Dec. 23, 2008

The Love of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Zephaniah 1-3 : PM – Revelation 14

Christians’ Love
1 John 3:16-20

18 “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."

Ken went to Kosova first. With a few other men from his church in which he ministered, Ken spent eight days helping desperate families get enough shelter to survive the fast-approaching winter. Looking back at the badly damaged city as the van took them toward Macedonia and home, Ken wept over the plight of the people and knew he must return to live among them, share their struggles and the truth about God’s love for them.

Ken’s wife, Melody, made the same journey a few weeks later with another group. They delivered necessities and listened with love and compassion to stories of atrocity and despair. God touched Melody’s heart as He had Ken’s. They began the process of seeking missionary appointment, preparing their five children for life in a strange land, and selling their possessions in order to love the people of Kosova. They could not love the Kosovars in words only. Love requires deeds.

Father, during this Christmas season, bless missionaries who minister lovingly to people around the world.

Dec. 22, 2008

The Love of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Habakkuk 1-3 : PM – Revelation 13

Christians’ Love
1 John 3:11-15

14 “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death."

Flora Bettis could not believe she had been named Senior Volunteer of the Year by the Oahu chapter of the American Red Cross. “Why would they choose me? This must be some mistake.” There was no mistake. Later she was honored for her volunteerism.

For years, 86 –year-old Flora walked weekly to the hospital to run errands and move patients in wheelchairs. When asked why, she replied, “I love those people; they need help.” When asked why she walked to church several times a week for volunteer work, she said: “I love Jesus and our church. People shouldn’t make a fuss over that.” Ask her about why she collects aluminum cans for mission offerings and she will tell you: “I love all people. This is how I can help them, and helping them keeps me alive and happy.

To everyone who knows Flora, she is one of the most alive and happy persons they know. Love in action is the evidence.

Thank You, Lord, for those who show the love of Jesus.

Dec. 21, 2008

The Love of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Nahum 1-3 : PM – Revelation 12

God’s Gift
1 John 3:1-3

1 “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."

Ernest Mosley says, “One of the nicest compliments I received as a child and teenager was ‘You must be Arthur Mosley’s son. Even then my physical characteristics resembled those of my father. But I always hoped the compliments were more about Dad’s character than his physical appearance. Dad, who completed five years of formal education, was respected in the community for his wisdom, genuine, spirituality, integrity, hard work, and love for his family. I wanted to be respected like my dad. Being called Arthur’s son was an honor.”

But even that honor cannot compare with being called “sons of God.” What a gift of love that God should send His Son to pay the price for our sins and receive us as His children. That is why John exclaimed, “What manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us.” What a gift! Rejoice, children of God, for one day we will be like Him.

Lord, help me live so people will recognize me as Your child.

Dec. 20, 2008

The Love of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Micah 5-7 : PM – Revelation 11

God’s Motivation
John 3:16-17

16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Several years ago I served as interim pastor of a church located about 45 miles from my home. Driving home one Sunday night, my heart filled with joy. God had revealed His love to the church and three young men had responded with saving faith. What did we do to cause God to give us such a gift, such and outpouring of His love? I wondered.

The familiar words of John 3:16 became alive in my mind. God blessed us not because we deserved it, but because He “so loved the world.” He sent “his only begotten Son” to die for us so we can have everlasting life with Him.

Through tears of joy I thought God loved Johnny Nantz so much that He sent the only Son of His perfect nature to the world so that Johnny Nantz could believe in Him and never, ever self-destruct but fully live forever. Perhaps you would like to insert you name in this paraphrased verse.

Thank You, Lord, for Your eternal love.

Dec. 19, 2008

The Person of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Micah 3-4 : PM – Revelation 10

The Revealer of Thoughts
Luke 2:34-35

35 “(Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

When our youngest daughter was in college in another state, she plaintively asked, “Do you and Mom know someone everywhere?”

“Yes,” I replied, “and don’t you forget it. I know what you’re up to at all times.” Yeah, right.

Some couples who have been married for a long time seem to know in advance what is in each other’s minds. Spouses complete sentences for each other, fetch an item without being asked, and accept invitations they know the other would enjoy.

Those examples do not match the ability God has to see into our hearts and minds and discern what’s really there. Whether or not a person really loves God will become a revelation for all to see. The coming of Christ will reveal “the thought of many hearts.” And makes obvious who follows Him and who opposes him.

Lord, when my heart is revealed, may I be found to be Your faithful servant.

Dec. 18, 2008

The Person of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Micah 1-2 : PM – Revelation 9

Whose Name is Jesus
Luke 2:21

21 “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb."

Intellectually, I know that Jesus is a name. Many Spanish-speaking people choose that name for a favorite son (pronounced Hay-soos). A very good baseball player was Jesus Alou. However, the name means something more.

The pastor of a small church conducted an interesting part of the morning service one Sunday. He asked us to recall all the names we knew for the Savior: Counselor, Shepherd, Messiah, Emmanuel, King of kings, Lord, and so on. But one of the first songs many children learn is “Jesus Loves Me.” Recalling names and singing about Jesus stands out as one of my better worship experiences.

Jesus was just another name for a boy in the first century, but God had His reasons for choosing it for His Son. It’s the sweetest name I know!

Lord, just to speak Your name brings blessing and joy.

Dec. 17, 2008

The Person of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jonah 1-4 : PM – Revelation 8

The Subjection of Good News
Luke 2:13-20

17 “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child"

A favorite source of conversation is “Where were you when...” Some events are so indelible in our memories they evoke sounds, smells, emotions at their mention. Where were you when Pearl Harbor was bonded?

My guess is that the shepherds talked about the events surrounding Jesus’ birth the rest of their lives. Perhaps they described the scent of grass, sheep, the degree of darkness, and the warmth of their little watch fire. Surely they didn’t leave out their momentary fear when the angel came. This was worth remembering and talking about again and again.

Where were you when you first heard about the Savior? My guess is that you can tell all about it. It’s been worth remembering all the days since.

Lord, help me be a bearer of Your good news.

Dec. 16, 2008

The Person of Christmas


Read the Bible through:
AM – Obadiah : PM – Revelation 7

The Savior, Christ the Lord
Luke 2:8-12

10 “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’"

It was a normal work night out in the hills. Sheep were bedded down for the night. Occasionally, a shepherd might throw a few twigs on the little fire where he sat watching. Another might move down the hill to investigate an unfamiliar sound.

Then something wonderful happened! An angel made an important announcement to these working men, these shepherds. “So what?” you say.

Shepherds were low on the socioeconomic scale. But God selected these lesser sons of Abraham to hear the news first: The Christ is born! In one action, they were elevated to a new position of worthiness. The Messiah, the Shepherd King, had come; it is perfectly understandable that shepherds would have been the first to know.

Thank You, Lord, for being the Savior of the world.

Dec. 15, 2008

The Person of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Amos 8-9 : PM – Revelation 6

Born in Humble Circumstances
Luke 2:6-7

7 “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Have you considered what it meant, physically, for Jesus to be born to earthly parents in humble circumstances? Jesus gave up heavenly prerogatives to become a human, helpless baby dependent on parental protection and care. He was confined to one space and one time. He lived the first days of His earthly life in a rough animal shelter and had no servants to tend to His needs.

Do you think Jesus was ever frustrated by the confinement of His human body or by the constraints of time and space He had to endure? Did His eyes long for a glimpse of “home”? However humble His circumstances, Jesus willingly entered them so we might enjoy the heavenly delights of eternity with Him.

Thank You, Lord, for giving up so much that I might have everything.

Dec. 14, 2008

The Person of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Amos 5-7 : PM – Revelation 5

Born in Bethlehem
Luke 2:1-5

4 “Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David."

Sociologist talk about the mobile society of the 21st century. It is the unusual few who live in the same town where their ancestors lived. I grew up in Tulsa, my wife in Colorado. We have lived 19 years in Southern Nevada. Our three children live in Africa, Florida, and Northern Nevada. Our daughters married men from Germany and Missouri.

Is this a 21st century phenomenon? Not at all. Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, a small town 80 to 90 miles north of Jerusalem. However, Joseph’s ancestors were from Bethlehem. Whatever the reasons for Joseph’s ancestors to migrate north years earlier, a trip south became essential.

At the right time, the decree went out for a census and Joseph and Mary headed south. Was this historical coincidence? No. Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem.

Lord, I am in awe of Your perfect timing.

Dec. 13, 2008

The Person of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Amos 3-4 : PM – Revelation 4

Revealed to Joseph
Matthew 1:18-21

21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."

Recently a young couple told me that they were searching for appropriate names for their children. They had too many relatives to play the namesake game. They decided to choose names that identified characteristics they wanted to encourage.

Many parents have probably experienced the same sorting and culling exercise until just the right combination of names seemed perfect for their sons and daughters. Whether traditional family names or something entirely new, those were the names their children got on their birth certificates.

Joseph might have considered several family names in his lineage. He had a distinguished ancestry. Instead, he skipped that exercise before Mary gave birth. The name revealed to him was given to the baby from the beginning: Jesus. His name was a revelation of His very reason for being: to save people from their sins. Jesus – a name to remember.

Thank You, God for Jesus, the name above all others.

Dec. 12, 2008

The Hope of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Amos 1-2 : PM – Revelation 3

Patience Affirmed
Romans 8:24-25

25 “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."

I read recently an interesting article in my morning newspaper. It raised the issue of whether or not we can be aware of things we cannot see. The writer referred to the mystery, but certainty, of the dark space between the stars.

What an appropriate description of “hope.” Like that dark space between the stars, you can’t see it, touch it, weigh it, or even describe it accurately. Yet no other aspect of human experience is more real, or more vital, than hope.

We meet hope at virtually every turn in life. Expectant parents, investors, hospital patients, sports fans, students, teachers, young men clutching engagement rings and campaigning politicians are all fortified by hope.

But the Christian’s hope is planted firmly in the soil of faith; for faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Lord, give me glimpses of realities that lie beyond my vision.

Dec. 11, 2008

The Hope of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joel 1-3 : PM – Revelation 2

The Glory of God
Romans 5:1-2

2 “Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God"

“But ‘glory’ doesn’t mean ‘a nice knockdown argument,’” Alice told Humpty Dumpty in a scene from Lewis Carroll’s children’s classic Through the Looking Glass.

“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty replied scornfully, “it means just what I choose it to mean.”

What does it mean, this word “glory”? We use it in sermon and song, sometimes even in exclamations. (Glory, be!”) The Old Testament word kabod, refers to “heaviness.” Contemporary slang reflects the meaning. Confronted by overwhelming circumstances, teenagers are likely to exclaim, “Man, that’s heavy!”

Figuratively speaking, that’s what Paul meant by “the glory of God” – God’s heaviness, the weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17), a divine grandeur so awesome we can’t begin to comprehend it. But we shall someday. The very thing forfeited through sin (Rom. 3:23) has become our hope through the grace of our Lord Jesus.

Lord, increase my yearning to taste Your glory.

Dec. 10, 2008

The Hope of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Hosea 13-14 : PM – Revelation 1

Joy in Believing
Romans 15:13

13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

As a friend waited to board a flight in a Berlin airport, the boarding call came over the intercom. The agent ended the announcement by saying, in a commanding tone of voice, “You will enjoy your flight.” “I boarded the plane resolved to enjoy the flight,” my friend said, with a smile, “since I apparently had no choice in the matter.”

At this time of year we see throngs of people who are determined to enjoy Christmas because everyone knows that is the thing to do. They throw themselves into a frenzy of shopping, decorating, partying, eating, and drinking in a determined effort to capture the elusive joy that the season is supposed to bring forth.

But Paul’s guaranteed formula for experiencing Christmas joy seems so little known. There is “joy and peace in believing.” This is the gift of God through faith in Christ.

I pray for the gift of deep-down joy, dear Lord, and use me to share it with others.

Dec. 9, 2008

The Hope of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Hosea 11-12 : PM – Jude

Trust in Jesus
Romans 15:7-12

12 “Isaiah says: "There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope."

A remarkable thing happened on Christmas Eve in the first year of World War I. The gunfire stopped, and the silence was broken by the sound of German voices singing “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night, Holy Night”). Candle-lit Christmas trees decorated German trenches all down the line. On Christmas Day, soldiers on both sides left their trenches and met in “no man’s land,” shaking hands and exchanging small gifts. For a day, the Christmas Truce of 1914 reminded battle-weary enemies that peace on earth was still a possibility.

In Romans, Paul spoke of another kind of truce, a reconciliation of Jewish and Gentile elements in a Christian community. And he knew that it could be achieved only through faith in the Messiah of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke, the Christ whose birthday would one day inject an interlude of peace into a bitter war.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.

Dec. 8, 2008

The Hope of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Hosea 9-10 : PM – 3 John

Unity in Praise
Romans 15:5-6

6 “That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I heard some young adults talking about the games they played when they had substitute teachers directing their school orchestra rehearsals. One of their interesting experiments was to exchange instruments with one another. Another favorite ploy was to slow down or speed up the tempo on a given signal. But perhaps their most nerve-racking trick was to deliberately tune their instruments slightly off-key before the director appeared. You can imagine the discordant babel of sound that followed.

When members of a church congregation are out of tune with one another, there can be no true harmony in the worship of God. Where there are divisions in the fellowship, the quality of worship will be thin and spiritless. But a fellowship of believers who take seriously Paul’s formula for unity in Ephesians 4:31-32 will bring acceptable gifts of praise to God.

Endurance and encouragement – we need both when we find ourselves in heavy weather on our Christian pilgrimage. And reading the scriptures will constantly renew our supply.

Lord, help us to relate to one another in love.

Dec. 7, 2008

The Hope of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Hosea 7-8 : PM – 2 John

Comfort of the Scriptures
Romans 15:1-4

4 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

A grizzled veteran soldier of World War II was reminiscing about that terrible war. He said, “We didn’t have more courage than the German boys,” he said, “we just fought five minutes longer.”

Paul was thinking about this kind of dogged endurance when he spoke of “patience.” “Comfort,” too, has undergone considerable domestication since the 17th century. For Paul it was not a passive, soothing word, but rather a hearty encouragement accompanied by a vigorous slap on the back.

Endurance and encouragement – we need both when we find ourselves in heavy weather on our Christian pilgrimage. And reading the scriptures will constantly renew our supply.

Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing, comforting Word.

Dec. 6, 2008

The Hope of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Hosea 4-6 : PM – 1 John 5

Mercy in the Lord
Psalm 33:13-22

32 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared."

Two members of our church were seriously injured when a cable broke and an elevator fell. We sat stunned by the news when the accident was described at a midweek prayer meeting. Elevators aren’t supposed to fall. They are built to exacting specifications and checked by technicians periodically, yet that elevator fell.

Is anything reliable anymore? Automobiles break down, electrical power fails, VCRs get out of whack, and textbooks are often outdated before they can be published. Maybe ancient Heraclitus was right; maybe “Nothing is permanent but change.”

But wait. There is one thing that is absolutely failsafe. The Hebrew word is chesed. “Mercy” catches up a part of the meaning, but there’s more. “Steadfast love” comes closer. What makes chesed stand out, more than anything else is the unwavering reliability of God’s love.

Dear Lord, let Your love burn with a steady glow in my life today.

Dec. 5, 2008

The Message of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Hosea 1-3 : PM – 1 John 4

The Forgiveness of God
Psalm 130:1-8

4 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared."

In the 1956 film, The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit,, Thomas Rath, a World War II veteran, struggled to get established in a career when he discovered he had a 10-year-old son in Italy, the result of a wartime romance. Predictably, his wife, Betsy, was devastated by the revelation; but, in the end, she forgave Thomas and even encouraged him to send money out of their meager monthly income for the support of the child. In the final scene, Thomas said to Betsy, with profound feeling, “Would you mind if I tell you – I worship you.”

Just a human drama, to be sure. But it might serve as a parable to illuminate the psalmist’s response to God’s gracious forgiveness. Repentance is the prelude to forgiveness, but gratitude is the result, and gratitude turns into adoration. Overwhelmed by the tender mercy of a forgiving God, we can only say in wonder and awe, “I worship You.”

Lord, how deeply grateful I am that there is forgiveness in You.

Dec. 4, 2008

The Message of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 10-12 : PM – 1 John 3

The Provision of God
Psalm 111:1-10

9 “He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name."

As Christmas approached in the bleak winter of 1989, there was little joy in Romania. Numbed by the pitiless brutality of Nicolae Ceauscu’s communist government, the people shivered in dark, unheated apartments under relentless surveillance.

In mid-December a miracle began to evolve. Determined to keep their pastor from being taken away by Ceausecu’s agents, members of a Hungarian congregation in the city of Timisoara surrounded the church. By Saturday evening the crowd had grown to 5,000. A week later, as Ceausecu addressed a crowd of 100,000 in Bucharest, someone shouted. “Timisorara!” That unleashed a tidal wave of resistance. On December 25, Ceausescu’s brutal regime came to and end. Redemption had come to Romania on Christmas Day.

Redemption brings freedom – freedom from the oppression of sin, freedom from self, and freedom to serve the Redeemer with gladness.

Lord, thank You for Your provision of redemption.

Dec. 3, 2008

The Message of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 9 : PM – 1 John 2

The Spirit Sent
Galatians 4:6-7

6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"

As he recovered from the formidable task of extinguishing 70 candles on his birthday cake, the preacher’s wife and their children reminisced about some to the feats and foibles of his career as husband and father. His middle-aged daughter warmed his heart when she offered the unsolicited comment: “When I was a child, I knew I could always count on you to stop what you were doing and listen to me. You never made me feel like I was an interruption.”

How it warms my heart even more to know that we can count on our Heavenly Father to listen to His children. What an incredible thing this is that we are encouraged to use the Aramaic equivalent of “Daddy” when we bring our concerns before the eternal creator of this vast universe. And more incredible still is that still, small voice in our hearts, the Spirit’s confirmation of that intimate relationship with Him.

Father, what an unspeakable blessing it is to know that You listen even to our childlike requests.

Dec. 2, 2008

The Message of Christmas


Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 7-8 : PM – 1 John 1

The Redeemer Son
Galatians 4:1-5

5 "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."

Christmas wasn’t placed on the Christian calendar for more than two centuries after the birth of Christ. The dates of deaths were important back then, but the time of birth didn’t really matter all that much.

God’s timing, on the other hand, mattered immensely. When the “fullness of time” came, everything was in place on the stage of human history.

The universal use of the Greek language, the magnificent Roman roads and protected sea lanes, the famous Pax Romana that introduced and era of peace – all this would speed God’s messengers on their way with the good news that the Redeemer had visited our planet.

The date of Christmas isn’t as important as the reason for Christmas. “God sent forth his Son.” Now, that’s something to celebrate!

Thank You for the gladness of this season, Lord, and for the reality of redemption.

Dec. 1, 2008

The Message of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 5-6 : PM – 2 Peter 3

The Children of God
Galatians 3:26-29

26 " For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."

Today, genetic research is lending scientific support to the old saying, “He’s a chip off the old block.” Scientists tell us many of the traits of children will be determined by the DNA bequeathed to them by their parents. But specialists in the field warn against the notion that everything is preordained by our genetic makeup. Our genes interact with our environment. Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are shaped to a large extent by our responses to life experiences. As one biologist put it, “Nurture reinforces or retards nature.”

Isn’t that true of the Christian life? When we become children of God we are created anew (2 Cor. 5:17). We receive the gift of eternal life (John 3:36) and are endowed with the capacity to become more like our Father. But this new nature must be nurtured. As “dear children,” we are to become “followers of God” (Eph. 5:1).

Father, as Your child, help me to be a credit to the family name.

Nov. 30, 2008

The Message of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 4 : PM – 2 Peter 2

The Faith Revealed
Galatians 3:19-22

22 "The Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe."

I love Christmas. People appear more compassionate and cheerful. Decorations brighten the atmosphere. Cards and gifts convey love.

Among the Christmas decorations is the manger scene: a baby, a woman, and a man surrounded by animals. Joyful Christmas carols fill the air. To Christians this scene depicts the message of Christmas, the birth of God’s Son. But what does this message convey to the lost person? A baby, a woman, and a man surrounded by animals? “So what,” the lost may say.

To the Christian, the message is found in who the Baby is. He is the Son of God who grew to be a man and died to save humankind from the bondage of sin. Human kind is kept under the law of death because of personal sin. The Baby in the manger is the Savior. Through faith in Jesus, humankind is redeemed. Until eyes and hearts are open to who He is, the true message of Christmas is missed.

Father, open my eyes that I may know the true message of Christmas found in who Jesus is.

Nov. 29, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 3 : PM – 2 Peter 1

The Promise of Jesus Christ
Galatians 3:19-22

22 "The Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe."

“Free from the law, O happy condition, Jesus hath bled, and there is remission; Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall, Grace hath redeemed us once for all.” These words from an old hymn depict what God did for us through Jesus.

Every person is under the curse of sin. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”(Rom. 3:23). God promised deliverance from sin. Jesus is our escape from the curse of sin. “God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

The fulfilled promise of Jesus Christ causes believers to sing, “Free from the law, O happy condition.”

The true message of Christmas should cause Christians to joyously celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Promise, with a new realization of the meaning of His sacrifice for us.

God, as I prepare for Christmas, may I concentrate on the real message of Christmas: Jesus!

Nov. 28, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 2 : PM – 1 Peter 5

Because of Jesus Love
John 15:15-17

16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

Remember when you were a small child and sides were chosen for the games? The leaders of the teams tended to choose the bigger, stronger, faster kids first. Each leader alternated with the other to choose a child until finally you were chosen. Remember the excitement you felt when you were chosen?

The reality that God has chosen us should bring such excitement. To be chosen by friends to play a game is exciting; but for Jesus, God’s only Son, to choose us is incredible. He could have chosen any one, but He chose me – not on the basis of my abilities or position, but because He loves me. He chose me to “go and bring forth fruit.” He commands me to tell the good news about His love for all people. My love for Jesus and His love for me should motivate me to obey Him.

Thank You, for Your love. May I be faithful in sharing Your love with other people

Nov. 27, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 1 : PM – 1 Peter 4

Because God Seeks All
Matthew 18:14

14 "Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish"

Years ago, during Student Week At LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center, just before going into the worship service, the students learned that three of the students were lost in the mountains. The night was a cold stormy one. As the lightning flashed and the thunder echoed in the mountains; students cried and prayed for the students’ safety. Ironically, the sermon was about the lost sheep. When the service concluded, the announcement was made that the three were found unharmed. Jubilant rejoicing broke out.

God is the Shepherd seeking His lost sheep, much like the searchers sought the students lost in the mountains. God does not want harm to come to the smallest sheep. He wills that not even the least important person nor the most violent offender perish. Imagine the jubilant rejoicing in heaven when one lost person is rescued.

If God continues to seek those who are lost, should we not join Him.

Lord, thank You for allowing me to join You in seeking those who are lost.

Nov. 26, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 47-48 : PM – 1 Peter 3

Because God Will Judge
Acts 17:28-31

31 "Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

In a court of law the judge hears both sides of a case along with lawyers’ comments. Then he makes his decision based upon evidence presented to him. And he determines the punishment. The judges’ decision is final because he is the judge.

Every individual who has ever lived will face God as Judge on judgment day. He will judge everyone by his or her relationship with Jesus. The evidence will already be recorded. God has already determined the punishment for the guilty parties. God’s decision will be final.

On judgment day, God will divide the saved from the unsaved. The saved will go to heaven; the unsaved will go to hell. One good reason to tell everyone the good news of salvation is so they can be properly prepared for judgment.

Oh, God, help me today to show someone how to be properly prepared for judgment.

Nov. 25, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 44-46 : PM – 1 Peter 2

Because All Persons Matter to
God
Acts 17:22-27

127 "They should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us."

Those who work in our association’s prison ministry find many women who feel worthless and question whether or not they really matter to God.

Sometimes when I know I displease God, I wonder why He loves me when I am so unlovely. Paul listed some evidences that persons matter to God:
· God is the creator of all things.
· He is Lord of all.
· He is everywhere.
· He is all sufficient.
· He is the giver of life and breath.
· He is the determiner of the times when people live and were they live.
Why do we matter to God? He wants us to have fellowship with Him and to worship Him.

If persons matter to God, should we not tell them how much they matter to Him?

Oh, God, thank You that I matter to You; help me tell others today they matter to you.

Nov. 24, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 42-43 : PM – 1 Peter 1

Because So Many Follow Idolatry
Acts 17:16-21

16 "Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols."

On a missionary journey into the wilderness of India, William Carey “paused to watch villagers offering frit and bowls of rice to an image of the god of learning. The idol, hung with garlands, stood under a rough shed; the priest . . . had white god marks gleaming upon his brown forehead, chest, and arms, and . . . musicians made ‘horrid music’ with their tom-toms and flutes. Care watched in silence. I felt very much concerned for these poor people,’ he wrote.”

Many forms of idolatry exist today. Materialism and secularism are among them. These idols bring temporary satisfaction but do not meet the need of people to fill the emptiness they have inside. Like William Carey and Paul, we must be concerned about people who follow idolatry and respond by telling them about the real God.

Father, give me boldness to

share the good news with people who are lured by idolatry.

Nov. 23, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 40-41 : PM – James 5

Because Some Will Believe
Acts 17:10-15

12 "Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men."

Adoniram Judson was a missionary to India. He was faced with “constant problems and suffering. Adoniram was put in prison for preaching about Jesus to people unwilling to hear. He was often beaten and driven in chains across the burning desert sands. . . . Judson preached for seven long years before even one person accepted Christ as Savior. . . . Because of his faithful work he left behind 7,000 Christians, 63 churches, and 163 missionaries.” (Julia H. Johnston 1849-1919)

Like Judson and the apostle Paul, we must be faithful in sharing the good news with no guarantees that people will be saved. However, seeing someone saved is a thrill equal to our own salvation experience. We share in that joy because another person is rescued from Satan’s stronghold. Therefore, we must continue to share the good news because some will believe.

Lord, today may I seize every opportunity you give me to share the good news with lost people.

Nov. 22, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 38-39 : PM – James 4

Because People Need To Be Saved
Acts 16:25-31

31 "So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.""

I have so many friends who have cancer. I wish I knew a cure for cancer. I would work tirelessly to share the good news with every cancer patient I could find. I am sure many people would join me.

People without Jesus are unsaved and are going to face a far greater fate than cancer. The Bible states: "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (John 3:36). Those who do not heed the gospel will face everlasting punishment (1 Thess. 1:8-9).

Jesus is the cure for the suffering of unsaved people. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17). Jesus, indeed, is the Great Physician. While a cure for cancer would be wonderful news, should we not be more committed to telling people about a cure for sin than we would be for a cure for cancer.

Father, may I realize that people need to be saved. Help me share the good news with someone today.

Nov. 21, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 35-37 : PM – James 3

Suffering Persecution

Acts 16:16-24

23 "And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely."

Persecution of Christians did not end with the early expansion of the church. Just last year a mob broke down the walls of the Nigerian Baptist Seminary in Kaduna and burned the library and other buildings. Hundreds of men, women, and children were inside the high walls of the seminary compound. These faculty and student families would have been trapped except for the providence of God. Several ladders were standing against the inside of the high back wall so that hundreds of intended martyrs were spared as they escaped over the wall.

Christina persecution has become so severe that Mr. A.M. Rosenthal, a Jewish columnist for the New York Times, wrote an editorial decrying this murderous behavior. His editorial is a bright spot in our media; for the most part the global killing and persecution of Christians has been ignored. Yet more Christians have died as martyrs in this century than at any time in history.

Lord, please protect my brothers and sisters in Christ as they serve You around the world.

Nov. 20, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 33-34 : PM – James 2

Working with the Lord
Acts 16:11-15

14 "Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul."

The Ekpeye village, just across the river from Joinkrama Baptist Hospital, had a preaching point; but there were not enough Christians to establish a church. A man from the village made a profession of faith in Christ and came to the inquirer’s class. He seemed to have a lot of ability and began to lead the services at the preaching point. However, he became involved in the social life of the village and took a second wife.

Another man from the same village made a profession of faith at the hospital and burned his “juju.” That is, he destroyed all the paraphernalia related to his old pagan religion. However, he was not able to become the leader of a church. Sometimes it is very hard to find a leader who can open his or her home to start a church.

Lord, thank You for Lydia, Paul’s first European convert; and thank You for first converts everywhere. I pray that Your Spirit may strengthen them in difficult circumstances.

Nov. 19, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 31-32 : PM – James 1

Going to Help Others
Acts 16:5-10

9 "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

A man from Macedonia: a fellow so distinguished by his facial features, his skin color, and his dress that Paul knew what nation was calling to him in his vision.

When our daughter first went to Africa, all black people looked alike to her. However, she soon came to recognize the smiling, bright-eyed Massai with their red tweed blankets. Then she came to know the tall, thin Fulani men with broad-brimmed straw hats and their women with their teeth colored with a type of lipstick. She could distinguish the Eastern Nigerian tribes wearing their yellows, golds, and reds.

So many people - all so distinct and different - yet all so similar in their need for Christ.

Paul did not hesitate to share the gospel with any person or group. He was always ready to help others.

Oh God, may I be obedient to Your call to help others.

Nov. 18, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 29-30 : PM – Heb. 13

Opening the Door of Faith
Acts 14:21-27

27 "Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles."

His African host smiled broadly as he told him that he was the first white man to sit on his front porch. He pointed across the street to the little mud-walled church topped by a wooden cross and told him that a member of his family started that church.

He marveled that he could be doing a “first.” The first white man to sit on his porch. The first white man to hear the story of the first member of the First Baptist Church in his village.

The wonder is that similar “first” stories are happening to missionaries all over the world every day. New doors of faith are being opened to new people groups who have never before had missionaries in their homes. Does the Holy Spirit have plans for you to be a part of a “first” story?

Father, help me to be excited about opening new doors of faith

Nov. 17, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 27-28 : PM – Heb. 12

A Light to the Gentiles
Acts 13:47-48

47 "For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

Samuel Rutherford, the 17th-century theologian, was imprisoned because of his beliefs. While in prison, he wrote this soul-strengthening letter expressing the joy that sustained him through his trials:

“If God had told me some time ago that He was about to make me as happy as I could be in this world, and then had told me that He should begin by crippling me in all my limbs, and removing me from all my usual sources of enjoyment, I should have thought it a very strange mode of accomplishing His purpose. And yet, how is His wisdom manifested even in this! For if you should see a man shut up in a closed room, idolizing a set of lamps and rejoicing in their light, and you wished to make him truly happy, you would begin by blowing out all his lamps; and then throw open the shutters to let in the light of heaven.”

When the candles that light up our darkness are blown out, let’s rejoice that God is throwing open shuttered windows and pouring in the sunshine of His love.

Like Samuel Rutherford, let’s “walk as children of light”.

Thank You, Father, for the Light You provided to help me find my way to You

Nov. 16, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 25-26 : PM – Heb. 11

Sharing the Gospel
Acts 13:13-16

16 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

He played the accordion well, and told me once that the song he could play easiest from memory was the “Beer Barrel Polka.” Apparently he had played that song numerous times at college parties. Even so God touched his heart and called him to be an international missionary.

As part of his work he preached in African villages to all who would listen. He tried playing some English hymns on the accordion, but only a few people gathered around. Then he realized that no one in the villages would recognize the words to the rollicking melody of “roll out the barrel.” He decided to begin his services with this fast-moving tune, and large crowds came to hear him. Then he moved on to sacred melodies and finally to preaching the gospel.

Paul had a ready-made audience at the synagogue because the crowd had come to hear Gods message. However, times change and perhaps we need to look for new ways to share the gospel today.

Lord, help me use all my talents to witness for Jesus

Nov. 15, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 23-24 : PM – Heb. 10

Separated by God
Acts 13:1-5

2 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

A general surgeon relinquished his commission with the Public Health Service for three years so that he could tithe his surgical career in a mission hospital. A retired married couple did indoor house painting jobs to finance their participation in a medical mission trip to Africa. A construction worker used his three-week vacation time to help build three churches in another country. A dentist took his staff with him to repair teeth in a third world country. An orthodontist has committed a block of his time each year to give continued care to straightening the teeth and improving the smile of people in another land.

This year thousands of American Christians have felt called by God to join hands with career missionaries all over the world to minister to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in the name of Christ.

God is still in the business of setting apart dedicated Christians from church congregations for special assignments. Is He calling you?

Lord, help me understand exactly what You are calling me to do with my life.

Nov. 14, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 21-22 : PM – Heb. 9

Of God’s Grace
Acts 11:25-26

26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Rev. Adeldiran was the pastor of the oldest and largest Baptist Church in Ogbomosho. When Alice, a newly appointed missionary was introduced to him, he bowed graciously, looked her squarely in the eyes and asked, “Are you a Christian?” She was surprised by the question, but Alice replied meekly, “Yes sir, I am.”

Baba Adediran responded, “If you are a Christian, you will love the people.” He knew that neither the Nigerian Christians nor Christian missionaries always acted in loving ways. He was just reminding her of a Christian’s first priority – to love one another.

Christians do not have a good name in all areas of the world today, partly due to preconceived ideas and prejudice. However, we need to ask ourselves if some of this is due to the fact that we do not always act in loving ways.

Lord, help me honor you always by acting in loving ways.

Nov. 13, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 19-20 : PM – Heb. 8

Of God’s Grace
Acts 11:22-24

23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

My Baptist friend was completely confused when he attended services at my grand-mother’s Pentecostal church with me. Everyone prayed at once, some danced in the isles when the music played; and they stood, knelt, and sat at unpredictable times. The church service lasted two hours and we sang songs from shaped note hymn books.

Let me ask you a question. What did Barnabas see in the worship service at Antioch? The service was in Greek. Barnabas understood this language, but it was not his mother’s tongue. Did he see open faces filled with joy because of their hope in Christ? Did he see excited people who knew they had received the gift of eternal life through Jesus?

Barnabas saw something that convinced him he was seeing the grace of God. He saw evidence that indicated to him this was not simply a human phenomenon, but was something God was doing in peoples’ lives.

Lord, fill my heart and the hearts of my fellow church members with so much faith and joy that a visitor may see the grace of God in my church.

Nov.12, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 17-18 : PM – Heb. 7

Of God’s Saving Power
Acts 11:19-21

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

The Lord has allowed me to observe international mission efforts from the mid- 1970’s until the present. There was a time when most Christian converts came from either educational institutions or hospitals. These converts established indigenous churches in large cities, small towns, and villages. Gradually, the young people who grew up in these churches began to replace the overseas missionaries in local schools and hospitals.

Today, we are living in a time of transition for international missions. The missionaries of today have a more difficult job than those who went into the field 20 years ago. They face greater challenges to the faith. They serve in more dangerous locations. They take their families into very different cultural situations so that they can identify with the people whom they serve. And, truly, the Lord’s hand is with them; and a great number of people are believing in the Lord and being saved daily.

Lord, please bless Your missionaries around the world. Keep them safe and glorify the name of Your Son, Jesus, through them.

Nov.11, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 15-16 : PM – Heb. 6

Who Believe
Acts 8:36-40

37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Because of the dry season, the creeks and rivers had dried up to unconnected shallow pools of water. The congregation at King River Baptist Church stood in the shade of a towering tropical forest, and Keith Edwards, a medical missionary, squatted on the fallen trunk of a large Iroko tree that stretched out over the water. The ordained missionary preacher who was baptizing the converts did not know their language, so it was his job to translate the baptismal formula as he gave it in English.

Keith did not think any crocodiles had been seen in this area of the river. Still, he kept a wary eye on the water and the banks as 12 candidates entered the river for baptism.

Yes, that baptism was quite different from any we have seen here in the United States, but one thing was exactly the same. Like the eunuch, each new convert said: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Lord, I rejoice in the eternal life I received when I believed in Jesus

Nov.10, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 13-14 : PM – Heb. 5

Who Seek The Lord
Acts 8:32-35

34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.

While sitting in a hotel lobby I overheard two young people discussing the Jews.

One said, very confidently, that the Jews were special people because God had chosen them. The other agreed and said that at first he thought it meant God had special blessings for the Jews; but he confessed, it was confusing to see how they had suffered through the years.

What an opportunity to witness! Here were two people who were seeking to understand what God meant to happen when He chose the Jews. It was an open door to the gospel – an opportunity to help them see that God chose the Jews not to be pampered, but to be servants; not to take possession of the world, but to bless the world.

Lord, help me to see opportunities to witness for Christ in the world around me

Nov. 9, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 11-12 : PM – Heb. 4

Who Desire Help
Acts 8:26-31

31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.”

Notice in the devotional passage that Philip had not yet reached the place to which he thought he was going at the angels command. He was still on the way when he met the Ethiopian eunuch. How did Philip know the eunuch was the man to whom he was being sent? This man was ready for the gospel. This African eunuch, so different from Philip in color, culture, and economic standing, wanted help.

This past week did you encounter unbelievers who were ready for the gospel and wanted help? How did you respond?

Lord, give me discernment so that I might know the hearts and desires of the people around me.

Nov. 8, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 8-10 : PM – Heb. 3

To Whom Christians Go
Acts 8:4-8

4 “They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”

When the young Nigerian student completed his B.S. in nursing, he went back to Nigeria. The Nigerian government told him he must work for a year, at a reduced salary, to pay the country back for his education. He was assigned to a hospital in Ilorn, the very city that had refused entry to an early Baptist missionary name Thomas Bowen.

Every Nigerian college graduate was required to give a year of service in their file of study. Christian missions in Nigeria had emphasized education. Early missionaries not only brought the gospel, they also brought the opportunity for young people to study.

Therefore, the majority of Nigeria’s college graduates at that time were Christian men and women. This group of young people were scattered throughout the country by government decree. Like the persecuted Christians in Jerusalem, these men and women not only carried education to pagan villages throughout the country, they also carried their Christian faith. God’s ways are marvelous to behold, and fortunate are the people to whom Christians go.

Father, help me glorify Christ in all circumstances.

Nov. 7, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 6-7 : PM – Heb. 2

Justification By Faith
Galatians 2:15-16

16 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified”

No one has ever behaved himself into heaven by keeping God’s law. There is no such thing as performance-based redemption.

Paul’s reminder to the Galatians teaches that no one can stockpile enough merit to allow that person to stand guiltless before God. Actually, no one has ever been made righteous by the law because no one has ever perfectly kept the law.

When Paul released his grip on the law and reached his hand out to receive God’s grace, the midnight of regulations became the sunrise of salvation. Jesus had done for Paul what he could never have done for himself. I hope this is your story also.

Thank You, Father, for justifying me by the faith of Christ.

Nov. 6, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 3-5 : PM – Heb. 1

The Gospel of Revelation
Galatians 1:11-12

12 “For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ”

Paul never wavered in his conviction that the gospel he preached was not speculation or a secondhand legend handed down from one generation to another, but rather a direct revelation from God. The method of the revelation included the apostle being stricken blind at high noon in the suburbs of Damascus, then having a conversation with God.

The message is universal. Christ provides forgiveness for our sins, hope for each day, and eternal life in heaven, for all who will receive Him as their personal Savior. He came to earth born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, preached and performed miracles. He was falsely tried, innocently condemned, brutally crucified, placed in a borrowed tomb; and three days later he arose from the grave. He instructed His friends, then went home to heaven. One glorious day, as King of kings and Lord of lords, He is coming back for His redeemed. This is the gospel of revelation that is offered to anyone and everyone who will believe.

Thank You, Father, for revealing Yourself to me through Your son.

Nov. 5, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 1-2 : PM – Philemon

The Gospel of Grace
Galatians 1:6-10

8 “As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, That save a wretch like me!” This was the testimony of John Newton, the slave trader who became God’s witness. We cannot earn God’s grace or merit it. But we can gratefully by faith receive it. When I became a Christian I, too, experienced His saving grace; and Christ became my Redeemer and Lord of my life. It was the best decision I ever made.

Accepting God’s offer of grace and becoming one of His children does not imply, however, that we are “off the hook” and never need to do anything further for Him. To the contrary, as believers we should be willing to invest our time and our lives sharing personal witnesses of His wonderful grace with those who have not received it.

“Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.”

Help me, Father, to receive your grace which is sufficient to forgive all my sins.

Nov. 4, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Lamentations 5 : PM – Titus 3

Repentance and Forgiveness
Acts 2:32-41

38 “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”

Bill had purchased a new car. His younger brother, desperately needing transportation, asked if he could borrow his car. Bill agreed, reminding Keith to be “very careful.”

When Keith started home, he saw that a rear fender had been mashed. Retuning home, he went upstairs and started packing; he was leaving. He then came downstairs to face his brother.

He explained he did not know how the car had been damaged, but he would pay for the repairs. He asked Bill to forgive him and waited for what he believed would be an angry response.

Bill studied the look on his brother’s face, then said: “Keith, I can get another fender; but I can’t get another brother. It’s OK.” It ended there: one son repented, the other son forgave him. Likewise, true repentance brings forgiveness from our Savior.

Lord, I am grateful daily for Your forgiveness of my sins

Nov. 3, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Lamentations 4 : PM – Titus 2

The Crucified and Risen Savior
Acts 2:22-24

23 “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it”

That Friday in Jerusalem the city churned with the news: “They’re going to kill the carpenter from Nazareth today.” The cross of Christ is not a part of our salvation, a part of the gospel, or the important part of the gospel; it is the gospel. At the cross, Jesus offered Himself once and for all for our sins.

However, the story is not concluded. It continued on Sunday morning when an angel said, “He is not here: for He is risen as He said” (Matt. 28:6). The resurrection confirms our hopes as believers that there is life after death. It also proves the deity of Christ as the Son of God. Finally, it affirms for all believers that we worship a living Lord. We can weep at the cross or rejoice near the vacant tomb but the one thing we cannot do is walk away with our lives in neutral unchanged.

We rejoice, Father, that You are our living Savior.

Nov. 2, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Lamentations 3 : PM – Titus 1

Salvation For Those Who Call
Acts 2:14-21

21 “It shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.”

There are essentially two decisions necessary for an unbeliever to become a Christian. One is asking the Son of God to forgive his sins, and two is trusting and receiving Him as personal Savior.

Why should a person call on the name of the Lord? Good question! If our unforgiven sins remain unforgiven, they separate us from God; we are then destined to spend eternity apart from God in hell. This is a tough statement, but it is absolutely true.

I’m glad we can define this most essential truth about salvation and give direction how to receive it with 13 simple words: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth” (Isa 45:22). A look can be a non seeing glance or a steady gaze that indicates the beginning of a lifelong focus concentrated on Jesus Christ. It can also be the beginning of a person’s salvation and a glorious life that lasts forever.

Lord, help me to share your message with those who need to experience Your salvation.

Nov. 1, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Lamentations 2 : PM – 2 Timothy 4

One Gospel For All People
Acts 2:5-13

12 “So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?”

Preaching in an outdoor meeting in the city square of Tarlac in the Philippines, the preacher had an experience that showed him when the Word of God is preached in simplicity and truth it has the power within itself to reach anyone, anywhere, anytime. He had requested the pastor-interpreter say and do what he said and did. Beginning the invitation one evening, he inadvertently tipped over his microphone. Immediately, his translator overturned his.

The man who had rented them his microphones was listening, as he did each evening, atop one of the high speaker poles. Immediately, he started descending down the pole. The preacher also realized he could possibly be facing a very angry person. He was wrong.

The man rushed to the interpreter, tears streaming down his face, and asked the young pastor if he would lead him to Christ as Savior. The preacher learned that evening there is absolutely no exclusion to who is included in the “all of the gospel.”

Thank You, Father, for the gospel that excluded no one.

October 31, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

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

God’s Message Spread Abroad
1 Thessalonians 1:2-8

8 “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.”

Throughout the year, our church hosts several events that reach out into our local community. A favorite for all is the annual “Fall Festival”. Teens and adults give of their time and energy to make it possible. We celebrate Christ instead of participating in traditional Halloween festivities.

This festival of joy includes booths with games, gifts, prized, and candy for the children. Live music, entertainment, hot dogs, and popcorn are plentiful. As each family enters the festivities, we register their attendance and find out if they have a church home. We talk with them and place colorful tracts in their bags explaining God’s plan of salvation.

As we look to minister to the various needs in families, people respond to the love, hope, and good news of Jesus Christ. How exciting to share God’s message beyond the walls of the church.

Father, help me share Jesus Christ on this night.

October 30, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

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

God’s Message Glorified
Philippians 1:27-28

27 “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

The Young mother stood before her pastor, a man she respected as the head of the church over her. He spoke accusing, threatening words to her. The words cut deep into her heart. As she was leaving the church, someone was following her, causing further intimidation.

Fearfully, she immediately drove to her mom’s residence. Gently the wise mother read aloud Philippians 1:27-28. The word of truth began dissolving the hurt and pain, bringing healing balm to her heart. God saw and knew the truth about the situation.

As we relate to one another, we are to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). Our words are to be uplifting and encouraging as we strive to stand firm in the truth.

Father, may I be steadfast and striving for unity of the gospel.

October 29, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

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

God’s Message Accepted
Acts 10:44-48

47 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

At the end of a fun-filled week at the summer church camp, the sparkling blue water of the swimming pool became the baptistery. Many boys and girls lined up to take their turns wading into the shallow end.

One by one the camp pastor asked each person if they believed that Jesus died for their sin, was buried, rose again and had asked Him to forgive them of their sin. As each individual responded yes, he prayed for and baptized that person.

One young girl came up from under the water rejoicing with tears streaming down her cheeks. This event was a public testimony to me and told all the others observing the change that had taken place in her life. “Jesus is living in me, and I love Him,” she said joyfully.

When we ask Jesus into our hearts, we then receive His Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our salvation. The act of baptism says to those watching that Christ is in me, and I will follow and obey Him.

Father, thank You for the privilege of following Christ in baptism

October 28, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

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

God’s Message Shared
Acts 10:34-43

43 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Daily I meet people who need to hear about Jesus. I see them in my neighborhood, at the gas station, and at the grocery store. Speaking to them about their need for forgiveness of sin is difficult. I fear rejection. When I put myself aside and focus on Jesus, I am no longer the obstacle. I am to be ready when He brings divine appointments across my path.

God’s message of truth is hope for all – hope for today and all eternity for everyone who believes. God’s forgiveness breaks sin’s power and peace fills the hearts of new believers. The heavy weight of sin lifts from their shoulders, freeing them from its bondage and debt.

Many people continue to pray fervently for their loved ones to believe in Jesus. Some have come to know Him as a result of these faithful prayer warriors. We need to continue to pray for the many that still resist the word and refuse to believe.

Father, help me to remain faithful in sharing Your message of hope with a lost person today.

October 27, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

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

God’s Messager Received
Acts 10:23-33

33 “So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

Occasionally on a Sunday morning it is difficult for her physically to get up and get moving because of arthritis. Also, the chronic pain of fibromyalgia combined with the usual stresses of life drain the energy from her body. However, it is during these times, when she gets up and goes to church regardless of how she feels, she experiences times of strength from God. He is renewing her body and refreshing her spirit.

God knows exactly what we need. He is faithfully equipping His servants with the words we need to hear and put into practice in our lives. It is amazing that we hear exactly what we need through the pastor’s preaching and his prayers. We need to be there, together with other believers, to hear God’s precepts of truth. Otherwise, we may suffer spiritual drought and unnecessary worry. How blessed we are when we receive God’s message through His messenger.

Lord, Thank You for strengthening my weaknesses through the words of Your servant.

October 26, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

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

God’s Messager Prepared
Acts 10:9-22

15 “And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common.”

The church body was seeking God’s heart and praying for a new pastor. The search committee was diligently looking, searching, and following God’s direction. They knew God was faithful and was working in the heart of the new shepherd He would send. God was equipping and preparing Him to preach and teach the Word among them.

God had a specific plan and purpose for them. He was getting them ready for the man He was sending to be their new pastor.

God spoke to Peter using the vision of the unclean animals. Three times the vision came, and he doubted. Peter knew he would not touch or eat any unclean animal. God told Peter he must not call unclean what He has cleansed. The divine instruction God spoke was clear –arise, go, and do not doubt. God was sending Peter to these people to accomplish a new work. God still prepares His servants for the work He has ordained.

Lord, I ask that You prepare my heart for the ministry which You have prepared for me.

October 25, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

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

God’s Message Needed
Acts 10:1-8

6 “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”

Cornelius’s reputation is one of a devout and good man. He feared God and gave alms generously to people in need. He and all the members in his house prayed to the one true God. They did not follow idols or foreign gods.

God heard Cornelius’s prayers and began preparing Peter to come and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to him and his Gentile family. God blessed his family with truth.

As individual, we are also a part of the larger family of God. We are responsible to teach the word to those who live under our roofs. Also, we are to share with those outside of our homes – in the workplace, at school, at the ball park, and as we travel.

Being good and doing good works are not enough to bring salvation into our lives. Cornelius and his family needed to hear God’s provision of salvation through Jesus. Just as Peter did we too need to recognize the need for others to hear God’s message.

Thank You, Lord, for using my prayers and gifts to enhance the lives of others.