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01-10-2009, 02:27 PM
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Matthew 10
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But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:20/23
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He is Worthy of all praise
Lift up your voices and sing of the Lord's glory, for He is worthy of all praise.
He has broken down the wall that separated us from God and He has bridged the gap between God and man giving us access to God our Father.
He is worthy of all praise.
He has purged us from our sins and has paid by His death on the cross for our transgressions redeeming us from the everlasting fires of hell.
He is worthy of all praise.
By His resurrection He has established Himself as the Holy Temple and the Alter of The Most High God, that through Him we can worship God.
He is worthy of all praise.
Lift up your voices and sing of the Lord Jesus Christ's glory, for He is worthy of all praise. Hallelujah.
©01/11/2001 Jim Welch
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Sufficiency of Grace
Now to the one who works, His wage is not reckoned as a favor but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness (Rom. 4:4-5).
We are a busy people. Everyone of us, it seems, are having more trouble finding more time to do more things. Even our quiet times and church activities are sardined into an already tight schedule. Church has become a state of "doing" --a task to be accomplished. If righteousness were to come by works, many of us would be in the fast lane to Heaven. But God has made it clear to us that righteousness comes by faith. It is more a state of being than one of doing.
We may believe that, but how do we reflect that belief? How do we make that belief more evident in our fast-paced lives? A simple answer is to simply slow down. Simply put. But hard to do. Schedules busting at the seems of over-commitment make us feel powerless to live any other way. But God says "My grace is sufficient for you." You don't have to be doing and doing and doing.
There are those who preach quality over quantity, saying, "Make the most of the time you have." Good advise. But what do you do when your "quality time" is interrupted by thoughts of what needs done next? No wonder Jesus said "Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Living such hectic lives develops the mentality of works--one of "I have to be busy for God or I'm not being obedient to Him." Whatever happened to "Be still and know that I am God." Or what about Mary and Martha? Mary was BEING with the Lord Jesus while Martha was DOING for Him. Jesus considered Mary to be minding that which was important.
Our ability to please God does not increase with our activity for Him, but with our time spent with Him. It is then we discover His Grace is sufficient. Because it is then we discover it is His grace--not our effort--that carries us through each day.
Take some real time to spend time with our Lord. Sacrifice some of the other activities scheduled if necessary. You might be surprised to find that everything that is really important is still getting done. What have you got to lose--a headache or two? Or a possible forthcoming ulcer? The key is to ask God what you need to do today. You may be surprised to find your list of things to do get shorter. Try turning your schedule planning over to Him, and remember--His grace is sufficient.
Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established (Prov. 16:3).
Day by Day Devotionals
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Read Genesis 31 -- 33 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ge+31-ge+33§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
An exciting climax to the personal problems and struggles Jacob has encountered in his life and thus far overcome. But Esau and 400 men are coming.
God reminded Jacob of his earlier experience at the same hallowed place where he had received confidence that God would protect and direct him, saying: I am the God of Bethel . . . where thou vowedst a vow unto Me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred (31:13). Jacob had mixed emotions and fears concerning this call to obey God and return to his native land where he knew that he must face his brother Esau, who had no fear of God and who had angrily vowed to kill him.
Jacob had just escaped from the hatred of Laban and his sons and was returning to his homeland when messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed (32:6-7). Twenty years earlier, Esau had said: The days of mourning for my father are at hand: then will I slay my brother Jacob (27:41). Therefore, it appeared that Jacob faced certain death unless God miraculously intervened.
This was a victorious event in Jacob's life. He recognized his helplessness and separated himself from everyone else and began to pray earnestly. All answers to our prayers are dependent upon this spiritual insight. Jacob prayed: I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies (32:10). Then Jacob stated his request: Deliver me (32:11), and reminded God of His promise: I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude (32:12). His assurance was the Word of God, His power and mercy. Jacob's intense prayer brought him to a new realization of the true source of his strength. Jacob based his prayer on God's faithfulness to His past actions and to His Word.
In desperation Jacob wrestled in prayer all night. An inner transformation of spirit resulted from this night of prayer, and God said: Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed (32:28).
Throughout the balance of Scriptures, whenever the name "Israel" is used, it is making reference to the spiritual man whom God had so richly blessed. Even to this day, the Jews are called by his spiritual name.
Christians do not always reflect their inner transformation in their outward behavior, but those who love Christ should always pray, as Jacob did: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant (32:10).
Thought for Today:
Sometimes the strength of our flesh requires extraordinary measures in order to crucify it (Gal. 5:24).
Christ Revealed:
As the Angel (Messenger) of God who guides and provides our necessities (Gen. 31:11-13; Matt. 6:33; John 10:30).
Word Studies:
31:2 not toward him = not favorable; 31:7 suffered = permitted; 31:15 counted of him = considered by him as; devoured also our money = spent the money he got for us as dowries; 31:18 of his getting = which he acquired; 31:19 images = household idols; 31:30 longedst after = are homesick for; 31:31 peradventure = perhaps; 31:34 furniture = saddle; 31:36 wroth = angry; chode with = reprimanded; 31:50 afflict = mistreat; 31:52 over = beyond; 32:8 smite = attack; 32:10 bands = camps; 32:12 seed = descendants; 32:13 came to his hand = he had received; 32:15 kine = cows; 32:16 drove = herd; 32:21 company = camp; 32:31 halted = limped; 33:2 hindermost = last; 33:13 tender = weak, frail; 33:14 softly = slowly; 33:17 booths = temporary shelters.
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If You Can’t Say Something Nice . . .
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Say an Encouraging Word
Saturday morning chores tend to bring out the worst in my girls. Take one Saturday at our home for example. Melanie was at the table cleaning up the breakfast dishes and loudly singing to her favorite CD. Stephanie, who was folding clothes in the kitchen, countered Melanie’s excessive volume by singing a different song – only louder. Elizabeth, who tolerates little when her hands are in dishwater, told them both to shut their mouths.
Her comment triggered a triangle of ugly putdowns and criticisms that didn’t stop until I entered the room to referee. Like generations of mothers before me, I reprimanded, “If you can’t say something nice . . .”
“ . . . don’t say anything at all,” they finished.
This over used theory may be easy to recite, but it’s obviously difficult to do. How easy it is to be critical instead of kind, to comment on the negative instead of emphasizing the positive, and to tear down rather than to build up.
There is no second-guessing what God’s plans for our words are. He makes it very clear in, Ephesians 4:29, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
When your sister borrows your bike without asking is your immediate response to tear her up or talk to her about it? When a friend says something bad about you, is your immediate response to call other friends and gossip about the situation or call the person who hurt you and see what you can do to be friends again?
Our words destroy and tear others down when they’re born out of an angry, knee-jerk reaction. Our words encourage and bless when they are obedient to God’s command that we build others up!
Think about the words that you use. Do you say hurtful things? Are ALL your words helpful in building others up? Are your conversations critical and cutting, or gentle and grace filled?
You know how your mom wishes you would talk. Think about how God wants you to talk! If you can’t something nice . . . say an encouraging word!
Today’s Prayer:
Father God, thank You for Your love for me. Help me to use words to encourage and build others up according to their needs. Forgive me when my words are cutting, sarcastic, or disrespectful. I only want to speak words that please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
By Lenae Bulthuis
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Nobody can tell me What to Do!
Isaiah 40:22- 24
“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers . . . He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing . . . He blows on them and they wither.”
Does God control Mankind?
Do you ever wonder what it would’ve been like if you were on one of the airplanes that crashed into the Twin Towers? What would you have been thinking? Would you have been screaming? Would you have been telling others about Jesus? Or, do you ever wonder what it would be like to live in a country where you have to constantly wonder if a bomb is going to explode at a bus stop or a grocery store or a mall? Would you be afraid or confident?
Humans can inflict severe damage on other humans. Humans can ravage people. Rulers can murder, destroy, and build bombs. But, they cannot rule God. God wasn’t surprised by September 11! He knows the past, the future, and the exact thoughts of every ruler, terrorist and murderer in the entire world.
Sometimes, thinking about God’s great and AWESOME POWER over people blows my mind. In Genesis 19, God destroyed the entire city of Sodom and Gomorrah with burning sulfur because of man’s sin. Were those people stronger than God? No way! The Egyptian army pursued the Israelites through the sea in Exodus 14. But, God made the wheels of the chariots fall off and then engulfed the army in the sea. Not one member of Pharaoh’s army survived.
Take comfort in this: No one can harm you unless God allows it. Psalm 121:6- 8 says, “The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
The Bible says in Proverbs 29:25 “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, I praise you for your awesome power. I praise you that you rule over all mankind and that I don’t need to worry about what man can do to me. I thank you for watching over my life. Please help me to trust you daily and not to fear. You are truly awesome, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Anne Parker
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1 Minute Daily Devotions
January 11, 2009
Just How Big Was That Cross?
"...and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." - 1 Peter 2:4
We Christians have a pretty good track record of condemning sins, particularly those in which we are not currently participating. But, condemnation is not our real mission. In fact, God demands that we embrace the spirit of Jesus. While we are to hate sin, we are to love the sinner.
Anyone who is a sinner (which includes all of us) can take great comfort in this fact: the gospel clearly states that Christ paid the penalty for your sins. Anyone who confesses and repents of their sins will receive forgiveness and salvation. Recognize that Christ did not die just for certain sins, or "little" sins, as we sometimes like to say, but for all sins. Never fear that your life has been so sinful or that your sins are so very horrid that you are beyond the power of the cross. And certainly, never declare that other people are so sinful that they are beyond forgiveness. The cross of Jesus Christ is stronger than any sin!
Yes, we Christians must take a firm stand against sin. But we completely fail in our duties if we do not pair this condemnation with the proclamation that the cross of Christ is big enough to forgive any sin.
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New Age/Old Lies
Bible Reading: Genesis 3:4-5; Job 40:1,9-14; Matthew 6:24; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 2 Corinthians 1:9.
The religious alternatives available in the modern world are varied and bewildering. How do you know which is true? Many beliefs are promoted as being "New Age", the very best and latest discoveries in the metaphysical realm.
In reality, however, New Age beliefs are only old lies packaged for today's world. Way back in Eden, Satan told Adam and Eve, "You will be like God". Don't you believe his lie. You have no divine power. You cannot save yourself. Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to salvation.
Moment of Meditation: Practicing New Age meditation on your "god consciousness" brings spiritual paralysis.
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, I know that I cannot save myself. I thank You and You alone for my salvation. Amen.
For Further Study: Deuteronomy 3:24; 1 Chronicles 17:20; Isaiah 44:6-7; Jeremiah 10:10-11; Micah 7:18; Acts 19:26; Romans 10:13; Philippians 2:9-11.
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Lord, Teach us to Pray
Daily Devotional for January 11
Luke 11:1 "Lord, teach us to pray"
The question is, will we get familiar with prayer after the Lord has taught us? Over the period of time, and the details of life will we lessen the desire to pray? Maybe because of demonic influence we have been led astray.
Matthew 7:7 "Ask and you shall receive"
* Prayer is so important for it keeps the line open between God and man.
* Prayer is communion with God for others and ourselves.
* Prayer should be as easy as breathing. We shouldn't have to think about it. We should be more than willing to pray each day.
* Prayer touches heaven for others.
* Prayer reduces pressure in one's life.
* Prayer brings tears for others when they are hurting.
* Prayer brings us to the heart of the Father.
* Prayer is the best medicine for a lonely heart.
* Prayer is action for someone's behalf.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing"
Bible References (KJV)
Luke 11:1 "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"
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Who Is This?
January 11th
READ: Mark 6:7-52
Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:51-52),
We cannot understand this last miracle unless we see it as a kind of examination period given to these disciples after the feeding of the five thousand. Our Lord had sent them out, had given them power. They had seen their ministry confirmed and authenticated by the hand of God working through them. They had come back excited and "turned on" by all they had seen and done. They had now been taught that Jesus was the one who was coming to fulfill the expectation of a Messiah to be given to Israel, promised throughout all the prophetic centuries. But somehow they seemed to miss it all.
So He gives them an examination, a test, to see how they are doing. He sends them out into a storm, but this time it is different. He is not with them in the boat. He sends them out alone, deliberately, and He goes up into the hills to pray. How many of the storms of our life are made up of these two elements--trouble that comes to us and seems to be overwhelming us, and the seeming absence of the Lord? Nevertheless, there is One up on the hillside praying for us.
After the storm has blown for several hours and the disciples are in deep distress, Jesus comes to them, walking upon the water. When they see Him they are scared out of their wits because they think He is a ghost. He has to reassure them: "It--that thing you see that scares you to death--it is I; don't be afraid." How many times does He have to say that to us? That thing that scares us, frightens us--"It is I; be not afraid." He got into the boat, and they were absolutely flabbergasted! This indicates the grade they got on this exam. It was F. It was a total failure, but it astonished them. For the second time, now, their eyes are opened to begin to question: "Who then is this?" And they begin to listen. This opens the door for some of our Lord's greatest teaching to His disciples regarding why He came.
And this is our Lord's question to us: "Who is this?" Who sends the storms into our lives? Who tests us? Who makes provision for our needs and then tests us on it? Who gives us a promise and then sends us out to see if we believe what we teach or what we say? It is the Lord Himself. This is what He is doing with us, as he did with His disciples. He is training us, teaching us, preparing us, building into our lives, as He built into their lives, so that we might be men and women of faith, confident and calm and able to cope with life.
Thank You, Father, for what You are doing with me. Though I live in the midst of perilous times and travel among troubled seas, I know who You are--the King of kings and Lord of lords.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
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A Perfect Sacrifice
An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you. Ex. 20:24, RSV.
When Adam, according to God's special directions, made an offering for sin, it was to him a most painful ceremony. His hand must be raised to take life, which God alone could give, and make an offering for sin. It was the first time he had witnessed death. As he looked upon the bleeding victim, writhing in the agonies of death, he was to look forward by faith to the Son of God, whom the victim prefigured, who was to die man's sacrifice.
This ceremonial offering, ordained of God, was to be a perpetual reminder to Adam of his guilt, and also a penitential acknowledgment of his sin. This act of taking life gave Adam a deeper and more perfect sense of his transgression, which nothing less than the death of God's dear Son could expiate. He marveled at the infinite goodness and matchless love which would give such a ransom to save the guilty.
As Adam was slaying the innocent victim, it seemed to him that he was shedding the blood of the Son of God by his own hand. He knew that if he had remained steadfast to God, and true to His holy law, there would have been no death of beast or of man. Yet in the sacrificial offerings, pointing to the great and perfect offering of God's dear Son, there appeared a star of hope to illuminate the dark and terrible future, and relieve it of its utter hopelessness and ruin.
In the beginning the head of each family was considered ruler and priest of his own household. Afterward, as the race multiplied upon the earth, men of divine appointment preformed this solemn worship of sacrifice for the people. The blood of the beast was to be associated in the minds of sinners with the blood of the Son of God. The death of the victim was to evidence to all that the penalty of sin was death. By the act of sacrifice the sinner acknowledged his guilt and manifested his faith, looking forward to the great and perfect sacrifice of the Son of God, which the offering of beasts prefigured.
Without the atonement of the Son of God there could be no communication of blessing or salvation from God to man. God was jealous for the honor of His law. The transgression of that law caused a fearful separation between God and man. To Adam in his innocency was granted communion, direct, free, and happy, with his Maker. After his transgression God would communicate to man through Christ and angels (The Story of Redemption, pp. 50, 51).
Such a sacrifice was of sufficient value to save the whole world. . . . This sacrifice was of such infinite value as to make a man who should avail himself of it more precious than fine gold, even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir (Ibid., pp. 48, 49).
From Lift Him Up - Page 17
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WHY ME?
“So it is by circumstance rather than by any virtue that we have been driven to A.A., have admitted defeat, have acquired the rudiments of faith, and now want to make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to a Higher Power.” 12&12 p.38, Step Three
“Moses answered God, ‘But why me?’” Exodus 3:11 (The Message)
For what it's worth: The Baltimore cockroaches at my place were big, but friendly enough. But I don’t think they would have missed me if I would have died there. Who would have? I believed that is how it was supposed to be for me. God had condemned me long ago. I was on my way to hell, where I should be, because of what I had become. Somehow, for some reason, that is not what happened. Instead, I ended up in Alcoholics Anonymous. That of itself is phenomenal. Yet, from that moment on, with or without me realizing it, miraculous changes have occurred, too numerous to mention. Sometimes I still wonder - why me? Sometimes I can still think of too many reasons why it should not be me. Then I question if I am being too hard on myself, or just being real?
God bless you!
Joe W.
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But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:20/23
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He is Worthy of all praise
Lift up your voices and sing of the Lord's glory, for He is worthy of all praise.
He has broken down the wall that separated us from God and He has bridged the gap between God and man giving us access to God our Father.
He is worthy of all praise.
He has purged us from our sins and has paid by His death on the cross for our transgressions redeeming us from the everlasting fires of hell.
He is worthy of all praise.
By His resurrection He has established Himself as the Holy Temple and the Alter of The Most High God, that through Him we can worship God.
He is worthy of all praise.
Lift up your voices and sing of the Lord Jesus Christ's glory, for He is worthy of all praise. Hallelujah.
©01/11/2001 Jim Welch
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Sufficiency of Grace
Now to the one who works, His wage is not reckoned as a favor but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness (Rom. 4:4-5).
We are a busy people. Everyone of us, it seems, are having more trouble finding more time to do more things. Even our quiet times and church activities are sardined into an already tight schedule. Church has become a state of "doing" --a task to be accomplished. If righteousness were to come by works, many of us would be in the fast lane to Heaven. But God has made it clear to us that righteousness comes by faith. It is more a state of being than one of doing.
We may believe that, but how do we reflect that belief? How do we make that belief more evident in our fast-paced lives? A simple answer is to simply slow down. Simply put. But hard to do. Schedules busting at the seems of over-commitment make us feel powerless to live any other way. But God says "My grace is sufficient for you." You don't have to be doing and doing and doing.
There are those who preach quality over quantity, saying, "Make the most of the time you have." Good advise. But what do you do when your "quality time" is interrupted by thoughts of what needs done next? No wonder Jesus said "Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Living such hectic lives develops the mentality of works--one of "I have to be busy for God or I'm not being obedient to Him." Whatever happened to "Be still and know that I am God." Or what about Mary and Martha? Mary was BEING with the Lord Jesus while Martha was DOING for Him. Jesus considered Mary to be minding that which was important.
Our ability to please God does not increase with our activity for Him, but with our time spent with Him. It is then we discover His Grace is sufficient. Because it is then we discover it is His grace--not our effort--that carries us through each day.
Take some real time to spend time with our Lord. Sacrifice some of the other activities scheduled if necessary. You might be surprised to find that everything that is really important is still getting done. What have you got to lose--a headache or two? Or a possible forthcoming ulcer? The key is to ask God what you need to do today. You may be surprised to find your list of things to do get shorter. Try turning your schedule planning over to Him, and remember--His grace is sufficient.
Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established (Prov. 16:3).
Day by Day Devotionals
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Read Genesis 31 -- 33 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ge+31-ge+33§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
An exciting climax to the personal problems and struggles Jacob has encountered in his life and thus far overcome. But Esau and 400 men are coming.
God reminded Jacob of his earlier experience at the same hallowed place where he had received confidence that God would protect and direct him, saying: I am the God of Bethel . . . where thou vowedst a vow unto Me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred (31:13). Jacob had mixed emotions and fears concerning this call to obey God and return to his native land where he knew that he must face his brother Esau, who had no fear of God and who had angrily vowed to kill him.
Jacob had just escaped from the hatred of Laban and his sons and was returning to his homeland when messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed (32:6-7). Twenty years earlier, Esau had said: The days of mourning for my father are at hand: then will I slay my brother Jacob (27:41). Therefore, it appeared that Jacob faced certain death unless God miraculously intervened.
This was a victorious event in Jacob's life. He recognized his helplessness and separated himself from everyone else and began to pray earnestly. All answers to our prayers are dependent upon this spiritual insight. Jacob prayed: I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies (32:10). Then Jacob stated his request: Deliver me (32:11), and reminded God of His promise: I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude (32:12). His assurance was the Word of God, His power and mercy. Jacob's intense prayer brought him to a new realization of the true source of his strength. Jacob based his prayer on God's faithfulness to His past actions and to His Word.
In desperation Jacob wrestled in prayer all night. An inner transformation of spirit resulted from this night of prayer, and God said: Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed (32:28).
Throughout the balance of Scriptures, whenever the name "Israel" is used, it is making reference to the spiritual man whom God had so richly blessed. Even to this day, the Jews are called by his spiritual name.
Christians do not always reflect their inner transformation in their outward behavior, but those who love Christ should always pray, as Jacob did: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant (32:10).
Thought for Today:
Sometimes the strength of our flesh requires extraordinary measures in order to crucify it (Gal. 5:24).
Christ Revealed:
As the Angel (Messenger) of God who guides and provides our necessities (Gen. 31:11-13; Matt. 6:33; John 10:30).
Word Studies:
31:2 not toward him = not favorable; 31:7 suffered = permitted; 31:15 counted of him = considered by him as; devoured also our money = spent the money he got for us as dowries; 31:18 of his getting = which he acquired; 31:19 images = household idols; 31:30 longedst after = are homesick for; 31:31 peradventure = perhaps; 31:34 furniture = saddle; 31:36 wroth = angry; chode with = reprimanded; 31:50 afflict = mistreat; 31:52 over = beyond; 32:8 smite = attack; 32:10 bands = camps; 32:12 seed = descendants; 32:13 came to his hand = he had received; 32:15 kine = cows; 32:16 drove = herd; 32:21 company = camp; 32:31 halted = limped; 33:2 hindermost = last; 33:13 tender = weak, frail; 33:14 softly = slowly; 33:17 booths = temporary shelters.
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If You Can’t Say Something Nice . . .
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Say an Encouraging Word
Saturday morning chores tend to bring out the worst in my girls. Take one Saturday at our home for example. Melanie was at the table cleaning up the breakfast dishes and loudly singing to her favorite CD. Stephanie, who was folding clothes in the kitchen, countered Melanie’s excessive volume by singing a different song – only louder. Elizabeth, who tolerates little when her hands are in dishwater, told them both to shut their mouths.
Her comment triggered a triangle of ugly putdowns and criticisms that didn’t stop until I entered the room to referee. Like generations of mothers before me, I reprimanded, “If you can’t say something nice . . .”
“ . . . don’t say anything at all,” they finished.
This over used theory may be easy to recite, but it’s obviously difficult to do. How easy it is to be critical instead of kind, to comment on the negative instead of emphasizing the positive, and to tear down rather than to build up.
There is no second-guessing what God’s plans for our words are. He makes it very clear in, Ephesians 4:29, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
When your sister borrows your bike without asking is your immediate response to tear her up or talk to her about it? When a friend says something bad about you, is your immediate response to call other friends and gossip about the situation or call the person who hurt you and see what you can do to be friends again?
Our words destroy and tear others down when they’re born out of an angry, knee-jerk reaction. Our words encourage and bless when they are obedient to God’s command that we build others up!
Think about the words that you use. Do you say hurtful things? Are ALL your words helpful in building others up? Are your conversations critical and cutting, or gentle and grace filled?
You know how your mom wishes you would talk. Think about how God wants you to talk! If you can’t something nice . . . say an encouraging word!
Today’s Prayer:
Father God, thank You for Your love for me. Help me to use words to encourage and build others up according to their needs. Forgive me when my words are cutting, sarcastic, or disrespectful. I only want to speak words that please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
By Lenae Bulthuis
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Nobody can tell me What to Do!
Isaiah 40:22- 24
“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers . . . He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing . . . He blows on them and they wither.”
Does God control Mankind?
Do you ever wonder what it would’ve been like if you were on one of the airplanes that crashed into the Twin Towers? What would you have been thinking? Would you have been screaming? Would you have been telling others about Jesus? Or, do you ever wonder what it would be like to live in a country where you have to constantly wonder if a bomb is going to explode at a bus stop or a grocery store or a mall? Would you be afraid or confident?
Humans can inflict severe damage on other humans. Humans can ravage people. Rulers can murder, destroy, and build bombs. But, they cannot rule God. God wasn’t surprised by September 11! He knows the past, the future, and the exact thoughts of every ruler, terrorist and murderer in the entire world.
Sometimes, thinking about God’s great and AWESOME POWER over people blows my mind. In Genesis 19, God destroyed the entire city of Sodom and Gomorrah with burning sulfur because of man’s sin. Were those people stronger than God? No way! The Egyptian army pursued the Israelites through the sea in Exodus 14. But, God made the wheels of the chariots fall off and then engulfed the army in the sea. Not one member of Pharaoh’s army survived.
Take comfort in this: No one can harm you unless God allows it. Psalm 121:6- 8 says, “The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
The Bible says in Proverbs 29:25 “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, I praise you for your awesome power. I praise you that you rule over all mankind and that I don’t need to worry about what man can do to me. I thank you for watching over my life. Please help me to trust you daily and not to fear. You are truly awesome, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Anne Parker
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1 Minute Daily Devotions
January 11, 2009
Just How Big Was That Cross?
"...and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." - 1 Peter 2:4
We Christians have a pretty good track record of condemning sins, particularly those in which we are not currently participating. But, condemnation is not our real mission. In fact, God demands that we embrace the spirit of Jesus. While we are to hate sin, we are to love the sinner.
Anyone who is a sinner (which includes all of us) can take great comfort in this fact: the gospel clearly states that Christ paid the penalty for your sins. Anyone who confesses and repents of their sins will receive forgiveness and salvation. Recognize that Christ did not die just for certain sins, or "little" sins, as we sometimes like to say, but for all sins. Never fear that your life has been so sinful or that your sins are so very horrid that you are beyond the power of the cross. And certainly, never declare that other people are so sinful that they are beyond forgiveness. The cross of Jesus Christ is stronger than any sin!
Yes, we Christians must take a firm stand against sin. But we completely fail in our duties if we do not pair this condemnation with the proclamation that the cross of Christ is big enough to forgive any sin.
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New Age/Old Lies
Bible Reading: Genesis 3:4-5; Job 40:1,9-14; Matthew 6:24; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 2 Corinthians 1:9.
The religious alternatives available in the modern world are varied and bewildering. How do you know which is true? Many beliefs are promoted as being "New Age", the very best and latest discoveries in the metaphysical realm.
In reality, however, New Age beliefs are only old lies packaged for today's world. Way back in Eden, Satan told Adam and Eve, "You will be like God". Don't you believe his lie. You have no divine power. You cannot save yourself. Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to salvation.
Moment of Meditation: Practicing New Age meditation on your "god consciousness" brings spiritual paralysis.
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, I know that I cannot save myself. I thank You and You alone for my salvation. Amen.
For Further Study: Deuteronomy 3:24; 1 Chronicles 17:20; Isaiah 44:6-7; Jeremiah 10:10-11; Micah 7:18; Acts 19:26; Romans 10:13; Philippians 2:9-11.
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Lord, Teach us to Pray
Daily Devotional for January 11
Luke 11:1 "Lord, teach us to pray"
The question is, will we get familiar with prayer after the Lord has taught us? Over the period of time, and the details of life will we lessen the desire to pray? Maybe because of demonic influence we have been led astray.
Matthew 7:7 "Ask and you shall receive"
* Prayer is so important for it keeps the line open between God and man.
* Prayer is communion with God for others and ourselves.
* Prayer should be as easy as breathing. We shouldn't have to think about it. We should be more than willing to pray each day.
* Prayer touches heaven for others.
* Prayer reduces pressure in one's life.
* Prayer brings tears for others when they are hurting.
* Prayer brings us to the heart of the Father.
* Prayer is the best medicine for a lonely heart.
* Prayer is action for someone's behalf.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing"
Bible References (KJV)
Luke 11:1 "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"
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Who Is This?
January 11th
READ: Mark 6:7-52
Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:51-52),
We cannot understand this last miracle unless we see it as a kind of examination period given to these disciples after the feeding of the five thousand. Our Lord had sent them out, had given them power. They had seen their ministry confirmed and authenticated by the hand of God working through them. They had come back excited and "turned on" by all they had seen and done. They had now been taught that Jesus was the one who was coming to fulfill the expectation of a Messiah to be given to Israel, promised throughout all the prophetic centuries. But somehow they seemed to miss it all.
So He gives them an examination, a test, to see how they are doing. He sends them out into a storm, but this time it is different. He is not with them in the boat. He sends them out alone, deliberately, and He goes up into the hills to pray. How many of the storms of our life are made up of these two elements--trouble that comes to us and seems to be overwhelming us, and the seeming absence of the Lord? Nevertheless, there is One up on the hillside praying for us.
After the storm has blown for several hours and the disciples are in deep distress, Jesus comes to them, walking upon the water. When they see Him they are scared out of their wits because they think He is a ghost. He has to reassure them: "It--that thing you see that scares you to death--it is I; don't be afraid." How many times does He have to say that to us? That thing that scares us, frightens us--"It is I; be not afraid." He got into the boat, and they were absolutely flabbergasted! This indicates the grade they got on this exam. It was F. It was a total failure, but it astonished them. For the second time, now, their eyes are opened to begin to question: "Who then is this?" And they begin to listen. This opens the door for some of our Lord's greatest teaching to His disciples regarding why He came.
And this is our Lord's question to us: "Who is this?" Who sends the storms into our lives? Who tests us? Who makes provision for our needs and then tests us on it? Who gives us a promise and then sends us out to see if we believe what we teach or what we say? It is the Lord Himself. This is what He is doing with us, as he did with His disciples. He is training us, teaching us, preparing us, building into our lives, as He built into their lives, so that we might be men and women of faith, confident and calm and able to cope with life.
Thank You, Father, for what You are doing with me. Though I live in the midst of perilous times and travel among troubled seas, I know who You are--the King of kings and Lord of lords.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
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A Perfect Sacrifice
An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you. Ex. 20:24, RSV.
When Adam, according to God's special directions, made an offering for sin, it was to him a most painful ceremony. His hand must be raised to take life, which God alone could give, and make an offering for sin. It was the first time he had witnessed death. As he looked upon the bleeding victim, writhing in the agonies of death, he was to look forward by faith to the Son of God, whom the victim prefigured, who was to die man's sacrifice.
This ceremonial offering, ordained of God, was to be a perpetual reminder to Adam of his guilt, and also a penitential acknowledgment of his sin. This act of taking life gave Adam a deeper and more perfect sense of his transgression, which nothing less than the death of God's dear Son could expiate. He marveled at the infinite goodness and matchless love which would give such a ransom to save the guilty.
As Adam was slaying the innocent victim, it seemed to him that he was shedding the blood of the Son of God by his own hand. He knew that if he had remained steadfast to God, and true to His holy law, there would have been no death of beast or of man. Yet in the sacrificial offerings, pointing to the great and perfect offering of God's dear Son, there appeared a star of hope to illuminate the dark and terrible future, and relieve it of its utter hopelessness and ruin.
In the beginning the head of each family was considered ruler and priest of his own household. Afterward, as the race multiplied upon the earth, men of divine appointment preformed this solemn worship of sacrifice for the people. The blood of the beast was to be associated in the minds of sinners with the blood of the Son of God. The death of the victim was to evidence to all that the penalty of sin was death. By the act of sacrifice the sinner acknowledged his guilt and manifested his faith, looking forward to the great and perfect sacrifice of the Son of God, which the offering of beasts prefigured.
Without the atonement of the Son of God there could be no communication of blessing or salvation from God to man. God was jealous for the honor of His law. The transgression of that law caused a fearful separation between God and man. To Adam in his innocency was granted communion, direct, free, and happy, with his Maker. After his transgression God would communicate to man through Christ and angels (The Story of Redemption, pp. 50, 51).
Such a sacrifice was of sufficient value to save the whole world. . . . This sacrifice was of such infinite value as to make a man who should avail himself of it more precious than fine gold, even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir (Ibid., pp. 48, 49).
From Lift Him Up - Page 17
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WHY ME?
“So it is by circumstance rather than by any virtue that we have been driven to A.A., have admitted defeat, have acquired the rudiments of faith, and now want to make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to a Higher Power.” 12&12 p.38, Step Three
“Moses answered God, ‘But why me?’” Exodus 3:11 (The Message)
For what it's worth: The Baltimore cockroaches at my place were big, but friendly enough. But I don’t think they would have missed me if I would have died there. Who would have? I believed that is how it was supposed to be for me. God had condemned me long ago. I was on my way to hell, where I should be, because of what I had become. Somehow, for some reason, that is not what happened. Instead, I ended up in Alcoholics Anonymous. That of itself is phenomenal. Yet, from that moment on, with or without me realizing it, miraculous changes have occurred, too numerous to mention. Sometimes I still wonder - why me? Sometimes I can still think of too many reasons why it should not be me. Then I question if I am being too hard on myself, or just being real?
God bless you!
Joe W.