Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

December 25, 2009

Mary's Christmas

READ: Luke 1:26-33; 2:4-7
Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. -Luke 2:19

It was anything but an idyllic, silent night on that cool Bethlehem evening when a scared teenager gave birth to the King of kings. Mary endured the pain of her baby's arrival without the aid of anything more than the carpentry-roughened hands of Joseph, her betrothed. Shepherds may have been serenaded in nearby fields by angels singing praises to the Baby, but all Mary and Joseph heard were the sounds of animals, birth agony, and the first cries of God in baby form. A high-magnitude star shone in the night sky above the outbuilding, but the manger scene was a dreary place for these two out-of-town visitors.

As Joseph laid the infant in Mary's arms, a combination of wonder, pain, fear, and joy must have coursed through her heart. She knew, because of an angel's promise, that this tiny bundle was "the Son of the Highest" (Luke 1:32). As she peered through the semidarkness into His eyes and then into Joseph's, she must have wondered how she was going to mother this One whose kingdom would never end.

Mary had much to ponder in her heart on that special night. Now, over 2,000 years later, each of us needs to consider the importance of Jesus' birth and His subsequent death, resurrection, and promise to return.  - Dave Branon
Almighty God became a man
By lowly, humble birth;
And Mary treasured in her heart
This Gift of boundless worth. -Sper

God came to live with us so that we could live with Him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compromise

Today, I want to highlight for you the third area where the devil will seek to cause you to fail when you are on the verge of a breakthrough.  It is found in Matthew 4:8-11,
Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.  And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me."  Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan!  For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"  Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

If you think about it, the devil offered Jesus exactly what He had come to this world to obtain.  Jesus came to win the kingdoms of this world to our God.

And the devil is saying, "Hey, You can take a shortcut.  I will give You what You want.  You don't have to do it God's way.  You may have to compromise Your integrity, but think of how quickly You will succeed!  You can even avoid the whole sacrifice thing!  You don't have to do it God's way."
Listen, anytime God has set a goal for you, and you are going to obtain something, the devil will always come and try to get you to compromise and offer you substitutes.

He will tempt you by saying things like, "You can get what you want without living by all those narrow, restrictive rules that God puts on people's lives.  You can be dishonest; you can be unfaithful; you can compromise; and you can still be blessed, and you can still be happy."
Do not believe him for a moment.  His way of compromise leads only to ruin! 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read: 2 Peter 1:5-11
Be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. - 2 Peter 1:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Today is Christmas. And amidst all the presents, decorations, food, and family visits, Christmas marks the Christian celebration of the day when the God who became flesh was born into our world. It's one of the amazing paradoxes of the Christian faith: that the baby born to Mary was both fully human and fully divine. We may not understand how it can be, but we affirm its truthfulness as necessary to God's act of redemption. Today's passage has an equally important paradox of the Christian faith: that Christian living requires both the work of God in us, and great effort on our part. Yesterday's reading emphasized the divine power equipping us for "everything we need for life and godliness" (v. 3); today's passage emphasizes our need to "make every effort" (v. 5) and to "be all the more eager" (v. 10) to live the Christian life. We need both truths: God is at work in us, and we are responsible to be earnest in our Christian living.
According to Scripture, the Christian life is an active life of growth, not an idle existence of spiritual complacency. Peter begins by urging our efforts toward an impressive list of virtues: "faith," "goodness," "knowledge," "self-control," "perseverance," "godliness," "brotherly kindness," and "love" (vv. 5-7). Not only are these qualities important in the Christian life, they must be found "in increasing measure" (v. . Only with such growth, says Scripture, can we avoid an "ineffective and unproductive" Christian life (v. . On the flip side, the one who lacks such qualities "has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sin" (v. 9).
There is no middle ground for the Christian, no neutral stance. Either one is growing in godly virtue, thereby making your "calling and election sure" (v. 10) and moving toward a "rich welcome" in Christ's kingdom (v. 11), or one is living in contradiction to our reality in Christ and in danger of "falling" (v. 10). A stagnant Christian is not motionless; by not moving forward in Christian growth, he or she is falling behind, moving in the wrong direction.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
For some, today's reading may hit close to home. But remember that the biblical call to work hard at the Christian life can never be divorced from the work that God does as well. So as you celebrate today the birth of the God-man Jesus, recall first that God's work of redemption in Christ enables you to live for Him. And second, that you need to respond to that enabling power with your own effort. What specific and practical things will you begin doing to start your Christian growth today?

GOD BLESS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[Judy Harder]

December 26, 2009

The Hope That Banishes Hopelessness

READ: Philippians 2:5-11
God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. -Galatians 6:14

When atheistic communism was a world-menacing power, it proclaimed that there is no God and that faith in any future life is a deceptive illusion. Leonid Brezhnev had been the Soviet dictator, the embodiment of Marxist unbelief. But something happened at his funeral that contradicted atheism. George H. W. Bush, then vice president of the US, was the country's official representative at the solemn, formal ceremony.

He reported that while the casket was still open, Brezhnev's widow stared motionless at her husband's body. And just before the soldiers were about to close the lid, she reached inside and made the sign of the cross over his chest. What a desperate and significant gesture! That widow evidently hoped that what her husband had vehemently denied might somehow be true.

Thankfully, we can have hope beyond this earthly life! All we need to do is embrace by faith the saving message of the cross: Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that we might live eternally with Him. Do you believe? Then join with the apostle Paul in affirming that "we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe" (1 Tim. 4:10).  - Vernon C. Grounds
The cross is my hope for eternity-
No merit have I of my own;
The shed blood of Christ my only plea-
My trust is in Jesus alone. -Christiansen

Calvary's cross is the only bridge to eternal life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sacrifice?

Matthew 16:21-25 shows us another time in our lives when we can expect the devil to strike, or the third battle we must fight,

From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.  Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!"  But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."  Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

The cross is a place of sacrifice.  It is a place where you die.  In this passage Jesus is talking about the sacrifice that He is going to give, laying down His life for our sins. 

Peter is being manipulated by the devil to challenge Jesus.  The devil is speaking through Peter, telling Christ to back off a bit, that He doesn't need to sacrifice, that He doesn't need to give that much, or to lay His life down.

Friend, when God is leading you to sacrifice for the sake of His kingdom, count on the devil to be right there doing all He can to stop you.  He will make you believe you should let your temperature cool down a little bit, that you shouldn't be so on fire for God.  That you shouldn't be that sold out!

Do not listen.  Instead, heed God's call to sacrifice.  You will not regret it! 

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

Read: 2 Peter 1:12-18

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about . . . our Lord Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 1:16

TODAY IN THE WORD
John Ramsay ministered among slaves in the Caribbean islands, where he witnessed the horrific treatment they endured. Ramsay later returned to England and penned an important treatise against the slave trade. By persuading the bishop of London, the Prime Minister, and politicians such as William Wilberforce, John Ramsay is said to have influenced the abolition of slavery in Britain more than anyone else. Ramsay's personal experience with slaves left a lasting impression that motivated him to life-long action. In today's reading, we discover that Peter also witnessed an event that left an equally lasting impression: the Transfiguration of Christ. In that mountain-top experience, Peter witnessed the revelation of Jesus' glory and majesty before his eyes. He may have been at a loss for words in the moment (cf. Mark 9:6), but it made a lasting impression that motivated him to life-long action.
From today's reading we see that Peter never forgot what he saw. He still remembered the words spoken from the "Majestic Glory" about Jesus (v. 17-18; cf. Matt. 17:5). And look at the barrage of language Peter uses to describe that event. He speaks of Jesus' "power," His "majesty," His "honor," and His "glory" (vv. 16-17). It's almost as if Peter can't find the words to describe what he saw, but it's clear that what he witnessed was incredible and life-changing.
So life-changing, in fact, that Peter had become a life-long witness of Jesus. And it doesn't matter if his audience had already heard it before; Peter will "always remind you of these things" (v. 12). He wanted to "refresh your memory" as long as he lived (v. 13). Peter wanted to ensure that they "will always be able to remember these things," even after he died (v. 15). Why is this so important? Because it's true! Christ's glory and majesty aren't "invented stories" (v. 16). Peter was there to see and hear it, and it's so important that he wanted to make sure others know it too.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you're not familiar with the Transfiguration story, take time to read it today (Matthew 17; Mark 9; or Luke 9). Consider Peter's response at the time of the event, and his words in today's passage. Has the glory and wonder of Christ captured your whole being the way it has Peter? Are you compelled to tell others of Christ's glory and power over and over again? Pray that God would capture your heart with such a strong impression of Him that you are motivated to life-long love and service.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 27, 2009

Good Riddance!

READ: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

My grace is sufficient for you. -2 Corinthians 12:9

A shredder ate hundreds of pieces of paper and other items in New York City on December 28 last year. Organizers of the second annual "Good Riddance Day" encouraged people to bring to Times Square their bad memories and suffering of 2008 and feed them into the industrial-strength shredder or toss them into an extra-large dumpster.

Some participants shredded pieces of paper with the words "the stock market" or "cancer." Others destroyed bank statements, and one person shredded a printed e-mail from a boyfriend who broke up with her.

We long to "shred" memories of bad things that others have done to us or difficult circumstances we're going through. The apostle Paul wanted relief from his present suffering, an infirmity that made him feel weak (2 Cor. 12:7-10). But God said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." God didn't take away the problem. Instead, He gave Paul the grace to live with it.

Difficulties burden us as we mull them over in our minds, affecting our relationships and our outlook on life. We as believers in Christ have a place to take these burdens. First Peter 5:7 tells us, "[Cast] all your care upon [the Lord], for He cares for you."  - Anne Cetas

Whenever life's burdens oppress you
And trials seem too much to face,
Remember God's strength in your weakness;
He'll give you His power and grace. -Sper


God gives enough grace for whatever we face.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Impact of Sacrifice

Yesterday we saw how Jesus calls us to sacrifice, and how the devil will do all he can to keep us from that.  Read again Jesus' words,

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 16:24-25).

The devil will fight to keep you from sacrifice because he knows several things.

1.      He understands that sacrifice brings the presence of God.  Throughout the Old and New Testaments you will find that whenever men and women sacrificed, God's presence came.  The devil doesn't want more of the presence of God in your life.  He would love for you to live a mediocre, half-hearted life.  But to follow Jesus means self-denial.  When Jesus leads you to sacrifice, it will always bring a greater measure of His life and His presence into your life.  And the devil understands that.

2.      He understands that sacrifice opens a great channel of blessing that otherwise we will not experience.  Paul wrote to the Philippians, "I've received your gift.  It is a sacrifice, a sweet-smelling aroma to God, and my God will supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  That promise of needs being met according to a heavenly standard was directly linked to sacrificial giving.

3.      He understands that those who have changed the world were always men and women who sacrificed.  You will not find anyone who has changed the world for good that has not been a person of great sacrifice.  The devil knows that is true!
Don't let Satan keep you from the sacrifice God is calling you to make.

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

Read:2 Peter 1:19-21

Prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. - 2 Peter 1:21

TODAY IN THE WORD
Every year polls are conducted to determine American confidence in the economy, health care, politicians (including the President), the military, and even "religion." A running Gallup poll from 2005 through 2009, for example, has shown a downward trend in American belief that religion is able to solve life's problems. This poll concluded that American confidence in religion was on the demise. We may find many of these polls insignificant, or even inaccurate, but they do point to important questions: Whom do we really trust? What gives us confidence? Today's reading highlights something we can all find confidence in: God's Word. Yesterday, Peter emphasized the apostles' testimony about Christ; today, he underscores the prophetic testimony of Christ which was "made more certain" (v. 19). The apostolic witness and God's Word go hand-in-hand to establish a sure and confident witness to God's redemption in Christ. As Peter says, we would "do well to pay attention to it" (v. 19)! Why?
First, Scripture declares that God's prophetic word is like a "light shining in a dark place" (v. 19). As we await the "day" (a typical biblical reference to Christ's return), confusion and darkness fills our world. But Peter reminds us that we can have confidence in God's Word to lead us. In particular, Peter may be thinking of the years to come when the eyewitnesses of Christ's glory will be gone (see v. 15). Even so, we will still have the witness of God's Word.
Second, we can have confidence in God's prophetic word because of its divine character and quality. No prophecy is merely human interpretation (v. 20); rather, these men "spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (v. 21). For example, God declared about Jeremiah: "I have put my words in your mouth" (Jer. 1:9). God may have used human instruments (including their various personalities), but His word through them is still His word. Confidence in our God means we can be confident in His word as well.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Psalm 119:105 reflects well the message of today's passage: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." See if you can find Fanny Crosby's hymn, "Thy Word Is a Lamp," online or in a hymnbook. The refrain, which captures so well the sentiments of today's passage that God's trustworthy Word lights our way, is worth memorizing: "O wonderful, wonderful Word, / My treasure, my hope, and my stay; / Each promise recorded delights my soul, / And brightens each step of my way."

GOD BLESS

[Judy Harder]

December 28, 2009

Power To Persevere

READ: James 5:1-11
You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord-that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. -James 5:11

Professional golfer Paula Creamer had worked all year long to earn a berth in the 2008 ADT Championship, the year's final tournament on the LPGA tour. When the event began, however, Creamer was suffering from peritonitis, a painful inflammation of the abdominal wall. Throughout the four days of the tournament, she was in constant pain and unable to eat. She even spent a night in the hospital because of the condition. Still, she persevered to the end and, amazingly, she finished third. Her determination earned her many new fans.

The challenges and crises of life can tax us to the very end of our strength, and in such times it is easy to want to give up. But James offers followers of Christ another perspective. He says that while life is a battle, it is also a blessing: "Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord-that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (James 5:11).

In Job's example, we find encouragement and the power to persevere in life's darkest hours-power rooted in God, who is compassionate and merciful. Even when life is painful and hard, we can persevere because God is there. His mercy endures forever (Ps. 136).  - Bill Crowder
I searched with all my heart to know
If God was really there;
He graciously revealed Himself,
His mercy, love, and care. -Cetas

God provides the power we need to persevere.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Samson and Jesus-Part 1

For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines  (Judges 13:5). 

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS... And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God"  (Luke 1:31 & 35). 

There are some striking similarities between Samson the Nazarite and Jesus the Nazarine. Here are a few of them.

·        Both the birth of Samson and the birth of Christ were announced through angelic messengers.

·        Samson's father said, "Let your words come to pass."  Mary, the mother of Jesus, said, "Let it be unto me according to your word."

·        Samson was born to deliver the Israelites who were in bondage to and oppressed by the Philistines.  Jesus was born to deliver the world that was in bondage to and oppressed by Satan.
·        The Spirit moved upon Samson.  The Spirit descended upon and anointed Jesus.

·        Samson was a thorn in the Philistines' side, going about destroying their yoke over Israel. 

Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil and thereby destroying Satan's yoke of bondage.

·        Samson's own people rejected him and turned him over to the Philistines.  Jesus' own people (the Jews) rejected Him and turned Him over to the Romans.

These similarities between Samson and Jesus are not coincidental.  Samson's story is meant to point the way to Jesus. God wants people to know about the blessed Savior.  You can point the way to Him as well.  Tell someone today about Jesus! 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read: 2 Peter 2:1-12

There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. - 2 Peter 2:1

TODAY IN THE WORD
The health of a tree faces two significant dangers. On the one hand, a tree can be severely damaged from external forces: wind, hail, lightning, and ice can all injure or kill a growing tree. On the other hand, a tree that looks perfectly healthy from the outside may in fact be dead or dying on the inside from a festering disease in its roots or trunk. A good gardener will be cautious and proactive about both dangers. In this month's study, we have seen much pastoral wisdom and encouragement about the external dangers the Christian community faces in trials and sufferings. In today's study, Peter turns his attention to the internal danger: false teachers. Just as the people of God in the past had their false prophets, so should the Christian community beware of false teachers (v. 1). Peter spends some time detailing their characteristics.

First, their teaching is false. They introduce "destructive heresies" (v. 1), proclaim invented stories, and even speak of things they do not understand. In essence, they reject God and His redemption offered in Christ. Second, their conduct is false. Their ways are "shameful" (v. 2),and instead of living in godly obedience, they "follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature" (v. 10). Third, their motives and attitudes are false. They are motivated by greed, "despise authority" (v. 10), and carry an attitude of arrogance. We don't get much specificity about the identity of these particular teachers, but one thing is clear: everything about them mars the gospel message.

Peter also wants his audience to be confident about the final outcome: "condemnation" and "destruction" (vv. 3, 12). Peter gives a series of biblical examples where disobedience finally met its judgment: fallen angels, Noah's flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah. Conversely, Peter reminds us of Lot as an example of God's rescue of the righteous. It may appear that the false teachers and disobedience prevail, but in the end, God will set it right.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's message calls us to a two-fold response. First, given Scripture's seriousness about false teaching in the church, we pray for our church leaders. Pray today that they would stand firm for the truth of Christ and avoid false teaching. Second, Scripture encourages those who may find themselves in churches (or denominations) into which false teaching has infiltrated. Scripture urges these people to stand firm, confident that all-seeing God will one day set it right, judging the disobedient and rescuing the righteous.

GOD BLESS!
.

[Judy Harder]

December 29, 2009

In Which Realm Do You Live?

READ: Romans 8:1-10 The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. -Romans 8:2

I was working with a petroleum company in Singapore when an inspector from another country visited. He came to check on a cargo of oil destined for his country, which was at war. When he heard the shriek of fighter planes overhead, he instinctively ran for cover. Embarrassed, he explained, "Sorry, I thought I was back home." He did what he would have done had he been in his war-torn country.

For the Christian, it's easy to dive back into old ways of sin out of sheer habit because of the many temptations in this world. Even though we are "in Christ Jesus" as Romans 8:1 says, we sometimes live as if we are "in sin."

God paid a very heavy price to take us out of the realm of sin. He did so by "sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering" (v.3 niv). We are now to be governed by "the law of the Spirit of life," not by "the law of sin and death" (v.2). The apostle Paul urges us to "set" our mind according to "the things of the Spirit" (v.5). This means that we take our direction from God's Word as guided by His Spirit.

When you're tempted to dive back into old sinful ways, will you instead allow the Holy Spirit who resides in you to help you live more consistently with your standing "in Christ"?  - C. P. Hia
Born of the flesh, conceived in sin,
Then born of the Spirit, new life to begin;
I've been washed in Christ's blood and this will suffice,
Praise God I'm His child, I've been born twice! -Brandt

When you are born again, you become a citizen of heaven.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Samson and Jesus-Part 2

For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines  (Judges 13:5). 

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS  (Luke 1:31). 

In yesterday's devotional we examined some amazing similarities between Samson and Jesus. 

Here are a few more parallels to ponder:

·        Samson was betrayed by Delilah.  Jesus was betrayed by Judas.

·        Samson was taken prisoner and tortured by the Philistines.  Jesus was taken prisoner and tortured by the Romans. 

·        Samson, while being mocked in Dagon's temple, wrought his greatest victory and gave the Philistines their worst defeat-the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life. Jesus, while being mocked on the cross by his persecutors, wrought His greatest victory and handed hell its ultimate defeat.  And He did it through His death.

It is said that Samson "began to deliver Israel," indicating that his work was to be carried on by others.  Jesus has left the work of evangelism to us.  Though He paid the price, we are to carry the good news of His victory to the ends of the earth.

As you think about these similarities, I want you to especially consider the last one I presented.  Once we receive the gospel, we are then to be carriers of the gospel. Tell someone about Jesus and what He has done for them-today! 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read: 2 Peter 2:13-22

Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud." - 2 Peter 2:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
We all have pet peeves, minor annoyances at people who drive poorly, mispronounce words, or always forget to close the door. But what really gets us upset? What motivates us to say or do something in objection to something we think is wrong? Many of us are irritated by silly and inconsequential annoyances rather than by the things that truly matter.
Today's reading continues with yesterday's theme on false teachers, and one thing becomes glaringly clear: Peter is extremely upset by these teachers. So far in our study, we have seen Peter's concern about trials and persecution, and have read his constant encouragement to those who suffer. But throughout, Peter has remained calm. Now, however, it's different. In the face of false teaching in the church, Peter is angry, and he wants his readers to be aware of their danger!

As in yesterday's passage, Peter again highlights the dangerous and improper behavior and teaching of these false instructors. They revel in pleasures and lusts; they are full of adultery, and "never stop sinning" (v. 14). Peter describes them as "slaves of depravity," entangled in a life of sin (v. 19). Likewise, their teaching is empty and boastful, it works only to entice young Christians away from the truth. Perhaps worst of all, these teachers were in the church. They knew of Jesus Christ, but they have "left the straight way and wandered off" (v. 15).

Notice also the way Peter describes these teachers in animalistic terms. He references the Old Testament account of Balaam and the donkey. When Balaam tried to gain profit and curse God's people, he had to be corrected by a donkey (see Numbers 22)! Peter's point: these false teachers are lower than brute beasts. Again, at the end, Peter describes their activity in terms of a dog returning to its vomit and a pig returning to the mud. The possible destruction of Christ's church moves Peter to extreme action.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Perhaps the harshness of Peter's language shocks or offends you. Is this really a Christian attitude? It's useful to remember Christ's commission to Peter to "feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). Peter is acting to protect Christ's flock, and he wants us to be clear about the danger of false teaching in the church. Do you have the same zeal for the gospel truth? Is God perhaps calling you to stand publicly against those who wish to devour the church? Pray for the courage to speak against false teaching when called to do so.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 30, 2009

Bad Idea?

READ: Hebrews 10:22-39
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. -Hebrews 10:22

The former athlete had neglected his body for too long, so he began an exercise routine. The first day, he did several push-ups and went for a light jog. The next day, more push-ups, a few sit-ups, and a longer run. Day 3: exercises and a mile-and-a-half run. On Day 4, our ex-athlete in re-training woke up with a sore throat.

Then he did one more exercise: He jumped to the conclusion that exercising was a bad idea. If all he got out of his huffing and puffing was sickness, it wasn't for him.
Let's examine another scenario. A Christian, realizing he has neglected his relationship with God, begins a new spiritual routine of Bible-reading and prayer. But after just a few days, some problems arise in his life. What does he conclude? Like the ex-athlete, should he decide that his spiritual quest was a bad idea and that it didn't do any good? Certainly not.

We don't pray and read the Bible to get a perfect, trouble-free life. Pursuing God is not cause and effect. We do it because it draws us closer in our relationship with the One who is perfect. The pursuit of godliness will not exempt us from trouble (2 Tim. 3:12). But a life dedicated to loving and pursuing God (Heb. 10:22) is always a good idea-no matter what happens.  - Dave Branon

The time we spend with God each day
Through prayer and reading of His Word
Will help us face what comes our way
And draw us closer to the Lord. -Sper

The roots of stability come from being grounded in God's Word and prayer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prosperity

In Luke 12, Jesus has some very direct and clear teaching on prosperity.  For instance, take a look at Luke 12:13-15,

Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."  But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?"  And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." It's easy to read these verses and believe that God is against prosperity.  But if you look at what I call the Genesis Principle, I think you can see that prosperity is God's will.
When God created man, He gave him abundance.  You can't read the story in the Garden of Eden and think that Adam lacked for anything.  And God's plan, His idea, His heart for humanity has never changed.

But God did not give Adam all that abundance so that the abundance itself would be the focus of his life.  His focus was to be his relationship with the Father as they walked and talked in the garden.  His life did not consist in the abundance of things, but in his relationship to his Creator.
So what is abundance?  Abundance, or prosperity, is having all that you need to meet any circumstance, with enough left over to give wherever God might direct you.

Jesus certainly is not against prosperity.  In fact, prosperity is what I believe is God's will for all of His children.  I don't think God wants any of His kids to be in poverty.  Poverty is not a virtue unless you choose it for some reason.

God wants you to be prosperous, but there are some principles to properly understand prosperity, which we will discover in the next few devotionals. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read: 2 Peter 3:1-10

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day. - 2 Peter 3:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
The church today witnesses no shortage of opponents who vehemently attack traditional Christianity and the notion of God's existence. For example, Richard Dawkins's 2006 work, The God Delusion, which attacks the idea of a supernatural Being, reached #2 on the Amazon.com bestseller list and #4 on the New York Times list. Likewise, Christopher Hitchens's recent book, God is Not Great, reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Both authors have enjoyed huge success from their scathing critique and mockery of religion in general and Christianity in particular.
In light of today's passage, figures like Dawkins and Hitchens should come as no surprise. Peter declares that "in the last days scoffers will come" (v. 3). In particular, Peter mentions those who mock Christians because of the seeming delay in Christ's return. "Where is this "˜coming' he promised?" Everything continues as it was since the creation of the world, they say (v. 4). In short, they ridicule the Christian hope and declare God a liar.

Peter responds with a clear message: don't forget God's word through the prophets and Christ; it really is trustworthy. Just as God's word was powerful to create the world and then send the flood of judgment, that same word is powerful to one day bring judgment on the "ungodly" (v. 7). God's Word is true; the world has not simply gone on the same since creation. God both sees and acts in due time.

In fact, says Peter, it's important to remember that God's time is not our time. Echoing Psalm 90:4, Peter reminds us that "with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day" (v. . What may seem like slowness on God's part is in fact a demonstration of His patience and merciful desire to see more people come to repentance (v. 9). But make no mistake, that day will come. And when it does, like a thief without warning, there will be a universal upheaval, and everything will be laid bare before the judgment of God (v. 10).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Notice that Scripture avoids two common responses to Christ's seeming "delay": to either become obsessed with trying to predict when exactly He will come or to waste that time by selfish living. How will you use this time? Will you pursue hedonistic pleasures or use it to develop "wholesome thinking" and living (v. 1)? Will you grow impatient and suspicious of God's timing or use it to speak to others of God's mercy? Reflect on these questions; then commit to use God's gift of time to serve Him and others today.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

December 31, 2009

Point Of No Return

READ: Deut. 11:7-12
The eyes of the Lord your God are always on [the land], from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year. -Deuteronomy 11:12

Longtime California pastor Ray Stedman once told his congregation: "On New Year's Eve we realize more than at any other time in our lives that we can never go back in time. . . . We can look back and remember, but we cannot retrace a single moment of the year that is past."

Stedman then referred to the Israelites as they stood on the edge of a new opportunity. After four decades of desert wanderings by their people, this new generation may have wondered if they had the faith and fortitude to possess the Promised Land.

Their leader, Moses, reminded them that they had seen "every great act of the Lord which He did" (Deut. 11:7) and that their destination was "a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year" (v.12).

On New Year's Eve, we may fear the future because of events in the past. But we need not remain chained to our old memories because we can move ahead focused on God. Just as the Lord watched over the land and His people, so His eyes will be upon us.

God's faithful care will extend to every day of the new year. We can count on that promise.  - David C. McCasland
God holds the future in His hands
With grace sufficient day by day;
Through good or ill He gently leads,
If we but let Him have His way. -Rohrs

The "what" of our future is determined by the "Who" of eternity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Seduction of Covetousness

One of the verses we read in our last devotional was Luke 12:15, which says,
And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."

Jesus begins His teaching regarding prosperity in this passage by saying, "Beware of covetousness."  In our society, even in the Church, there are a lot of people whose lives are tied up in "things."  The focus of their life is their stuff, and doing whatever they can to acquire even more things.

It is what the Bible calls covetousness.

I want to ask you today, is your heart filled with covetousness?  Do you find yourself thinking, "I know the missing ingredient in my life, I just need a little more.  If I could just get a little more, I would be happy.  If I could just build a bigger house and fill it with a little more stuff...if I could get a nicer car...if I could upgrade...then I would be happy, and then I would be successful."?

A little more, a little more, a little more.

The problem is, however, that desire for more never stops.  In fact, as we will see in our next devotional, God called a man a fool because he never realized that riches are only temporary.
If you find your life driven by the need for more things, if you are consumed with stuff, if you define your success by what you have (or do not have), then you have been seduced by covetousness, and you will never find the happiness you are looking for.

Do not be a fool seeking after things.  Instead, make the passion of your life seeking after God. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read: 2 Peter 3:11-18
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? - 2 Peter 3:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
As the man drove away from a refreshing week-long vacation in the Rocky Mountains, he found himself constantly glancing up at the mountains in his rearview mirror, and then down at his lap where the panoramic pictures of his trip now lay. The only problem was that with all his backward and downward gazing, he didn't see the car ahead of him that had come to a full stop. The subsequent accident was the inevitable result of his failure to look ahead. Today's reading also admonishes us to continue looking ahead. In fact, three different times Peter urges his audience to "look forward." The future is so important because we are awaiting the "day of God" when we will enjoy "a new heaven and a new earth" (vv. 12-14). Troubles may lie around us in the form of suffering and false teaching; but Peter reminds us where we are headed: that cosmic end when God will establish our "home of righteousness" (v. 13). There should be great comfort in reflecting on the promises that await us in the end. Yet, Peter's concern moves beyond comfort and encouragement to the pressing exhortation toward proper living in the here and now. Peter suggests that knowledge of the coming end should affect the way we live today, or as Peter says: "what kind of people ought you to be" (v. 11). On the one hand, echoing yesterday's message, God's patience in delaying the end allows for the salvation of more people (v. 15). Yet the primary focus here is the opportunity for growth in holiness and godliness. Peter urges us "to live holy and godly lives" (v. 11), "to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him" (v. 14), and to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (v. 18).
Knowing that the end is coming means we can guard against false teaching not so that we can remain stagnant, but precisely so that we can continue to grow in our relationship with Christ. That's true living with the end in mind.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we come to the end of our study of 1 and 2 Peter, and to the beginning of a new calendar year, what better time to spend a moment "looking forward" and taking steps to live in response to Christ's imminent return. Whether or not you typically make New Year's resolutions, take time to make a list of spiritual goals for the coming year, and consider the appropriate spiritual disciplines to help you live as the kind of person you ought to be, awaiting that future day of glory!

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

JANUARY 2

Setting Sail for a New Year

"...which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast...even Jesus." Hebrews 6:19-20

A New Year is like an ocean. There will be untested winds and waves. We'll meet ships we never knew, and we'll have all kinds of opportunities as we sail into an uncharted sea. In our quest to discover the good life this year, we must be careful that we do not drift into an aimless life.

The worst thing that could happen to us this coming year is that we just let this year happen to us rather than charting a course and getting into God's appointed harbor. More than likely, you won't decide to drift. It'll just happen. You'll be coasting along at a good clip, and then, before you know it, you're drifting away. . . that is, unless you have an anchor.

Take a few minutes to reflect on this past year. What were some things you did right? What were some things you would do differently this next year?

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotional

January 03, 2010

Widening Your Perspective

READ: Matthew 28:16-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. -Matthew 28:19

A missionary and I were invited to lunch with David, a man in his late seventies who generously supported the missionary's ministry. David was not able to visit the missionary's country, but as he gave thanks for the food, he prayed with complete ease for the people, places, and situations there. Having prayed regularly for that ministry, he had no trouble mentioning specifics. David had a perspective on missions that extended beyond his own country of Singapore.

Our Lord Jesus commanded us to have a worldwide perspective on missions. When He said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20), He was not asking us to buy an around-the-world ticket to do His bidding. We may not have the opportunity to travel much beyond our own birthplace, but we can be involved with what's going on in the world without leaving our hometown.

But how? Is there an international student living near you? A family from another country who is trying to cope with life in a new country? Or just a lonely person whom you can cheer up? Sharing Jesus' love with them is your way of crossing the oceans with the gospel.  - C. P. Hia

A Prayer: Lord, widen my world. I want to be a part of the work You are doing. Give me eyes to see as You see, hands to serve others, and a heart to share Your gospel. Amen.

If you look through the eyes of Jesus, you'll see a needy world.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Compromise

As we continue our consideration of prosperity, I want to turn your attention to Luke 12:31,
"But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."
This is a simple but powerful principle for life:  We have to put God's Kingdom first if we are to realize God's prosperity.

A lot of Christians get caught up in the drive for prosperity and forget that God's greatest desire is for us to pursue His Kingdom.  In fact, I think some of God's children today are frustrated as they are endeavoring to prosper.  They can see the promise of prosperity in the Word, yet they are coming up short, and they are asking, "God, what's up?"

I really think this is an issue of the heart.  God is not prospering them because they may not be mature enough spiritually to handle the degree of prosperity they are seeking.  It might do them harm.
This brings to mind a young coworker of mine from a number of years ago.  He was a believer but was struggling financially.  One night we were in a restaurant after work when he shared a difficult struggle he was going through.

We prayed that God would do something supernatural to help him in his time of need.  Two days later, he got an unexpected inheritance.  It was huge!  And you know what?  The next week he wasn't at work.  Instead he was out partying.  All of a sudden, his church life stopped and he walked away from his relationship with God.  He didn't have the maturity to handle the success.

I think success has ruined more people than failure.  It has been said that money is the most dangerous thing God can put into your trust.

Seek after God.  And when He prospers you, keep seeking after Him!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read: Romans 5:12-21
Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men. - Romans 5:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Approximately 90 percent of an iceberg is submerged under-water and invisible to the naked eye. If the effects of sin were an iceberg, yesterday's reading about the immediate results-Adam and Eve's shame and fear-would have represented a few cubes above the surface. The rest of Genesis 3 detailed the curse pronounced against the serpent, Adam, Eve, and their offspring. But even beyond what was presented in Genesis, the effects of that initial sin are buried in the icy waters of sin and death imputed to future generations. Adam introduced sin and death to all of his descendants, even those who had not yet been given any direct command to break. Such people sinned and died all the same. Was it fair that people with no explicit law or command still died? As a matter of fact, it didn't improve matters when God gave His Law; it amplified the sin reigning in the flesh of those who heard it (v. 20). There's nothing fair or just about sin.
What a beautiful expression of grace it is that God would provide an act of righteousness that could bring life to all! And it's important to note that the grace of God through the righteousness imparted by Christ's sacrifice isn't merely equal to the burden of sin-the gift is not like the trespass (v. 15). It is, in fact, much greater. Grace versus sin is not a fair fight but a lopsided victory.
This will be a pattern throughout our study this month: the command of God, the sin of man, the consequences of rebellion, and the forgiveness that comes by God's gift of grace in Jesus Christ. While most of the effects of sin come as the practical extension of the sinful act itself, forgiveness and redemption come as the logical conclusion of God's love. As criminals against God's nature and His commands, we deserve much worse than we get. By His love and through His Son, we are permitted to escape the penalty to which we are entitled.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
People can spend their whole lives disputing the theoretical implications of imputed sin and death (and many have done just that). But for all the knowledge of good and evil imparted by the tree to Adam and Eve, there is still much we don't understand. To get lost in those discussions is to sit in the shadow of the wrong tree. Instead, we should pay the bulk of our attention to the tree of life, the saving work of Jesus Christ provided for us at Calvary.

GOD BLESS!
.

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotional

January 04, 2010

The Review

READ: 2 Corinthians 5:1-11

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done. -2 Corinthians 5:10

Imagine going to work one day and being greeted by your boss, who says, "Come by my office at 9:30. I'd like to talk to you about how you're doing on the job."

This could be a nervous time for you as you think about what your supervisor might say. You wonder, How does my boss think I've been doing? Could there be a promotion with a pay increase? Or could I lose my job? Am I going to hear, "Well done" or "You're done"?

As important as this kind of meeting is, the Bible speaks of another, far more significant review. After this life is past, we will stand before our Lord. Paul wrote, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10). We will not enter that future evaluation fearful of losing our salvation, nor will we desire personal benefit or human approval. Instead, we will be eager to hear the Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:21).

The challenge before us as followers of Christ is to serve Him with excellence now so that we can hear His words, "Well done" then. Based on the way I am living today, what kind of review will I get when I see the Savior?  - Bill Crowder

The day will come when we will stand
Before our Judge, God's Son;
Have we so lived that He will say,
"Well done, My child, well done"? -Sper

Service done well here on earth will receive a "Well done" in heaven.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Secret to God's Provision

In Luke 12:31-32 Jesus tells us,
"But seek the kingdom of God...." (In Matthew 6:33, He said, "Seek first the kingdom of God...and all these things shall be added to you.")  "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

The secret to receiving God's provision is to put God's Kingdom first, then everything else will be added to you.  That includes all the things you worry about and strive after.  God promises He will add them to you.

I know for some people it is just too simplistic.  It is just a childish notion to be brushed aside.  But, to do so is a grave mistake.  Never underestimate the power of obedience.  When we obey God and get our priorities in line, it unlocks and releases incredible blessings in our life.

When we put the spiritual above the material, when we put the cause and the mission of God's Kingdom before our own personal desires, it will cause things to be added to our lives.

I remember reading about J.L. Kraft.  He began his business by selling cheese on the streets in Chicago, but failed miserably.  One day a Christian friend told him, "J.L., you don't have God first in your life, or in your business.  Put Him first in all things you do, and you will see a different outcome."

From that day on, he put God's Kingdom first in every way and he built the largest cheese empire in the world.

First things first.  Jesus said, "Do not worry.  Just get your priorities in line, and God will take care of you."

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

Read: Genesis 9:1-7

You shall not murder. - Exodus 20:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Derrion Albert, an honor-roll student at Christian Fenger Academy High School in Chicago, was killed just outside the Agape Community Center on the city's south side. As inexplicable and deplorable as all such tragedies are, this particular murder triggered national outrage and disgust because the brutality was captured on video and shown on countless newscasts for all to see. Seeing lethal violence with our own eyes-not dramatized or glorified in an action film-disturbs us to the very core of our being. We may grow callous to news reports and statistics, but we mustn't lose our appreciation for the value of a human life. We all bear the image of our Creator.

God delivered this message denouncing murder after annihilating all of humanity, with the exception of Noah's family. The Flood was not an endorsement of violent vindication; rather, it was the punishment for such acts. The level of violence on the earth had increased to such a wicked state that it grieved the heart of God (Gen. 6:6,13). As Noah and his family left the ark, God presented them with a new world order where violence was expressly prohibited and the punishment for murder was clear (v. 6).

Verses 4 and 5 make for a somewhat cumbersome direct translation from Hebrew, but all translations carry the same basic meaning that God was keeping account of every individual life. Couched in this warning is an encouraging truth: God values everything that breathes, especially the life of people, all of whom are related to each other and all of whom are made in God's image. There is no such thing as a worthless life.

God's warning to Moses may have been a new proclamation against bloodshed, but that doesn't mean God's hatred of violence was a new development. The commandment to preserve life was an expression of the eternal righteousness of God, and mankind bore His image from the moment God formed Adam and breathed life into him.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Refraining from murder is one thing-ridding our hearts of hate is not so easy. But according to God's Word, harboring inward hate is equivalent to outwardly taking a life (1 John 3:15). We live in a world where physical violence is still less prevalent than divisive speech and hateful attitudes, so we need to remember that if we are guilty of hatred toward anyone we are guilty of ignoring the image of God imprinted on another human being. In prayer, commit your heart to loving those you find less than lovely.

GOD BLESS!
.