GUIDE ME!

GUIDE ME!

Ps 31:3

3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Believers sense the need of guidance from God. Since our conversion we have a connection with the invisible world. There is a silent, unseen partner who both urges us on and restrains our movements. Our rest is often interrupted by a strong urge to move along and our hectic activity is sometimes brought to an abrupt halt by circumstance and a sense of caution. This is guidance and this is what we need.

Solomon would soon be king instead of his father David and he felt a strong need of guidance. He felt ill-equipped to lead and he appealed to his Leader.

1 Kings 3:7-10

7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

I sense a strong need of guidance today, perhaps you do too. In fact there is the sense of God’s movement; that He is preparing me for something I am not yet aware. I need guidance, perhaps you do too.

Isa 30:21

21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Dear Lord, I feel a bit lost and disoriented today and I need your direction. I long to hear the rustling of your feet as Adam heard in the garden at evening. Please come by thy Spirit and fellowship with me that I might know your heart and follow your way. AMEN

THE LORD WILL FINISH IT!

THE LORD WILL FINISH IT!

Ps 138:8

8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me:

Comfortingly, the Hebrew word translated “perfect” here is the word gamar (gaw-mar') and means “to end.” The idea is that God will bring all that concerns us to a successful completion. The New Testament confirms this thought in the following verse.

Phil 1:6

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

The Greek word for “will perform” is epiteleo (ep-ee-tel-eh'-o) and means to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by implication, to terminate, to bring to a full and satisfying end.

God will keep working on me until He is satisfied with the finished product. He will keep on working in spite of my ignorance until wisdom begins to develop in me. He will keep on working in spite of my weakness because His strength is made perfect. He will keep on working in spite of my stubbornness because He is a firm but loving heavenly Father. He will bring me to maturity.

God will keep on fine tuning His purpose for me. He will bring into my life those who can influence me for good even if the circumstances of these encounters seem bad at the time. He will shut down some of my pet projects because they do not fit His purposes for me. He will lead me through hard paths because they end in the accomplishment of His greater purpose. He will allow pain and restrain pleasure so that I may become mature.

At the beginning of this year our church entered a very difficult period in her history. Serious damage was discovered and we had to move out of our sanctuary. The verse below was my text for the very first sermon of the new year and it now appears that we are nearing the beginning of the restoration of our facilities. It is about to work out for good.

Rom 8:28-31

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Dear Lord, waiting for the “working together” has been hard. Now we anticipate the “good.” We know your plans are perfect and your timing is best. Thank you! AMEN

SEPARATE MEANS DIFFERENT!

SEPARATE MEANS DIFFERENT!

2 Cor 6:14-18

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

          Christian separation is a controversial issue. Endless hours can be spent just trying to identify terms. Strangely, Christian separation seems only to be controversial among Christians. The non-Christian world seems to understand, albeit grudgingly, that becoming a believer necessarily makes one different. Why then are Christians so divided on this issue?

          The dictionary definition of the common word “different” is: “unlike in nature and quality; distinct; special.” This compliments the original intent of the word “separate” in our text. The Greek word aphorizo means: “to set off by boundary; to limit; to exclude.” The world seems to understand, and even accept, that there are certain things a real Christian does not do. Perhaps that is why one can order a “Shirley Temple” instead of an alcoholic mixed drink. The drinking world, in that regard, has made allowances for us. Why are Christians so unclear on the issue?

          The problem seems to be the tension between individualism and community; or rather conformity. God intended for believers to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is part of the transforming process and is the end result of everything “working out” as is stated in verse 28. We are warned not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by renewing our mind (Romans 12:2). The idea is that we constantly compare our thoughts with the revealed thoughts of God and bring them into agreement. The world understands and allows this. Why is it so offensive to believers?

          The culture seeks to change our mind by applying pressure from without. Subtly, slowly, the culture challenges our exclusiveness and seeks our conformity. The Holy Spirit seeks to transform, literally to transfigure, us from within. The result is tension and conflict. This is why Jesus said that He would set family members against one another (Luke 12:51-53). The whole Christian community feels this tension.

          The prodigal left the father’s farm because it was so uncomfortably structured and restricting to his desire for individualism and liberty. The father never thought that transforming the farm into a tavern would make his son stay or return home sooner. No, home was “different” from the riotous culture that had swallowed the son. In the end the son needed a place that was so different from his world that it provided a refuge. This is still the challenge of the church. Christianity is not “cool.”

Dear Lord, help me to be decidedly different without being odd. Help me to be a refuge to those who have been bruised. AMEN

PATIENCE IMPLIES SUFFERING!

PATIENCE IMPLIES SUFFERING!

(This is a “classic” devotion worthy of another look.)

Rom 5:1-5

5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Did you know that the word “patience” does not appear in the Old Testament but we have "patiently" in Ps 40:1 as the translation of qawah, "to wait," "to expect," which word frequently expresses the idea, especially that of waiting on God; in Ps 37:7, "patiently" ("wait patiently") is the translation of qul, one of the meanings of which is "to wait" or "to hope for" or "to expect" (of Job 35:14); "patient" occurs (Eccl 7:8) as the translation of 'erekh ruach, "long of spirit," (from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia).

Patience necessarily implies that there is some kind of suffering. We might say that there is no need to scratch where there is no itch! There is no need for patience where there is no tribulation. Tribulation worketh patience, actually PRODUCES patience, necessarily. (Rom 5:3)

I am a bit of an expert at IMPATIENCE and I’m not really proud of that. I know what it feels like to wait for something that I would prefer to happen immediately. Patience, it seems, is the LEARNED ability to know that God is at work and that, at His appointed time, the hoped for event will take place. But patience is only the second step in a process of maturity.

Tribulation gives rise to PATIENCE, coming from a verb which signifies "to keep good under" and might be rendered "endurance." Endurance then produces patience which produces experience (Experience is the idea that I’ve been in this situation before and have learned what to do). Experience produces hope. How many Christians have declared that they never knew the gladness of faith or lively hope till they gained it by tribulation!

Now, HOPE is where we want to be in the process! Hope is that part of us that KNOWS God will bring all things together in a pleasant and workable solution to our problems. Peter says that it is a “lively” hope.

1 Peter 1:3

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Dear Lord, the answer may not come today but I have a lively hope that it will come and that it will be just what you have ordered for my life. Thank you, Lord. AMEN

TREMBLING AT THE WORD!

TREMBLING AT THE WORD!

Isa 66:1-2

66 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and those things have been, saith the Lord : but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Rev 3:8

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

          It went sliding along the tile floor like a hockey puck. The little boy had flung it like a Frisbee putting just the right English on it to make the pages flare in a feathery flutter. This Word of God had become a boy’s toy. I was horrified and attacked this teaching moment with vigor explaining that through the centuries men had died to make it possible for this copy to be in his hands. He stared at me blankly and I knew that the best I could do was to impress upon this young mind that this kind of treatment was inappropriate for this particular book.

          Some of my colleagues are once again engaged in their annual discussion, some would say argument, regarding the best translation of Scripture. Those who prefer the newer versions refer to the “Old” as if it were growing mold. The inference is that it has no relevance to today’s issues and problems. The claim is that the current translations are more reputable. A conclusion will not be reached here today either for this is a devotional and not a scholarly forum.

          My granddaughter actually brought this into crisp focus for me a year or two ago. She had just returned from youth camp and was pretty “fired up” spiritually. She read a verse from her parallel Bible and then turned to her preacher Grandpa and asked, “Which one is right?” Ah! That is the real issue isn’t it. Which one most accurately captures the mind of God and transmits that thought to the mind of man. Which one most accurately translates the original words? Which one is authoritative and which of the others are more commentary than translation. The jury is still out and the jury is hung!

           The Philadelphian church was commended for keeping the Word. This, of course, meant that they sought to understand it and to obey it. It did not mean that they kept it locked safely in some vault. The Bible is referred to as a “mirror” (James 1:22-24). The mirror does not make us ugly; it only reveals our ugliness. We can either make adjustments to our appearance or we can edit the Word. I am amazed at how much editing has gone on in recent years.

James 1:24-25

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Dear Lord, let me strive to know your heart and your mind. Help me to obey your precepts that I may be blessed. AMEN

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH!

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH!

2 Chron 18:12-17

12 And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.

13 And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.

14 And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.

15 And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?

16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?

To conserve a bit of space I have selected these six verses although the entire story takes up most of the eighteenth chapter. King Jehoshaphat made an alliance with neighboring King Ahab (18:1) and convinced him to go to war with him against Ramoth-gilead (18:2). Being religious, or more accurately superstitious, they invited 400 prophets to reveal the outcome of their campaign. All 400 prophets said it would be a good and successful campaign. “Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand” (18:5).

In spite of all the smiling prophets and flag waving patriotism, Jehoshaphat wanted a second opinion and he asked, “Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?” (18:6) Well, there was one man whose prophecies could be trusted but he was a bit “negative!” So they called upon Micaiah to come and give his prophecy.

Now, every other prophet was smiling so broadly that their faces hurt and the messenger encouraged Micaiah to not be so negative and to make the prophecy in agreement with the others. Surely 400 prophets in agreement was a confirmation of truth! Yet, Micaiah said he would only prophecy whatever God revealed to him (18:13).

Upon entering the throne room of the two kings Micaiah looked around and saw their pomp. Both were seated on thrones in a room too big for either of them. Sarcasm washed over him like a flood and he simply repeated what all the other 400 smiling prophets had proclaimed. “Surely God will deliver Ramoth-gilead into your hand! How could it be otherwise since so many had declared it?”

Suspicious of the dripping sarcasm, the king demanded to know the truth and nothing but the truth! Micaiah said “what I see is your armies scattered all over the countryside and they have no leader. It will not go well with you in your campaign against Ramoth-gilead. You will be defeated.”

Now, here is the question, although it took a long time to arrive here! How important is the truth and nothing but the truth? An army preparing for battle needs good intelligence. They need to know the strength of the opposition, their strategies and how they will be arrayed. A person who is sick does not need a smiling and optimistic doctor. He needs the truth so that he can take measures to restore health. They need the truth and nothing but the truth.

A soul speeding toward eternity needs to know the truth! They do not need fast formulas for happiness and earthly success. They need the truth! That soul does not need some smiling prophet who never mentions his sin or the deadliness of it. He needs the truth even if it is somewhat negative.

The truth is the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. He that covers his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Prov 28:13

Dear Lord, today help me to speak the truth in love to those who need it. Give me a heart that desires the truth and nothing but the truth. AMEN

THE SIN OF PRIDE!

THE SIN OF PRIDE!

Ps 10:4

4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

          Paul displayed a positive kind of pride in Philippians 4:1 when he said he was proud of the churches he founded but he was careful to explain that his success was due to the power of God upon his life. In all other places pride is universally condemned. There are many words for pride. Arrogance, insolence, haughtiness, conceit, hubris, and loftiness are just a few of the synonyms for pride. We hate pride in others and often fail to recognize it in ourselves.

          Pride’s greatest problem is explained in the text above. Pride will not acknowledge a need for God. The proud person may sit in church and appear to worship but inside he thinks that he doesn’t need to be assembled with these sinners. He sees himself as exempt from the rest and in a special case. He is above the petty infractions committed by others or he is too brilliant to be caught. He is simply better than the rest.

          I was talking with an evangelist who shook his head with dismay that people will sit through a deeply convicting sermon and yet will not respond to the invitation. They sit in their seats as if the message was for someone else and not for them. They know the service will soon be over and they will be able to smile pleasantly while shaking the preacher’s hand and be on their way. This pride is self defeating and by it many blessings are withheld.

          When I first began as a young preacher my reaction to pride was anger. Through the years anger has been replaced with sadness for I know that the proud person has rejected the goodness of God. Worse than that, they have attracted the wrath of God because God hates pride. Oh, abandon your pride today and humble yourself before the mighty hand of God.

1 Peter 5:5-6

5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Dear Lord, gently break me and subdue me that I may enjoy fellowship with you. AMEN

SALTY SOULS!

SALTY SOULS!

Matt 5:13

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

          Salt, in those days, was rarely found in its pure state but was almost always mixed with other substances. If it was subjected to dampness the saltiness leached out and the remaining sand would be tossed away. Jesus implied that the disciples had a particular function to perform and, if they didn’t, they might as well not exist. This challenges us to find God’s purpose for our lives.

          It is helpful to understand that salt purifies, preserves and enhances flavor. If we are the salt of the earth then we function as agents of purification. Can you imagine a world without church or God? Many of the hospitals, orphanages and relief agencies are church related. What would the world be if they were taken away? As salt, we minimize or slow the deterioration of sin in this world.

          Salt also produces thirst and enhances flavor. Those without hope in Christ are made thirsty and hungry for righteousness because of our daily influence. We add zest to life and good to our community because of our attachment to Christ.

          Salt must never expect to be praised for itself. No man sits down to a meal and says: “This is delicious salt!” No, he praises the flavor of the food without thinking of the salt.

Dear Lord, let me be salty salt shaken out upon a tasteless world. Let me create in others a thirst for you. AMEN

TRUTH IN MIXED METAPHORS!

TRUTH IN MIXED METAPHORS!

Eccl 12:11

11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

          Solomon, in spite of his opinion that most things are “vanity and vexation of spirit,” still knows that he has an obligation to teach the people. He must provide “acceptable words – even words of truth” (verse 10). The words of the wise would be illustrated by three well-known things.

          The ox goad was a long, pointed pole with which the driver could encourage the oxen in their task of pulling the cart. Oxen are strong but lazy and would prefer to quietly graze in the lush green pasture rather than strain at the yoke. A pointed stick in the rump was an adequate motivator. So are wise words which lift us out of our lethargy. The Preacher searches for just the right words to motivate those who are at ease.

          A well placed and well driven nail transforms disjointed boards into beautiful and sturdy buildings. How often have we needed something to “nail down” an important thought. The hammer strikes forcefully and repeatedly upon an important principle until it is driven deep within the mind and memory. So the Preacher pounds and hammers home truth so that the building of faith easily withstands the winds of doubt and difficulty.

          A faithful shepherd knows the way and guides the sheep in safety. This is, of course, the Lord who is mighty in wisdom. “For the Lord  giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Prov 2:6) Jesus once looked upon Jerusalem and mourned that they were “like sheep having no shepherd.”

          All these things may be found today in your church. How foolish to withhold from yourself the goad of godly living. How beneficial is the hammer of godly counsel upon the principle of truth? And why would you withdraw and wander from the shepherd of your soul?

Dear Lord, motivate me to better deeds and nail down truth within me. Shepherd my soul and prevent me from going astray. AMEN

HOW JESUS DEALT WITH REJECTION!

HOW JESUS DEALT WITH REJECTION!

Mark 10:17-23

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

          We sometimes joke about evangelists and preachers beating people over the head with the Bible in order to win their loyalty but we see no such attitude in Jesus. He was the way and the truth but not everyone followed His way or believed His truth. Yet Jesus never preached to be personally offensive. He never pouted when some walked away unchanged. Jesus’ model was gentleness and reverence.

          Jesus never argued with those who disagreed with Him. He did ask some leading questions meant to make the subject think! Here He asks: “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but God.” In this short question Jesus challenges the man to investigate his own motivation. He also hints that He was God.

          Jesus answered a simple question with a simple answer. The man wanted to know what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responded that he should never ever, not even once, do anything wrong. The man foolishly said that he had kept every part of the law flawlessly. Then Jesus looked at this foolish man and loved him. Jesus then focuses on the man’s love of his money.

          Jesus never lashed out in anger or ridicule. Jesus never challenged the man’s assertion that he had kept the law from his youth until now. Instead Jesus used common sense dialogue, storytelling and logical debate. The man walked away – and Jesus let him do so.

James 3:17

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Dear Lord, let me present the gospel in a persistent and gentle manner. Bless each effort with fruit by your Spirit. AMEN

FAITH IN A WORLD OF CYNICISM!

FAITH IN A WORLD OF CYNICISM!

2 Tim 4:2-5

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

          Heap! Paul warned young Timothy that there would come a day when the general population would keep on seeking those who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Demagogues, leaders who appeal to the emotions and prejudices of the people in order to gain power, are multiplying in our day.

          Cynicism reigns! Cynicism is that tired emotion that can also be described as pessimism, sarcasm, suspicion, skepticism, distrust and doubt. Faith is a hard product to sell in an age of cynicism. Malachi ministered in an age such as this. Faith had become formalism and worship had become weariness (Malachi 1:13).

          The foundations of our modern world are crumbling. Teenagers, even church-going teenagers seem ignorant of the moral moorings that once kept our culture from drifting. They enter an educational system through metal detectors and they reach adulthood in deep debt. God, the tooth fairy and Santa Claus sit dejectedly on the park bench of doubt feeding squirrels.

          So, how can a person of faith navigate a world of doubt? Paul gave Timothy these following points to pursue.

Ø Constancy! “In season and out of season.” Practice your faith even when it is uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Ø Circumspection! Simply be aware that the time is coming when people will be consumed with doubt. They will practice a form of religion but there will be none in their heart.

Ø Courage! “Endure afflictions!” Christianity, these days, is not clothed in silk but in denim. It is not for wimps.

Ø Completion! “Make full proof of your ministry.” Don’t be a slacker. Fill up the hours and minutes because there are not many hours and minutes left.

Dear Lord, the days are desperate. Let me be all I can be and all I should be until you come. AMEN

PRAYING FOR OTHERS!

PRAYING FOR OTHERS!

Eph 3:14-21

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

          Paul’s final words to the Ephesians suggests a form for praying for our friends. After rehearsing his testimony and his troubles, Paul goes on to explain how he prays for others.

          He prayed for spiritual strength. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life is evidence of salvation. Once we are saved we are immediately thrust into a spiritual conflict. Our human strength and abilities will not be sufficient against a spiritual foe. Paul reminds us that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal; not human or physical” (2 Cor. 10:4). When you pray for your friends, pray for their spiritual strength.

          He focused on the inner man. I am thinking of a friend now who seethes with anger and frustration. Paul understood that, not only is this warfare a spiritual one, it takes place within the inner man. The battle field is our mind and our emotions. Peter referred to it as “the hidden man of the heart” (1 Peter 3:4). We have now learned that many of our illnesses are due to improper thinking. We are not just ill, we are mentally ill. So, when you pray for your friends, pray for peace within their inner man.

          Paul also prayed for their understanding. He wanted the Ephesians to understand God. He wanted them to comprehend the incomprehensible; to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge. Since “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17), he wanted them to read and study their Bible. I find it interesting that, after forty years as a pastor, the two things I still recommend most is Bible study and prayer yet those two things are most neglected.

          Paul prayed that they might understand and experience “the power of God that works in us.” God never rests in His quest to make us conform to the image of His Son. He is always chipping away the rough edges and sanding until the surface is smooth. Often this process is painful to the subject but the product is worth the pain. So, when you pray for your friends, pray that they will experience the power of God in their lives.

          Paul prayed that the Ephesians might glorify God in the church. “Glory in the church” is how he put it. When you pray for your friends, pray that they might be both useful and satisfied in their church. Too few people understand or experience a mutually satisfying church relationship.

Heb 13:20-21

20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Dear Lord, today I pray for my friends. I pray that they might know you and experience your power. Give them not only their daily bread but their daily portion of your Spirit. AMEN

HE FEELS IT TOO!

HE FEELS IT TOO!

Isa 63:9

9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

These devotionals were originally sent to of members of Calvary Baptist Church in Bowie, Texas and grew from our electronic prayer alerts list. We still have an email prayer alert list but later added daily devotionals. Along the way we have welcomed friends and guests and soon it became necessary to separate the devotionals from the prayer list. Most of what we pray for is either sickness or affliction within our church family. The scripture portion for today lets us know that Our loving God feels all our affliction.

He knows the misery and pain of illness!

Beyond the physical pain of the illness itself, there is the fact that we must temporarily assign our duties to others or else leave them undone. There is the sleepless nights and the inactivity and loneliness of the long days while our bodies recover. We become needy and fear that we are a burden to others. We become concerned that important things will not fare well without our personal attention. We feel helpless and weak. This is illness and we have all felt it from time to time.

He knows what it is like to be poor!

The pain of unemployment or “underemployment” has brought some of our people difficult circumstances. He knows what it is like to have nowhere to lay His head. He knows what it is like to draw coins from the fishes’ mouth, to scrape the bottom of the barrel for meal and to drain the cruse of oil of its last drop. He knows when the rent is due and the faces of our children show the pinch of deprivation. He feels it too!

He knows the pain of unfriendly friends!

He knows what it is like to see a multitude of followers dwindle to a handful. He has asked “Will ye also go away?” He knows what it is like to stand upon principles and lose companions because of it – or simply to have those leave your company who expected a product you were not manufacturing. He knows what it is like to be “unfriended.”

He knows the struggle of temptation!

He has felt the pang of hunger and desire and declared that man shall not live by bread alone. He was in all points tempted like we are – yet without sin.

Dear Jesus, I can face the afflictions of this day knowing at least that you know. Thank you for being my companion in trials and the abundant provision of my need. Come quickly to help when I need you. AMEN

SPOILED!

SPOILED!

Col 2:6-8

6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

          The Greek word for “spoiled” is sulagogeo and means to be lead away as booty. During any riot or war no property is safe from looting. Windows are smashed and doors are splintered to reveal treasure for the taking. In this same way Satan uses every opportunity to spoil those who are not on guard.

          One of Satan’s ploys is philosophy. Dr. Barnes, in his notes, describes philosophy as “plausible systems” of human thought. It might be this way or it could be that way! One pictures the statue of The Thinker with his elbow on his knee and his chin in his hand pondering the imponderable. The Greeks were very fond of philosophy.

Acts 17:21

21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

          This philosophy was maintained by plausible arguments without any basis; ideas dreamed up from thin air. If adopted as guiding principles of life a man would be lead astray. If enough people believe a lie over a very long time that lie becomes a tradition. One must be careful, however, not to replace a tradition with a new lie.

          Paul urged his audience to “walk” in Christ. This is from the Greek word peripateo which means “to walk all about, to live or to deport oneself as a follower. It is a lifestyle that is first intentional and then automatic.

Dear Lord, let me guard against long held traditions that are in error. Let me be cautious of newly introduced lies as well. Let me walk about as a follower of Christ purposefully until it becomes automatic. AMEN

BUT NOW!

BUT NOW!

Rom 3:19-21

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

          The Law addressed all who were “under the law” and the product of the law was not redemption but universal guilt. This guilt proved the universal inefficacy of self improvement and self redemption. “By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.” It was never the purpose of the Law. The law only points out sin and by doing so produces guilt. Guilt is the first step to redemption.

          The righteousness of God without the law presumes the subject has acknowledged that he can’t save himself or even improve himself. The righteousness is God’s and not ours. The Law’s mission and ministry was so that every mouth may be stopped; that every excuse might be rejected.

          Guilt gives way to accountability once excuses are removed. I become conscious that there is a Judge of my character and behavior and that there are consequences. I stand before Him with the knowledge of my sin and with no remedy. I am accountable but have nothing with which to pay my debt. I will surely be punished.

          Righteousness required becomes righteousness provided. It comes from the stores and reserves of another who is righteous and has righteousness to spare and share. The Prophets and the Law itself testify to the righteousness of Messiah. This righteousness is offered to the guilty by grace and it is received by faith. None is preferred or excluded. It is available to all. Justice was poured upon the innocent Jesus so that mercy might be extended to the guilty.

Rom 3:27-28

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Rock Of Ages

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Dear Lord, thank you for the Law that made me guilty and for your own righteousness that made me free. AMEN

A SONG OF DEGREES!

A SONG OF DEGREES!

Ps 122

A Song of degrees of David.

122 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

2 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:

4 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord , unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord .

5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

8 For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.

9 Because of the house of the Lord  our God I will seek thy good.

          There are fifteen psalms that are designated “songs of degrees.” They are grouped together from Psalm 120 through Psalm 134. The word “degrees” means “ascents or to go up” and these form a hymnal that was sung as worshippers ascended the stairway to the Temple. One commentator says that there were fifteen steps and one psalm was sung upon each step but this can’t seem to be verified.

          Ten of these psalms are anonymous, four are attributed to David and one to Solomon. Their themes are generally praise for the peace and protection provided by the Lord and for His Temple. Warren Weirsbe says these hymns were sung by families as they journeyed to attend the three annual feasts in Jerusalem.    

These psalms were selected to form a "hymnal" to be used by the people who went to Jerusalem for the three annual feasts (Ex 23:14-19) — Passover in spring, Pentecost in early summer, and Tabernacles in the autumn. The pilgrims sang these songs together as they journeyed in family groups to Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-52), and this helped to focus their minds on what the Lord had done for their nation. (from The Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament © 2001-2004 by Warren W. Wiersbe. All rights reserved.)

          As they journeyed each village would spill its inhabitants into the marching crowd and as they reached the place of worship their songs would swell with each addition. So it should be as we journey toward heaven. As we march along through life we should pick up worshippers along the way so that when we finally arrive there will be a huge choir of praises.

          As we journey to church today let our hearts and voices sing! Let us pick up others along the way.  Psalm122 begins by saying: “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Dear Lord, bless us who ready ourselves for worship today. AMEN