October 31

Everyone Needs Salvation

Christ offers grace
Revelation 22:17

Read the Bible through:
AM - Lamentations 1 : PM - 2 Timothy 3

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely (Rev. 22:17).

My brother-in-law, Jerry, spent a year planning a family reunion. He began by sending letters giving us information about the event. The last words asked us to RSVP quickly. I am sure many families began looking at the calendar with anticipation and the expectation of replying affirmatively as soon as possible.

The best invitation in the world is the one given by Christ as He reaches out His nail-scarred hands and says, "Come!" Through His Church He repeats the invitation, "Come!" When we have given our RSVP to His invitation, He desires that we would invite others to come.

The invitation given by Christ is one meant to be shared. It is not exclusive, but rather, inclusive. His invitation comes with no dress code. He bids us come just as we are.

Lord, help me encourage others to heed Christ's Invitation.

October 30

Promising a Righteous Ruler

The Root and Offspring
Revelation 22:16

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 52 : PM - 2 Timothy 2

"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star" (Rev. 22:16).

When he was sent to the island of Patmos, John wrote about what Christ revealed to him and sent these messages to the suffering Christians. The messages reminded Christians that God loved them, and he was a keeper of promises. God kept them in the past and would do so in the future.

Today's passage calls to remembrance God's promise that a descendant of David would occupy David's throne forever. Jesus told John He was the root and offspring of David. In our readings this week we have seen God reminding His children repeatedly that the covenant with David would be fulfilled.

What are some of God's fulfilled promises you have experienced? Have you thanked him?

Father, thank You for the glorious gift of Your Son for my salvation, for the fact that He conquered death and provides salvation for all those who believe on Him, and for all the promises He has kept.

October 29

Promising a Righteous Ruler

The Promise Fulfilled
Romans 1:1-4

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 51 : PM - 2 Timothy 1

Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh (Rom. 1:3).

Paul wished to go to Rome. Because various events had prevented his going there for sometime, he wrote a letter to the Roman Christians.

In this portion of his letter, Paul stated Jesus was the fulfillment of God's promise to David that His seed would come in God's timing and would establish David's throne forever. He also spoke of Christ's resurrection and His calling of him (Paul) to the service of spreading the gospel.

So we have a great servant of the Lord in New Testament times assuring Christians that according to Christ's human nature He was a descendant of David. The prophecies of the Old Testament had come to pass. Paul also wished to share his experiences with the living Lord with the Roman Christians.

In what ways are you sharing your experience with the Lord with unbelievers or new Christians?

Father, help me not to keep the wonderful news about the Savior a secret, but to share it happily with others.

October 28

Promising a Righteous Ruler

The Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6-7

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 50 : PM - 1 Timothy 6

Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this (Isa. 9:7).

In the past you may have memorized this beautiful segment from Isaiah's prophecy that is part of a larger statement about the coming of the Prince of peace.

Isaiah had predicted the fall of Israel, but he also told those people that one day the Redeemer would come from their group, that he would be a descendant of David, and he foretold the eternal nature of His throne.

The hymn "One Day" speaks of Christ's virgin birth, His bearing our sins on the cross, His death and resurrection, His ascension, and then the day when the trumpet will announce His coming again. "One day He's coming - O glorious day!"

Father, I have had the privilege of knowing about Your love for humankind. Help me feel an urgency to tell others about the coming of the Prince of peace.

October 27

Promising a Righteous Ruler

To all generations
Psalm 89:1-4

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 49 : PM - 1 Timothy 5

I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: 'Your seed I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations.'" Selah (Psalm 89:3-4).

The psalmist said in this passage that God promised David his seed would strengthen his throne for all generations. God says this over and over in His Word. We can place our total confidence in His promises.

God had shown His faithfulness to the Hebrew people in many ways. Therefore, they believed He would be faithful to keep the promise about the establishment of David's throne forever, to all generations.

Have you seen those accordion-type postcards that can be examined one postcard at a time? After the examination of each card, the cards can be folded into a complete package. The bible is somewhat like that in the way it reveals God's faithfulness in keeping one promise and then another. When we have finished reading the Bible, we have a piece-by piece revelation about the coming Savior, a descendant of David

Father, thank You for keeping Your promise to send a Savior for all people.

October 26

Promising a Righteous Ruler

God's promises
2 Samuel 7:10-16

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 48 : PM - 1 Timothy 4

"And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16).

While God did not allow David to build a house of worship, He did say an offspring would be the builder. In addition, He said David's kingdom and throne would be established forever.

Many years went by before the birth of Jesus Christ who was of David's lineage, but this was a big part of the fulfillment of God's promise to David,

Our God keeps His promises. Are you a promise keeper? If we make a promise to a child or an adult, we need to bring that promise to completed action.

In World War II when the war in the Philippines went badly and General Douglas MacArthur had to leave the islands, he told the Philippine people "I shall return!" After years of war, on October 20, 1944, General MacArthur set foot on Philippine soil once again.

God's promises are infinitely greater than MacArthur's.

Father, help me to appreciate your promises.

October 25

Promising a Righteous Ruler

The Lord's faithfulness
2 Samuel 7:8-9

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 46-47 : PM - 1 Timothy 3

"And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth" (2 Samuel 7:9).

Nathan delivered God's messages to David reminding him of God's faithfulness.

A farmer had a weather vane on his barn, on which was written "God is faithful." When friends asked why, the farmer said, "This is to remind me that no matter which way the wind blows, God is faithful."

When the warm "south wind" with its soothing and balmy breezes brings showers of blessing, God is Faithful. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17).

When the cold "north wind" of trial and testing sweeps down upon you, God is faithful. "All things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28).

When the "west wind" blows hard upon you with its punishing intent, God is faithful. "Whom the Lord loves He chastens" (Hebrews 12:6).

When the "east wind" threatens to sweep away all that you have, God is faithful. "God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19).

Yes, no matter which way the wind is blowing, God is faithful.

Father, help me always to recognize Your faithfulness

October 24

Promising a Righteous Ruler

David's good intentions
2 Samuel 7:1-7

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 44-45 : PM - 1 Timothy 2

The king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains" (2 Samuel 7:2).

King David recognized that God had bestowed many blessing on him, including rest from his enemies. He now dwelt in a house of cedar, and he wished to show his love for God by erecting a building for worship of Him. Although he was forbidden by God to do this, David's intentions were good.

If you have been grateful for God's blessing on your life, perhaps you have intended to make a special gift to missions or to some other purpose that honors God. Why not carry out your good intentions in the near future?

Father, I have been blessed and I wish to honor You. Help me to carry out my intentions

October 23

Creating a Distinctive People
Proving God's people
Exodus 20:18-21

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 42-43 : PM - 1 Timothy 1

And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin" (Exodus 20:20).

For most people tests are not a pleasant experience. A friend recently spent a week taking comprehensive exams for a doctoral degree. He said that those taking the exams suffered significant anxiety, concerned about doing their best and making the grade. Even after months of preparation and years of academic experience, it was not an event he would want to repeat soon.

The people of Israel saw and heard evidence God was on His way to "prove" or test them. God tried to relieve the people's anxiety, but their terror at being in His presence was overwhelming. God told Moses His testing was intended to help the people develop reverence for Him so they wouldn't be prone to sin.

Reverence for God means more than being on our best behavior when we think God is watching. Our God has made us His own and desires to have us abide in His presence all the day long.

Powerful Lord, God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, let me abide close to Thee..

October 22

Creating a Distinctive People

Responsible toward others
Exodus 20:12-17

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 39-41 : PM - 2 Thessalonians 3

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you

(Exodus 20:12).

Shea walked into her boss's office with tears in her eyes. "This is not a hard decision for me," she said, "but it is difficult. My father is sick, and I must take a leave from work to take care of him. I don't know what that will do to my career, but I have to take care of my father.

That devotion to a parent was just one visible sign of the way Shea lives responsibly toward others. Not only did she take the time from work to care for her father, she arranged her work before she left in such a way that the impact on fellow employees who had to pick up her work would be as minimal as possible.

From God's perspective it seems obvious that if we're going to live right with other people it starts at home. A child who respects and honors parents is on the road to treating others with God-honoring respect.

Lord, may You be honored in all my relationships today.

October 21

Creating a Distinctive People

Responsible toward God
Exodus 20:7-10a

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 37-38 : PM - 2 Thessalonians 2

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain (Exodus 20:7).

I can still recall the taste of soap in my mouth when my mother overheard something that shouldn't have been in my mouth to start with. I am not sure where the practice originated, but it certainly made its point. What I failed to realize at the time was how the vile residue of such language could so mar one's total life.

One way we maintain a right relationship with God is through an attitude of life that recognizes His holiness is something worthy of respect and honor. To treat His name lightly, or with a curse, is to cheapen Him n the eyes of people who need to know Him as the great God, worthy of all our praise and honor.

God's Word teaches us that just as a spring cannot produce both sweet and salty water, neither can a mouth contain both blessings and curses. The one who lives responsibly toward God does so in both word and deed.

Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You today.

October 20

Creating a Distinctive People

Sole allegiance Required
Exodus 20:1-4

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 35-36 : PM - 2 Thessalonians 1

You shall have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3).

The tragedies of September 11, 2001, led to an outpouring of, among other things, patriotic pride. The attack on our nation has focused a new generation to understand there are times when we must stand together on the side of freedom, pledging our allegiance to our country in order to defend that freedom. We understand there is no middle ground. We stand together, or we fall prey to those who would seek to destroy us at our points of weakness.

Understanding such sole allegiance to God Almighty may not come as quickly or easily, for such allegiance has demands even higher than the demands of our nation. When we pledge ourselves to Him, we forsake all other alliances that might mean more comfort, less toil, or more success.

Our God has high expectations that no thing, no person, no thought, no plan - nothing may take His place as the One to whom we owe our total allegiance. A high demand, certainly, but a demand that leads to real freedom and eternal security.

You, Lord, are the One God, holy and worthy of praise.

October 19

Creating a Distinctive People

Holiness Required
Exodus 19:6-8

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 333-34 : PM - 1 Thessalonians 5

And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel (Exodus 19:6).

Teenagers think it's dangerous to stand out from the crowd, to be different, or "special." And with the few exceptions of those who truly are gifted, most teens I've known strive to take the safe path, to find their places and identities in the often soul-damaging security of the crowd.

As one of God's children, the most dangerous thing is to be part of the crowd, identified with the world instead of His agenda. It's not that God is seeking pompous, power-hungry dictators. God is seeking those who are holy, separate, apart from the world through their conscious, decisive choices to be in the best possible position to serve Him.

Consider your position as a servant of God. Are your daily battles concerned with choosing God's way versus compromise, or have you settled that argument once and for all?

Dear Lord, shine Your pure light on my life today that I can see and change the dark corners of my compromise.

October 18

Creating a Distinctive People

Obedience required
Exodus 19:4-5

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 32 : PM - 1 Thessalonians 4

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine (Exodus 19:5).

"Because I said so!" When I was younger, I promised myself I would never utter those words to my children. Oh, how soon such promises are broken when dealing with your own children. I opened my mouth, and out came those words demanding unquestioning obedience.

God wants our obedience; and because all the earth is the Lord's, I believe that means he can have whatever He wants. It's all His for the taking. But our God is not a taking God, is He? He's a giving God. He desires to give us His best for our lives by making us His own.

What does He require from us in this peculiar arrangement by which we become His? His desire is not for lifeless slaves bound to a checklist approach to righteousness. God is seeking those who respond to Him with willing sprits, anxious to carry out His every command.

Direct my path today, O Lord.

October 17

Creating a Distinctive People

Initiated by God
Exodus 19:3

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 31 : PM - 1 Thessalonians 3

And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel (Exodus 19:3).

Kids always have chosen sides for games. I remember what it was like waiting to be chosen. I was the youngest in my neighborhood and was often the last one chosen. I also remember what it was like when one of my best friends was captain and I was chosen first. To be a part of the team - included - was great.

God wasn't choosing sides for a game when he chose Israel to be His own. You get the idea though, don't you? When the children of Israel were a slave race, wandering and wondering what would be next, God met them at the mountain; and He chose them.

God still chooses people every day by offering the gift of grace through faith in Christ. Do you remember the day He chose you? God is always the initiator of bringing us to Himself. Isn't it great to be wanted?

Thank You, Lord, for choosing me when I didn't even know I needed You.

October 16

Blessing All Nations

Given by promise
Galatians 3:16-17

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 29-30 : PM - 1 Thessalonians 2

And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect (Gal. 3:17).

I met a man the other day who told me that he was a systems failure analyst. The purpose of his job is to discover why a component in a computer failed. He spends his time researching why something didn't accomplish what it was designed and claimed to do. To find things and people who are not what they claim is common. They may look good, but they are bound to fail eventually because they are imperfect.

It is wonderful to know there are no system failure analysts for God. There is no need. God's promises never fail. All of His promises to us are true. Even when we are unfaithful to Him, He remains faithful to us. What great peace and comfort to know God's faithfulness is based upon God's perfect love for us, not on our imperfections.

Thank You, O God, for Your constant faithfulness

October 15

Blessing All Nations

Children of Abraham
Galatians 3:6-9

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 27-28 : PM - 1 Thessalonians 1

Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham (Gal. 3:7).

My wife, Margie, is a wonderful lady who is a one of "they which are of faith." Those who know her are aware they cannot spend time with Margie and not hear about Jesus.

When Margie and I were first married, she and I worked at a youth camp. One year a young man attended the camp. He was very honest about his motives for being at the camp. His bride to be had required him to attend the camp and meet Margie before she would marry him. He spent an afternoon with Margie; and, before the day was over, the young man had asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior.

Margie knows what is most important in life. It is knowing the Lord Jesus and sharing the story of His salvation with everyone she meets. There is no blessing greater than the privilege of leading someone to Jesus. Are you someone whose reputation is "spend an afternoon with him or her and you'll hear about Jesus"?

Lord, please give me the courage to share Your love with those who need to know You.

October 14

Blessing All Nations

Accomplished through Christ
Acts 3:25-26

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 26 : PM - Colossians 4

"You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Acts 3:25).

Her name is Crystal. She is a US-2 Missionary for the North American Mission board in California. Their names are Bob and Barbara. They coordinate the senior adult ministry in their church. His name is Ellis. He is a constant encouragement to other believers in the faith. Each of these are faithful to God in the ministry He has given them. They continue to serve Him wholeheartedly out of love for Him. The result is His blessings upon the work they are doing. Lost people are being won, and believers are being strengthened by their faithfulness.

Just as Abraham's faithfulness was a blessing to those around him, so God can use your faithfulness to be a blessing to those around you, all to the glory of Jesus Christ who made possible our salvation.

Lord, please use me to be a blessing to others.

October 13

Blessing All Nations

Fulfilled despite hindrances
Genesis 17:15-22

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 24-25 : PM - Colossians 3

Then God said: "No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him (Gen 17:19).

Just north of Las Vegas, Nv. There is a road that leads from the valley to the top of Mount Charleston. While traveling that road you can see only portions of the road as it winds its way through the mountain. Much of the road is obscured. I have driven that road so I know that it takes you to the top. You have to face tough curves, steep inclines, and some dangerous cliffs to get to the top. But it does lead to a beautiful place where you can look out over the entire valley.

God desires to take us to some amazing places. However, to get there, we may have to face hindrances along the way. If we don't keep our eyes on God, the hindrances may keep us from reaching the summit of blessing God has in store for us.

Heavenly Father, please help me keep my eyes set on You.

October 12

Blessing All Nations

Vast in scope
Genesis 17:1-8

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 22-23 : PM - Colossians 2

"As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations" (Gen 17:4).

Jack is amazing. He's a Sunday School teacher and a deacon at his church. But there's more to Jack than meets the eye. His hobby is astronomy. Just ask him about the stars. He can tell you all about the stars, about our universe, and about the God who created them. He can tell you how vast our universe is. He will also tell you about our loving creator who set them in place.

The very God who created and set in place each of the stars is the same God who so many years ago made a covenant with Abraham. He is the same God who stands with you and offers His constant strength and love for your life. He has offered to you His covenant. When you enter into a relationship with Jesus, He gives you His salvation. His provision for you is vast. He offers His salvation and continues to offer His presence and His Word as a guide through out your life.

Lord, thank You for your constant strength and love in my life.

October 11

Blessing All Nations

Experienced through faith
Genesis 15:1-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 20-21 : PM - Colossians 1

And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness (Gen 15:6).

I tend to be a skeptic. It's tough to believe salespeople on the other end of the phone who claim to have just what you need, as though they know what you need. We live in a world where truth is seldom counted as an absolute. Because of how the world views truth, we can easily become skeptical. We can become skeptical of those we do not know. We can become skeptical of those we care about. If we're not careful, we can even become skeptical of God.

People often will fail us. We sometimes fail others. It's part of being a human in a fallen world. Yet God will never fail us. He keeps His promises. God calls us, as His children, to trust Him. When we choose to trust in what God says, as did Abraham. He counts it as righteousness.

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to me.

October 10

Blessing All Nations

Blessing all earth's families
Genesis 12:1-3

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 18-19 : PM - Philippians 4

"I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen 12:3).

On a hot July afternoon, several members of our church walked into a Chinese Worship Service. We were invited to worship with them. They were ready to hear all we had to share about our glorious Lord. As we sang familiar hymns in English, they joined us in Chinese. It was amazing to see how small a language barrier could be when worshiping the one true God.

God's love and blessing are available to anyone who will accept them. His blessing first comes through salvation. Then God blesses His children in miraculous ways when they obey Him.

Alleluia is an amazing word. It is praise to our Creator in English. In Chinese, it is alleluia. In Spanish, it is alleluia. It is alleluia in every known language of the world. No language barriers, just simple, pure worship of the one true God.

Thank You, Lord, for blessing all the earth's families.

October 9

Committing to life

God makes trials endurable
Psalm 34:15-22

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 15-17 : PM - Philippians 3

The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned (Psalm 34:22).

At 26 years of age, Mike lay in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) for one month as the result of an automobile accident. Mikes mother, Linda, stayed nearby him until his death.

Late one evening the doctor told Linda that Mike was not going to live. In the early morning hours, after a visit with Mike, she wept as she sat alone in the ICU waiting room.

Brokenhearted, the thought of losing her son was one of the lowest points in her life. In a nearby supply room, a radio played softly. The station usually played secular music, but on this morning she heard the voices of children singing "Jesus Loves Me." At that moment, a wonderful peace came over her. She knew God was telling her through the song He loved her and Mike. Mike was in His hands.

Thank You, Father, for abiding peace in hours of trial.

October 8

Committing to life

God makes life good
Psalm 34:11-14

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 13-14 : PM - Philippians 2

Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good (Psalm 34:12) ?

Miss Kitty is a retired missionary who served faithfully on the mission field since her youth. She never married or even had a boyfriend. At age 95, who lives alone but is under the watchful eye of family members who give her assistance as needed. She still is able to walk alone but is considered legally blind, seeing only shadows. Every day she writes up to four or five letters to friends or family across the country, using a magnified viewer and a felt-tip pen. When she is not writing letters, she is reading her Bible.

One of her family members said, "Miss Kitty is probably the most sincere Christian I have ever known. She loves Jesus and it shows.

This sweet lady, who smiles continuously, committed her life to Jesus as a young woman and has been blessed with a good life and "many days." What a wonderful blessing Miss Kitty is to those who know her.

Dear Father, You have made life good. I pray that my life will be totally committed to You.

October 7

Committing to life

God gives life glory
Psalm 8:1-9

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 11-12 : PM - Philippians 1

For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor (Psalm 8:9).

At the end of the Little League World Series, a television news reporter was interviewing coaches and players. One young man, who had hit a home run, was asked if he thought his contribution had been an important factor in winning the ball game. He responded, "Sure, I hit a home run, but you know it takes the whole team working together to win a ball game."

Obviously, either his parents or a coach had instilled true values and principles that led him to think this way. He refused to take all the credit for the success of the team.

As we serve the Lord in our daily walk, are our actions self-motivated or implemented for God's glory? Today's devotional passage tells us God has crowned us with glory and honor. This glory and honor will be evident to others who cross our paths in life only as we give unselfishly of ourselves and allow God's glory to shine through us.

Father, I pray that my life will always glorify You.

October 6

Committing to life

God reveals a sign
Genesis 9:8-17

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 9-10 : PM - Ephesians 6

"I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" (Gen. 9:13).

We get so little rain here in Las Vegas, Nevada (about 4 inches a year) but when it does rain we get to see the best of rainbows.

The rainbow is a sign of God's promise to Noah to never again destroy the earth by flooding. God revealed many other signs recorded throughout the Bible. The signs reveal God's specific purposes. The greatest sign of all was revealed by God to the shepherds concerning a baby who would be born in a manger. He said this baby, the Son of God, would be the Savior of the world. God's promise of salvation is still valid. We need only to claim that promise.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of everlasting life through Jesus, our Savior.

Ann Franklin

Pat Covin had open heart surgery and is still recovering from a mishap from the surgery.

October 5

Committing to life

God blesses with fruitfulness
Genesis 9:1-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 7-8 : PM - Ephesians 5

So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth." (Gen. 9:1).

A good friend of mine had 11 children. He was often teased, in a joking but friendly way, about the size of his family. Usually, he would respond: "Well the Lord told us to be fruitful and multiply, didn't He? I'm just being obedient."

Our devotional passage does encourage family expansion, but it also could be interpreted in a deeper, spiritual sense. Not only are we to increase our biological families as God blesses us with children, but we are to be fruitful and multiply our spiritual family by sharing our faith in Christ. We are to share, in word as well as actions, so God's family on this earth will grow larger. If our goal in life is to help grow a family for Christ, then our Heavenly Father will surely bless our efforts. We will reap the fruits of His harvest now and for eternity.

Father, may we know the blessings of Your fruitfulness.

October 4

Committing to life

God preserves the righteous
Genesis 6:17-22

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 5-6 : PM - Ephesians 4

"But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark-you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you" (Gen. 6:18).

People who live in Northeastern Oklahoma face the threat of floods each year. My great aunt, Rosie, lived on "Bird Creek" near Sperry, Oklahoma. They were awakened early one morning to find water invading their home. They escaped unscathed. The house nor its contents were ever found . Their only earthly possessions after the flood were the clothes they wore, but with grateful hearts, they knew God had saved their lives.

While God spared Noah and his family from devastation, some believer's lives are shortened. Whenever our earthly lives are ended, we know we who are committed to God will be preserved for eternity.

Dear father, thank You for Your protective care

October 3

Committing to life

God sees the earth's evil
Genesis 6:10-11

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 3-4 : PM - Ephesians 3

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence (Gen. 6:11).

On September 11, 2001, our beloved country was attacked by terrorists from a foreign country. The World Trade Center's twin towers in New Your City were demolished as tow hijacked commercial airliners crashed into them. The Pentagon was damaged by a third plane, and a fourth plane somehow was diverted and crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. In a state of shock our country watched the nightmare on televisions across the country. A group of fanatics, in a matter of seconds, murdered hundreds of people.

How could something so horrific happen to our beloved country? People were asking, "Why did God allow this evil and violent attack on our precious land? Today's devotional passage reminds us that God sees earth's evil. We can trust our sovereign God, in His perfect timing, to some day destroy all evil. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, made it all possible over two thousand years ago when He gave His life on the cross.

Lord, I acknowledge You as Savior and Lord of this world; and I trust You to overcome all evil.

October 2

God Provides for His People

Something better
Hebrews 11:32-40

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 2 : PM – Ephesians 2

God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us (Heb. 11:40).

In the devotional passage, we read that the faithful were subjected to horrific persecution for the cause of Christ. They did not receive the promise from God during their lifetime, but saw the promise of a better thing "afar off" (Heb. 11:13)

In 2001 Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer, along with relief workers from other countries, were in custody awaiting trial for sharing Christianity in the Muslim world of Afghanistan. This is a land ravaged by years of war and oppression. These workers risked their lives to spread the love and hope of Christ.

One cannot help but admire such courage and determination to spread the gospel. Imprisonment is not the only difficulty they had encountered in Afghanistan, yet they pressed on. The resoluteness of Dayna and the others should inspire all of us to embrace the "something better" that is to come to share the gospel with others.

Lord, protect our missionaries and give me the courage to share my faith in my world.