September 1

God Is Holy

Due great glory
1 Chronicles 16:25-29

Read the Bible through:
AM - Proverbs 21-23 : PM - 1 Corinthians 6

Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! (1 Chron. 16:29).

My wife, Margie, and I were traveling to Bahia, Brazil a few years ago. While waiting for missionaries to pick us up, we took a walk into a nearby village. We came upon an array of human-sized gods and goddesses peering at us from behind trees and boulders. These were just a few of the idols we say on our trip across Brazil.

In Old Testament times idolatry was considered by Jewish spiritual leaders to be the most heinous of crimes. The covenant relationship between God and His people was seen in the light of a marriage bond. The worship of false gods was regarded as religious harlotry which usurped the place of the one true God. In contrast, the chief pagan gods were held to have no moral character.

God alone is due the greatest glory. He alone can rescue and redeem us from the evils of the world.

God, the true God with whom there is none beside, I give You great glory in this world of Idolatry.

August 31

God is Holy

Incomparably great
1 Chronicles 16:7-12

Read the Bible through:
AM - Proverbs 18-20 : PM - 1 Corinthians 5

Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth (1 Chron. 16:12).

Wayne Gretzky is considered by any hockey fan to be the greatest hockey player who ever played the game. His career spanned 20 years in the National Hockey League. When he retired from professional hockey in 1999, Gretzky held more than 60 National Hockey League scoring records. Gretzky was named the "Greatest Hockey Player of All-Time" by The Hockey News. Hockey fans called Gretzky "The Great One." When it comes to the game of hockey, his records and victories support the title fans have given him.

When we think about all the things God has done, His greatness is beyond compare. Do the worries or distractions in your life sometimes cause you to forget God's greatness? Our devotional passage calls God's people to remember all of the marvelous things God has done. Remembering God's greatness can be an act of thanksgiving in our lives.

God, I stand amazed by Your greatness

August 30

HE CALLED ME
Romans 8:30

Whom He called, these He also justified.

Read the Bible through:

AM - Proverbs 15-17: PM - 1 Corinthians 4

Darcie Claesson was watching TV with her 3-year-old daughter, Emily, one day when a news clip came on about a famous person who had died. Emily's immediate reaction was "Is he going to heaven?" When her mom explained that he would go to heaven if he had asked Jesus to be his Savior, Emily proceeded to ask the same question about every family member she could think of.

Not to be left out, Emily added, "You know what, Mom? I talked to Jesus on the phone the other day, and I asked Him to come into my heart." "That's great!" Darcie said. "But how did you know His number?" Her reply was simple, yet profound. "He called me!" she declared.

Emily didn't know it, but her answer revealed a deep truth that distinguishes Christianity from all other religions in the world. They require man to try to get to God, but in the plan God devised for man, He's the One who initiates the contact. Through the Holy Spirit, He calls us to repentance. Everyone who has accepted Jesus as Savior was prompted, or "called," by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:30).

What an honor to get a personal call from God! And what blessing He gives to those who answer in the affirmative. Have you heard His call to you?

Thank You Lord, for calling me when I was too rebellious to call You.

August 29

God is Holy

Worthy of the best
1 Chronicles 15:25-29

Read the Bible through:
AM - Proverbs 13-14 : PM - 1 Corinthians 3

David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the music master with the singers. David also wore a linen ephod (1 Chron. 15:27).

Think about the most recent wedding you attended. How were the people dressed? Probably, the men in the wedding party wore tuxedos or suits and the women wore beautiful formal dresses. The church was probably decorated with beautiful floral arrangements and everyone who attended had cleaned up and put on one of their best outfits.

A wedding ceremony is a special celebration. One way we highlight its specialness is in the way we dress up in our best clothes for the occasion.

King David, the Levites, and others who assisted in worship, had gathered for a special celebration. They were bringing the ark of God (Ark of the Covenant) to Jerusalem. The ark was a special sacred symbol of their faith. David and his people gave their best effort in worshiping God through this celebration.

God, You are worthy and deserving of my best.

August 28

Relationships: Who Needs Whom?

Christians are one body
Ephesians 4:4-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - Proverbs 10-12 : PM - 1 Corinthians 2

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling (Eph. 4:4).

Have you ever heard any one say, "I'm looking out for number one"? For people to put their needs or desires above others is not uncommon. However the idea is a contradiction to what the Bible teaches. Today's Scripture passage reminds us that as Christians, we are all part of one body united by God. The hymn "We Are Called to Be God's People" expresses this idea of oneness.

We are called to be God's people,
Showing by our lives His grace.
One in heart and one in spirit,
Sign of hope for all the race.
Let us show how He has changed us,
And remade us as His own,
Let us share our life together
As we shall around His throne.

Are you using your God-given abilities to help build up the body of Christ?

Lord, thank You for the hope we have because we are a part of the body of Christ.

August 27

Relationships: Who Needs Whom?

Honor the bond of peace
Ephesians 4:1-3

Read the Bible through:
AM - Proverbs 7-9 : PM - 1 Corinthians 1

Endeavor "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3)

Our world can be a highly divided place. Think of the differences that separate nations and races, sometimes even to the point of violence and war. As Christians, we need to focus on the things that unite us rather than the things that divide. It's easy to see skin color, cultural differences, or economic barriers as dividers that are difficult to overcome. But as Christians, we all share one faith in our God. If we allow the Holy Spirit to have control in our lives, we can share a bond of peace society's differences cannot shake.

Unity and peace don't just happen by accident, even in churches and among Christians. We need to work daily at practicing patience and loving one another in spite of our differences. When we focus on our own needs and wants, we tend to be rather selfish. When we focus on God and His will for our lives, we can experience the peace He wants us to have.

God, help me do my part to be a peace maker in every situation.

August 26

Relationships: Who Needs Whom?

Our God is the father to all
Ephesians 3:14-19

Read the Bible through:
AM - Proverbs 4-6 : PM - Romans 16

I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named (Eph. 3:14-15)

Does your family like to celebrate family reunions? You know - that special day or weekend when everyone in the family shows up at the appointed place carrying potato salad and lawn chairs. It's a great time to catch up with the news from all the cousins, aunts, and uncles we haven't seen for a long time.

As Christians, it's great to know we are all part of the same family with the same Father God. One of the tremendous benefits of being a part of God's family is we have access to the power provided by the Holy Spirit living in us.

When you become discouraged, remember you belong to an awesome family-God's family. It's a great reason to praise God each day, saying thanks for allowing us to be a part of His family. You might some times miss attending your family reunions, but don't miss out on being a part of God's family

Thank You, God, for making me a part of Your family.

August 25

Relationships: Who Needs Whom?

The Lord offers help
Genesis 4:13-16

Read the Bible through:
AM - Proverbs 1-3 : PM - Romans 15

The LORD said to him, "Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him (Gen. 4:15)

Think about the things some people do to protect themselves. They put in alarm systems for their homes, get a guard dog with a loud bark, install timers on their house lights so it always looks like someone is at home; and you can probably think of others. These things can give us some peace of mind and a sense of protection against harm.

In today's devotional passage, Cain was scared for his life. He had killed his brother Abel. God's punishment was that he would always wander the earth, unable to settle down and raise crops. Cain felt his punishment was too great and someone would actually try to kill him. God said no one would kill Cain because of a mark that protected him. Though he didn't deserve it, Cain received mercy from God. In spite of the sin he had committed, God offered His protection and help.

Thank You, God, for the assurance You care for me.

August 24

Relationships: Who Needs Whom?

Anger can destroy
Genesis 4:8-12

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 146-150 : PM - Romans 14

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen. 4:9)

When the atomic bomb exploded over the city of Hiroshima, Japan, in August 1945, the destruction was catastrophic. The bomb was detonated 1,900 feet above the city and devastated everything within five square miles. The explosion killed 70,000 people and wounded another 70,000 people.

While we don't usually associate anger to bombs that can destroy people and places, it can be highly explosive and destructive. Anger can damage our relationships, steal our joy, and harm our witness as Christians. Think about times when you have been hurt because of someone else's angry words or actions. How has your anger hurt others?

Cain had killed his brother in anger. God told Cain he was cursed because of his sin. He would never be able to grow crops, and he would always be a wanderer. Anger destroyed Abel's life by murder and Cain's life by the curse he carried for the rest of his days.

Lord, please don't let my anger lead to sin.

August 23

Relationships: Who Needs Whom?

Sin threatens relationships
Genesis 4:3-7

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 141-145 : PM - Romans 13

"If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it" (Gen. 4:7).

Cain became angry when God did not accept his sacrifice. God encouraged him to do the right thing and try again. God's warning was clear: Cain must get rid of his anger or sin would destroy him.

Have your heard the saying "one bad apple spoils the whole barrel"? If there is just one apple in the bunch with a soft, bruised spot, watch out! Isn't it that way in our family relationships sometimes? Just a tiny little sin that is not removed can grow to threaten and destroy the relationships with the people we love and treasure most.

Check your family relationships and see if there is sin hiding behind any doors that threatens to weaken or destroy those family ties. God's warning is clear: get rid of that sin today.

God, let my family relationships be guided by Your love.

August 22

Relationships: Who Needs Whom?

God created Families
Genesis 4:1-2

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 137-140 : PM - Romans 12

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, "I have acquired a man from the LORD" (Gen. 4:1).

Are you one of those people who enjoy studying your family genealogy? Or maybe there is someone else in your family who is tracing the family tree? This is a popular activity. With today's computer access to the Internet, people can easily research genealogy records. Lots of people are interested in finding out more about their ancestors, no matter whether they might be members of royalty or thieves.

An important thing to remember when it comes to families is that God created them. Even if we can trace our family line back through the generations, we must never forget that from the very beginning of time, families were a part of God's plan for our lives.

Today's Scripture passage from Genesis reminds us that the family was not created by chance or accident. And the family doesn't exist simply because of cultural traditions. The family was created by God so let's give our families the love and attention they deserve.

God, thank You for placing me in the family I am in.

August 21

Sin: What Went Wrong?

Experiencing separation
Genesis 3:22-24

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 130-136 : PM - Romans 11

So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life (Gen. 3:24).

One of the most severe measures for punishing prisoners in our penal system is solitary confinement, total separation from human contact. Some human rights activists and corrections experts have expressed concern over a growing trend toward using this type of punishment. Dr. Henry Weinstein, psychiatrist, says prisoners in solitary suffer symptoms ranging from "memory loss to severe anxiety to hallucinations to delusions and, under the severest cases of sensory deprivation, people go crazy."

But if separation from other humans can be harmful to us, separation from God is worse. Separation from God cuts us off from the One who made us, sustains our lives, and gives us purpose for living. Persistence in sin leads to eternal separation from God. And eternity is a lot longer than solitary confinement.

O God, thank You for Your grace that keeps me in relationship to You.

August 20

Sin: What Went Wrong?

Accepting God's provision
Genesis 3:20-21

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 120-129 : PM - Romans 10

Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them (Gen. 3:21).

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic, The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne was sentenced to wear the letter, "A," sewn to her clothing as a public admission of her sin of adultery. The New England Puritan community in which she lived meted out justice to the errant woman and punished her accordingly. They forced her to wear her guilt and shame publicly every day of her life.

When Adam and Eve sinned, they too suffered the consequences of their transgression. But rather than allowing them to wear their guilt and shame in nakedness, God provided coverings for their bodies. With justice, God also meted out grace. We can trace the path of God's grace toward the sinner from the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Gethsemane. By His grace, God still covers the shame and guilt of the sinner. For you and me, He provided a covering with the blood of His own Son.

How I praise You, Lord, for Your unfathomable grace that provided a covering for my sin and shame.

August 19

Sin: What Went Wrong?

Suffering the consequences
Genesis 3:14-19

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 119:89-176 : PM - Romans 9

Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life" (Gen. 3:17).

On September 15, 1991, 23 year old Jason Barber took his 15 year-old-brother, Aaron, out for some fun that included drinking and driving. A friend challenged him to a truck race. After drinking several beers, Jason raced at speeds near 90 miles per hour, his brother beside him in his truck. The "fun" ended when Jason lost control of his truck and rolled over, ejecting his brother in the process. Jason found his kid brother dead.

Pleading guilty to vehicular manslaughter, Jason went to prison. Upon release, he trained to become an alcohol and drug counselor. Now Jason routinely speaks to church and school groups about the consequences of wrong choices.

Lord, remind me that sin causes suffering

August 18

Sin: What Went Wrong?

Blaming others
Genesis 3:10-13

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 119:1-88 : PM - Romans 8:18-39

Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate (Gen. 3:12).

A man named Jim Bakker was the head of an enormous multimillion-dollar religious empire. As sometimes happens with those who rise to such heights of power, Bakker fell. He lost everything: his empire, his money, his home, his reputation. At midlife, Bakker received a prison sentence of 45 years on charges related to his PTL/Heritage USA ministry.

Prison brought further losses: freedom, dignity, even his wife. But that experience also revolutionized Jim Bakker. In 1996, he wrote a book simply titled I was Wrong. In it he said, "As the true impact of Jesus' words regarding money impacted my heart and mind, I became physically nauseated. I was wrong. I was wrong! Wrong in my lifestyle, certainly, but even more fundamentally, wrong in my understanding of the Bible's true message. Not only was I wrong, but I was teaching the opposite of what Jesus had said."

Father, it is so easy to blame others for my wrong choices. May I surrender my pride and admit when I am wrong.

August 17

Sin: What Went Wrong?

Hiding from God
Genesis 3:7-9

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 112-118 : PM - Romans 8:1-17

They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. (Gen. 3:8).

My son didn't like vegetables when he was a small child. He liked sweets. Most of the time he would eat the vegetables he didn't like to get the dessert he loved. Once I instructed him to eat his peas if he wanted ice cream. He ate the peas (I thought), then happily gobbled down his ice cream and left the table. After clearing the dishes from the table, his mother picked up the place mats to wipe under them. That was when she discovered a neat pile of peas tucked away beneath the place mat where our son had been.

J's pea-hiding strategy worked for a while. He failed to realize Mom would eventually clean beneath the place mats and find his stash. But if a child's attempts to hide his disobedience seem silly, imagine the foolishness of trying to hide our sins from a Heavenly Father who sees and knows all.

My life is an open book before You, Lord.

August 16

Sin: What Went Wrong?

Making the wrong choice
Genesis 3:4-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 107 – 111 : PM - Romans 7

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate (Gen. 3:6).

Christian writer Josh McDowell tells about a concept of tolerance that is gaining popularity throughout our culture. Traditionally "tolerance" has meant we recognize and respect others' practices and beliefs without necessarily agreeing with them. But "tolerance" in today's parlance implies that all beliefs, values, lifestyles, and truth claims are equally valid. Central to this viewpoint is the denial of moral absolutes. McDowell says, "Our kids are being taught that all truth is relative to the individual.... To say something is right or wrong is not being tolerant."

According to this misguided line of thinking, Adam and Eve didn't sin; they simply made the best choice they could at the time according to the way they felt.

Lord, open my eyes to unbiblical philosophies that permeate our culture. Give me the courage to stand against wrong and make choices that are right.

August 15

Sin: What Went Wrong?

Listening to the serpent
Genesis 3:1-3

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 103-106 : PM - Romans 6

And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die'" (Gen. 3:2-3).

The movie, "Babe" is about a beloved talking pig. In the movie the animals talk. Using sophisticated technology, the film makes real animals appear to speak just like humans. The animals' speech comes across on screen as amazingly believable. But it's not so convincing that we wouldn't be alarmed if a bird hollered, "Get away from my nest!"

Now if Satan approached me today as a talking snake, I would have no problem avoiding temptation. Once I saw the snake, I'd be gone before he could open his lying lips! Unfortunately, Satan approaches to us in much more subtle, attractive ways. He disguises himself under the cloak of what appears good and beautiful and makes us think these things will bring happiness and fulfillment.

Father, give me wisdom to discern the voice of the tempter and turn away from listening.

August 14

Human Beings: Why Get Personal?

Because God created relationships
Genesis 2:21-25

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 96-102 : PM - Romans 5

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh (Gen. 2:24).

The Bible makes plain that marriage is not for everyone. However, it also makes plain that all of us need other people.

One of my greatest surprises in becoming a Christian was the discovery that those "stuffy, self-righteous church folk" were kind, loving, and gracious brothers and sisters in the faith. They encouraged me and taught me what following the Lord was all about.

When I went away to college, I was amazed at finding a multitude of brothers and sisters there. When I began to preach in small churches, I was at home with family. I have been privileged to preach in East Africa, Brazil, and pastor three churches. I have met spiritual relatives in all those places. Through the years, God has worked through relationships with other believers to help me, encourage me, guide me, and bless me.

Thank You, God, for blessing me through the years.

August 13

Human Beings: Why Get Personal?

Because God KNOWS OUR NEEDS
Genesis 2:18-20

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 90-95 : PM - Romans 4

And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." (Gen. 2:18).

The God who designed us certainly knows our needs. I think He knows our wants as well. Did you ever get something you wanted that caused you not to get something you needed?

About 35 years ago, I wanted a particular car; but I needed to be able to pay my bills. Not everyone at my house agreed we needed that car. The vote was 1-1 (with the one-year-old abstaining). I bought the car. I got what I wanted but temporarily lost two things I desperately needed: my wife's respect and the ability to pay our bills. To get back what I needed was a painful and humbling process.

The Lord knows what you need before you even ask Him. He has arranged to meet your needs in His way and time as you trust Him.

God, I know You love me too much to let wants deprive me of what I really need.

August 12

Human Beings: Why Get Personal?

Because we have purpose
Genesis 2:16-17

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 87-89 : PM - Romans 3

Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it thou shall surely die (Gen. 2:17).

When early pioneers moved westward in wagon trains, the ones who accepted the limits imposed by wagon masters fared the best. When water supplies were low and draft animals were dying of thirst, a few folk wanted to leave the trains and head toward a lake they saw shimmering in the distance. Wagon masters insisted they stay the course, explaining the lake was but a mirage and real water was ahead. Those who trusted their eyes rather than their wagon masters eventually were forced to abandon most of their worldly possessions and walk. Some died before reaching water.

From the beginning, the Lord told us we cannot do as we please and expect to enjoy the life He has planned for us. He set limits. His purpose was not to deny us life's best, but to ensure we would experience it. He wants to protect us from disappointment and disaster.

Father, thank You, for the wise and loving limits You have set in Your Word. Grant me grace to have sense enough to observe them.

August 11

Human Beings: Why Get Personal?

Because we have purpose
Genesis 2:15

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 81-86 : PM - Romans 2

The Lord God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it (Gen. 2:15).

I built a bookcase years ago to hold several sets of reference books. It served me well for many years. Many years ago I moved those books to my office and put the bookcase in the garage. There it was exposed to extremes of temperature, spiders, and mud daubers.

A few years ago I moved my books back into my study. The bookcase was dirty, stained, and banged up. I cleaned it up, filled in the dings and varmint damage, and applied a coat of paint. Today it is holding the books for which it was designed.

Generally, God wants all people to know Him, love Him, and obey His word. He also wants to use us to accomplish particular purposes for Him. His design for us never changes. Even when we are dirty, stained, and banged up, He can restore us to usefulness.

Thank You, Lord, that You can still clean me up, patch me up, and use me in Your world.

August 10

Human Beings: Why Get Personal?

Because God created us
Genesis 2:4-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 78-80 : PM - Romans 1:18-32

The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Gen. 2:7).

About 38 years ago, I built a couple of bookcases. I drew up the plans and included features that would limit warping and sagging. I put it together with screws that would not work loose. I handpicked, cut, sanded, and assembled the boards. After I applied a stain and wax, the bookcase was exactly what I wanted.

I have other bookcases, some of them precious because I inherited them from family members. None of them, however, mean as much to me as the one I made. That bookcase stands today as the crown of my woodworking creativity.

The crown of God's creative work is humanity. The biblical description of this creative act is distinctive. It includes a warm, close, personal, hands-on touch not evident in the other creative acts - God "formed" a man using dust; God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life." Such care by our Creator signals how precious and significant we are to Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I matter to You.

August 9

Human Beings: Why Get Personal?

Because God uses us
Genesis 2:4-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 73-77 : PM - Romans 1:1-17

Before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground (Gen. 2:5).

Brother Chapman was a retired school teacher. He served with me as a deacon when I was pastoring in Oklahoma. He died shortly before his 100th birthday.

Many people who visited the family at the funeral home spoke to me about him. Their comments usually began "That man," and went on to say such things as, "He is the reason I am a Sunday School Director," "was the best Sunday School teacher I have had," "set a Godly example," "helped my get my life back on track," "encouraged me."

I am reminded God needs "a man to till the ground." In other words, God uses His people. Regardless of who we are as we walk with Him He is able to touch others through us.

Lord, use me to bless people today.

August 8

Human Beings: Why Get Personal?

Because we belong to the lord
Psalm 95:1-7a

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 69-72 : PM - Acts 28:16-31

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker (Psalm 95:6).

Jimmy's father was a small town physician. People could not simply walk into his examining room. They first had to check in with the nurse and wait their turn, but not Jimmy. Every time he walked in, he was always "next in line." The doc was his dad, and he had a standing invitation to come and see him.

Our Maker has given us a standing invitation to worship Him and to talk with Him. One of the most amazing truths of Scripture is that God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us.

Why would the Lord want personal relationships with us frail, faulty, fumbling, and stumbling folk? He is our Maker, and He wants to be our Heavenly Father. He made that possible by sending Jesus to atone for our sins. To receive Jesus by faith brings us into a personal relationship with God as our Father.

Lord, thank you for giving me an open door to you through Jesus Christ. Please remind me to use it often.

August 7

Creation: How Did It Begin?

God blesses His creation
Genesis 2:1-3

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 65-68 : PM - Acts 28:1-15

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made (Gen. 2:3).

When God finished His work of creation, He set aside the following day as a day of rest. In doing so, He set an example for His human creation. They were to observe a designated day of the week as a day for rest and worship.

Earlier in our nation's history, society in general respected Sunday as the Lord's Day, a day of rest from labor and for worship. Many of our country's presidents were faithful observers of the Lord's Day. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Woodrow Wilson all gave orders relieving soldiers, insofar as possible, from military duty on Sunday. Hayes and Garfield walked to church so their servants might rest and worship. Roosevelt and Coolidge spoke in appreciation of the Lord's Day. Both Hoover and Truman refused to fish on Sunday. Do you ever wonder how God feels about the casual "business as usual" observance of the Lord's Day accepted by many today?

Father, help me to evaluate my observance of the Lord's Day

August 6

Creation: How Did It Begin?

God created with blessing
Genesis 1:27-31

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 59-64 : PM - Acts 27

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth" (Gen. 1:28).

God endowed humankind with personality and a sense of morality, enabling them to know right from wrong. Only humans have the capacity to relate and respond to God. God commanded the man and woman to multiply and oversee other living things.

A young couple in our church were distressed by the news that they might never have a child. After a year of praying and working with their doctor, they were thrilled when God saw fit to bless them with their first child. Three years later they were blessed with another child. God has blessed them with the responsibility of loving and nurturing, and disciplining their children. They give unconditional love and expect obedience.

Lord, I thank You for Christian parents in our church; may they seek Your help in nurturing their children.

August 5

Creation: How Did It Begin?

God created an abundance
Genesis 1:19-25

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 54-58 : PM - Acts 26

So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good (Gen. 1:21).

My wife and I have been privileged to travel to many different places. We have come to appreciate the beauty and diversity of God's created world and have explored some of the natural wonders of the world.

We have marveled at the variety of God's creation as we viewed the beauty of pristine lakes in Northern Nevada, majestic mountains in Colorado, living deserts in Arizona, and picture perfect blue skies in California. We were amazed by the number of animals we saw in Africa, lions, antelope, impala, rhinoceros, elephants, monkeys, hippopotamus, and giraffe. We feel blessed and awed, by the abundance and sheer magnificence of all God has made.

The essence of God's nature is love. By His spoken word and infinite will, God created with unique design and purpose.

To humankind, His highest creation, God gave the privilege of ruling over the earth and all it contained. What a unique gift from our loving God!

Thank You, God, for Your abundance.

August 4

Creation: How Did It Begin?

God created with purpose
Genesis 1:14-18, 26

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 48-53 : PM - Acts 25

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth" (Gen. 1:26)

Bessie's husband wanted to express his love in a special way on one of their wedding anniversaries. Since one of his hobbies was making turquoise jewelry, he decided to design a high quality silver and turquoise ring in the shape of her initial B. She felt truly honored when he presented it to her, for he had created this unique gift out of love.

The essence of God's nature is love. By His spoken word and infinite will, God created with unique design and purpose.

To humankind, His highest creation, God gave the privilege of ruling over the earth and all it contained. What a unique gift from our loving God!

I Praise You, Lord, for Your unchanging love and enduring Word that will achieve Your purpose.

August 3

Creation: How Did It Begin

God's creation is good
Genesis 1:9-13

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 42-47 : PM - Acts 24

And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good (Gen. 1:12)

My uncle Jim grew up on a farm and enjoyed working with plants. When he moved to the city, he missed having a garden. Each year he was determined to raise his own vegetables. Never mind that he had no garden plot- he plowed up part of his back lawn and cleared some flower beds. Each year he carefully tilled and fertilized the soil, planted a variety of seed, watered and weeded the garden, and reaped a good harvest - just as the Creator intended.

After each thing God created, the Scripture says, "God saw that it was good." God has so ordered the universe that it operates according to regular patterns: day follows night, season follows season, and year follows year in a predictable fashion. The universe holds together in a remarkable way.

Thank You, Lord, for Your sustaining power over all of Your creation.

August 2

Creation: How Did It Begin?

God spoke to Create
Genesis 1:3-8

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 37-41 : PM - Acts 23

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light (Gen. 1:3)

The famous artist Thomas Kinkade known as the "Painter of Light," has a deep desire to help and encourage people through his art, He believes God called him to create an unusual art form that often brings a sense of peace and tranquility to those who view his work. The secret, he believes, is the light he felt led to paint into every picture.

After creating the earth, the first thing God spoke into existence was light. Why? One reason was that light was necessary for life in the physical world. The light of Jesus Christ is necessary in the spiritual realm as well. In John 8:12 Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
The light God spoke into existence obliterated the darkness that permeated the earth in the beginning. The light of Christ guides sinners from the darkness of sin and its penalty into everlasting life.

Dear God, thank You for the light of Your peace made possible in Christ.