, the man "went away sorrowful" (v.22) when he realized he would have to give up his wealth-the very thing he valued more than a relationship with Jesus.
This upright man had kept the letter of the law, yet had fallen short. "Who then can be saved?" asked the astonished disciples (v.25). Jesus answered, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (v.26).
The One who created this universe out of nothing has a history of accomplishing the impossible. When we forsake what this life has to offer and follow Him, He does the impossible once again-He gives us eternal life!  - C. P. Hia
It took a miracle to put the stars in place,
It took a miracle to hang the world in space;
But when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and grace! -Peterson
© Renewal 1976, John W. Peterson Music Company.


Our limited ability accents God's limitless power.

You're Not Stuck

1 Corinthians 10:13 says,
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The word temptation in this verse also means test or trial.  With that in mind, here are a couple of thoughts to encourage you today. 

1.    Whatever test, trial, or temptation you are facing today, it is "common to man."  That means that you are not the only one who has gone through whatever you are facing. 

It is comforting to know that others have faced similar problems before us and made it through!

2.   God makes a way of escape with the trial or temptation.  That means you're not stuck!  Before your difficulty ever arose, God designed a way of escape.  And that means of escape comes with the problem. So if you find yourself embroiled in trials, tests, or temptations today, start looking for God's way of escape-it exists.  Trust Him to guide you safely through and out of your difficulties! 

Read: Philippians 3:20-21

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:2-3

TODAY IN THE WORD
When an American citizen travels abroad, he or she must carry a passport. Inside the passport is printed the following: "The Secretary of State of the United States of America hereby requests all whom it may concern to permit the citizen/ national of the United States named herein to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need to give all lawful aid and protection."

In other words, wherever a person goes, a passport symbolizes the rights and privileges of American citizenship. All the power and protection the United States can offer stands behind its people when they are abroad.

If a U.S. passport carries such great weight, imagine the eternal power behind our heavenly citizenship!

That's the metaphor in today's reading, one that the Philippians would have particularly understood. Philippi was a Roman colony, and the people of Philippi had the full rights of Roman citizenship, including being exempt from taxes. They lived in one city but were citizens of another, just as believers live on earth but are citizens of heaven (v. 20).

Actually, Paul had already suggested this metaphor earlier in his letter. The Greek word for "conduct" (Phil. 1:27) was a political term meaning "live as citizens." Living worthy of the gospel is a right and responsibility of our heavenly citizenship (cf. John 17:14; 1 Peter 2:11-12).

What does that citizenship entail? We should behave differently. If others' minds are on earthly things, contrast suggests that our minds are to be on heavenly things. And at the center of heaven we find Christ, the focus of Paul's thinking in this chapter. What is our great hope and the end of our salvation? His Second Coming!

What will this mean for us? Christ will transform our earthly bodies into spiritual ones (Phil. 3:21; 1 Cor. 15:20-26, 42-44). With the power we have already read about (Phil. 2:9-11), our Lord will raise and transform believers (3:11) and complete His great work of salvation (1:6).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To get a better grasp of the idea of "heavenly citizenship" versus "earthly citizenship," you might try this exercise.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

November 25, 2009

Holding Your Hand

READ: Psalm 73
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. -Psalm 73:23

One of the joys of being with kids is holding their hands. We do it to keep them safe while crossing the street, or to keep them from getting lost in a crowd. And whenever they stumble and lose their footing, we grab their little hands tighter to keep them from falling.
That's what God does for us. Inevitably there are stones and cracks that trip us up on the sidewalks of life. That's why it's easy to identify with the psalmist, who said, "My steps had nearly slipped" (Ps. 73:2).
We all face a variety of issues that threaten to make us stumble. For the psalmist Asaph, seeing the prosperity of the wicked caused him to question the goodness of God. But God squeezed his hand and reassured him that, given the judgment of God, the wicked do not really prosper. True prosperity, the psalmist discovered, was found in the fact that God was always with him: "You hold me by my right hand" (v.23). And just for good measure, God reminded him that He would also guide him through life and ultimately welcome him home to heaven (v.24). How good is that!
So, next time you stumble, remember that the powerful hand of God is holding your hand and walking you through life-all the way home!  - Joe Stowell
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand. -Stanphill
© Renewal 1978, Singspiration.


Let God do the holding and you do the trusting.
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Agreeing With God's Word

When the twelve spies returned from searching the promised land, they said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we" (Numbers 13:31).

That was the report they brought back-at least ten of them that is.  The other two, Joshua and Caleb, had this to say,

"Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us.  Do not fear them" (Numbers 14:9).


They all saw the same things in the land of Canaan, but only Joshua and Caleb chose to agree with God.  The Lord had previously told them that He would give them victory and that they would be able to drive out the inhabitants of the land.

The ten spies (along with all Israel) died without ever possessing what God had promised.  Only two men from that generation entered into Canaan and possessed the land.  I think you can guess who they were-Joshua and Caleb.  The only two who agreed with the declarations of God.

Check out what you have been saying.  Do your words agree with God or not? 
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Read: Philippians 4:1-3

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:3 

TODAY IN THE WORD
American inventor and diplomat Benjamin Franklin played a key role in the struggle for independence. He is the only person to sign all four documents on which the United States was founded: the Declaration of Independence, the alliance treaty with France, the peace treaty with England, and the Constitution.

As he and other leaders prepared to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Franklin joked, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we will all hang separately."

His humor had a serious message--without unity, they could not hope to defeat the military might of England. Paul had a similar message in today's reading. Unity can and must characterize the church if we are to be effective spiritually.

"Therefore" in verse 1 signals another section transition. Notice how Paul didn't just say, "So do it." He first expressed his personal love for the Philippians and his joy in their faith, then he exhorted, "That is how you should stand firm" (v. 1).

But what is "that"? He was referring to the letter so far, especially chapters 2-3. The believer's life should consist of imitating Christ (and anyone who imitates Him), hoping and rejoicing in Him, desiring to share in His sufferings and resurrection, holding onto the pure gospel and witnessing it to the world, and living out our God-guaranteed destiny with Christ. That's a lifetime assignment!

The various exhortations and messages of this last chapter of Philippians flow from these attitudes and priorities. Paul first urged two women to "agree with each other in the Lord" (v. 2). Evidently they had a quarrel or a difference to settle.

Notice two facts. First, these were not a pair of "crabs." Euodia and Syntyche had worked faithfully at Paul's side in the cause of the gospel. The lesson? Even the best of us can fail to practice Christlike unity.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Of what does Christian unity consist? Writer and preacher John Stott offers several insights linking unity and God's Word. "True unity will always be unity in truth, and truth means biblical truth." "Since Christian love is founded upon Christian truth, we shall not increase the love which exists between us by diminishing the truth which we hold in common."


GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

November 26

Gladly!

READ: Psalm 100

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! -Psalm 100:1


Psalm 100 is one of the great songs of thanksgiving in the Bible. It calls us to realize that we belong to God our Maker (vv.3-4), and to praise Him for His goodness, mercy, and truth (v.5).
During a recent reading, however, I was struck by a phrase that speaks of expressing thanks in a tangible, willing way: "Serve the Lord with gladness" (v.2). Many times my service to God is more grudging than glad. I do what I consider my duty, but I'm not happy about it.
Oswald Chambers put his finger on my unthankful attitude when he said: "The will of God is the gladdest, brightest, most bountiful thing possible to conceive, and yet some of us talk of the will of God with a terrific sigh-'Oh well, I suppose it is the will of God,' as if His will were the most calamitous thing that could befall us. . . . We become spiritual whiners and talk pathetically about 'suffering the will of the Lord.' Where is the majestic vitality and might of the Son of God about that!"
True thankfulness is more than being grateful for what we possess. It's an attitude that permeates our relationship with the Lord so that we may serve Him with gladness and joy.  - David C. McCasland
Then let us adore and give Him His right,
All glory and power, all wisdom and might,
All honor and blessing, with angels above,
And thanks never ceasing for infinite love. -Wesley

For the Christian, thanksgiving is not just a day but a way of life.
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The Road to Perfect and Complete

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have a question for you:  Has anything been building you lately?  If so, rejoice, because God is working maturity in you! 
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Read: Colossians 1:9-14; 2:6-7

I will give you thanks forever. - Psalm 30:12

TODAY IN THE WORD
Over 147 years ago, on October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln stated: "The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added . . . They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God . . . It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

Although Lincoln made Thanksgiving an official holiday, the practice of setting aside a day of thanks was a longstanding tradition in the United States. Moreover, Lincoln's writings, as well as those of other American leaders long before him, frequently reflect a deep sense of gratitude to God, both for His providence in national matters and in their own lives and families. It's evident that thanksgiving extended beyond a national holiday to lives that were characterized by gratitude to God.

Thanksgiving as a lifestyle has been a recurring theme in our study this month. This is particularly evident in Colossians. In Colossians 1:9-14, Paul indicates that he is praying that the Colossians would be filled with God's knowledge, so that they might live lives worthy of the Lord. Then he lists four characteristics of such a life: believers are to be fruitful, maturing, empowered, and thankful. The order of this list suggests that the more we progress in our walk of faith the more thankful we become. This is repeated in Colossians 2, where Paul links spiritual growth with overflowing thankfulness.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Bible scholar David Pao writes, "Thanksgiving becomes an essential part of the day to day living of believers. To live a life worthy of the Lord is to live with the constant awareness of God's grace." As you give thanks today for family, friends, and a special meal, pray that you will grow in gratitude throughout the upcoming year. Both of today's passages also link thankfulness with growing in the essentials of our faith. If you aren't already attending a Bible study, commit to making that a priority as well. 

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

November 27, 2009

Sin Crouches At The Door

READ: Genesis 4:1-16

Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it. -Genesis 4:7

The award-winning author John Steinbeck often used biblical themes in his novels. In his book East of Eden, he describes characters who illustrate the conflict of jealousy and revenge reflected in the story of Cain and Abel. Steinbeck shows how an angry heart burning with revenge doesn't have to act a certain way. There's always a choice.
When Abel's animal sacrifice received divine favor and Cain's offering of fruit was rejected, Cain burned with anger (Gen. 4:1-6). But the Lord admonished him, "Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it" (Gen. 4:7). The original Hebrew words paint the picture of an animal crouching, ready to devour its prey. Cain's anger and jealousy, if not brought under control, would "eat him up" and spill out in destructive behavior. Tragically, Cain gave in to his evil desires. It resulted in the first homicide and his departure from the presence of the Lord (Gen. 4:8-16).
Do you have feelings of jealousy or anger toward someone? If so, you have a choice. If you ignore the internal struggle, it will only get worse and control you. But if you bring your anger to the Lord and ask for His help, in His strength you will have victory.  - Dennis Fisher

When faced with trials from without
Or tempted from within,
Rely upon the Lord for strength
To turn away from sin. -Sper

Control your anger, or it will control you.
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It Will All Work Out

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whatever your situation, you can rest assured that God has plans to work things out.  God is working all things after the counsel of His own will.  So relax!  Even if your present circumstances have totally taken you by surprise, God saw it coming and made provision far ahead of time.
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Read: Ephesians 1:3-14

Now it is God who . . . has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. - 2 Corinthians 5:5

TODAY IN THE WORD
Most people are fairly familiar with the concept of a deposit-a sum of money that is paid guaranteeing full payment. Realtors, for example, typically require at least a ten-percent deposit, or down payment, from homebuyers. From this, regular payments are established so that the full price of the house is received.

Although many of us understand this concept applied to houses, we may not understand it as well regarding the single most important "down payment" of our lives-the "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance," that is, the Holy Spirit.

Today's passage praises God the Father for His marvelous deeds in Christ Jesus. First Paul thanks God for "every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). One way to understand this is that all that is necessary for life is ours through the Holy Spirit. Although the full expression of this awaits us in heaven, we experience these spiritual blessings here and now. We looked at one of the blessings yesterday-the Spirit of sonship, or adoption (Rom. 8:15). Another blessing is redemption (Eph. 1:7), which we looked at two days ago.

Today's passage shows us that we have been redeemed and adopted so that we might be "holy and blameless in his sight" (v. 4). Because we are now in Christ, our lives are completely different than they were apart from Christ.

In Christ, we receive knowledge of God's good purposes for life-the knowledge that all things will be brought under Christ's rule (v. 10). In the New Testament, mysteryrefers to something hidden that God has revealed. Unlike our use of this word, mystery here does not describe something that is unknowable.


TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sometimes "spiritual blessings" seem very far removed from "here and now." One way to link the "now" with the "not yet" is to understand that these blessings are partly evident now, but will be fully manifest in heaven. 

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

November 30, 2009

God's Love Story

READ: Hosea 11

How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? . . . My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. -Hosea 11:8

Is there any human feeling more powerful than that of betrayal? Ask a high school girl whose boyfriend has dumped her for a pretty cheerleader. Or tune your radio to a country-western station and listen to the lyrics of infidelity. Or check out the murders reported in the daily newspaper, an amazing number of which trace back to a quarrel with an estranged lover.
In the Old Testament, God through Hosea's marriage demonstrates in living color exactly what it is like to love someone desperately and get nothing in return. Not even God, with all His power, will force a human being to love Him.
Many people think of God as an impersonal force, something akin to the law of gravity. The book of Hosea portrays almost the opposite: a God of passion and fury and tears and love. A God in mourning over Israel's rejection of Him (11:.
God the lover does not desire to share His bride with anyone else. Yet, amazingly, when Israel turned her back on God, He stuck with her. He was willing to suffer, in hope that someday she would return to Him.
Hosea, and later Jesus, prove that God longs not to punish but to love. In fact, He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us!  - Philip Yancey
Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.
Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary's cross He was led.
Why should He love me so? -Harkness

God loved us so much, He sent His only Son.
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Under Control

In today's devotional I want to follow up on the passage we looked at yesterday, 1 Corinthians 7:7-9,

For I wish that all men were even as I myself.  But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.  But I say to the unmarried and to the widows:  It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry.  For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

What I want to focus on is verse 9, especially the part about burning with passion.  There are way too many young Christians who are out of control in their physical relationship with the opposite sex. 

So, mom or dad, here is something you can share with your kids in connection with relating to the opposite sex.  Be prepared, I am going to be blunt.

1.      Any body part they have that you don't have, don't touch it.  Any equipment they have that you don't have, it is hands off!

2.      Do not put any part of your body into any part of their body.

3.      Do not get horizontal.  Don't even sit on the couch watching TV, and lay down in one another's arms.  If you do, you know where that can lead.

4.      If you are going to kiss, let it be short and meaningful.  Don't allow yourselves to get into a wrestling match.  Again, it is hard to find the switch to turn it off once you get going.

5.      Finally, let things like holding hands or putting your arm around your boyfriend or girlfriend actually be meaningful.

If you are single, apply these rules, and they could save you a lot of grief! 

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Read: Philippians 4:8-9

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord. - Psalm 19:14

TODAY IN THE WORD
A short saying you may have heard shows the importance of our thought life to who we are and what we do for the Lord. One of its variations reads as follows:

Sow a thought, reap an action.

Sow an action, reap a habit.

Sow a habit, reap a heart.

Sow a heart, reap a life.

In this light, the smallest thought can lead to tremendous consequences. Consider Paul's instructions, for instance, in verse 8 of today's reading.

He had been going through a series of short exhortations as he prepared to close his letter. Yesterday we read that if we turn our burdens over to the Lord in prayer, His divine peace will guard our hearts and minds.

It makes sense that Paul next turned to the mind and the believer's thought life. What are we to think about? Whatever is true, remembering that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). Whatever is noble, or of high reputation. Whatever is right, or just. Whatever is pure, or righteous. Whatever is lovely, or beautiful in God's eyes, and whatever is admirable.

Is this list restrictive or limiting? Not at all! Notice that it is stated positively--"think about" rather than "don't think about." In fact, we should think about anything that is excellent or praiseworthy. This tells us that God's wisdom and discipline can be present in and rule our thought lives without a spirit of fear or negativity. That's faith!

Centering our thoughts on subjects with these characteristics will enable us to obey Paul's other exhortations in this epistle. How? Thoughts become deeds. Considering godly examples such as Timothy and Epaphroditus leads to godly actions. Desiring to know Christ cultivates Christlikeness. That which is inside a person's mind and heart promotes God's changing, sanctifying work.


TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul made several memorable statements about why he lives and how the Philippians should live. It is important for us to think through our purpose as a Christian. You may want to plan some additional time, perhaps this weekend, to study Paul's thoughts on this subject in Philippians. Ask yourself what purpose your life is following. 

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 01, 2009

The Best Of Gifts

READ: John 1:10-13
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! -2 Corinthians 9:15

Having trouble selecting that perfect gift for someone? A friend shared with me a few suggestions:

· The gift of listening. No interrupting, no planning your response. Just listening.

· The gift of affection. Being generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.

· The gift of laughter. Sharing funny stories and jokes. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

· The gift of a written note. Expressing in a brief, handwritten note your appreciation or affection.

· The gift of a compliment. Sincerely saying, "You look great today" or "You are special" can bring a smile.

But as we begin this special month of celebration, why not pass on the best gift you've ever received? Share the fact that "the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 6:23). Or share this verse from John 1:12, "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." Remind others that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

The best gift of all is Jesus Christ. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15).  - Cindy Hess Kasper

The greatest Gift that has ever been given
Is Jesus Christ who was sent down from heaven.
This Gift can be yours if you will believe;
Trust Him as Savior, and new life receive. -Hess

The best gift was found in a manger.
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Dealing with Sin

I want to follow up on yesterday's devotional by pointing you to 1 Peter 2:18-23,

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.  For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.  For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently?  But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:  "Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.

The Goodspeed translation says, "He committed His cause to Him who judges righteously."  Now these verses are pretty clear:  God is a righteous judge.  And even if you are being mistreated for doing right, if you will commit things to God, He has a marvelous way of turning the tables in your favor.

You have to maintain three things if God is, indeed, going to use you in such a situation.

1.      You have to maintain a right spirit.  You have to keep a good attitude.  You cannot get bitter. You have to stay kind.

2.      You have to keep right speech.  Do not dish out the same kind of abuse.  Do not start saying things that are going to create division.

3.      You have to maintain right service.  Even if you are being mistreated, continue working hard for the Lord.  Do not sabotage things.

If you will do these three things, just watch what God does through your difficulties! 
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Read: Luke 5:1-11

So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. - Luke 5:11

TODAY IN THE WORD

Behavioral experts tell us that when we encounter someone new, first impressions are made within the first three seconds. In that short time, even before you have spoken, someone has already formed an opinion about you based on your clothes, body language, mannerisms, or even fashion accessories like your watch or purse. Right or wrong, that first impression is often a lasting one, and very difficult to change-all the more reason, say employment counselors, to make sure that your first impression is your best impression.

This month we will be studying the epistles of the apostle Simon Peter, but today we get the opportunity to form a first impression about our author. Luke 5 records Peter's call to apostleship. What do we learn about the man Simon?

First, we discover that he was a trusting man. Although Simon had just spent a long, fruitless night fishing on the lake, and was packing away his nets, Jesus told Simon to push out to deeper water and try again. Peter could have easily refused this request as naïve nonsense. Instead, Peter displayed an incredible amount of trust in this new teacher, and did as He requested.

Next, we also discover that Simon was a humble man. After the catch of fish-complete with tearing nets and sinking boats-Peter recognized that he was in the presence of holiness. Falling at Jesus' knees, Peter urged Him, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man" (v. . His astonishment led to recognition, and his recognition led to humility.

Finally, we discover that Simon was a wholly obedient man. When Jesus responded that "from now on you will catch men" (v. 10), Scripture tells us that Peter, along with the other disciples, "pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him" (v. 11). This is no half-hearted gesture, but a full commitment. In this entire passage, we see no pride or pretense in Simon, only a trusting, humble, and wholly obedient man, leaving all to follow his new master.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Simon Peter clearly displays admirable characteristics worthy of imitation. If people were to make first impressions of you, what do you think they would say? Do you display the heart of a trusting, humble, obedient follower of Christ, or someone full of suspicion, pride, and self-assertion? Pray to God for the honesty to look into your own heart, asking Him to help you respond to His Word this month with the same response we see in Peter.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 02, 2009

He Doesn't Stand A Chance

READ: Ephesians 6:10-18

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. -1 John 4:4

In 2004, Josh Hamilton was an outstanding pro baseball prospect, but he was suspended because of drug abuse. Then one night Josh had a life-changing dream. He was fighting the devil. "I had a stick," he said, "and every time I hit him, he'd fall and get back up. I hit him until I was exhausted, and he was still standing."

After that nightmare, Hamilton vowed to stay clean. The dream returned, but with an important difference. "I would hit [the devil] and he would bounce back," said Josh. But this time Josh was not alone. He said, "I turned my head and Jesus was battling alongside me. We kept fighting, and I was filled with strength. The devil didn't stand a chance."

The Bible says that the devil doesn't stand a chance because the Spirit, who is in us, is greater than he is (1 John 4:4). Christ came to destroy the works of the devil through His life, ministry, and sacrifice (3:. At the cross, He disarmed and triumphed over the devil (Col. 1:13-14; 2:15).

Though defeated by the cross, the devil remains active in this world. But his final defeat is certain (Rev. 20:7-10). Until then, we take up the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18), standing firm against him by Jesus' blood and His Word. He doesn't stand a chance.  - Marvin Williams

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us. -Luther

The devil is a defeated foe.
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What Do You Value?

Psalm 119:72 says,
The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.

We understand "the law of Your mouth" to be God's Word.  And what the psalmist is saying is, "Lord, Your word is better to me than a pile of silver or a pile of gold."

Let's say you are offered a position at a particular company-offered a great job, great increase of pay, and maybe the housing in that area is less.  It is your dream job!  But you investigate things, and you find out there is not a good spirit-filled Bible teaching church in that town where the job is.  But you can make a lot more money!  Do you go?  It depends on how much you value God's Word.

One gentleman who was very involved in my church came to me one day and announced that he was moving.  I asked him, "Did you find a church there?"  He replied, "No, no.  There's not a good church in the town at all.  But I'm going to be making a lot more money.  We can get a bigger house.  It's going to be great."

A year later his teenage daughter was pregnant, his boy was in juvenile hall, he and his wife were getting a divorce, and he was back on drugs.  But, hey!  He was making a lot more money.

In our society, it is so easy to make decisions based solely on money.  And sadly, it is the ruin of many a family and relationship.  Value first God's Word.  Value it more than anything our world can give you.
If you do, you will never be disappointed. 
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Read: John 21:15-19

Simon son of John, do you love me? . . . Feed my sheep. - John 21:17

TODAY IN THE WORD
As the ancient church began to face serious persecution in the third century, leaders had to wrestle with this troubling question: What do we do with Christians who renounced Christ under threat of death but later wished to return to the church? Some said that their denial of Christ made remittance impossible. But others argued-successfully-that with true repentance and humility, such members should be received back into the church. Today's record of Peter's reinstatement by Christ was an important text in guiding early Christian leaders to think about forgiveness in the church. The context is important. Just a few chapters earlier, Peter had three times denied that he ever knew Jesus (John 18:15-27). Under threat of ridicule and harm, Peter had caved. But then, after the resurrection, Jesus stood before Peter and offered a second chance to proclaim his love for Christ. Three times Jesus asked Peter: "Do you love me?" matching the three denials earlier. In each instance, Peter declared his love for Christ (vv. 15-17).
From his reaction after the third round of questioning, we see that Peter was quite aware of Jesus' intentions, and it pained him deeply. Here in the final chapter of John we see a humbled Peter, fully cognizant of his sin against Christ. Yet, look now at Jesus' response. After each of Peter's declarations of love, Jesus commanded him to "Feed my sheep" (vv. 15-17). Peter may have publicly denied Jesus in the temple courtyard, and that was a serious sin, but Christ here extended an incredibly generous grace and forgiveness to Peter.
Not only did Jesus consider Peter a forgiven follower, He also gave Peter the important (and costly) task of leadership over His people (vv. 18-19). Here is a marvelous picture of Christ's love, forgiveness, and deep concern about His flock. As we will see in the coming study of his epistles, Peter too was captivated by both Christ's uniting love and His call to guard and protect Christ's church. Watch for those themes in the days to come.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have all fallen in our walk with Christ, and we likely all know of others who have fallen as well. For some of us it may seem like our sins or the sins of others are just too big to overcome. But today's passage encourages us with the clear message that with repentance and humility, Christ is ready to forgive and restore. Can you think of someone you know (perhaps yourself) who needs to be reminded of Christ's readiness to offer forgiveness? Deliver that message today.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 03, 2009

Finding Jesus

READ: Romans 8:27-39

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? -Romans 8:32

After someone stole a valuable ceramic figurine of Baby Jesus from a nativity scene in Wellington, Florida, officials took action to keep thieves from succeeding again. An Associated Press report described how they placed a GPS tracking device inside the replacement figurine. When Baby Jesus disappeared again the next Christmas, sheriff's deputies were led by the signal to the thief's apartment.
There are times when difficult circumstances or personal loss can cause us to feel that Christ has been stolen from our Christmas. How can we find Jesus when life seems to be working against us?
Like a spiritual GPS, Romans 8 guides us to God's never-failing love and presence with us. We read that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes for us (v.27). We know that God is for us (v.31). And we have this grand assurance: "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (v.32). Finally, we are reminded that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus (vv.38-39).
Look for Jesus in the manger, on the cross, risen from the dead, and in our hearts. That's where we can find Jesus at Christmas.  - David C. McCasland

But what to those who find? Ah, this
Nor tongue nor pen can show,
The love of Jesus, what it is
None but His loved ones know. -Bernard of Clairvaux

If we focus only on Christmas, we might lose sight of Christ.
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Do You Cherish God's Word?

Psalm 107:20 says,
He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
God has given us His Word for our benefit, and yet so many Christians ignore it to their hurt.
It is like the story of the woman a preacher went to visit one day.  She lived in a dilapidated house.  As long as he had known her, she had struggled with poverty.  Twenty years earlier she had been the housekeeper for the wealthiest woman in town, but the wealthy woman had died.  So this housekeeper moved into an old shack.

As the pastor was visiting her, he noticed a document framed on the wall.  He said, "Do you mind if I borrow this for a few days?"  She replied, "Well, you can borrow it, but please bring it back.  Although I can't read, it is very important to me.  It is the only thing that the lady left me when she died.  It is very valuable to me.  It reminds me of her.  So make sure you bring it back."

He took it and had it investigated and authenticated.  It was the will of the woman who had died, and in the will she left her housekeeper a fortune.  The housekeeper could have had any house she wanted in the whole city and had servants of her own, but due to her ignorance, she lived in poverty and had a rough go of it all those years.
That woman reminds me of a lot of Christians.  They don't read their Bible, but they admire it because it reminds them of God.  They haven't taken time to find out the inheritance that belongs to them as believers.

God's Word is a light to our path.  It is our guidebook for life.  It is bread for our spirit.  It is our strength.  It is our refuge in troubled times.
Cherish God's Word.
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Read: 1 Peter 1:1-2

To God's elect . . . who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. - 1 Peter 1:1-2


TODAY IN THE WORD
The ritual of naming in the Native American tradition conveys an understanding of the power and expectations in the name a person receives. Whether named for a particular virtue, part of nature, or an innate talent, names form an integral part of identity in this culture.

Peter understood much about identity, and today's reading focuses on that theme in two ways. First, notice how Peter identified himself: he is not "Simon," his birth name, but "Peter," the name given him by Christ Himself (cf. Matt. 16:18). The self-description he gave is also important: "an apostle of Jesus Christ" (v. 1). The Greek word apostle means "sent one." In other words, Peter identified himself as one who is sent; his identity was linked with his calling as an apostle. But his calling was further linked with someone in particular: Jesus! Peter's identity was intricately attached to his relationship with and calling by Christ.

Second, notice that Peter spent even more time identifying his audience. They are "God's elect, strangers in the world . . . who have been chosen" by God (vv. 1-2). Don't miss the subtle significance of these designations. For any first-century Jew, calling someone "chosen" by God, or a "stranger" in the land would quite obviously refer to Israel, God's chosen people (cf. Deut. 32:8-9).
But most of the initial readers of 1 Peter likely consisted of Gentiles. Peter was emphasizing their new identity. They may have been idolaters and pagans in the past (cf. 1:18; 4:3), but Peter designated them as the true people of God.

Finally, notice the Trinitarian shape of their identity. They have been chosen by the Father, through the work of the Spirit, for obedience to and participation with the Son (v. 2). What makes Peter's audience God's people is not an act of self-determination, but a gracious work of the Triune God Himself. As with Peter, so with followers of Christ: who we are is determined by whom we belong to. Our relationship with God determines our identity as His people.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Who are you? How would you identify yourself to others? Today's passage encourages us to think theologically about our identity. We may perform many tasks, experience many rejections, or wrestle with past sins; but 1 Peter reminds us that our identity is grounded in our calling and acceptance by God. Take time to pray before God about how you see yourself, asking Him to shape your self-identity around the truths He presents to you in His Word. You may find that keeping a spiritual journal will help you in this process.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 04, 2009

What You Can Do

READ: Ephesians 3:14-21 
[I pray that] He would grant you . . . to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. -Ephesians 3:16

Are you getting what you want out of life? Or do you feel that the economy, your government, your circumstances, or other outside factors are robbing you of value and joy?

Recently, a polling agency asked 1,000 people what they most desired in their lives. One fascinating result was that 90 percent of Bible-believing Christians said that they wanted these outcomes: a close relationship with God, a clear purpose in life, a high degree of integrity, and a deep commitment to the faith.

Notice that these heartfelt desires are all things we as individuals can do something about without outside human help. No government program will assist here, and tough economic times cannot steal these ideals. These life goals are achieved as we allow God's Word to rule in our hearts and as we receive the Spirit's strength to build up "the inner man" (Eph. 3:16), resulting in true joy.

In our complicated world, it's tempting to put our quest for what we desire into the hands of others-to expect an outside entity to fulfill our desires. While we sometimes need help, and we cannot live in isolation, it's not outside sources that provide true happiness. That comes from within-from letting Christ be at home in our hearts (v.17).  - Dave Branon

Holy Spirit, all divine,
Dwell within this heart of mine;
Cast down every idol throne,
Reign supreme and reign alone. -Reed

If a troubled world gets you down, look up to Jesus.
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Whom Do You Trust?
In Psalm 118:8-9, we are told this,

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

There are a lot of applications to this passage, but let me talk to you about just one.  And that is this:  You do not want to trust the state of your eternal soul to any man.

Ma'am, maybe your husband prays.  Maybe he has a "real deal" relationship with God.  Do not expect that to gain you any merit or to somehow get you to heaven.  You have to have a relationship with the Lord yourself.

Sir, perhaps you have a praying wife.  She is on fire for God.  Do not expect that to get you a seat at the marriage supper of the Lamb.  You must be born again.  You have to be trusting in the Lord yourself.  You have to have your own living, breathing, walking, talking, relationship with the Savior, or you will not get in!

When I was in my early twenties, there was a plethora of gurus and eastern mystics people were following.  Some of my friends gave up all of their earthly possessions and became disciples of certain "holy" men.

But you know what?  If you follow a man, when he perishes, you will perish just like him. 
Psalm 146:3-4 says,

Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.  His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish.

If you put your trust in men, you will perish just like they do.  But if you put your trust in God through His Son, Jesus Christ, you will gain eternal life.
Put your trust in God alone! 
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Read: 1 Peter 1:3-7

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18
 
TODAY IN THE WORD
From the beginning, Christians were viewed with suspicion and hostility. Their refusal to sacrifice to pagan gods and their claim that Jesus is Lord earned them the reputation of being dangerous, disloyal citizens. Their gatherings evoked rumors of unspeakable immorality. Physical persecution often resulted.

While more widespread, systematic persecution would come a few years later, Peter's audience was already experiencing the trial and suffering that accompanied being a follower of Jesus. Into this context, Peter spoke a word of hope.

This reading begins with a description of our "new birth into a living hope," anchored by "the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (v. 3). Christ's resurrection secured for us something we could never attain on our own: true hope in a fallen world. This biblical hope is more than just "I hope so"; it is confidence in the promise of God. This, says Scripture, is what God, in His mercy, has "given us. "Scripture also reminds us that we are born into a heavenly inheritance (v. 4). Because of Jesus' resurrection, and our faith in Him, we are now children of God and inheritors of all that is His (see Rom. 8:14-17). And not only are we heirs of this coming salvation, we are protected heirs-shielded from our enemies by the power of God (v. 5). Thus, the "living hope" of verse 3 is linked with God's promise of protection in verse 5.

Finally, lest the reader assume that Scripture promises an easy life, we are reminded of the suffering, grief, and trials in life (v. 6). Scripture doesn't deny our suffering; it is real, and it will be part of all Christian living (cf. John 16:33). But we are pointed to something else: the final outcome of our suffering. Just as gold is refined by fire, so too our faith is refined-or proved genuine-by suffering. In the end, when Christ is fully revealed, our perseverance in faith will be rewarded with "praise, glory and honor" (v. 7). In the meantime, Scripture offers this "living hope" amidst our suffering.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In addition to the important reminder about our "living hope," Scripture also exhorts us to the proper response to God's sure promises: joy (v. 6)! Clearly, biblical joy is not determined by earthly circumstances; it's rooted in something much deeper: knowledge of God's love and protection. Can you truly say that this is your response to suffering and trial? It may be difficult to transform your attitude overnight, but ask God for strength to respond to this week's trials and difficulties with today's picture of biblical joy.
 
GOD BLESS!