Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 119; Proverbs 31
Psalm 119:18, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”
There is one thing that I hope everyone will get from the daily reading of this devotional book. My prayer is that everyone will be challenged to fall deeper in love with the Scriptures. The Bible is God’s love letter to all of us. As you read the Scriptures, I hope that they come alive to you because they are living. The Scriptures are often called “The Living Word of God” because that is what they are. The book of Hebrews tells us that they are “quick” which means alive and “powerful”. Do you know any other book on earth that is like that? No! We take the Word of God so flippantly. We just run in and read a little here and there but never seem to systematically study it. Some of the sweetest times in my life have been centered on the reading of God’s Word. I have been reading and been convicted to tears. I have been reading and been brought to tears at the events that I am reading on the pages. There have been times that I have shouted for joy. I love to be reading along and all of a sudden a thought will come to me that is related to the passage or verse that I am reading. I take a pen and notebook and write out quickly what has come to my heart and mind. Then I go on reading. That is how this book is being written. It is coming one day at a time.
How do you approach the reading of God’s Word? Do you just sit down and pick something to read? Maybe you just open the Bible and start reading wherever it opens. This is not how God intends for us to read His Word. We must start out prayerfully reading. Our verse today tells us that we need to do just that. We need to pray before we start. This will allow us to confess and forsake any known sin in our lives and then we can have open communication between us and God. By starting out this way, the Holy Spirit can speak to us from the Word of God.
Have you ever thought that sometimes God allows us to be sick or hurt so that we will be still enough that we take time to pray and read His Word? He does. Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Sometimes we just need to pull off the highway of life and take time to be alone with God and His Word. How about it friend, will you?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
January 30
Daily Bible Reading; Exodus 38, 39, 40; Psalm 30, 60, 90, 120, 150; Proverbs 30
“According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.” Exodus 39:42-43
When I was growing up on the farm of my Uncle and Aunt, I often experienced having to do things over and over until they were done correctly. I must have a thick head as it took me several times to get them done correctly. One area I struggled in the most was to drive in a straight line. I mean, I drove tractors, trucks and cars starting at the age of eight years old so I had ample experience. However, I still could not drive in a straight line. My uncle could almost close his eyes and drive in a straight line. It made me sick. Not only did I struggle with driving in a straight line but I also struggled with when to engage the implement behind me and when to disengage the same implement. I remember one year that I was allowed to drive the breaking plow behind the tractor. I drove an International 560, tricycle type tractor which has a very narrow front end. There are no shock absorbers on tractors like there are on most motor vehicles. Needless to say I had a rough ride. This was made worse when my uncle surveyed my work and was absolutely mortified at the sight of my finished product. You see the plow was engaged at one length and disengaged at another length. It was horrible. He was so upset that I was sent out to plow the ends of the rows so that it would beat my brains out and I would learn a valuable lesson. I was never allowed to plow again. I always wanted to, but was never allowed to again. Such is life. There have been times that I have mowed the yard all over again. I have cleaned out the stalls in the barn again. Anything you can do on a farm, I have probably done all over again. The sad truth is that in our Christian life, many of us look to God as I did my Uncle. We keep repeating the same things over and over again. We never seem to learn the lessons. God forbid! You see, if something is worth doing, it is worth doing correctly. Oh, how many times have I heard that old phrase? So many people today who name the name of Christ are completely satisfied to half do half the things that need to be done. This equates to 25% of a job. This is not acceptable in the Christian life. If you consistently perform at this level you will one day be sorry for it. Imagine standing at the throne of God one day and giving account for only accomplishing 25%. Wow! This is a sobering thought to me and I hope to you. So today I must ask myself, “Have you given your all to Jesus?”
“According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.” Exodus 39:42-43
When I was growing up on the farm of my Uncle and Aunt, I often experienced having to do things over and over until they were done correctly. I must have a thick head as it took me several times to get them done correctly. One area I struggled in the most was to drive in a straight line. I mean, I drove tractors, trucks and cars starting at the age of eight years old so I had ample experience. However, I still could not drive in a straight line. My uncle could almost close his eyes and drive in a straight line. It made me sick. Not only did I struggle with driving in a straight line but I also struggled with when to engage the implement behind me and when to disengage the same implement. I remember one year that I was allowed to drive the breaking plow behind the tractor. I drove an International 560, tricycle type tractor which has a very narrow front end. There are no shock absorbers on tractors like there are on most motor vehicles. Needless to say I had a rough ride. This was made worse when my uncle surveyed my work and was absolutely mortified at the sight of my finished product. You see the plow was engaged at one length and disengaged at another length. It was horrible. He was so upset that I was sent out to plow the ends of the rows so that it would beat my brains out and I would learn a valuable lesson. I was never allowed to plow again. I always wanted to, but was never allowed to again. Such is life. There have been times that I have mowed the yard all over again. I have cleaned out the stalls in the barn again. Anything you can do on a farm, I have probably done all over again. The sad truth is that in our Christian life, many of us look to God as I did my Uncle. We keep repeating the same things over and over again. We never seem to learn the lessons. God forbid! You see, if something is worth doing, it is worth doing correctly. Oh, how many times have I heard that old phrase? So many people today who name the name of Christ are completely satisfied to half do half the things that need to be done. This equates to 25% of a job. This is not acceptable in the Christian life. If you consistently perform at this level you will one day be sorry for it. Imagine standing at the throne of God one day and giving account for only accomplishing 25%. Wow! This is a sobering thought to me and I hope to you. So today I must ask myself, “Have you given your all to Jesus?”
January 29
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 35, 36, 37; Psalm 29, 59, 89, 149; Proverbs 29
“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.” Exodus 35:2
How many times have you heard someone lament, “I am so busy”? It is the theme of our day. We don’t take the time to rest like we need. When we are running like a chicken with its head removed, we are wearing ourselves out. In this day and age, we need to get back to what men and women of old knew. They understood “early to bed and early to rise…” The problem is, that we have so many things screaming and yelling for our time and attention, which equates to energy.
Have you ever thought that it might be a plan of the Devil to keep you running around until you are exhausted? He knows that if we are tired, we will be irritable and our ability to make wise decisions will be diminished. Daniel 7:25, “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” So, based upon Scripture, a lifestyle of running ourselves ragged gives place to the Devil. He loves this.
We need to be getting proper rest each day along with spending time in prayer and Bible study. If we do this consistently, day in and day out, we will find ourselves to be more effective. We need to be finding our rest in the Lord. This is easier said than done. It should not be that way.
May we all find our rest in the Lord today and every day.
“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.” Exodus 35:2
How many times have you heard someone lament, “I am so busy”? It is the theme of our day. We don’t take the time to rest like we need. When we are running like a chicken with its head removed, we are wearing ourselves out. In this day and age, we need to get back to what men and women of old knew. They understood “early to bed and early to rise…” The problem is, that we have so many things screaming and yelling for our time and attention, which equates to energy.
Have you ever thought that it might be a plan of the Devil to keep you running around until you are exhausted? He knows that if we are tired, we will be irritable and our ability to make wise decisions will be diminished. Daniel 7:25, “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” So, based upon Scripture, a lifestyle of running ourselves ragged gives place to the Devil. He loves this.
We need to be getting proper rest each day along with spending time in prayer and Bible study. If we do this consistently, day in and day out, we will find ourselves to be more effective. We need to be finding our rest in the Lord. This is easier said than done. It should not be that way.
May we all find our rest in the Lord today and every day.
January 28
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 32, 33, 34; Psalm 28, 58, 88, 118, 148; Proverbs 28
“Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” Exodus 32:32
Moses was a great leader in Israel. I cannot imagine the load he carried knowing he was God’s man to lead the nation of Israel. What an awesome privilege. We would do well today to learn from the example of Moses.
However, Moses was not perfect. I am glad that Moses was not perfect. I find hope in the fact that if God can use Moses then He can use me too. The New Testament says that God has “chosen the foolish this of the world to confound the wise;” I Corinthians 1:27. I now know my purpose in life. Just kidding.
I love the commitment of Moses in this verse. I don’t know if I could do what Moses did here in this verse. The dash represents a grammatical pause. I can feel the emotion and passion of this man of God when he says, “…if thou wilt forgive their sin-”. I hear his heart breaking for them. Moses is a great leader who loves the people he is leading.
So many people in leadership today are there for all the wrong reasons. Some are motivated by greed, money, power, prestige and _________. You fill in the blank. Moses, on the other hand was motivated by a desire God placed in his heart. Back in Egypt, Moses was misunderstood when he slew the Egyptian. He did not understand why the Israelites did not see that he was God’s man to lead them out to the Promised Land. Yet, this was in fact his calling by God to do that very thing.
So, dear friend what is your calling? What is your passion? Is there anything at all?
“Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” Exodus 32:32
Moses was a great leader in Israel. I cannot imagine the load he carried knowing he was God’s man to lead the nation of Israel. What an awesome privilege. We would do well today to learn from the example of Moses.
However, Moses was not perfect. I am glad that Moses was not perfect. I find hope in the fact that if God can use Moses then He can use me too. The New Testament says that God has “chosen the foolish this of the world to confound the wise;” I Corinthians 1:27. I now know my purpose in life. Just kidding.
I love the commitment of Moses in this verse. I don’t know if I could do what Moses did here in this verse. The dash represents a grammatical pause. I can feel the emotion and passion of this man of God when he says, “…if thou wilt forgive their sin-”. I hear his heart breaking for them. Moses is a great leader who loves the people he is leading.
So many people in leadership today are there for all the wrong reasons. Some are motivated by greed, money, power, prestige and _________. You fill in the blank. Moses, on the other hand was motivated by a desire God placed in his heart. Back in Egypt, Moses was misunderstood when he slew the Egyptian. He did not understand why the Israelites did not see that he was God’s man to lead them out to the Promised Land. Yet, this was in fact his calling by God to do that very thing.
So, dear friend what is your calling? What is your passion? Is there anything at all?
January 27
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 29, 30, 31; Psalm 27, 57, 87, 117, 147; Proverbs 27
“And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office.” Exodus 29:44
There seems to be something taboo about sanctification. People seem to run from the concept of sanctification. It seems to have some negative connotation. This should not be so. Sanctification is something that every child of God should embrace. I know people who have automobiles that only see the light on clear, sunny summer days. These automobiles are set apart for such days. You know the automobiles I am talking about. They are special and sometimes vintage automobiles. They are sometimes an investment, but more often they are for pleasure.
Have you ever thought about yourself like one of those special automobiles? You are. With the Holy Spirit filling you, you are a powerful possession of God the Father. Just like a special automobile that is reserved for special purpose. We are created to worship and fellowship with God.
God wants to set each of us apart for Himself, but it is up to us to submit to that. To be sanctified is to be separated from sin to God. We seem to be so in love with sin that we no longer care about being sanctified, or set apart for God. This is a shame and a black eye on the Christian community. One thing lost people know about Christians is that, “We don’t spit and we don’t chew and we don’t run with those that do.” We need to get back to old fashioned, sanctified Christianity. How about it Christian?
“And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office.” Exodus 29:44
There seems to be something taboo about sanctification. People seem to run from the concept of sanctification. It seems to have some negative connotation. This should not be so. Sanctification is something that every child of God should embrace. I know people who have automobiles that only see the light on clear, sunny summer days. These automobiles are set apart for such days. You know the automobiles I am talking about. They are special and sometimes vintage automobiles. They are sometimes an investment, but more often they are for pleasure.
Have you ever thought about yourself like one of those special automobiles? You are. With the Holy Spirit filling you, you are a powerful possession of God the Father. Just like a special automobile that is reserved for special purpose. We are created to worship and fellowship with God.
God wants to set each of us apart for Himself, but it is up to us to submit to that. To be sanctified is to be separated from sin to God. We seem to be so in love with sin that we no longer care about being sanctified, or set apart for God. This is a shame and a black eye on the Christian community. One thing lost people know about Christians is that, “We don’t spit and we don’t chew and we don’t run with those that do.” We need to get back to old fashioned, sanctified Christianity. How about it Christian?
January 26
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 26, 27, 28; Psalm 26, 56, 86, 116, 146; Proverbs 26
“And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.” Exodus 26:33
I remember a few years ago a friend who is a co-worker invited us to go to the University of Illinois for a gospel concert. He and his wife along with my wife and me and our son drove to Peoria, IL from Indianapolis. The trip was such fun. We stopped and ate dinner at a popular fast food restaurant. We arrived early due to the difference in our time and their time. We enjoyed spending time with my friend’s wife while he walked up to see someone he knew. It seemed like a long time before he returned but he finally did come back.
When we arrived at the front door my friend gave each of us a ticket. We now had access to the stadium because someone had given us a ticket. We were “within the veil” so to speak. I remember the excitement all four of us had knowing we were inside the stadium with free tickets.
We browsed all the places to eat and buy souvenirs on the way to our seats. We showed our ticket stubs to an usher who led us to the floor of the arena and seated us four rows back from the stage.
I remember our son fell asleep during the concert. This was the music that settled him and allowed him to fall asleep at night. The chance of a lifetime to see in person the ones he loved to hear sing and he is out cold, sound asleep.
At the intermission my friend got up and went across the arena and disappeared with his wife. He shortly resurfaced in front of us beckoning us to follow him and we did.
He led us across the floor to one of the tunnels that lead off the floor. As we tried to go through he passed and we were stopped by security. That was the world’s longest moment waiting for him to realize that we were no longer behind him and for him to return. He showed his credentials and we were allowed to pass. We walked down long halls going deeper into the arena. We stopped at a large double door for a moment but then went inside. Sitting there at a table with my friend’s wife was the “Queen of Southern Gospel Music”, none other than the late Vestal Goodman. Our dreams had come true! We had traveled a couple hundred miles, been given tickets to the show by Vestal’s son Rick Goodman and were allowed access to meet Vestal Goodman in person. I nearly had a Baptist-Pentecostal fit.
Even better than this, we have access to God because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Even better than the priests going into the Holy of Holies, we have access directly to God through Jesus.
“And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.” Exodus 26:33
I remember a few years ago a friend who is a co-worker invited us to go to the University of Illinois for a gospel concert. He and his wife along with my wife and me and our son drove to Peoria, IL from Indianapolis. The trip was such fun. We stopped and ate dinner at a popular fast food restaurant. We arrived early due to the difference in our time and their time. We enjoyed spending time with my friend’s wife while he walked up to see someone he knew. It seemed like a long time before he returned but he finally did come back.
When we arrived at the front door my friend gave each of us a ticket. We now had access to the stadium because someone had given us a ticket. We were “within the veil” so to speak. I remember the excitement all four of us had knowing we were inside the stadium with free tickets.
We browsed all the places to eat and buy souvenirs on the way to our seats. We showed our ticket stubs to an usher who led us to the floor of the arena and seated us four rows back from the stage.
I remember our son fell asleep during the concert. This was the music that settled him and allowed him to fall asleep at night. The chance of a lifetime to see in person the ones he loved to hear sing and he is out cold, sound asleep.
At the intermission my friend got up and went across the arena and disappeared with his wife. He shortly resurfaced in front of us beckoning us to follow him and we did.
He led us across the floor to one of the tunnels that lead off the floor. As we tried to go through he passed and we were stopped by security. That was the world’s longest moment waiting for him to realize that we were no longer behind him and for him to return. He showed his credentials and we were allowed to pass. We walked down long halls going deeper into the arena. We stopped at a large double door for a moment but then went inside. Sitting there at a table with my friend’s wife was the “Queen of Southern Gospel Music”, none other than the late Vestal Goodman. Our dreams had come true! We had traveled a couple hundred miles, been given tickets to the show by Vestal’s son Rick Goodman and were allowed access to meet Vestal Goodman in person. I nearly had a Baptist-Pentecostal fit.
Even better than this, we have access to God because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Even better than the priests going into the Holy of Holies, we have access directly to God through Jesus.
January 25
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 23, 24, 25; Psalm 25, 55, 85, 115, 145; Proverbs 25
“And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.” Exodus 24:3
What an awesome privilege Moses had. He was able to have close, intimate fellowship with the creator of the universe. Better yet, he was able to be in the presence of God and live.
I think we forget about how truly holy God is. The sad reality is that even a lot of God’s children do not care about His holiness. We have access to God through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. This is the only way that unholy man can approach God, who is holiness.
Moses was able to go into God’s presence. While he was in God’s presence, he was given “the law” or as we call it, The Ten Commandments. There is tremendous benefit from being in God’s presence. This is a privilege we need to daily exercise. What a joy we can have in God’s presence in prayer and Bible study.
Try it, you might like it.
“And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.” Exodus 24:3
What an awesome privilege Moses had. He was able to have close, intimate fellowship with the creator of the universe. Better yet, he was able to be in the presence of God and live.
I think we forget about how truly holy God is. The sad reality is that even a lot of God’s children do not care about His holiness. We have access to God through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. This is the only way that unholy man can approach God, who is holiness.
Moses was able to go into God’s presence. While he was in God’s presence, he was given “the law” or as we call it, The Ten Commandments. There is tremendous benefit from being in God’s presence. This is a privilege we need to daily exercise. What a joy we can have in God’s presence in prayer and Bible study.
Try it, you might like it.
January 24
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 20, 21, 22; Psalm 24, 54, 84, 114, 144; Proverbs 24
“And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.” Exodus 21:5-6
I have come to appreciate the scene depicted in our verses today. My pastor was preaching through the book of Hebrews some time back. While dealing with Hebrews 10:1-10, he referred to Psalm 40:6 and Isaiah 50:5-6. It was tremendous and I hope I have it on CD.
When I was reading today’s Scripture verses, I was reminded of this teaching. Indulge me for a few minutes as I give my thoughts.
I was thinking about commitment. I thought about the commitment of the master. He is committed to care for the servant. The master would have to meet every need that his servant would have. No problem.
How about the commitment of the servant? He is giving up the rest of his life to be committed to his master. There will be no more “doing things my way”. He will submit to the will of his master. Even his family is affected. This gives a whole new light on the concept of total commitment.
So, to whom or what are you committed? Have you ever committed your heart to Jesus in salvation? If so, how about your commitment to Jesus in service?
Most Christians are saved and that is good enough for them. What an awesome privilege they miss by not being committed enough to serve the Lord. How about hearing “well done, thou good and faithful servant”. I know I want to hear that when I get home.
“And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.” Exodus 21:5-6
I have come to appreciate the scene depicted in our verses today. My pastor was preaching through the book of Hebrews some time back. While dealing with Hebrews 10:1-10, he referred to Psalm 40:6 and Isaiah 50:5-6. It was tremendous and I hope I have it on CD.
When I was reading today’s Scripture verses, I was reminded of this teaching. Indulge me for a few minutes as I give my thoughts.
I was thinking about commitment. I thought about the commitment of the master. He is committed to care for the servant. The master would have to meet every need that his servant would have. No problem.
How about the commitment of the servant? He is giving up the rest of his life to be committed to his master. There will be no more “doing things my way”. He will submit to the will of his master. Even his family is affected. This gives a whole new light on the concept of total commitment.
So, to whom or what are you committed? Have you ever committed your heart to Jesus in salvation? If so, how about your commitment to Jesus in service?
Most Christians are saved and that is good enough for them. What an awesome privilege they miss by not being committed enough to serve the Lord. How about hearing “well done, thou good and faithful servant”. I know I want to hear that when I get home.
January 23
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 17, 18, 19; Psalm 23, 52, 82, 113, 143; Proverbs 23
“But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:12
I love this passage of Scripture. I remember being asked to preach at the church we attended years ago. I was thrilled! My text was from yesterday’s devotional verse. My topic and title was simply, “Go Forward”. To this day, many years later, it is one of my top five favorite messages from God.
The personal illustration that I used and still use is the reason it is one of my favorites. I called our pastor to the front and asked him to stand in front of the communion table. I exhorted myself and others of his role as pastor and leader. Then, I called two men from the congregation to take our pastor by the hand; one man on each side, and hold up his hands while I read this portion of Scripture. In my mind’s eye, I can still see them standing there like it was happening again, right now, tears and all.
You and I should be involved in this same kind of ministry as Aaron and Hur. We need men, women, boys and girls who will make themselves available for this ministry. What an encouragement to your pastor and church. In know I need people to be “prayer warriors” on my behalf and I am certain they do also.
There is a group, “Three Bridges”, who perform a song titled, “Dear Captain”. It is a great song about praying for our President. I don’t know how really Biblical all the words are, but I am humbled to tears every time I listen to it.
Friend, we must hold up the hands of others in prayer and beseech them to do the same for us.
“But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:12
I love this passage of Scripture. I remember being asked to preach at the church we attended years ago. I was thrilled! My text was from yesterday’s devotional verse. My topic and title was simply, “Go Forward”. To this day, many years later, it is one of my top five favorite messages from God.
The personal illustration that I used and still use is the reason it is one of my favorites. I called our pastor to the front and asked him to stand in front of the communion table. I exhorted myself and others of his role as pastor and leader. Then, I called two men from the congregation to take our pastor by the hand; one man on each side, and hold up his hands while I read this portion of Scripture. In my mind’s eye, I can still see them standing there like it was happening again, right now, tears and all.
You and I should be involved in this same kind of ministry as Aaron and Hur. We need men, women, boys and girls who will make themselves available for this ministry. What an encouragement to your pastor and church. In know I need people to be “prayer warriors” on my behalf and I am certain they do also.
There is a group, “Three Bridges”, who perform a song titled, “Dear Captain”. It is a great song about praying for our President. I don’t know how really Biblical all the words are, but I am humbled to tears every time I listen to it.
Friend, we must hold up the hands of others in prayer and beseech them to do the same for us.
January 22
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 14, 15, 16; Psalm 22, 52, 82, 112, 142; Proverbs 22
“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” Exodus 14:13
This year, reading through this passage of Scripture, God spoke to my heart about it like never before. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I was deeply convicted about doing things in my own strength (Exodus 14:13 “stand still and see the salvation of the LORD…”). I think we all have to guard against this. We, who are in the ministry, especially full-time, are prone to this. God forgive us and help us.
We have to continue to advance in our Christian walk. Notice in verse 13, to “stand still and see the salvation of the LORD”. Then in verse 15, we are charged to “go forward”. You see the Lord had work to do between those two statements. He taught trust in verse 13, with the advancing army behind them. Standing still was the last thing the Israelites wanted to do. Yet, they obeyed. Because of their obedience in standing still, they were “saved” or delivered. What a picture of someone being saved. In verse 15, it tells us to “go forward”. We must be growing in our walk with God. We need to conform to the image of Christ. We must be more like Him; act like Him, think like Him, love like Him and so on. As we grow, what is important to God will become important to us.
Notice the last two phrases of verse 13, “…for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” As I was reading this again, I was moved to tears. How many “Egyptians” have been in my life and I was just too busy trying to cross the “Red Sea”. The sad reality is that I may “see them no more for ever”. God forbid!
May we “go forward”, witnessing and leaving rocks piled as a memorial to God’s greatness.
“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” Exodus 14:13
This year, reading through this passage of Scripture, God spoke to my heart about it like never before. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I was deeply convicted about doing things in my own strength (Exodus 14:13 “stand still and see the salvation of the LORD…”). I think we all have to guard against this. We, who are in the ministry, especially full-time, are prone to this. God forgive us and help us.
We have to continue to advance in our Christian walk. Notice in verse 13, to “stand still and see the salvation of the LORD”. Then in verse 15, we are charged to “go forward”. You see the Lord had work to do between those two statements. He taught trust in verse 13, with the advancing army behind them. Standing still was the last thing the Israelites wanted to do. Yet, they obeyed. Because of their obedience in standing still, they were “saved” or delivered. What a picture of someone being saved. In verse 15, it tells us to “go forward”. We must be growing in our walk with God. We need to conform to the image of Christ. We must be more like Him; act like Him, think like Him, love like Him and so on. As we grow, what is important to God will become important to us.
Notice the last two phrases of verse 13, “…for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” As I was reading this again, I was moved to tears. How many “Egyptians” have been in my life and I was just too busy trying to cross the “Red Sea”. The sad reality is that I may “see them no more for ever”. God forbid!
May we “go forward”, witnessing and leaving rocks piled as a memorial to God’s greatness.
January 21
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 11, 12, 13; Psalm 21, 51, 81, 111, 141; Proverbs 21
“But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.” Exodus 13:18
We all know people who want to do their own thing, their own way. Think of a child being told the correct way to do something and ignoring the instruction. The result? It is normally pain and suffering, but could be the lack of accomplishment of whatever the child wanted to accomplish. “No man is an island unto himself”, as one man put it.
It is like that old saying, “there is no I in team”. This is true on both accounts. The word “team” has no “i” in the spelling. There is also the principle that it takes every member of the team to accomplish the goal. We must all work together.
In the fire service, there is a practice called freelancing, and it can be absolutely deadly. For someone to just show up without telling anyone and do their thing their way, works against the team and will not accomplish the goal.
It is the same thing in the church. We must all work together if we are going to accomplish God’s will. We must work as a team, pulling in the same direction. Churches are closing at an alarming rate today, due to their members going their own way and doing their own thing. The church has, by and large, done things their own way and not God’s way. We have forsaken the Scriptures for the worldly ways that run rampant.
We must get back to God’s way of doing things. Our verse speaks of the children of Israel going “up harnessed”. They were bound together in their goal of leaving Egypt. They were leaving to go to an appointed place to worship God.
We must first of all, be harnessed to Christ in salvation. Then we must be harnessed to Christ in service and obedience.
“But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.” Exodus 13:18
We all know people who want to do their own thing, their own way. Think of a child being told the correct way to do something and ignoring the instruction. The result? It is normally pain and suffering, but could be the lack of accomplishment of whatever the child wanted to accomplish. “No man is an island unto himself”, as one man put it.
It is like that old saying, “there is no I in team”. This is true on both accounts. The word “team” has no “i” in the spelling. There is also the principle that it takes every member of the team to accomplish the goal. We must all work together.
In the fire service, there is a practice called freelancing, and it can be absolutely deadly. For someone to just show up without telling anyone and do their thing their way, works against the team and will not accomplish the goal.
It is the same thing in the church. We must all work together if we are going to accomplish God’s will. We must work as a team, pulling in the same direction. Churches are closing at an alarming rate today, due to their members going their own way and doing their own thing. The church has, by and large, done things their own way and not God’s way. We have forsaken the Scriptures for the worldly ways that run rampant.
We must get back to God’s way of doing things. Our verse speaks of the children of Israel going “up harnessed”. They were bound together in their goal of leaving Egypt. They were leaving to go to an appointed place to worship God.
We must first of all, be harnessed to Christ in salvation. Then we must be harnessed to Christ in service and obedience.
January 20
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 8, 9, 10; Psalm 20, 50, 80, 110, 140; Proverbs 20
“And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.” Exodus 8:9-10
Someone once told me of a preacher who brought a great message titled, “Another Night with the Frogs”. I don’t recall who the preacher was, or who related the story to me, but I have remembered it for a number of years. I would like to develop that one myself and hopefully one day, I will.
Far too many times, you and I are just like the Pharaoh when it comes to our sin. “Oh, I’ll take care of it tomorrow”, we say. Like the country song of the 1980’s, what, “If tomorrow never comes”. What then, dear friend? It will be infinitely too late.
How about King Agrippa in Acts 26:28, “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Dear Christian, this should rock us to our very soul and cause us to witness like the world is on fire and we are the only fireman on board. The sad thing is, we sit idly by watching people go to Hell and make no effort to stem the tide.
How about you, dear Christian, what have you told God “tomorrow” about? We are expert procrastinators. We can, and do, put things off with the best of them. I am thinking of one huge, important thing in my life that I procrastinated about and now as I reflect, I realize it has now been over twenty-five years, almost thirty. God forbid! The ball is still in my court. I must decide to run this particular race or step off the track and find my place high atop a dusty shelf with other vessels who refuse to be used.
What about you, friend? Another night with the frogs?
“And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.” Exodus 8:9-10
Someone once told me of a preacher who brought a great message titled, “Another Night with the Frogs”. I don’t recall who the preacher was, or who related the story to me, but I have remembered it for a number of years. I would like to develop that one myself and hopefully one day, I will.
Far too many times, you and I are just like the Pharaoh when it comes to our sin. “Oh, I’ll take care of it tomorrow”, we say. Like the country song of the 1980’s, what, “If tomorrow never comes”. What then, dear friend? It will be infinitely too late.
How about King Agrippa in Acts 26:28, “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Dear Christian, this should rock us to our very soul and cause us to witness like the world is on fire and we are the only fireman on board. The sad thing is, we sit idly by watching people go to Hell and make no effort to stem the tide.
How about you, dear Christian, what have you told God “tomorrow” about? We are expert procrastinators. We can, and do, put things off with the best of them. I am thinking of one huge, important thing in my life that I procrastinated about and now as I reflect, I realize it has now been over twenty-five years, almost thirty. God forbid! The ball is still in my court. I must decide to run this particular race or step off the track and find my place high atop a dusty shelf with other vessels who refuse to be used.
What about you, friend? Another night with the frogs?
January 19
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 5, 6, 7; Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139; Proverbs 19
“And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.” Exodus 5:2
When I read this passage, I cringe a little bit at the utter arrogance of the Pharaoh. After I thought about this for a little while, I think I can sympathize. I would probably have the same attitude, if I were in his place. If someone came to me and said, “Mohammed said to let my people go”, I would be less than cooperative, I am sure.
It is sad, but in our day, almost everyone has this attitude. I wish I could say that it is only people outside the church that have this attitude. Unfortunately, it is people on both sides of the stained glass. We, who name the name of Christ, should live a life in total submission and surrender to the One who gave himself for us. We demand our rights and privileges, because we really believe we deserve it.
How can I, or anyone else, who is a sinful, rebellious, wretch, think that we deserve anything more than an eternity in Hell? The problem is an inflated view of our own selves that is fueled by pride. We have been created from the dust of the ground and we are no better than that until the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to us.
“And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.” Exodus 5:2
When I read this passage, I cringe a little bit at the utter arrogance of the Pharaoh. After I thought about this for a little while, I think I can sympathize. I would probably have the same attitude, if I were in his place. If someone came to me and said, “Mohammed said to let my people go”, I would be less than cooperative, I am sure.
It is sad, but in our day, almost everyone has this attitude. I wish I could say that it is only people outside the church that have this attitude. Unfortunately, it is people on both sides of the stained glass. We, who name the name of Christ, should live a life in total submission and surrender to the One who gave himself for us. We demand our rights and privileges, because we really believe we deserve it.
How can I, or anyone else, who is a sinful, rebellious, wretch, think that we deserve anything more than an eternity in Hell? The problem is an inflated view of our own selves that is fueled by pride. We have been created from the dust of the ground and we are no better than that until the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to us.
January 18
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 2, 3, 4; Psalm 18, 48, 78, 108, 138; Proverbs 18
“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:14
Have you ever watched a child do something and then ask them why they did it? They usually respond, “I don’t know”. They are driven by a sense of curiosity. This usually leads them down a path of trial and tribulation. Remember that old saying? “Curiosity killed the cat”. That is the one. It is the yielding to this curiosity that gets us every time.
While working in the fair ministry, I heard one man pray that the ones who pass by would be filled with a “holy curiosity” and would stop in and be saved.
Why do we Bible believing people do things like to the fair, witness door to door, and give out gospel tracts as we go? The answer is quite simple. “…I AM hath sent me…” That is exactly why we do what we do.
It is truly an awesome thing to have the creator of the world speak to your heart and say, “Go __________” (you fill in the blank). I remember the service at Dry Pond Regular Baptist Church in Ballard, WV, where over twenty years ago, I silently surrendered in prayer because “…IAM hath sent me…”
How about you? Has He called your name? I hope so.
“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:14
Have you ever watched a child do something and then ask them why they did it? They usually respond, “I don’t know”. They are driven by a sense of curiosity. This usually leads them down a path of trial and tribulation. Remember that old saying? “Curiosity killed the cat”. That is the one. It is the yielding to this curiosity that gets us every time.
While working in the fair ministry, I heard one man pray that the ones who pass by would be filled with a “holy curiosity” and would stop in and be saved.
Why do we Bible believing people do things like to the fair, witness door to door, and give out gospel tracts as we go? The answer is quite simple. “…I AM hath sent me…” That is exactly why we do what we do.
It is truly an awesome thing to have the creator of the world speak to your heart and say, “Go __________” (you fill in the blank). I remember the service at Dry Pond Regular Baptist Church in Ballard, WV, where over twenty years ago, I silently surrendered in prayer because “…IAM hath sent me…”
How about you? Has He called your name? I hope so.
January 17
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 49, 50, Exodus 1; Psalm 17, 47, 77, 107, 137; Proverbs 17
“But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” Exodus 1:12
We live in a day capitalized by people wanting something for nothing. We seek to do minimal work or effort for maximum pay or results. It is the old “something for nothing” way of thinking.
Apathy is running rampant today. People only care about me, “my four and no more” for the most part. This did not use to be this way. I remember over twenty years ago that a neighbor’s cows were running loose and coming though our yard. I rallied my uncle and we were able to get the cattle back to their pasture. The owner returned home shortly after. If that happened today, the cattle would have been ignored. Very people would have cared less to have gotten involved.
We have enjoyed many freedoms in America and Christian liberty, but it is quickly being eroded in front of our eyes. We need revival desperately! Quite possibly, this needed revival will come on the heels of persecution. I don’t like to think about that anymore than anyone else; but, the fact remains that something has to give. God has not and will not change and this is what I base my thoughts on for today’s writing.
Like the children of Israel, the church seems to flourish and grow in times of persecution. When you look at the early church, you see that persecution scattered those Christians, and the gospel message was carried all over the world. Just like the oyster who gets sand inside and coats it over with pearl to eliminate the irritant, we must continue to live godly in our dark day.
“But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” Exodus 1:12
We live in a day capitalized by people wanting something for nothing. We seek to do minimal work or effort for maximum pay or results. It is the old “something for nothing” way of thinking.
Apathy is running rampant today. People only care about me, “my four and no more” for the most part. This did not use to be this way. I remember over twenty years ago that a neighbor’s cows were running loose and coming though our yard. I rallied my uncle and we were able to get the cattle back to their pasture. The owner returned home shortly after. If that happened today, the cattle would have been ignored. Very people would have cared less to have gotten involved.
We have enjoyed many freedoms in America and Christian liberty, but it is quickly being eroded in front of our eyes. We need revival desperately! Quite possibly, this needed revival will come on the heels of persecution. I don’t like to think about that anymore than anyone else; but, the fact remains that something has to give. God has not and will not change and this is what I base my thoughts on for today’s writing.
Like the children of Israel, the church seems to flourish and grow in times of persecution. When you look at the early church, you see that persecution scattered those Christians, and the gospel message was carried all over the world. Just like the oyster who gets sand inside and coats it over with pearl to eliminate the irritant, we must continue to live godly in our dark day.
January 16
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 46, 47, 48; Psalm 16, 46, 76, 106, 136; Proverbs 16
“Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?” Psalm 106:2
Today, we have before us two good questions. First is the question; “who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord?” Well, dear reader, answer that one. You must first of all have seen or heard about God’s might acts before you can tell about them.
There are different kinds of knowledge in the Bible. One, is to know about something and another, is to know by experience. In other words, I know about ice cream. It is made with milk, sugar and other ingredients. I also know ice cream by experience. I like to eat it in a dish, in a cone and even with peanut butter stirred in. I know because I have experienced it.
An unregenerate heathen can and does know about God. Romans 1:19-20 tells us that God created us all with a glimmer of the truth of his existence and it is up to us to fan the flame, so to speak, and search Him out. The person who is not born again can know about God, but is separated from God because of his sin.
The second question, “who can shew forth all his praise?” is from an experiential knowledge. If I am born again, I will praise Him. I have been given the free gift of salvation and for that, I will praise Him eternally.
How about it, Christian? Are you praising Him because you know Him and have a vibrant relationship with Him?
Maybe you just know about Him and that is all you can say. Run to Him today! If you are not born again, then put your faith and trust in Him today.
Maybe you are saved, but you don’t praise Him like you should. Today is a great day to start.
“Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?” Psalm 106:2
Today, we have before us two good questions. First is the question; “who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord?” Well, dear reader, answer that one. You must first of all have seen or heard about God’s might acts before you can tell about them.
There are different kinds of knowledge in the Bible. One, is to know about something and another, is to know by experience. In other words, I know about ice cream. It is made with milk, sugar and other ingredients. I also know ice cream by experience. I like to eat it in a dish, in a cone and even with peanut butter stirred in. I know because I have experienced it.
An unregenerate heathen can and does know about God. Romans 1:19-20 tells us that God created us all with a glimmer of the truth of his existence and it is up to us to fan the flame, so to speak, and search Him out. The person who is not born again can know about God, but is separated from God because of his sin.
The second question, “who can shew forth all his praise?” is from an experiential knowledge. If I am born again, I will praise Him. I have been given the free gift of salvation and for that, I will praise Him eternally.
How about it, Christian? Are you praising Him because you know Him and have a vibrant relationship with Him?
Maybe you just know about Him and that is all you can say. Run to Him today! If you are not born again, then put your faith and trust in Him today.
Maybe you are saved, but you don’t praise Him like you should. Today is a great day to start.
January 15
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 43, 44, 45; Psalm 15, 45, 75, 105, 135; Proverbs 15
“My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Psalm 45:1
Having been a daily writer for two weeks now, I am drawn to this passage today. In our text, the word “inditing” means to gush. It makes me think of all the times growing up on my aunt and uncle’s farm. I picked up a garden hose to fill the watering trough. I would usually pick it up and have water “gush” into my face or at the very lease get my leg wet. Oh, the joys of growing up on the farm.
I was also thinking of a funnel. Oh, to receive a dollar bill for every time I twisted the big metal funnel into the top of the diesel fuel tank on top of the “International Harvester 560” tricycle type tractor. I would begin to poor a five gallon bucket (with a lid) into the funnel. Once it started, I could go ahead and turn it all the way up, and rest the bucket face down on the funnel and listen for the all too familiar “glub, glub, glub…” I prayed that I did not over fill it. As the great theologian of television, Archie Bunker, would sing with wife Edith, at the piano, “Those were the days”.
I write today of the garden hose and the old funnel to remind us that what goes in will come out. Do not expect to bombard your heart and mind with unholiness, ungodliness and the like, and expect to live a life with God’s blessing on you. It is not going to happen. If I am going to even remotely succeed at writing for God’s glory, then I had better fill up so I can gush out. And you?
“My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Psalm 45:1
Having been a daily writer for two weeks now, I am drawn to this passage today. In our text, the word “inditing” means to gush. It makes me think of all the times growing up on my aunt and uncle’s farm. I picked up a garden hose to fill the watering trough. I would usually pick it up and have water “gush” into my face or at the very lease get my leg wet. Oh, the joys of growing up on the farm.
I was also thinking of a funnel. Oh, to receive a dollar bill for every time I twisted the big metal funnel into the top of the diesel fuel tank on top of the “International Harvester 560” tricycle type tractor. I would begin to poor a five gallon bucket (with a lid) into the funnel. Once it started, I could go ahead and turn it all the way up, and rest the bucket face down on the funnel and listen for the all too familiar “glub, glub, glub…” I prayed that I did not over fill it. As the great theologian of television, Archie Bunker, would sing with wife Edith, at the piano, “Those were the days”.
I write today of the garden hose and the old funnel to remind us that what goes in will come out. Do not expect to bombard your heart and mind with unholiness, ungodliness and the like, and expect to live a life with God’s blessing on you. It is not going to happen. If I am going to even remotely succeed at writing for God’s glory, then I had better fill up so I can gush out. And you?
January 14
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 40, 41, 42; Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104, 134; Proverbs 14
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Back years ago, two different male singers made a song titled, “My Way” very popular. That seems to be the mantra of our society. Everybody wants to do their own thing their own way. We perceive this as some kind of ultimate freedom. This could not be further from the truth. To live this type of life, you are a slave to your fleshly desires. If you don’t believe me, then take a trip to your local fast food establishment. It is no longer simply, “would you like fries with that?” In case you have not heard, a life filled with fast food results in death also. It is physical death. It is a poor choice to live a life filled with fast food as much as it is a poor choice to live a life filled with the fulfilling our fleshly desires.
Some old adages proclaim, “attend church and help to prevent truth decay” or “seven days without God makes one weak”. Our way, of often, seems to us to be the right way. The thing we must remember is that God’s way is always the best. The results of being obedient are often out of this world. We don’t serve to get rewards. They are a pleasant result none the less.
Having seen many people attempt to run from the police in years past, I have seen men do their personal best to escape the police. Most of the time, this does not work. Doing things our own way is like one man who did run from the police and ended up dead because he impaled himself on a fence after jumping off the interstate.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Back years ago, two different male singers made a song titled, “My Way” very popular. That seems to be the mantra of our society. Everybody wants to do their own thing their own way. We perceive this as some kind of ultimate freedom. This could not be further from the truth. To live this type of life, you are a slave to your fleshly desires. If you don’t believe me, then take a trip to your local fast food establishment. It is no longer simply, “would you like fries with that?” In case you have not heard, a life filled with fast food results in death also. It is physical death. It is a poor choice to live a life filled with fast food as much as it is a poor choice to live a life filled with the fulfilling our fleshly desires.
Some old adages proclaim, “attend church and help to prevent truth decay” or “seven days without God makes one weak”. Our way, of often, seems to us to be the right way. The thing we must remember is that God’s way is always the best. The results of being obedient are often out of this world. We don’t serve to get rewards. They are a pleasant result none the less.
Having seen many people attempt to run from the police in years past, I have seen men do their personal best to escape the police. Most of the time, this does not work. Doing things our own way is like one man who did run from the police and ended up dead because he impaled himself on a fence after jumping off the interstate.
January 13
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 37, 38, 39; Psalm 13, 43, 73, 103, 133; Proverbs 13
“There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9
The story of Joseph is a wonderful account in the Scriptures. Joseph is considered by Bible scholars to be type of Christ and I agree. He is a fantastic study and one I highly recommend.
As a young man, Joseph had a vision. When he shared this vision with his brothers, they responded in a way that most men would today. To paraphrase, they said, “You are going to rule over us? I don’t think so!” For some reason, we do not accept someone having authority over us well. Especially if that person is younger or perceived to be less qualified. The problem is our pride, stinking pride! Our sin is a stench in the nostrils of our Father. We know that the prayers of a child of God, in a right relationship with Him, are a sweet smelling savor in the nose of God our Father.
Joseph’s life resembled that sweet, pleasant aroma. This young man lived in such a way as to please God. His goal in life was to please God in all areas of his life. He saw sin as sin. Notice his statement, “how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
I know I need to ask this question of myself far more than I do. God help each of us to do just that.
“There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9
The story of Joseph is a wonderful account in the Scriptures. Joseph is considered by Bible scholars to be type of Christ and I agree. He is a fantastic study and one I highly recommend.
As a young man, Joseph had a vision. When he shared this vision with his brothers, they responded in a way that most men would today. To paraphrase, they said, “You are going to rule over us? I don’t think so!” For some reason, we do not accept someone having authority over us well. Especially if that person is younger or perceived to be less qualified. The problem is our pride, stinking pride! Our sin is a stench in the nostrils of our Father. We know that the prayers of a child of God, in a right relationship with Him, are a sweet smelling savor in the nose of God our Father.
Joseph’s life resembled that sweet, pleasant aroma. This young man lived in such a way as to please God. His goal in life was to please God in all areas of his life. He saw sin as sin. Notice his statement, “how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
I know I need to ask this question of myself far more than I do. God help each of us to do just that.
January 12
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 34, 35, 36; Psalm 12, 42, 72, 102, 132; Proverbs 12
“Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” Psalm 12:1
I enjoy very much going door to door on visitation. It truly requires one to be filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit. You never know what can or will happen and what might be said.
A Preacher friend related a story about another Pastor he knew that was told to visit a local establishment if he enjoyed chicken wings. At first, this was quite funny knowing the eighth Baptist Distinctive is “and then we eat”. Not really. It was a topless bar and he had never heard of it.
The most heart breaking visits for me are not the homes where a loved one has recently stepped into eternity. The most heart breaking visits for me are those where people say, “I used to …” You may fill in the blank with any service opportunity that you might think about. “Oh Preacher, I used to teach a Sunday School class.” This is usually followed with the conjunction “but” (which links the excuse to the statement proceeding the conjunction “but”). The excuses range from petty differences all the way to the extremes of “spiritual abuse”. We have all been hurt at one time or another, I know. Don’t allow the offender to be closer to God than you by quitting on God. Go back to Church (or to another Church of like precious faith) and try it again. The old adage of, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” refers to knuckling down and gutting out of the tough situation. It is not an opportunity to run away like a baby.
So, how about it? Will you be steadfast in the faith or are you ceasing and failing? The choice is all up to you.
“Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” Psalm 12:1
I enjoy very much going door to door on visitation. It truly requires one to be filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit. You never know what can or will happen and what might be said.
A Preacher friend related a story about another Pastor he knew that was told to visit a local establishment if he enjoyed chicken wings. At first, this was quite funny knowing the eighth Baptist Distinctive is “and then we eat”. Not really. It was a topless bar and he had never heard of it.
The most heart breaking visits for me are not the homes where a loved one has recently stepped into eternity. The most heart breaking visits for me are those where people say, “I used to …” You may fill in the blank with any service opportunity that you might think about. “Oh Preacher, I used to teach a Sunday School class.” This is usually followed with the conjunction “but” (which links the excuse to the statement proceeding the conjunction “but”). The excuses range from petty differences all the way to the extremes of “spiritual abuse”. We have all been hurt at one time or another, I know. Don’t allow the offender to be closer to God than you by quitting on God. Go back to Church (or to another Church of like precious faith) and try it again. The old adage of, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” refers to knuckling down and gutting out of the tough situation. It is not an opportunity to run away like a baby.
So, how about it? Will you be steadfast in the faith or are you ceasing and failing? The choice is all up to you.
January 11
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 31, 32, 33; Psalm 11, 41, 71, 101, 131; Proverbs 11
“Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” Psalm 71:9
We all have made jokes about older people. I am one of the biggest offenders of this. It is a practice that I need to stop. God wants us to show respect for and to our elders. Children are often times scared by older people. Their skin is wrinkly and sometimes they are gruff. If you think about these older members of our world, we can learn a lot from these dear people if we simply take time to be with them.
I remember a story I was reading a few months ago. It was about a family that goes to visit “Grandpa” at the nursing home. The grandson hesitates about going and finally gives in. He finds out that he has been set up, and his parents are leaving him there for an hour. His grandfather takes him on a tour of the entire facility and ends up in a shop. The boy is led by his grandfather to a workstation. His grandfather shows him some beautiful polished rocks. The grandson is amazed. The grandfather takes the boy through the process of putting the rocks into the drum to the grit and so on. The grandfather finishes by turning on the machine. As they leave, the grandfather explains in one week, the rocks will be ready. The boy is astonished.
The next week, this young boy is first in line to go visit Grandpa. He is excited to see the finished rocks. They turned out beautiful. Something else took place, also. This boy learned to enjoy and love his grandfather. Just like the rocks, a little interaction removed the rough edges and something beautiful was revealed. A beautiful friendship and relationship was born.
Is there anyone you need to spend time with or “rub up to” and knock off the rough edges?
“Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” Psalm 71:9
We all have made jokes about older people. I am one of the biggest offenders of this. It is a practice that I need to stop. God wants us to show respect for and to our elders. Children are often times scared by older people. Their skin is wrinkly and sometimes they are gruff. If you think about these older members of our world, we can learn a lot from these dear people if we simply take time to be with them.
I remember a story I was reading a few months ago. It was about a family that goes to visit “Grandpa” at the nursing home. The grandson hesitates about going and finally gives in. He finds out that he has been set up, and his parents are leaving him there for an hour. His grandfather takes him on a tour of the entire facility and ends up in a shop. The boy is led by his grandfather to a workstation. His grandfather shows him some beautiful polished rocks. The grandson is amazed. The grandfather takes the boy through the process of putting the rocks into the drum to the grit and so on. The grandfather finishes by turning on the machine. As they leave, the grandfather explains in one week, the rocks will be ready. The boy is astonished.
The next week, this young boy is first in line to go visit Grandpa. He is excited to see the finished rocks. They turned out beautiful. Something else took place, also. This boy learned to enjoy and love his grandfather. Just like the rocks, a little interaction removed the rough edges and something beautiful was revealed. A beautiful friendship and relationship was born.
Is there anyone you need to spend time with or “rub up to” and knock off the rough edges?
Jnauary 10
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 28, 29, 30; Psalm 10, 40, 70, 100, 130; Proverbs 10
“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.” Genesis 29:20
The rate of divorce goes up quite a bit after the New Year’s holiday is over. How ironic this takes place after Christmas, and just prior to Valentine’s Day. Could it be that the most advanced society on the globe to date has lost sight of the basics?
Children suffer at the hand negligent parents. In a neighboring city, a mother who is known to use crack cocaine, left a minor child with her two male roommates for hours. They called the biological father to come and get the child. A restraining order between the parents caused this child to go “into the system’ instead.
There is another case of a mother who left her minor child alone while going for an evening of dancing. Maintenance workers on a routine check of the apartments, found the child home alone.
Yet another heart-wrenching case of outright neglect has a couple going to the movies. As they walk past another car in the lot, they see a small child inside. They go on inside the theatre and purchase tickets. The female gets a feeling she needs to go back and check on the child. She finds the child outside the car playing. The child could have been abducted or even hit by another car. When questioned about the incident, the parents said that they forgot they had brought the child with them in the car to the movies.
These examples are not how we prove our love for our children. Jacob loved Rachel so much that he worked and served for seven years to get her. After some trickery by his father-in-law, Jacob learns he has to serve seven more years for the woman of his dreams. Jacob worked and served a total of fourteen years for Rachel. He was highly motivated by true love so much, that the years flew by.
So, how is your love bank account today? How is your spouse’s love bank account? How is your children’s love bank account? Anyone bankrupt?
“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.” Genesis 29:20
The rate of divorce goes up quite a bit after the New Year’s holiday is over. How ironic this takes place after Christmas, and just prior to Valentine’s Day. Could it be that the most advanced society on the globe to date has lost sight of the basics?
Children suffer at the hand negligent parents. In a neighboring city, a mother who is known to use crack cocaine, left a minor child with her two male roommates for hours. They called the biological father to come and get the child. A restraining order between the parents caused this child to go “into the system’ instead.
There is another case of a mother who left her minor child alone while going for an evening of dancing. Maintenance workers on a routine check of the apartments, found the child home alone.
Yet another heart-wrenching case of outright neglect has a couple going to the movies. As they walk past another car in the lot, they see a small child inside. They go on inside the theatre and purchase tickets. The female gets a feeling she needs to go back and check on the child. She finds the child outside the car playing. The child could have been abducted or even hit by another car. When questioned about the incident, the parents said that they forgot they had brought the child with them in the car to the movies.
These examples are not how we prove our love for our children. Jacob loved Rachel so much that he worked and served for seven years to get her. After some trickery by his father-in-law, Jacob learns he has to serve seven more years for the woman of his dreams. Jacob worked and served a total of fourteen years for Rachel. He was highly motivated by true love so much, that the years flew by.
So, how is your love bank account today? How is your spouse’s love bank account? How is your children’s love bank account? Anyone bankrupt?
January 9
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 25, 26, 27; Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129; Proverbs 9
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17
The verse at hand is a powerful reminder to us today. As God’s people (so-called) sit back on their blessed assurance, they are resting in the truth of eternal security. Thank God for eternal security! We must keep in mind that with great blessing come great responsibilities. We have electricity that heats our home and lights our hallways. We still enjoy the ability (for now) to worship the one true God freely as our conscience dictates. BEWARE!
Look at the heart-wrenching truth before us today. “The wicked shall be turned into hell,”. This alone should be a call to service to every born again human being. In our day, they want to eliminate the cross and the blood of Jesus from our hymn books. They have watered down God’s Word and called it a “translation”. You see, our nation is trying to suppress Christian truth to the place of non-existence in our country. We have allowed homosexuality to run rampant. What man calls an “alternative lifestyle”; God calls an abomination (something so heinous it makes Him want to vomit).
Think about the reality of Hell. It is a real place that burns with a fire that never goes out. The reality of weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. There will be no beer parties with our buddies. Only unanswered cries for mercy.
I hope this motivates us to want to win people to Christ! If not, you might check the level of your commitment.
The second part of the verse bothers me also. Not only are the wicked turned into Hell, but the nations that forget God, also. Romans chapter 1 talks about holding the truth in unrighteousness. What it is talking about is suppressing the truth. America is on the fast track to Hell.
So, what are you going to do about it?
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17
The verse at hand is a powerful reminder to us today. As God’s people (so-called) sit back on their blessed assurance, they are resting in the truth of eternal security. Thank God for eternal security! We must keep in mind that with great blessing come great responsibilities. We have electricity that heats our home and lights our hallways. We still enjoy the ability (for now) to worship the one true God freely as our conscience dictates. BEWARE!
Look at the heart-wrenching truth before us today. “The wicked shall be turned into hell,”. This alone should be a call to service to every born again human being. In our day, they want to eliminate the cross and the blood of Jesus from our hymn books. They have watered down God’s Word and called it a “translation”. You see, our nation is trying to suppress Christian truth to the place of non-existence in our country. We have allowed homosexuality to run rampant. What man calls an “alternative lifestyle”; God calls an abomination (something so heinous it makes Him want to vomit).
Think about the reality of Hell. It is a real place that burns with a fire that never goes out. The reality of weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. There will be no beer parties with our buddies. Only unanswered cries for mercy.
I hope this motivates us to want to win people to Christ! If not, you might check the level of your commitment.
The second part of the verse bothers me also. Not only are the wicked turned into Hell, but the nations that forget God, also. Romans chapter 1 talks about holding the truth in unrighteousness. What it is talking about is suppressing the truth. America is on the fast track to Hell.
So, what are you going to do about it?
January 8
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 22, 23, 24; Psalm 8, 38, 68, 98, 128; Proverbs 8
“
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Psalm 68:11
The day we live in is filled with attacks against anything remotely Christian. The A.C.L.U. (American Civil Liberties Union) is attacking through the legal system. We are bombarded with attacks from all sides. Unfortunately, we even see some blind side attacks from within. Christians have given the enemy of our soul ground and that brings division.
One area in which we fail to stay vigilant is our study of the Scriptures. You and I eat on a daily basis. We eat to live; we do not live to eat. The same is also true of our spiritual lives, too. An old saying goes, “seven days without the Word of God makes one ‘weak’.” This is painfully true.
I remember a time in my life that I had suffered the loss of a large amount of blood due to my neglect of a bleeding ulcer for fourteen years. I became anemic. I was vulnerable to any illness that I came in contact with.
When you and I forsake the reading and study of God’s Word, we allow ourselves to become spiritually anemic. Our churches are filled with these kinds of people. It is unfortunately very evident. Our churches have lost our vision for winning souls and our worship is all off base. The root cause is we have left out a vital part of our life. We have left off the living Word of God.
Let me challenge you and myself to go back to the Word of God and begin reading it again.
“
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Psalm 68:11
The day we live in is filled with attacks against anything remotely Christian. The A.C.L.U. (American Civil Liberties Union) is attacking through the legal system. We are bombarded with attacks from all sides. Unfortunately, we even see some blind side attacks from within. Christians have given the enemy of our soul ground and that brings division.
One area in which we fail to stay vigilant is our study of the Scriptures. You and I eat on a daily basis. We eat to live; we do not live to eat. The same is also true of our spiritual lives, too. An old saying goes, “seven days without the Word of God makes one ‘weak’.” This is painfully true.
I remember a time in my life that I had suffered the loss of a large amount of blood due to my neglect of a bleeding ulcer for fourteen years. I became anemic. I was vulnerable to any illness that I came in contact with.
When you and I forsake the reading and study of God’s Word, we allow ourselves to become spiritually anemic. Our churches are filled with these kinds of people. It is unfortunately very evident. Our churches have lost our vision for winning souls and our worship is all off base. The root cause is we have left out a vital part of our life. We have left off the living Word of God.
Let me challenge you and myself to go back to the Word of God and begin reading it again.
January 7
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 19, 20, 21; Psalm 7, 37, 67, 97, 127; Proverbs 7
“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5-6
In this New Year, we need to evaluate our commitments. Some people are committed to many different things form fantasy football to racing of all types and more.
We must be committed to the Lord in salvation. If you died today and stood before God and He said, ”Why should I let you into my Heaven?”. What would you tell Him? This is the single most important commitment you will ever make.
People who know Christ as their Saviour should be committed to Him in many ways. One way in which to be committed is to be faithful in daily prayer. The avenue of prayer is like a stick of dynamite in the arsenal of a Christian. Through this avenue, we have access to the God of Heaven, the creator of the world.
When my wife was a little girl, her mother was sewing dresses for her and her sisters. They were looking for buttons in a big tin. They found all but one. My wife’s mother suggested they pray and ask God if He would help them find that last button. When they opened their eyes, the button was laying on top of all the buttons in the tin.
We need to also be committed to Bible study.
We need to be committed to winning souls, also. What an awesome privilege we have to show someone else how to know for sure that when they die they will go to Heaven. When Jesus was on earth, He put a high priority on soul winning. Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” This needs to be a priority in our lives as well.
This year, let’s commit to the Lord in salvation, prayer, Bible study and soul winning.
“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5-6
In this New Year, we need to evaluate our commitments. Some people are committed to many different things form fantasy football to racing of all types and more.
We must be committed to the Lord in salvation. If you died today and stood before God and He said, ”Why should I let you into my Heaven?”. What would you tell Him? This is the single most important commitment you will ever make.
People who know Christ as their Saviour should be committed to Him in many ways. One way in which to be committed is to be faithful in daily prayer. The avenue of prayer is like a stick of dynamite in the arsenal of a Christian. Through this avenue, we have access to the God of Heaven, the creator of the world.
When my wife was a little girl, her mother was sewing dresses for her and her sisters. They were looking for buttons in a big tin. They found all but one. My wife’s mother suggested they pray and ask God if He would help them find that last button. When they opened their eyes, the button was laying on top of all the buttons in the tin.
We need to also be committed to Bible study.
We need to be committed to winning souls, also. What an awesome privilege we have to show someone else how to know for sure that when they die they will go to Heaven. When Jesus was on earth, He put a high priority on soul winning. Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” This needs to be a priority in our lives as well.
This year, let’s commit to the Lord in salvation, prayer, Bible study and soul winning.
January 6
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 16, 17, 18; Psalm 6, 36, 66, 96, 126, Proverbs 6
“And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?” Genesis 16:13
“Thou God seest me” is the title of a great sermon by Charles H. Spurgeon. I know this because as a much younger and green as grass preacher, I decided to use his notes and preach the message myself. I knew that I could never deliver this message as well as Mr. Spurgeon. I worked and prepared all week (while working my regular job, also). It was terribly hot evening in Indiana and the service was progressing nicely.
My turn came to deliver the message and the electricity went out. “Great!” I thought. I have three hours of sermon material and the people have thirty seconds worth of listening ability. As I started the message I knew I had to “Keep it short, stupid”. If you are wondering, I did just that.
I believe that God preached His own powerful message that evening to me. He said, “Thou God seest me”. I learned that night first hand, that God is in control, and He was what took place that evening. It was a painful lesson, but one that will not soon be forgotten.
We need to live our lives every moment in the light of the truth that “thou God seest me”. There is no place anywhere that does not apply.
“And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?” Genesis 16:13
“Thou God seest me” is the title of a great sermon by Charles H. Spurgeon. I know this because as a much younger and green as grass preacher, I decided to use his notes and preach the message myself. I knew that I could never deliver this message as well as Mr. Spurgeon. I worked and prepared all week (while working my regular job, also). It was terribly hot evening in Indiana and the service was progressing nicely.
My turn came to deliver the message and the electricity went out. “Great!” I thought. I have three hours of sermon material and the people have thirty seconds worth of listening ability. As I started the message I knew I had to “Keep it short, stupid”. If you are wondering, I did just that.
I believe that God preached His own powerful message that evening to me. He said, “Thou God seest me”. I learned that night first hand, that God is in control, and He was what took place that evening. It was a painful lesson, but one that will not soon be forgotten.
We need to live our lives every moment in the light of the truth that “thou God seest me”. There is no place anywhere that does not apply.
January 5
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 13, 14, 15; Psalm 5, 35, 65, 95, 125; Proverbs 5
“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.” Psalm 65:11
Some time ago a story circulated the internet that was titled “Prayer Path”. The story opened with a missionary winning a village of natives from an island to Christ. Soon, these natives began to grow spiritually and understand the vital importance of Bible study and prayer. Each native had their own specific place of prayer. As each one walked daily to that place, a path began to be worn down in the grass. When one of these prayer warriors began to slip in their faithfulness, the grass and weeds would return again to cover the path.
What about your path over this past year? Has the path you once travelled begun to grow back over with grass and weeds?
Our text here tells us that God encircles the year. What a fantastic truth! No matter where we turn from year to year, our God is right there all around us protecting, providing, etc…
The word “paths” refers to a track, so we must stay on track with God encircling us. The word “drop” means to drip. The word “fatness” refers to abundance. So, as we travel the track of our lives, we are encircled by God’s goodness year after year. Our tracks drip with the abundance of God’s goodness and blessing.
As we commit to run the track of our lives, let us remember to be truly thankful that God encircles us and abundantly blesses us to the point that it runs over and begins to drip.
“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.” Psalm 65:11
Some time ago a story circulated the internet that was titled “Prayer Path”. The story opened with a missionary winning a village of natives from an island to Christ. Soon, these natives began to grow spiritually and understand the vital importance of Bible study and prayer. Each native had their own specific place of prayer. As each one walked daily to that place, a path began to be worn down in the grass. When one of these prayer warriors began to slip in their faithfulness, the grass and weeds would return again to cover the path.
What about your path over this past year? Has the path you once travelled begun to grow back over with grass and weeds?
Our text here tells us that God encircles the year. What a fantastic truth! No matter where we turn from year to year, our God is right there all around us protecting, providing, etc…
The word “paths” refers to a track, so we must stay on track with God encircling us. The word “drop” means to drip. The word “fatness” refers to abundance. So, as we travel the track of our lives, we are encircled by God’s goodness year after year. Our tracks drip with the abundance of God’s goodness and blessing.
As we commit to run the track of our lives, let us remember to be truly thankful that God encircles us and abundantly blesses us to the point that it runs over and begins to drip.
January 4
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 10, 11, 12; Psalm 4, 34, 64, 94, 124; Proverbs 4
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
We have the pleasure of receiving counsel from the wise man of old. Solomon received his wisdom from the one who is wisdom. It came as a gift from Almighty God. Solomon met the condition of James 1:5 and God gave him wisdom like had never been seen until Jesus Christ.
The heart is the seat of our emotions. It is vital to protect this vulnerable part of our being. The word “keep” refers to guarding the heart.
Part of the way we guard our heart is to fill it with God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Another way we can guard our heart is to daily put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).
To “keep” our heart with “diligence” refers to a guard, the post of the prison. We must do the same thing with our heart. We need the “breastplate of righteousness”, the “shield of faith”, and the “sword of the Spirit”.
A heart filled with God’s Word will not have room for fleshly, carnal, or worldly pleasures. What you put in will come out the other end. If you pour in apple cider, don’t expect oil to come out. So it is with the Christian. You cannot fill your heart with things that are ungodly and expect to continue to grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, post a guard at your heart and fill it with the Word of God.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
We have the pleasure of receiving counsel from the wise man of old. Solomon received his wisdom from the one who is wisdom. It came as a gift from Almighty God. Solomon met the condition of James 1:5 and God gave him wisdom like had never been seen until Jesus Christ.
The heart is the seat of our emotions. It is vital to protect this vulnerable part of our being. The word “keep” refers to guarding the heart.
Part of the way we guard our heart is to fill it with God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Another way we can guard our heart is to daily put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).
To “keep” our heart with “diligence” refers to a guard, the post of the prison. We must do the same thing with our heart. We need the “breastplate of righteousness”, the “shield of faith”, and the “sword of the Spirit”.
A heart filled with God’s Word will not have room for fleshly, carnal, or worldly pleasures. What you put in will come out the other end. If you pour in apple cider, don’t expect oil to come out. So it is with the Christian. You cannot fill your heart with things that are ungodly and expect to continue to grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, post a guard at your heart and fill it with the Word of God.
January 3
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 7, 8, 9; Psalm 3, 33, 63, 93, 123; Proverbs 3
“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.” Proverbs 3:25
The word of God exhorts us to “fear the Lord”. This is not referring to a paralyzing fear whereby we are scared to move. The fear of the Lord speaks of a reverential respect toward God. If I love and respect God properly, then I will fear Him.
The phrase “sudden fear” in this passage refers to an instant alarm. The Devil seeks to paralyze the child of God with fear, to prevent us from being used of God. The Devil hates God and His children, so he will employ many tactics to cause us to quit or go off course. Ungodly fear is a huge weapon in his arsenal. This could be the proverbial “bump in the night” to prevent a time of prayer to a fear of rejection that paralyzes us and prevents us from witnessing when we should. II Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear here is being timid or fearful.
We need only to fear God who has the power to kill the body and put the soul in Hell where we deserve (Matthew 10:28).
“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.” Proverbs 3:25
The word of God exhorts us to “fear the Lord”. This is not referring to a paralyzing fear whereby we are scared to move. The fear of the Lord speaks of a reverential respect toward God. If I love and respect God properly, then I will fear Him.
The phrase “sudden fear” in this passage refers to an instant alarm. The Devil seeks to paralyze the child of God with fear, to prevent us from being used of God. The Devil hates God and His children, so he will employ many tactics to cause us to quit or go off course. Ungodly fear is a huge weapon in his arsenal. This could be the proverbial “bump in the night” to prevent a time of prayer to a fear of rejection that paralyzes us and prevents us from witnessing when we should. II Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear here is being timid or fearful.
We need only to fear God who has the power to kill the body and put the soul in Hell where we deserve (Matthew 10:28).
January 2
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 4, 5, 6; Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122; Proverbs 2
“For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.” Psalm 32:6
This refers back to verse five and possibly verses 1-5. This is a prayer of confession of sin (I John 1:9). The only time God cannot be found, so to speak, is the times that sin blocks our fellowship with Him. God loves to hear and answer the prayers of the “godly” (those in a right relationship to or with Him). It is like the incenses of the Old Testament burning upon the altar. Our prayers are a sweet smell or odor to God. How does your prayer life “smell” today? Is it a sweet smell or a stench?
Confession keeps us in a place of fellowship with God. Sin breaks that fellowship and also the lines of communication. What a good shower is to our body so is a prayer of confession to our soul.
“For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.” Psalm 32:6
This refers back to verse five and possibly verses 1-5. This is a prayer of confession of sin (I John 1:9). The only time God cannot be found, so to speak, is the times that sin blocks our fellowship with Him. God loves to hear and answer the prayers of the “godly” (those in a right relationship to or with Him). It is like the incenses of the Old Testament burning upon the altar. Our prayers are a sweet smell or odor to God. How does your prayer life “smell” today? Is it a sweet smell or a stench?
Confession keeps us in a place of fellowship with God. Sin breaks that fellowship and also the lines of communication. What a good shower is to our body so is a prayer of confession to our soul.
Friday, February 27, 2009
January 1
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 1, 2, 3; Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121; Proverbs 1
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24
Another year has passed by with lightning fast speed. All hope is lost for the past year. It is over. It is finished. We can no longer do anything about the past year. We must fight off depression over the negative things of the past year. All we can do now is follow the counsel found in our verse. We must “be of good courage…” Now is not the time to compound our failures by quitting. Garner up some courage and try it again.
Don’t be stupid about it. Don’t be so courageous as to think you can stand in front of a speeding train and you will be able to stop it with your bare hands.
If we are filled with Godly courage and strength, we can look forward to what God will accomplish through us in the following year.
Hope in the Bible sense of the word refers to the resurrection. Because Christ is risen from the dead, we have hope (the expectation of future good). The concept of “I sure hope I get a new bicycle for Christmas” is an inaccurate view of Bible hope. Our hope rests in the Lord Jesus Christ. If He be risen…
Let’s live this year in the confident expectation that Jesus will come back to receive His children from the earth and take us to Heaven. Are you ready?
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24
Another year has passed by with lightning fast speed. All hope is lost for the past year. It is over. It is finished. We can no longer do anything about the past year. We must fight off depression over the negative things of the past year. All we can do now is follow the counsel found in our verse. We must “be of good courage…” Now is not the time to compound our failures by quitting. Garner up some courage and try it again.
Don’t be stupid about it. Don’t be so courageous as to think you can stand in front of a speeding train and you will be able to stop it with your bare hands.
If we are filled with Godly courage and strength, we can look forward to what God will accomplish through us in the following year.
Hope in the Bible sense of the word refers to the resurrection. Because Christ is risen from the dead, we have hope (the expectation of future good). The concept of “I sure hope I get a new bicycle for Christmas” is an inaccurate view of Bible hope. Our hope rests in the Lord Jesus Christ. If He be risen…
Let’s live this year in the confident expectation that Jesus will come back to receive His children from the earth and take us to Heaven. Are you ready?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I set out over one year ago to write a devotional book and have not seemed to finish it. I have since decided to turn that book into this blog. I hope that you enjoy what you find here and that it will be uplifting and will draw you into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour you can do that before it is eternally too late.
1.) You must realize that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
2.) You must believe that Jesus died to pay the price of your sin. Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
3.) You must confess your sin, calling upon Him in prayer. Romans 10:9-10, "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Pray this simple prayer of confession, "Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I need a Saviour. Right now, I turn from my sin and accept You as my Lord and Saviour. I believe that You died and arose again from the dead. Thank You Lord Jesus for saving me."
If you prayed that prayer and meant it will all your heart God will save you. The Bible says in Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
For further assistance e-mail me at david.dale@juno.com and I will do all that I can to assist you.
1.) You must realize that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
2.) You must believe that Jesus died to pay the price of your sin. Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
3.) You must confess your sin, calling upon Him in prayer. Romans 10:9-10, "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Pray this simple prayer of confession, "Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I need a Saviour. Right now, I turn from my sin and accept You as my Lord and Saviour. I believe that You died and arose again from the dead. Thank You Lord Jesus for saving me."
If you prayed that prayer and meant it will all your heart God will save you. The Bible says in Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
For further assistance e-mail me at david.dale@juno.com and I will do all that I can to assist you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)