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01-07-2009, 10:34 PM
37 He also brought them out with silver and gold,
And there was none feeble among His tribes.
38 Egypt was glad when they departed,
For the fear of them had fallen upon them.
39 He spread a cloud for a covering,
And fire to give light in the night.
40 The people asked, and He brought quail,
And satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out;
It ran in the dry places like a river. Psalm 105
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A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.' Mark 2:1-5
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Arise! Arise!
The Lord, Himself, shall roar out of Zion like a lion and He shall descend from Heaven with a shout.
Arise! Arise, He shall shout and the dead in Christ shall rise from their graves.
They shall immediately be caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds and they will never die but will live forever and ever.
This is our hope, this is our destiny, because Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the Life.
He that liveth and believeth in Him shall never die, but live forever.
Brethren, believeth thou this?
All who believe in Jesus Christ, as the scripture clearly says, are joint heirs with Jesus Christ of eternal and everlasting life.
©01/08/2001 Jim Welch
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Saving Faith, Daily Faith
And Abraham Believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness (Rom. 4:3).
Faith is a word that is difficult for many of us to define. In Romans, The last part of chapter 3 through the first part of chapter 5, Paul uses the word "faith" at least 20 times in effort to convey understanding of saving faith. Even after reading his discourse, many of us may still have difficulty defining faith in our own words.
Hebrews 11:1 states that "faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen." But even this definition contains abstract imagery which spurs a variant of ideas from person to person. A simple way I have heard it stated is that "faith is simply putting your trust in God." Simply put, we take God at His word--that which he says He will do, He will do (Rom. 4:21; Num. 23:19; Jer. 1:12).
The same faith that saves us today, saved Abraham many centuries before Jesus was born. "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." We believe God regarding Christ, we take Him at His word that Christ is our salvation--our righteousness (Rom. 1:16). We believe God, and it is counted as righteousness.
But that is just the beginning. Faith in God means taking Him at His word daily. We read scripture and pray, and when we are face to face with an issue we cannot quite comprehend, we lean not to our own understanding (Prov. 3:5). Instead, we believe God, and trust Him whole heartily.
Consider the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This is a challenging passage of scripture, one which is often read but so often leaves readers a bit puzzled. Many of the ideas presented in these three chapters rub painfully against human thinking. Nevertheless, it is truth spoken to us by God through His Son.
Matthew 6 discusses how we are to trust God to meet our basic needs. Jesus explains that God knows these needs and will meet them, and He tells us not to worry. God says He will take care of us. But so many of us still worry about making ends meet, or having a secure income. If we trust God, taking Him at His word, our faith will go beyond trusting Him with our soul for eternity--it will mean trusting Him to meet our earthly needs today. Faith in God means believing EVERYTHING He tells us--not just what fits our human reasoning.
But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Day by Day Devotionals
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Read Genesis 22 -- 24 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ge+22-ge+24§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Miraculous, divine intervention is seen throughout today's reading, all because of obedience to God. How fantastic to see the hand of God in action.
Abraham sent Eleazar, his trusted servant, to his homeland in Aram to choose a wife for Isaac from his own people, with this comment: The Lord . . . He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son (24:7). Our Heavenly Father has sent His Holy Spirit to represent His only-begotten Son. As the servant represented Isaac to Rebekah, so the Holy Spirit speaks of Christ to all who make up His Bride, the Church. Just as the servant took Rebekah on the long journey to Isaac's home, so the Holy Spirit guides believers on our long journey to our eternal home. (Compare John 16:13-15.)
Abraham expressed his absolute confidence in the ability of God to lead his servant in every detail to obtain a wife for his son. And Abraham said unto him. . . The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence (Gen. 24:6-7). However, to Eleazar this assignment of going to a foreign land to find the exact wife for his master's son must have seemed an impossible task.
The providential guidance of God led in such a significant way that it removed all possible doubt from Eleazar. He knew that God had led him directly to the very woman whom God had chosen. And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the Lord. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham . . . I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren (24:26-27).
Eleazar did not congratulate himself upon his good luck; instead he thanked God for guiding him. When faced with a problem, Christians should be aware of the unseen hand of God moving to solve our problems. We should give glory to God by offering Him instant praise and thanksgiving for His guidance.
When our desires are to please Him, God orders all the ways of our lives so that He may bless us and we may offer Him the worship He desires and deserves. Christians should not hesitate to give Him all the praise for everything, even life itself.
Proper praise is illustrated in the life of one leper who was healed by Jesus: When he saw that he was healed, (he) turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? (Luke 17:15-17).
Thought for Today:
We are to walk by faith, not by sight (II Cor 5:7). He has promised that faith and guidance will come as we read His Word (Rom. 10:17; Ps. 32:8).
Christ Revealed:
Isaac's submission to his father and his willingness to be offered (Gen. 22:7-10) illustrates Jesus, who willingly offered His life as a sacrifice for our sins. I lay down (give up) My life. . . . No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself (John 10:11-18).
Word Studies:
22:3 clave = split; 22:12 fearest = has reverential, heartfelt submission to; 22:14 Jehovah-jireh = the Lord will provide; 22:17 seed = descendants; gate = place of authority and entrance to the city; 22:24 concubine = secondary wife without inheritance rights; 23:6 sepulchres = places of burial, graves, tombs; 24:5 peradventure = what if; 24:8 oath = sworn promise; 24:12 send me good speed = grant me success; 24:14 damsel = virgin maiden; 24:16 fair = beautiful; known = had sexual relations with; 24:21 held his peace = observed her but kept quiet; to wit = so as to know; prosperous = successful; 24:25 provender = food; 24:27 left destitute = forsaken; 24:32 ungirded = unloaded; 24:33 meat = food; 24:53 raiment = clothing; 24:57 inquire at her mouth = let her make the decision; 24:60 possess the gate of = be victorious over; 24:62 well Lahairoi = well of the Living One who sees me (see 16:14): 24:64 lighted off = dismounted from.
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Standing Firm Under Fire
Daniel 1:8.
“ Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.”
How God blesses pure hearts
Imagine yourself in Daniel's position. As a member of the ruling class of Israel, he had been among the first Israelites taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar's conquering forces. Now he found himself under the control of a high official in the Babylonian government who ordered him to train for three years for a position in service to the king. The menu at the "royal training center" included rich meats, deserts and wine. Some items on the menu were not only unhealthy, but also taboo according to Jewish law.
Because of their Jewish training and strong convictions, Daniel and three of his friends took the risk of requesting a different diet. Four teenaged slaves of the most powerful ruler on earth approached the head guy in order to strike a deal. They proposed that they become vegetarians inso they could avoid offending God's dietary laws. Surprisingly, the commander agreed to let them have their way for ten days--undoubtedly believing that they wouldn't deteriorate too badly in such a short time.
Imagine the guard’s amazement when the four young men turned out to be significantly healthier than the rest of the trainees at the end of the test period. Having passed with flying colors, Daniel and his friends were allowed to continue their special diet.
However, the real test came at the end of the three year training course. Would they make it? Would they barely squeak by? Would they fail miserably? None of the above. When the tests were finally scored, the four Jewish vegetarians got the highest scores in the class. And not just a little higher. They scored ten times better than even the most experienced magicians and enchanters in the kingdom. God chose to bless Daniel and the others who maintained their values and obeyed his laws.
Every day we face decisions similar to Daniel's. Our friends, classmates and teachers place temptations before us that provide opportunities to either compromise or obey God. Will we participate in conversations or actions that smudge God’s reputation? Will we write an essay that reflects the world's ideas about an issue instead of God's? Will we chicken out when God gives us a perfect opportunity to identify ourselves as Christians? Or, will we choose to stand firm and become lights shining in the darkness?
God frequently places us in situations that demand taking a risk in order to do what we know will please him. The Lord blessed Daniel and his friends because he stood up for what he knew would please him. He will do the same for us. So, what will you do the next time such a situation arises in your life? Will you cave in and follow the crowd? Or, will you stand your ground in order to please God?
Today’s Prayer:
Holy Father, make me strong like Daniel. Help me every temptation to compromise as an opportunity to please you and receive your blessings. Give me the inner strength I need to dare to be different as I obey you. Amen.
Written by Martha E. Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
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1 Minute Daily Devotions
January 8, 2009
Why Do Good Things Happen to Bad People?
"For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills." - Psalm 73:3-5
I had lunch with a man who mentioned that something was really bugging him. "I really don't have a problem with the fact that sometimes bad things happen to good people. I understand that God gives man free will and that sometimes those choices - even good ones - have bad results. I'm actually OK with that."
"Then what is bugging you?" I asked.
"Well, I don't understand why good things happen to bad people. Why do criminals get away with crimes? Why do corrupt politicians have their sins exposed and yet see their popularity soar?" I was about to impart some brilliant theology when he gave me my opening. "And why is it that an atheist famous for calling Christians a bunch of losers is allowed to accumulate fame and wealth beyond imagination? Why has he been so blessed?"
"Well, let's see," I began. "You say this man is an atheist?" He nodded. "And, if I'm not mistaken, the fellow you are talking about has had several marriages break up?" Again he nodded. "So here is a man with a miserable family life and - unless he changes his views on Jesus Christ - will never see heaven. And you call him blessed?" I continued. "Let me ask you something. Despite his fame and riches, would you trade places with this man?"
"No way. Not even for a second," he replied.
Would you?
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Marriage
Bible Reading: Genesis 2:19-20; Ecclesiastes 4:9-11; 1 Corinthians 7:12-14,16.
Marriage can be a pain. Oh, it's nice the first few years when the glow of the honeymoon still shines. But after that, it ain't easy. Modern men and women have decided that adultery or divorce or cohabitation is a better alternative. But God made marriage. The value of marriage is commitment. Even in a bad marriage, true commitment makes you more like Christ. And in a good marriage, commitment is a cure for the essential loneliness of mankind. Adam could not find companionship with any of the animals, he needed a wife.
Moment of Meditation: The marriage relationship is the closest thing on this earth to the relationship between Christ and His Church.
A Talk with Jesus: (If you are married, pray) Lord sanctify my commitment to my spouse. Amen. (If unmarried, pray this prayer for a loved one)
For Further Study: Deuteronomy 24:5; 1 Kings 8:61; 2 Chronicles 16:9a; Romans 2:22; 13:9-10; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 1 Peter 4:19.
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Grow in Grace
Daily Devotional for January 8
Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
Grace is freely given by God without any expectation of return. Romans 5:2 says we stand in grace, and Acts 4:33 says that we have great grace.
God gave His Son for a ransom for our sin. Salvation is not something we can earn, because being a free gift by grace, we can't work our way up to heaven; for heaven came down and touched our soul. If we understand the greatness of grace we will have a little insight of how much God really loves us. Peter's last words in 2 Peter 3:18 are, "But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ".
Christianity is a grace growing experience. The more we study the word the sweeter the grace of God becomes. 1 Corinthians 15:10 says "By the grace of God I am what I am."
Receive Christ Jesus as your Saviour and you will start your walk in grace.
Bible References (KJV)
Romans 5:2 "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Acts 4:33 "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."
2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
1 Corinthians 15:10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace that was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
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Jesus, A Promise Fulfilled
by Momong January 8th, 2009 [Thursday]
Luke 4: 14-22
1Jn 4:19—5:4 / Psa 72:1-2, 14-15, 17
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor.
(Luke 4:18)
As His words and works have won us
To this ministry of Jesus,
May God’s Spirit be upon us
To boldly proclaim His Good News;
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. (Luke 4: 14-22)
Reflection
The folks in His hometown of Nazareth knew Jesus since childhood as the son of the carpenter Joseph. For them, He surely must have had just as much education about Scriptures as anybody else in their town. So it must have been truly amazing for them to hear the wisdom that issued from His lips. What they didn’t know was that being the Son of God, the Word made flesh, Jesus was totally familiar with all the verses in the Old Testament, as God Himself inspired all of them to be written. In fact all the events in Scriptures presaged His coming. The patriarchs and prophets were all His precursors, and He had first-hand knowledge about all of them.
Jesus came to town “in the power of the Spirit”. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, He knew which passage in Isaiah was appropriate for the occasion, and He read his prophecy. Indeed in everything that He did, Jesus was fulfilling all the prophecies about Himself faithfully. He was preaching the Good News of salvation (to the poor in spirit), and freeing thousands from the bondage of sin; He was restoring sight to the blind, and releasing the infirmed and possessed from the oppression of diseases and evil spirits.
The more familiar we are with our bible, the more familiar we will be with our Lord Jesus Christ, and His role in our salvation. Just as He was the realization of Yahweh God’s promise to the Israelite nation, He is also the manifestation today of God’s Covenant with all of His children. His words are fulfilled in our hearing. Listen to Him.
Let Your Holy Spirit be upon us, Lord God, so that we may also proclaim Your Good News of salvation to others in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Secrets Revealed
January 8th
READ: Mark 4:30-34
With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand (Mark 4:33).
This verse presents one great rule of revelation in the words "as much as they could understand." Jesus teaches people only as they can take it. This is the rule upon which God works with us. He does not show us everything at once. If He did, He would destroy us.
One man who attended a pastors' seminar held at Peninsula Bible Church was a great big man. He was drinking in all that was given to him, and at our closing meeting it was amusing to watch him. He was like a child around a Christmas tree, so turned on by all he had discovered that he was just glowing, going around hugging everyone he met. He told me, "Oh, this has been so great! I'd like to go home and take my Bible and get into it and find so much more of this." Then he stopped himself and said, "But I suppose if I did, it would kill me! I just couldn't handle it." And he was right; he could not have handled it. It would have been too much. And God knows that and does not show you any more than you are able to handle.
That is the glory and the wonder of the Scriptures. They are put together in such an amazing way that it takes both the Word and the Spirit to understand the Bible. You can read the Word, and if you are not ready for them and open to them, those words will not say a thing to you. But if you are open, you will learn something from them. The next time you can come back, read the same words, and learn something more. Each time you will learn something more. It never ceases to refresh your spirit and instruct your mind and to open and expand your capacity to receive from God. That is the way God teaches us truth--as we are able to bear it.
And this is true also of His revelation to us about ourselves. One of the things about Scripture is that it shows you who you are and who you have been all along. God is gracious to us that way. He does not just rip the veil off, and suddenly you see the whole ghastly thing. If He did, we would be wiped out. But He lifts it little by little. You shake and tremble and say, "Is that the way I've been?" You are aghast at the way you have been treating people, and you think, "Thank God that's over!" The next week He lifts it a little higher. You shake and tremble and go through it again and say, "At last we got to the bottom!" Then God lifts it high enough for you to see more, and you are wiped out again. But you handle it, little by little. Because, along with the revelation of yourself, He also reveals Himself and His adequacy to handle your inadequacies.
Is it not wonderful that He understands us that way and deals with us like that? If He revealed the glories of heaven to us suddenly, everyone of us would be running out to jump into the ocean, to get there as fast as possible. But He lifts the veil only a little at a time, as we are able to bear it.
Open my eyes, Father, that I may see glimpses of truth you have for me. Help me to under stand what I read and to search out what I do not understand.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
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GUARD THE TONGUE
“Nothing pays off like restraint of tongue and pen.” 12&12 p.91, Step Ten
“If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” James 3:2
For what it's worth: Making amends may never be possible for all the ugly, cutting words I have used. I have caused untold harm; untold largely because of blackouts. Today, the best amends I can make is not allowing it to happen again. Staying sober is the first step, but then begins the hard work. I must guard my tongue. It is still too easy to waste time and words trying to impress with embellishments of the truth or by engaging in gossip. Even idle discussion of worldly affairs can weaken my guard on the tongue, as can any other conversation that has little or no purpose. There is so much about recovery to discuss with my brothers and sisters. And we speak “the language of the heart”. I know of no better way to strengthen my guard on the tongue than exercising it on spiritual matters with folks who are trudging the same path I am. And I believe God said He would be there with us.
God bless you!
Joe W.
And there was none feeble among His tribes.
38 Egypt was glad when they departed,
For the fear of them had fallen upon them.
39 He spread a cloud for a covering,
And fire to give light in the night.
40 The people asked, and He brought quail,
And satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out;
It ran in the dry places like a river. Psalm 105
-----
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.' Mark 2:1-5
-----
Arise! Arise!
The Lord, Himself, shall roar out of Zion like a lion and He shall descend from Heaven with a shout.
Arise! Arise, He shall shout and the dead in Christ shall rise from their graves.
They shall immediately be caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds and they will never die but will live forever and ever.
This is our hope, this is our destiny, because Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the Life.
He that liveth and believeth in Him shall never die, but live forever.
Brethren, believeth thou this?
All who believe in Jesus Christ, as the scripture clearly says, are joint heirs with Jesus Christ of eternal and everlasting life.
©01/08/2001 Jim Welch
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Saving Faith, Daily Faith
And Abraham Believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness (Rom. 4:3).
Faith is a word that is difficult for many of us to define. In Romans, The last part of chapter 3 through the first part of chapter 5, Paul uses the word "faith" at least 20 times in effort to convey understanding of saving faith. Even after reading his discourse, many of us may still have difficulty defining faith in our own words.
Hebrews 11:1 states that "faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen." But even this definition contains abstract imagery which spurs a variant of ideas from person to person. A simple way I have heard it stated is that "faith is simply putting your trust in God." Simply put, we take God at His word--that which he says He will do, He will do (Rom. 4:21; Num. 23:19; Jer. 1:12).
The same faith that saves us today, saved Abraham many centuries before Jesus was born. "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." We believe God regarding Christ, we take Him at His word that Christ is our salvation--our righteousness (Rom. 1:16). We believe God, and it is counted as righteousness.
But that is just the beginning. Faith in God means taking Him at His word daily. We read scripture and pray, and when we are face to face with an issue we cannot quite comprehend, we lean not to our own understanding (Prov. 3:5). Instead, we believe God, and trust Him whole heartily.
Consider the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This is a challenging passage of scripture, one which is often read but so often leaves readers a bit puzzled. Many of the ideas presented in these three chapters rub painfully against human thinking. Nevertheless, it is truth spoken to us by God through His Son.
Matthew 6 discusses how we are to trust God to meet our basic needs. Jesus explains that God knows these needs and will meet them, and He tells us not to worry. God says He will take care of us. But so many of us still worry about making ends meet, or having a secure income. If we trust God, taking Him at His word, our faith will go beyond trusting Him with our soul for eternity--it will mean trusting Him to meet our earthly needs today. Faith in God means believing EVERYTHING He tells us--not just what fits our human reasoning.
But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Day by Day Devotionals
-----
Read Genesis 22 -- 24 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ge+22-ge+24§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Miraculous, divine intervention is seen throughout today's reading, all because of obedience to God. How fantastic to see the hand of God in action.
Abraham sent Eleazar, his trusted servant, to his homeland in Aram to choose a wife for Isaac from his own people, with this comment: The Lord . . . He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son (24:7). Our Heavenly Father has sent His Holy Spirit to represent His only-begotten Son. As the servant represented Isaac to Rebekah, so the Holy Spirit speaks of Christ to all who make up His Bride, the Church. Just as the servant took Rebekah on the long journey to Isaac's home, so the Holy Spirit guides believers on our long journey to our eternal home. (Compare John 16:13-15.)
Abraham expressed his absolute confidence in the ability of God to lead his servant in every detail to obtain a wife for his son. And Abraham said unto him. . . The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence (Gen. 24:6-7). However, to Eleazar this assignment of going to a foreign land to find the exact wife for his master's son must have seemed an impossible task.
The providential guidance of God led in such a significant way that it removed all possible doubt from Eleazar. He knew that God had led him directly to the very woman whom God had chosen. And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the Lord. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham . . . I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren (24:26-27).
Eleazar did not congratulate himself upon his good luck; instead he thanked God for guiding him. When faced with a problem, Christians should be aware of the unseen hand of God moving to solve our problems. We should give glory to God by offering Him instant praise and thanksgiving for His guidance.
When our desires are to please Him, God orders all the ways of our lives so that He may bless us and we may offer Him the worship He desires and deserves. Christians should not hesitate to give Him all the praise for everything, even life itself.
Proper praise is illustrated in the life of one leper who was healed by Jesus: When he saw that he was healed, (he) turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? (Luke 17:15-17).
Thought for Today:
We are to walk by faith, not by sight (II Cor 5:7). He has promised that faith and guidance will come as we read His Word (Rom. 10:17; Ps. 32:8).
Christ Revealed:
Isaac's submission to his father and his willingness to be offered (Gen. 22:7-10) illustrates Jesus, who willingly offered His life as a sacrifice for our sins. I lay down (give up) My life. . . . No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself (John 10:11-18).
Word Studies:
22:3 clave = split; 22:12 fearest = has reverential, heartfelt submission to; 22:14 Jehovah-jireh = the Lord will provide; 22:17 seed = descendants; gate = place of authority and entrance to the city; 22:24 concubine = secondary wife without inheritance rights; 23:6 sepulchres = places of burial, graves, tombs; 24:5 peradventure = what if; 24:8 oath = sworn promise; 24:12 send me good speed = grant me success; 24:14 damsel = virgin maiden; 24:16 fair = beautiful; known = had sexual relations with; 24:21 held his peace = observed her but kept quiet; to wit = so as to know; prosperous = successful; 24:25 provender = food; 24:27 left destitute = forsaken; 24:32 ungirded = unloaded; 24:33 meat = food; 24:53 raiment = clothing; 24:57 inquire at her mouth = let her make the decision; 24:60 possess the gate of = be victorious over; 24:62 well Lahairoi = well of the Living One who sees me (see 16:14): 24:64 lighted off = dismounted from.
-----
Standing Firm Under Fire
Daniel 1:8.
“ Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.”
How God blesses pure hearts
Imagine yourself in Daniel's position. As a member of the ruling class of Israel, he had been among the first Israelites taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar's conquering forces. Now he found himself under the control of a high official in the Babylonian government who ordered him to train for three years for a position in service to the king. The menu at the "royal training center" included rich meats, deserts and wine. Some items on the menu were not only unhealthy, but also taboo according to Jewish law.
Because of their Jewish training and strong convictions, Daniel and three of his friends took the risk of requesting a different diet. Four teenaged slaves of the most powerful ruler on earth approached the head guy in order to strike a deal. They proposed that they become vegetarians inso they could avoid offending God's dietary laws. Surprisingly, the commander agreed to let them have their way for ten days--undoubtedly believing that they wouldn't deteriorate too badly in such a short time.
Imagine the guard’s amazement when the four young men turned out to be significantly healthier than the rest of the trainees at the end of the test period. Having passed with flying colors, Daniel and his friends were allowed to continue their special diet.
However, the real test came at the end of the three year training course. Would they make it? Would they barely squeak by? Would they fail miserably? None of the above. When the tests were finally scored, the four Jewish vegetarians got the highest scores in the class. And not just a little higher. They scored ten times better than even the most experienced magicians and enchanters in the kingdom. God chose to bless Daniel and the others who maintained their values and obeyed his laws.
Every day we face decisions similar to Daniel's. Our friends, classmates and teachers place temptations before us that provide opportunities to either compromise or obey God. Will we participate in conversations or actions that smudge God’s reputation? Will we write an essay that reflects the world's ideas about an issue instead of God's? Will we chicken out when God gives us a perfect opportunity to identify ourselves as Christians? Or, will we choose to stand firm and become lights shining in the darkness?
God frequently places us in situations that demand taking a risk in order to do what we know will please him. The Lord blessed Daniel and his friends because he stood up for what he knew would please him. He will do the same for us. So, what will you do the next time such a situation arises in your life? Will you cave in and follow the crowd? Or, will you stand your ground in order to please God?
Today’s Prayer:
Holy Father, make me strong like Daniel. Help me every temptation to compromise as an opportunity to please you and receive your blessings. Give me the inner strength I need to dare to be different as I obey you. Amen.
Written by Martha E. Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
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1 Minute Daily Devotions
January 8, 2009
Why Do Good Things Happen to Bad People?
"For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills." - Psalm 73:3-5
I had lunch with a man who mentioned that something was really bugging him. "I really don't have a problem with the fact that sometimes bad things happen to good people. I understand that God gives man free will and that sometimes those choices - even good ones - have bad results. I'm actually OK with that."
"Then what is bugging you?" I asked.
"Well, I don't understand why good things happen to bad people. Why do criminals get away with crimes? Why do corrupt politicians have their sins exposed and yet see their popularity soar?" I was about to impart some brilliant theology when he gave me my opening. "And why is it that an atheist famous for calling Christians a bunch of losers is allowed to accumulate fame and wealth beyond imagination? Why has he been so blessed?"
"Well, let's see," I began. "You say this man is an atheist?" He nodded. "And, if I'm not mistaken, the fellow you are talking about has had several marriages break up?" Again he nodded. "So here is a man with a miserable family life and - unless he changes his views on Jesus Christ - will never see heaven. And you call him blessed?" I continued. "Let me ask you something. Despite his fame and riches, would you trade places with this man?"
"No way. Not even for a second," he replied.
Would you?
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Marriage
Bible Reading: Genesis 2:19-20; Ecclesiastes 4:9-11; 1 Corinthians 7:12-14,16.
Marriage can be a pain. Oh, it's nice the first few years when the glow of the honeymoon still shines. But after that, it ain't easy. Modern men and women have decided that adultery or divorce or cohabitation is a better alternative. But God made marriage. The value of marriage is commitment. Even in a bad marriage, true commitment makes you more like Christ. And in a good marriage, commitment is a cure for the essential loneliness of mankind. Adam could not find companionship with any of the animals, he needed a wife.
Moment of Meditation: The marriage relationship is the closest thing on this earth to the relationship between Christ and His Church.
A Talk with Jesus: (If you are married, pray) Lord sanctify my commitment to my spouse. Amen. (If unmarried, pray this prayer for a loved one)
For Further Study: Deuteronomy 24:5; 1 Kings 8:61; 2 Chronicles 16:9a; Romans 2:22; 13:9-10; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 1 Peter 4:19.
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Grow in Grace
Daily Devotional for January 8
Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
Grace is freely given by God without any expectation of return. Romans 5:2 says we stand in grace, and Acts 4:33 says that we have great grace.
God gave His Son for a ransom for our sin. Salvation is not something we can earn, because being a free gift by grace, we can't work our way up to heaven; for heaven came down and touched our soul. If we understand the greatness of grace we will have a little insight of how much God really loves us. Peter's last words in 2 Peter 3:18 are, "But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ".
Christianity is a grace growing experience. The more we study the word the sweeter the grace of God becomes. 1 Corinthians 15:10 says "By the grace of God I am what I am."
Receive Christ Jesus as your Saviour and you will start your walk in grace.
Bible References (KJV)
Romans 5:2 "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Acts 4:33 "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."
2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
1 Corinthians 15:10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace that was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
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Jesus, A Promise Fulfilled
by Momong January 8th, 2009 [Thursday]
Luke 4: 14-22
1Jn 4:19—5:4 / Psa 72:1-2, 14-15, 17
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor.
(Luke 4:18)
As His words and works have won us
To this ministry of Jesus,
May God’s Spirit be upon us
To boldly proclaim His Good News;
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. (Luke 4: 14-22)
Reflection
The folks in His hometown of Nazareth knew Jesus since childhood as the son of the carpenter Joseph. For them, He surely must have had just as much education about Scriptures as anybody else in their town. So it must have been truly amazing for them to hear the wisdom that issued from His lips. What they didn’t know was that being the Son of God, the Word made flesh, Jesus was totally familiar with all the verses in the Old Testament, as God Himself inspired all of them to be written. In fact all the events in Scriptures presaged His coming. The patriarchs and prophets were all His precursors, and He had first-hand knowledge about all of them.
Jesus came to town “in the power of the Spirit”. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, He knew which passage in Isaiah was appropriate for the occasion, and He read his prophecy. Indeed in everything that He did, Jesus was fulfilling all the prophecies about Himself faithfully. He was preaching the Good News of salvation (to the poor in spirit), and freeing thousands from the bondage of sin; He was restoring sight to the blind, and releasing the infirmed and possessed from the oppression of diseases and evil spirits.
The more familiar we are with our bible, the more familiar we will be with our Lord Jesus Christ, and His role in our salvation. Just as He was the realization of Yahweh God’s promise to the Israelite nation, He is also the manifestation today of God’s Covenant with all of His children. His words are fulfilled in our hearing. Listen to Him.
Let Your Holy Spirit be upon us, Lord God, so that we may also proclaim Your Good News of salvation to others in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Secrets Revealed
January 8th
READ: Mark 4:30-34
With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand (Mark 4:33).
This verse presents one great rule of revelation in the words "as much as they could understand." Jesus teaches people only as they can take it. This is the rule upon which God works with us. He does not show us everything at once. If He did, He would destroy us.
One man who attended a pastors' seminar held at Peninsula Bible Church was a great big man. He was drinking in all that was given to him, and at our closing meeting it was amusing to watch him. He was like a child around a Christmas tree, so turned on by all he had discovered that he was just glowing, going around hugging everyone he met. He told me, "Oh, this has been so great! I'd like to go home and take my Bible and get into it and find so much more of this." Then he stopped himself and said, "But I suppose if I did, it would kill me! I just couldn't handle it." And he was right; he could not have handled it. It would have been too much. And God knows that and does not show you any more than you are able to handle.
That is the glory and the wonder of the Scriptures. They are put together in such an amazing way that it takes both the Word and the Spirit to understand the Bible. You can read the Word, and if you are not ready for them and open to them, those words will not say a thing to you. But if you are open, you will learn something from them. The next time you can come back, read the same words, and learn something more. Each time you will learn something more. It never ceases to refresh your spirit and instruct your mind and to open and expand your capacity to receive from God. That is the way God teaches us truth--as we are able to bear it.
And this is true also of His revelation to us about ourselves. One of the things about Scripture is that it shows you who you are and who you have been all along. God is gracious to us that way. He does not just rip the veil off, and suddenly you see the whole ghastly thing. If He did, we would be wiped out. But He lifts it little by little. You shake and tremble and say, "Is that the way I've been?" You are aghast at the way you have been treating people, and you think, "Thank God that's over!" The next week He lifts it a little higher. You shake and tremble and go through it again and say, "At last we got to the bottom!" Then God lifts it high enough for you to see more, and you are wiped out again. But you handle it, little by little. Because, along with the revelation of yourself, He also reveals Himself and His adequacy to handle your inadequacies.
Is it not wonderful that He understands us that way and deals with us like that? If He revealed the glories of heaven to us suddenly, everyone of us would be running out to jump into the ocean, to get there as fast as possible. But He lifts the veil only a little at a time, as we are able to bear it.
Open my eyes, Father, that I may see glimpses of truth you have for me. Help me to under stand what I read and to search out what I do not understand.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
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GUARD THE TONGUE
“Nothing pays off like restraint of tongue and pen.” 12&12 p.91, Step Ten
“If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” James 3:2
For what it's worth: Making amends may never be possible for all the ugly, cutting words I have used. I have caused untold harm; untold largely because of blackouts. Today, the best amends I can make is not allowing it to happen again. Staying sober is the first step, but then begins the hard work. I must guard my tongue. It is still too easy to waste time and words trying to impress with embellishments of the truth or by engaging in gossip. Even idle discussion of worldly affairs can weaken my guard on the tongue, as can any other conversation that has little or no purpose. There is so much about recovery to discuss with my brothers and sisters. And we speak “the language of the heart”. I know of no better way to strengthen my guard on the tongue than exercising it on spiritual matters with folks who are trudging the same path I am. And I believe God said He would be there with us.
God bless you!
Joe W.