Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

December 15, 2009

God's Remarkable Word

READ: Psalm 119:89-96
Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven. -Psalm 119:89

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 has been called the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century. The ancient manuscripts hidden in the caves near Qumran are the oldest known copies of key Old Testament books. In 2007, the San Diego Natural History Museum hosted an exhibition featuring 24 of these scrolls. One often-repeated theme in the exhibit was that during the past 2,000 years the text of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament) has remained virtually unchanged.

Followers of Christ who believe that the Bible is the eternal, unchanging Word of God find more than coincidence in this remarkable preservation. The psalmist wrote: "Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations" (119:89-90). Jesus said: "My words will by no means pass away" (Matt. 24:35).

The Bible is more than a historical relic. It is the living, powerful Word of God (Heb. 4:12), in which we encounter the Lord and discover how to live for Him and honor Him. "I will never forget Your precepts," the psalmist concluded, "for by them You have given me life" (119:93).

What a privilege we have each day to seek God in His remarkable Word!  - David C. McCasland
I have a companion, a wonderful guide,
A solace and comfort whatever betide;
A friend never-failing when others pass by,
Oh, blessed communion, my Bible and I. -Knobloch


To know Christ, the Living Word, is to love the Bible, the written Word.
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The Power to Forgive

There are times when we need to forgive someone for something they have done.  On occasion it can seem so difficult...almost impossible.

But forgiveness is not an option for you and me as followers of Jesus Christ.
Forgiveness is an act of the will.  You can forgive.  In fact, Jesus said that we even need to love our enemies, those who may not want peace with us.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44,
"Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."

How can you do that?  Because God has done the same thing for you.  In Romans 5:10 it says,
When we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son.

When you and I embrace salvation through Jesus Christ, that same love of God is poured out in our hearts. (See Romans 5:1 and 5).  As a result, we can forgive those who have wronged us.

Once you have forgiven someone, it can still affect your emotions.  I like what Corrie ten Boom shared.  She went through several sleepless weeks over something that someone had done to her.  She tried to forgive the person; but, still, when she would think about it, she would respond emotionally.

When she shared this with her pastor, he had her look up at the bell tower of the church.  He reminded her that the bell would continue to ring even after the person ringing it had let go of the rope.  But given a little time, the bell would slow down until it was silent.

It may take time for your emotions to settle even when you have let go of the rope.  Just let go of the rope and forgive.  You can do it! 
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Read: 1 Peter 3:13-17

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks. - 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

TODAY IN THE WORD
In the United States, Good Samaritan laws provide protection from lawsuits against individuals who attempt to assist someone suffering a medical emergency. The aim of such laws is to encourage passersby to help someone in need without fear of being sued for unintentional injury or wrongful death. In other words, those who try to help someone else are protected by law in the event an unintended injury may result from the aid offered. The idea that someone who does good should be protected from harm is found in today's reading as well (v. 13); yet, Peter quickly admits that this principle is not always followed. As Christians, we will sometimes suffer for doing what is right (v. 14). And this brings us back to a running theme in our study: how should Christians respond to suffering and persecution?

First, Scripture encourages us to have the right attitude. Persecution is not the opposite of blessing (v. 14a). Jesus said as much in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5). Another aspect of a biblical attitude includes exchanging fear for boldness (v. 14b). We need not fear what humans can do to us; instead, we reserve reverence for God, and Peter cites Isaiah 8 to make his point. Rather than fear human persecution, we are called "to honor Christ the Lord as holy" (v. 15, ESV). If we regard Christ alone as truly holy, then we live in hope rather than in fear.

Second, because we live with hope in Christ, our suffering may become an opportunity for witness. To those who inquire about our response to suffering, we are called to give a gentle answer, grounded in our "fear" or reverence of Christ, a more accurate translation than the NIV's "respect" (v. 15b). And when we have no opportunity to speak, Scripture reminds us that our behavior provides a witness to Christ as well (v. 16-17). A consistent witness of word and deed, especially in moments of persecution, brings glory to God and is faithful to His good will.


TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you believe that persecution and blessing can exist side by side? Are you able to rejoice at your suffering and to use it as an opportunity for witness the way Peter did in Acts 5:41-42? These are not easy words, and they require God's grace in us to respond this way. Ask God for a renewed attitude toward suffering in your own life, and commit to use those moments as faithful and consistent witness for Christ in both word and deed.


GOD BLESS

[Judy Harder]

December 16, 2009

Becoming Whole

READ: Romans 7:13-25

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. -Philippians 2:12-13



When a friend fell off her bike and suffered a severe brain injury, doctors weren't sure she would survive. For several days she remained suspended between life and death.
The first good news came when she opened her eyes. Then she responded to simple voice commands. But with every small improvement, anxiety remained. How far would she progress?

After one difficult day of therapy, her husband was discouraged. But the very next morning he shared these welcome words: "Sandy's back!" Physically, emotionally, psychologically, and mentally, Sandy was becoming the "self" who we knew and loved.

Sandy's fall reminds me of what theologians refer to as "the fall" of mankind (Gen. 3). And her struggle to recover parallels our struggle to overcome the brokenness of sin (Rom. 7:18). If only her body healed, recovery would be incomplete. The same would be true if her brain worked but her body didn't. Wholeness means that all parts work together for one purpose.

God is the one healing Sandy, but she has to work hard in therapy to improve. The same is true of us spiritually. After God saves us through Christ, we must "work out" our salvation (Phil. 2:12)-not to earn it but to bring our thoughts and actions into agreement with His purpose.  - Julie Ackerman Link

More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do. -Gabriel


To become whole, keep yielding to the Holy Spirit.

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Do You Really Believe It?

Ephesians 2:4-7 says,
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

There was a time in my wife's life when nothing was going right.  It was before we were married while she was attending Bible school.  Things were so bad that she was ready to drop out, and she wondered where God was in her life.

It was then that she attended a seminar where a woman was teaching on this passage.  As my wife read this, and heard it taught, she saw that God loved her in an amazing way.  That He loves everybody so much He sent Jesus Christ, so that He could make us a showpiece of His great love. 
She realized He wanted to make her life beautiful and full.  He wanted to make it good.  He wanted to do things in her life so that she would be a showpiece for Him, and other people would look and say, "What is it about you?" and she could tell them that God made the difference in her life.  Since that truth dawned on Janet's heart, she has never been the same.

1 John 4:16 says,
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.

Do you really believe that God loves you and has good things in store for you?  You have heard about God's love, but do you really know it?  Are you really believing the love that God has for you?
Well He does love you, and when you believe it, you will never be the same! 
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Read: 1 Peter 3:18-22
He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit. - 1 Peter 3:18

TODAY IN THE WORD
Some things just go together. In an exercise for youngsters, the teacher gives one word and the students respond with the appropriate match: peanut butter and jelly; lock and key; ball and glove; Bert and Ernie. These words seem incomplete without the other. This is true when we speak of our redemption in Christ. Today's reading portrays Christ's death and resurrection as the basis of our response to persecution. Whatever the difficulties we may face for Christ's sake, Scripture reminds us of what Christ has already accomplished. He died "for our sins" in order to "bring you to God" (v. 18). But Christ's death alone is incomplete. We also need Christ's victorious resurrection. He was "made alive by the Spirit" (v. 18) and has ascended to God's right hand (v. 22). If Christ's suffering gives an example of patience and humility, Christ's resurrection gives us courage because we know the triumph we share with Christ.
How then do verses 19 through 21 fit into this encouraging picture? Commentators disagree over the meaning of these verses. Some argue that the "spirits in prison" (v. 19) are fallen angels held until the day of judgment. Early Jewish tradition, as well as passages like 2 Peter 2:4-5 and Jude 6, support this view. If correct, Christ became a herald of victory over death, and is an encouraging picture of the victory we share with Him. Others argue that the "spirits" are disobedient men during the time of the Flood who refused the Spirit's call for repentance through Noah (see 2 Peter 2:5 for support).
Either way, Peter uses the days of Noah as an example of when wickedness flourished, yet in the end, God's judgment and vindication conquered. Noah being saved through the waters of the Flood becomes a "symbol" of Christian salvation through baptism (vv. 20-21). But how does baptism save? Through its connection with Christ's resurrection (v. 21b; cf. Rom. 6:1-11). We face suffering in a fallen world, but we do so with hope because our glorious end is already revealed in the resurrection of Christ.


TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage reminds us that we need both Christ's death and resurrection, not only to accomplish redemption, but to provide a Christian response to suffering in a fallen world. Which might you need to focus on? Christ's patient and humble death which brings us to God, or His glorious resurrection which promises us triumph over sin and death? Meditate on one or the other today (or both!) as you consider your own response to the suffering and injustice of a fallen world.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 17, 2009

The King Of Fruits

READ: Luke 19:12-26 Present your bodies a living sacrifice, . . . which is your reasonable service. -Romans 12:1

The durian, a tropical fruit, is often called The King of Fruits. Either you love it or you hate it. Those who love it will do almost anything to get it. Those who hate it won't get near it because of its pungent smell. My wife loves it. Recently, a friend, who was grateful for what my wife had done for her, sent her a box of the finest quality durians. She took great pains to ensure that they were the best.

I asked myself, "If we can give the best to a friend, how can we do less for our Lord who gave His very life for us?"

The nobleman in Jesus' parable in Luke 19 wanted the best from 10 servants to whom he gave money, saying, "Do business till I come" (v.13). When he returned and asked for an account, he gave the same commendation "Well done!" to all those who had done what they could with the money entrusted to them. But he called "wicked" (v.22) the one who did nothing with his money.

The primary meaning of this story is stewardship of what we've been given. To be faithful with what God has given to us is to give Him our best in return. As the master gave money to the servants in the parable, so God has given us gifts to serve Him. It is we who will lose out if we fail to give Him our best.  - C. P. Hia
Give of your best to the Master,
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service,
Consecrate every part. -Grose


We are at our best when we serve God by serving others.
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The Reality of the Battle

Ephesians 6:10-13 provides for us a sober warning,

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Conflict with the enemy is unavoidable.  These verses make that eminently clear.  There will be a battle if you are part of God's family.  We do have a spiritual adversary.

The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:8-9,
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

We do have an enemy and we are involved in a spiritual battle.  But don't you think if you knew when the devil was going to attack you, that it might give you a bit of an advantage?  Well, over the next few devotionals I want to share with you three times that the devil is very likely to bring the battle to your front door.

We are going to find that as we look at the life of Jesus, this pattern was in His life.  There were three times that the devil in particular brought the battle to His front door, as it were.  And I believe we can expect spiritual battle at the same three times in our lives. 
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Read: 1 Peter 4:1-6

But they will have to give an account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. - 1 Peter 4:5

TODAY IN THE WORD
During the Watergate scandal and trials, one of President Nixon's top aides, Charles Colson, became a Christian. When word broke, numerous reporters ridiculed Colson's conversion. Through articles and cartoons, Colson was depicted as a joke, a cover-up artist seeking a reduced sentence. Now years later, Colson continues his witness for Christ and is responsible for Prison Fellowship Ministries, one of the most successful ministries to prisoners, ex-convicts, and their families. Colson understood the ridicule and abuse today's passage warns that Christians may face (v. 4). Yet in the midst of this derisive response to our faith, Scripture calls us to stand firm in our Christian life. Peter begins our text with a reminder of Christ's suffering, and that the one "who has suffered in the body is done with sin" (v. 1). This doesn't mean that those who suffer no longer sin; rather, now that Christ has "died for our sins once for all" (2:18), the power of sin is over. We are no longer enslaved to that way of life.
Instead, Christians are called to put away "evil human desires" and live for "the will of God" (v. 2). And there's no point in wasting time about it. The life of perversion, intemperance, and idolatry should be a thing of the past (v. 3). And although the world may think our new lifestyle in Christ is a strange, even laughable thing (v. 4), our new identity means a new life.
Finally, if a reminder of the work of Christ is not enough, Peter adds that every person, believer and unbeliever, will one day give an account to the judge of "the living and the dead" (v. 5). Again, verse 6 presents interpretive difficulties, but the context of the passage suggests that the meaning is this: by human appearances, believers who have died have faced the judgment of death without vindication, but the reality is that in the eyes of God, those who responded to the good news are in fact alive. No amount of ridicule or mockery can take away the resurrection life we have in Christ.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you ever look around and wonder why the wicked seem to prosper while God's children suffer? Peter's answer to that query instructs us to take the long view: in the end, the Judge will set it all right. Faithfully serving Christ on earth can be a difficult challenge, especially when the world around us laughs and beckons us to something else. Try meditating on Psalm 73 today which wrestles honestly with these issues, but ultimately reminds us of God's constant presence and prevailing judgment in the end.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 18, 2009

Jehovah-Jireh

READ: Matthew 6:5-15

Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. -Matthew 6:8

In my early years as a pastor, I served in small churches where finances were often tight. Sometimes our family finances felt the weight of that pressure. On one occasion, we were down to the last of our food and payday was still several days away. While my wife and I fretted about how we would feed our kids in the next few days, our doorbell rang. When we opened the door, we discovered two bags of groceries. We had not told anyone of our plight, yet our provider God had led someone to meet that need.

This reminds me of the Old Testament account of Abraham when he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. At just the right moment, God provided a ram instead. Abraham called this place Jehovah-Jireh, "The-Lord-Will-Provide" (Gen. 22:14). He is the One who still cares deeply for His children.

Jesus said, "Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him" (Matt. 6:. He is constantly caring for and seeking the best for us-a reminder that in times of hardship, need, and fear, we have Someone who cares. Peter wrote that we can cast all our cares upon Jesus, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We can turn to Him in our time of need.  - Bill Crowder
I know not by what methods rare
The Lord provides for me;
I only know that all my needs
He meets so graciously. -Adams

What God promises, God will provide.
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Where Satan Will Attack

First Yesterday we began a series of devotionals looking at when we can expect Satan to attack us.  Revelation 12:1-5 provides insight into the first time he will attack,

Now a great sign appeared in heaven:  a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.  Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.  And another sign appeared in heaven:  behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.  His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.  And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.  She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron.  And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.

The child in this passage is the Lord Jesus Christ, the woman represents the nation of Israel, and the dragon that wanted to devour the Child as soon as He was born is our adversary the devil.

It was the devil who was behind King Herod commanding that all of the male children two years old and younger be slaughtered.  It was only because Joseph was warned by God in a dream that he, Mary, and Jesus escaped from Herod's clutches.

What I want you to see here is that the battle came to Jesus as soon as He was born.  And I think we should expect battle as soon as a person is born again, as soon as someone comes into God's family.

We need to be prepared to help protect and defend those who are new babes in Christ.   
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Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is near . . .To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:7, 11

TODAY IN THE WORD
A man looks into the camera and shouts, "They're coming! The end is here!" The shot then pans to the streets where space ships in the sky shoot laser beams into skyscrapers, and local citizens run screaming through the streets like madmen. Such scenes are the stuff of classic B-movie science fiction films about the invasion of outer-space aliens.

For many people, mentioning that the end is near often evokes such movie scenes, or perhaps images of disheveled crazies thrusting signs into people's faces on the streets. But this is where our passage begins today: "The end of all things is near" (v. 7). Unlike movie images of mayhem and hysteria, however, Peter explains that knowledge that the end is imminent should lead instead to clear thinking and self-control. For Christians, knowing the brevity of life should not cause panic but prayerfulness for ourselves and our world. Sometimes a serious illness or loss of a loved one can remind us of that brevity; Scripture calls us to live all of life prayerfully with that knowledge.

What does a Christian life, lived with the end in sight, look like? It's a life of service. Scripture calls us to a life of deep love for others. Rather than seeking to expose the faults of others, we should strive to cover those faults with a generous forgiveness and a welcoming hospitality (vv. 8-9). Knowing we are loved and welcomed by God, we should in turn offer love and welcome to others.

Love is more than just feelings and forgiveness; it involves tangible actions as well. Whatever gifts we've been given (and Scripture says that each of us has some gift), we are to use it to serve others. Whether speaking or serving in some other way, all of life should be an act of service that operates out of God's strength and for His glory (vv. 10-11). So while the end may be near, that knowledge should sharpen our focus on the things that matter most: honoring God by loving and serving one another.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How will you live with the "end of all things" in view and for the glory of God? How will you manifest a life of love and service to others? Try making a list of personal service commitments, and post them where you will see them regularly: on a bathroom mirror, near the kitchen sink, on the dashboard of your car. Let them be a daily reminder of the focus of our living on what matters most: to Christ be "the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen" (v. 11).

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 19, 2009

No Cause For Alarm

READ: Ephesians 4:25-32

"Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath. -Ephesians 4:26

The sound of the alarm blaring from inside the church struck panic in my heart. I had arrived at church early one Sunday morning, planning to spend a little time in peace and quiet before the congregation arrived. But I forgot to disarm the burglar alarm. As I turned the key, the disruptive and annoying blasting of the alarm filled the building-and no doubt the bedrooms of sleeping neighbors.

Anger is a lot like that. In the midst of our peaceful lives, something turns a key in our spirit and triggers the alarm. And our internal peace-not to mention the tranquillity of those around us-is interrupted by the disruptive force of our exploding emotions.

Sometimes anger appropriately calls our attention to an injustice that needs to be addressed, and we are spurred to righteous action. Most of the time, however, our anger is selfishly ignited by the violation of our expectations, rights, and privileges. In any case, it's important to know why the alarm is sounding and to respond in a godly way. But one thing is sure, anger was never intended to continue unchecked.

It's no wonder that Paul reminds us of the psalmist's warning: "'Be angry, and do not sin'; do not let the sun go down on your wrath" (Eph. 4:26; Ps. 4:4).  - Joe Stowell
Spirit of God, please change my heart
And give me a new desire;
Help me to be a man of peace
Who's not controlled by anger's fire. -K. De Haan


Anger left unchecked is cause for alarm.
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Protecting New Believers

We have been talking about the devil's attack on newborn babes in Christ.  This is something we can expect.  But what are the reasons for it? 

Look at Isaiah 59:15-16, as it provides us with a clue,

So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.  Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice.  He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him.

I want you to think about that.  Truth fails, and the person who departs from evil makes himself a prey, in the same way that a lion looks at a wounded gazelle as prey. 

To me this is a picture of what happens to some new believers.  They depart from evil (get saved) and suddenly it seems like everything is going wrong for them.  And God is not pleased about it!
Where it says He "wondered " literally means He was astonished that there was no intercessor.  This means that there was no one praying.  That is why they became prey!

If we do not pray for those who turn from evil, then they will become the prey of the devil.  We have a responsibility to intercede for people who come to Christ.  It puts up a barrier of protection around them.

Paul wrote to the Colossians about this when he said, Praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ.  Paul didn't just pray for them before they were saved, he also prayed for them after they were saved.   

Oh, may God not wonder in our day, "Where is the intercessor who should be praying for the new babes in Christ?" 

Let's take our responsibility seriously and pray for those who have newly come to the faith. 
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Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering . . . But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ. - 1 Peter 4:12-13

TODAY IN THE WORD
Around the year A.D. 200, a pregnant woman named Felicity was arrested in North Africa on charges of being a Christian; she was sentenced to death in the arena. During her stay in prison, she went into labor and cried out in pain. In response one of the guards mocked: "If you complain now, what will you do when you're thrown to the beasts?" But Felicity responded: "I myself now suffer that which I suffer, but in the arena another shall be in me One who shall suffer for me, because I am to suffer for Him." This young woman certainly knew something of what Peter describes in today's passage. Suffering for being a Christian is rarely understood by those who live in a culture that demands convenience and comfort at every turn. Perhaps Peter's audience were also puzzled by the "painful trial" they were experiencing. But Peter argues that we should not be surprised at such trials (v. 12). What should our response be?
Scripture is clear in its description of Christian suffering. This is not an unusual experience, nor an indication that God has abandoned us, nor something we need to be ashamed of. Rather, suffering for the name of Christ carries the encouragement that we are "blessed" and the "Spirit of glory and of God rests" on us (v. 14). Our suffering brings us closer to our Lord and Savior who already suffered for us. For that, we can rejoice and praise God that we bear His name, knowing that our "faithful Creator" has not forgotten us (vv. 13, 16, 19).
In addition to the individual blessing that comes with suffering for Christ, Scripture also issues a warning for the church in general. As Peter says, judgment "begins with the family of God." Sometimes trials can winnow and refine Christ's church, weeding out those who do not "obey the gospel" (vv. 17-18). Like a refining fire, suffering reveals those who are truly committed to our faithful God.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In the last two thousand years, scholars estimate that 70 million Christians have died for Christ. Of these, 45 million (65 percent) were in the last century! The experience of worldwide Christian suffering is a reality. You may feel like you don't face extreme suffering in your own life, but thousands of Christians around the world do. Will you pray for them today, asking God to give them strength to stand, and the encouragement of knowing that in suffering for Christ, their union with Him is brought ever closer?

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 20, 2009

Make A Joyful Shout

READ: Psalm 100

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! -Psalm 100:1Duke University's basketball fans are known as "Cameron Crazies." When Duke plays archrival North Carolina, the Crazies are given these instructions: "This is the game you've been waiting for. No excuses. Give everything you've got. Cameron [Stadium] should never be less than painfully loud tonight." Clearly, Duke fans take allegiance seriously.

The songwriter of Psalm 100 took his allegiance to the Lord seriously and wanted others to do the same. "Make a joyful shout to the Lord!" he exclaimed (v.1). His people were to freely express their praise to Him because He was the covenant God of Israel, the God over all other so-called gods. They were called to focus all their energies on Him and His goodness.

God's goodness and grace should motivate us to freely express our love and allegiance to Him with shouts of joy. This may mean that those who are more reserved must push back the boundaries of restraint and learn what it means to be expressive in their praise to God. Those who are so expressive that they miss the beauty of silence may need to learn from those whose style is more reflective.
Worship is a time to focus on our Creator, Redeemer, and Shepherd, and celebrate what He has done.  - Marvin Williams

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name. -Zschech


Our thoughts about God should lead us to joyful praise.
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Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is near . . .To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:7, 11

TODAY IN THE WORD
A man looks into the camera and shouts, "They're coming! The end is here!" The shot then pans to the streets where space ships in the sky shoot laser beams into skyscrapers, and local citizens run screaming through the streets like madmen. Such scenes are the stuff of classic B-movie science fiction films about the invasion of outer-space aliens. For many people, mentioning that the end is near often evokes such movie scenes, or perhaps images of disheveled crazies thrusting signs into people's faces on the streets. But this is where our passage begins today: "The end of all things is near" (v. 7). Unlike movie images of mayhem and hysteria, however, Peter explains that knowledge that the end is imminent should lead instead to clear thinking and self-control. For Christians, knowing the brevity of life should not cause panic but prayerfulness for ourselves and our world. Sometimes a serious illness or loss of a loved one can remind us of that brevity; Scripture calls us to live all of life prayerfully with that knowledge.
What does a Christian life, lived with the end in sight, look like? It's a life of service. Scripture calls us to a life of deep love for others. Rather than seeking to expose the faults of others, we should strive to cover those faults with a generous forgiveness and a welcoming hospitality (vv. 8-9). Knowing we are loved and welcomed by God, we should in turn offer love and welcome to others.
Love is more than just feelings and forgiveness; it involves tangible actions as well. Whatever gifts we've been given (and Scripture says that each of us has some gift), we are to use it to serve others. Whether speaking or serving in some other way, all of life should be an act of service that operates out of God's strength and for His glory (vv. 10-11). So while the end may be near, that knowledge should sharpen our focus on the things that matter most: honoring God by loving and serving one another.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How will you live with the "end of all things" in view and for the glory of God? How will you manifest a life of love and service to others? Try making a list of personal service commitments, and post them where you will see them regularly: on a bathroom mirror, near the kitchen sink, on the dashboard of your car. Let them be a daily reminder of the focus of our living on what matters most: to Christ be "the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen" (v. 11).

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 21, 2009

God Alone

READ: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

On May 29, 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay, became the first people to reach the peak of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Since Tenzing did not know how to use the camera, Edmund took a photo of Tenzing as evidence that they did reach the top.

Later, journalists repeatedly asked who had reached the summit first. The expedition leader, John Hunt, replied, "They reached it together, as a team." They were united by a common goal, and neither was concerned who should get the greater credit.

It is counterproductive to try to determine who deserves the most credit when something is done well. The church at Corinth was split into two factions-those who followed Paul, and those who followed Apollos. The apostle Paul told them, "I planted, Apollos watered . . . . Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters" (1 Cor. 3:7). He reminded them that they were "God's fellow workers" (v.9), and it is God who gives the increase in ministry (v.7).

Our concern about who deserves the credit serves only to take away the honor and glory that belong to the Lord Jesus alone.  - C. P. Hia
Let others have the honors,
The glory, and the fame;
I seek to follow Jesus
And glory in His name. -Horton

Jesus must increase; I must decrease.
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Read: 1 Peter 5:5-7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

TODAY IN THE WORD
A famous bumper sticker, begun in the 1970s, quips: "Question Authority." Often attributed to Timothy Leary, one of the leaders of American counter-culture, this slogan of skepticism and suspicion of all forms of authority has permeated contemporary culture, including the church. In many denominations today, the spiritual authority of the Bible and the Christian tradition have consistently been undermined by an aggressive assertion of individualism. No one has a right to tell anyone what to believe or how to act. Today's passage challenges this call to "question authority," with an exhortation to submission and humility. Yet, as we saw in yesterday's reading, the authority that we are called to submit to is not authoritarian or tyrannical leadership, but a leadership of love, care, and humility. In the face of this kind of leadership Peter calls on "young men" and "all of you" alike to "clothe yourselves with humility toward one another" (v. 5). Why?
Earlier in our study of 1 Peter, we've been given the example of Christ as the ground and foundation of Christian humility. Today we are offered an additional reason: our attitude of humility or pride does something to our relationship with God Himself. God "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (v. 5, quoting Prov. 3:34). Humility before our leaders and one another, says Scripture, expresses our humility "under God's mighty hand" (v. 6). So while our humility toward one another may place us in lower positions, in the end, God honors that Christ-like attitude by lifting us up (v. 6). And that God-given exaltation, rather than our self-exaltation, will be much more valuable.
Finally, our text teaches us that Christian humility enables you to "cast all your anxiety on Him" (v. 7). The proud person refuses help from anyone else. The humble person is able to seek help from another. The humility that Peter calls for here allows us to come to God with all our cares and worries in life, and to entrust them to Him, confident in His care.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage begins by urging an attitude of humility among all Christians, but ends by reminding us that such humility carries over into our relationship with God. Only the humble person can truly bring cares to God in full confidence. Do you have concerns or anxieties that you are not bringing to God but trying to "solve" by your own power? Perhaps you can find time today to list such concerns on paper, and then entrust them to God, resting in the assurance that He truly cares for you.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 22, 2009

The Star Shepherd

READ: Isaiah 40:25-27   

Some night when you're away from city lights, "lift up your eyes on high" (Isa. 40:26). There in the heavens you'll see a luminous band of stars stretching from horizon to horizon-our galaxy.

If you have good eyes, you can see about 5,000 stars, according to astronomer Simon Driver. There are, however, far more that you cannot see with the naked eye. In 1995, the Hubble Deep Field Study space probe concluded that there are billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars. By one estimate, there are more than 10 stars in the universe for every grain of sand on the earth.
Yet each night, without fail, God "brings out their host by number; . . . by the greatness of His might . . . ; not one is missing" (v.26).

Why then do people say, "My way is hidden from the Lord"? (v.27). Yes, billions of individuals inhabit this globe, but no one has been forgotten by God. He knows "those who are His" (2 Tim. 2:19). If He can bring out the incalculable hosts of heaven each night one by one, He can bring you into His light. He does so by "the strength of His power" (v.26)-the power He showed when He raised Jesus from the dead.
Are the stars out tonight? Rejoice! God cares for you.  - David H. Roper
The God who made the firmament,
Who made the deepest sea,
The God who put the stars in place
Is the God who cares for me. -Berg


We see the power of God's creation; we feel the power of His love.
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Attack at the Point of Spiritual Breakthrough

We have seen in previous devotionals how Satan will attack when a person comes to Christ, when they are a babe in their faith.  I believe Scripture shows us that the devil will also attack when you are on the verge of a breakthrough, or at a time of important transition.  This is the second battle we must fight.

In Matthew 3, we find Jesus at an absolutely critical time of transition in His life.  We have not heard from Him since He was 12 years old.  There has been about 30 quiet, unnoticed years where He presumably was working in His father's carpentry shop. 

That is when we read in Matthew 3:16-4:1,

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.  And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."  Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Jesus is about to enter public ministry.  The sick will be healed; the poor will have the gospel preached to them; miracles will be worked; the Father will be revealed.   So from this point, the battle is on.  And we are given a bird's-eye view of the conflict that occurs between Christ and the devil, which we will look at in more detail in the next several devotionals.

But I want to submit something to you today.  If it seems that all hell has broken loose in your life, maybe, just maybe, it's because you are on the verge of a breakthrough in your life.

Maybe it's a time of very important transition where God wants to lift you into a place where there is going to be greater influence and greater impact through your life. 
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Read: 1 Peter 5:8-11
And the God of all grace . . . will himself restore you and make you strong. - 1 Peter 5:10

TODAY IN THE WORD
In her book on suffering, Affliction, Edith Schaeffer proposes thinking of our response to suffering as a way to participate in God's victory over the Devil. When we respond to suffering by cursing or blaming God, we add to a larger spiritual tapestry that Satan delights in. However, when we respond to suffering with faith and trust in our loving God, we participate in a victorious tapestry of Satan's defeat. Schaeffer suggests that from an earthly perspective, our suffering may not make sense, but from a heavenly one, God can make it into something beautiful and glorious. Schaeffer's tapestry illustration fits well with today's exhortation about standing firm in the face of suffering. Scripture tells us that vigilance is needed for the Christian life; much is at stake, not only the physical suffering we may endure, but spiritual danger as well. Peter says, "Your enemy the devil prowls around . . . looking for someone to devour" (v. . In other words, the trial of suffering brings not only the challenge of facing physical or social pain, but also the danger of letting suffering turn you from God Himself. Nothing would please the Devil more than to have Christians curse God in their suffering.
With that in mind, then, Peter urges us: "Resist him, standing firm in the faith" (v. 9). How do we do that? Scripture offers two suggestions. First, remember that you are not alone. Your experience of suffering for Christ is not unique. Rather, you are part of a large family that suffers as well, and that prays for you in your time of need (v. 9).
Second, God Himself will support you. He is the "God of all grace;" He has "called you to His eternal glory," and He Himself "will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (v. 10a). The world may seem to have all the power, but in the end, it is God who has "the power for ever and ever. Amen" (v. 10b). Rest in that assurance.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you know someone who needs to hear these words today. In addition to comforting them over their physical or social pain, use today's reading to encourage them about the spiritual reality of suffering. Remind them that our suffering carries spiritual implications, either bringing pleasure to the Devil who delights to devour us, or bringing God glory and honor. Finally, remind this loved one that the "God of all grace" will never abandon us, but will make us strong and one day bring us to His eternal glory.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 23, 2009

Can You Spare A Dime?

READ:2 Corinthians 9:6-15
He who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. -Proverbs 14:21


In her insightful book The Forgotten Man, Amity Shlaes provides fascinating stories about what life was like during the Great Depression in the US. At the center of that economic drama was "the forgotten man," a term used for the countless individuals who were thrown out of work.

A popular Depression-era song poignantly expresses their story:

They used to tell me I was building a dream, with peace and glory ahead.

Why should I be standing in line, just waiting for bread?

Once I built a railroad, I made it run, made it race against time.

Once I built a railroad; now it's done. Brother, can you spare a dime?

As the lyrics remind us, an economic downturn changes everything for hard-working people who lose their jobs. When that happens, we as Christians should do what we can for people in need.

In Galatians 2, Paul and Barnabas were reminded to evangelize and to "remember the poor" (v.10). We can see that Paul did just that-preaching the gospel and encouraging financial aid to those in need (Acts 11:29-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-3).
During tough economic times, we too should help people in need-spiritually and physically. A dime doesn't go far these days, but a generous attitude does.  - Dennis Fisher

The poor and needy everywhere
Are objects of God's love and care,
But they will always know despair
Unless His love with them we share. -D. De Haan

Good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help another person up.
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The Devil's Seeds of Doubt

As we saw yesterday, Satan will seek to attack when we are on the verge of a major breakthrough.  I believe there are three distinct areas of attack in this battle.  Today I want to cover the first with you.  It is found in Matthew 4:3-4,

Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."  But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

The devil's first area of attack will be to try to get you to doubt your calling.

Notice that just prior to this encounter the voice of God the Father said to Jesus, "This is My beloved Son!"  And that is the first thing the devil challenges, "Well, if youare the Son of God...." 

He will do the same thing to you.

What is it that God has spoken to you about that He wants you to do with your life?  Has He told you that He wants to use you to funnel vast resources into the gospel?  Or maybe God said you are to be a teacher, or that you are going to impact the entertainment industry, or that you are going to be a prayer warrior and tip the spiritual scales in critical times.

Whatever it is, the devil will saddle up next to you and say, "Who do you think you are?  What God has told you is just a pipe dream.   It's just your own head speaking to you."  He will try and get you to doubt what God has said to you and to doubt what God has called you to do.

When that happens, you need to go back to that word that God has spoken to you in order to keep your focus and direction right.   
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Read: 1 Peter 5:12-14

I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. - 1 Peter 5:12

TODAY IN THE WORD
Because of the quality of ink, pens, and parchment in the ancient world, letter writing was no easy task. Even the highly educated often required the help of an amanuensis, or secretary, in drafting an epistle. If an amanuensis was used, it was not uncommon for the "sender" to attach a brief greeting at the end of the letter in his or her own hand. Letter writing was not a solitary affair, but often involved several people working together. When we come to the end of 1 Peter, we likely have an example of this joint effort for letter writing in antiquity. Peter tells us that "with the help of Silas . . . I have written to you briefly" (v. 12a). Not only did Silas help to pen the letter, many commentators also think that he was probably the letter-bearer to the churches in Asia Minor. In other words, without the help of his "faithful brother" Silas, Peter could not carry out his ministry and care for the churches. Such a picture of joint effort is an apt portrait of the communal life in Christ depicted in the final words of 1 Peter.
This care for the broader church community is expressed again in Peter's explanation for his writing: to encourage them and to testify that "this is the true grace of God" (v. 12b). In the painful trials this community faced, Peter sends a word of hope, encouraging them to "stand fast" in the faith (v. 12c).
Christ's church, though separated by miles, can still encourage one another. Writing all the way from Rome (the typical referent behind "Babylon" in v. 13), Peter reminds his audience that they stand together, both being chosen by God. Peter also reminds them that the Christians in Rome have not forgotten their brothers and sisters across the Mediterranean, but wish them Christ's peace. In turn, Peter exhorts his audience to extend the same kind of encouragement and love to one another with the "kiss of love" (v. 14). What a picture of the unity of Christ's church!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
With the fast-paced world of cell phones, e-mails and text messaging, the age-old activity of letter writing has fallen out of fashion. Yet who of us doesn't delight to receive in the mail a hand-written letter from a dear friend? Find time this week to sit down and hand-write a letter to a friend, family member, or church leader and let them know that you are thinking of them. Express your love and care for them, encouraging them to "stand fast" in the "true grace of God."

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 24, 2009

God's Special Place

READ: Luke 2:1-7
[Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, . . .  and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. -Luke 2:7

As a young girl in the late 1920s, Grace Ditmanson Adams often traveled with her missionary parents through inland China. Later, she wrote about those trips and the crowded places where they stayed overnight-village inns full of people coughing, sneezing, and smoking, while babies cried and children complained. Her family put their bedrolls on board-covered trestles in a large room with everyone else.

One snowy night, they arrived at an inn to find it packed full. The innkeeper expressed his regret, then paused and said, "Follow me." He led them to a side room used to store straw and farm equipment. There they slept in a quiet place of their own.

After that, whenever Grace read that Mary "brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7), she saw the event differently. While some described the innkeeper as an example of uncaring, sinful mankind who rejected the Savior, Grace said, "I truly believe that Almighty God used the innkeeper as the arranger for a healthier place than the crowded inn-a place of privacy."


Through eyes of faith, we see God's provision for Mary. Look for the ways He provides for you.  - David C. McCasland
Wait on the Lord from day to day,
Strength He provides in His own way;
There's no need for worry, no need to fear,
He is our God who is always near. -Fortna

Those who let God provide will be satisfied.
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Where Satan Will Attack Second

Yesterday we saw the first area the devil will attack when you are on the verge of a breakthrough or in a time of important transition.  Today, I want to show you the second area, the area of pride.
We pick up the drama of Satan's attack of Christ in Matthew 4:6,

"If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.  For it is written:  'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'"
I believe the devil was appealing to Jesus' pride at this point.  He realized Jesus was solid in His own heart about who He was and what He was to do. 

So the devil took Him to the most public of all places, and told Him, "Now, hey, You need to prove this to everybody else.  If You cast Yourself down, You will have a soft landing because the angels will catch You, and everyone will know that You're the Son of God."

Pride will cause us to do things recklessly, and Satan was doing all he could to get Jesus to act recklessly.  But Jesus answered perfectly, "You shall not tempt the LORD your God."

By the way, the verse Satan quoted to Jesus about the angels catching Him had an ending, which he failed to include.  It says, "To keep you in all your ways."  The Amplified Bible says, "In all your ways of obedience and service."

In other words, you can't do some reckless thing to prove a point to other people and expect God to save you.  Don't let your pride get you out on a limb.  Instead, resist Satan's attack in the area of pride.  Realize it for what it is; it's his temptation to get you to fall!
If you are secure in who you are, you don't have to prove anything to anyone. 
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Read: 2 Peter 1:1-4
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 3:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
A study done at one renowned evangelical college in America discovered a problem. Many otherwise bright students, with deep personal commitments to Christ, displayed an appalling lack of biblical knowledge. For example, when asked to put biblical books in the right order, or whether the apostle Paul believed in the resurrection of the body, most students could not answer correctly! One commentator on this study concluded that these students loved Jesus, but had never become familiar with the basic tenets of the Christian faith. In other words, their knowledge was only half complete. As we turn to the book of 2 Peter, we find that the topic of "knowledge" is especially important, and it stands central to today's reading. After the opening introductions, Peter wishes his readers blessing "through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord" (v. 2). In the very next verse, Peter declares that we are completely equipped for the Christian life "through our knowledge of him who called us" (v. 3).
Knowledge of our God brings the abundant blessing of grace and peace, His equipping power in our lives, His "very great and precious promises," and the ability to "participate in the divine nature" and "escape the corruption in the world" (v. 4b). These last two items describe the spiritual blessing that comes with knowledge of God; our very lives can now reflect the character of God rather than the character of the world's "evil desires."
The Bible often uses the term knowledge to speak of an intimate relationship with another, and this is certainly part of what Peter has in mind as he describes our participation in God's life. But biblical knowledge also includes intellectual understanding, and this notion of knowledge will be central in the rest of Peter's letter as he warns against a variety of false teaching. The Christian faith is more than a warming of the heart; it's also a transforming of the mind. Look for this theme in the days to come.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Which kind of "knowledge" of Christ do you need to grow in: your intimate participation in the godly life He calls you to, or your understanding of the faith you've received from Him? If the first, recommit to a life of prayer and godly integrity today. If the second, perhaps you can find a local Bible study, Sunday school class, or online Bible course that will help you grow in your understanding of the Christian faith. Either way, ask God to use the remainder of this month's study to help you grow in knowledge of Him.

GOD BLESS!