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01-15-2009, 09:36 PM
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2
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Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, 'You are the Son of God.' But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was. Mark 3:7-12
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Jesus Christ is the Rock of Ages
Jesus Christ is the Rock of ages, the Rock of our salvation and the Rock that when smitten brought forth a spring of living water to quench the thirst of all men who believe on Him.
The water of life that Jesus has given unto us shall break forth into springs of living water causing us to overflow with love, joy and peace.
This living spring is the Spirit of the Most High God that teaches us all things and guides us into the pathways of righteousness and truth.
Righteousness, because He teaches us to abound in love, joy and peace.
Truth, because:
He teaches wisdom and understanding,
He causes us to remember the words of Jesus Christ
and He enables us to do and obey them.
Jesus Christ is the Rock of Ages.
©01/16/2001 Jim Welch
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Hearts of Lamentations
Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted (Mt.5:4).
Ecclesiates tells us that "in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow" (1:18). There is no one I can think of who grieved more for fallen humanity than Christ Himself. He knew what was in man (John 2:25). He walked among humankind daily, knowing what was behind the masks they put on for everyone else. He knew their secrets, ambitions, desires and thoughts. Yet, He did not run away from that sorrow--he bore it. He faced up to it, even though it grieved Him, so that all mankind could know joy.
Jesus tells us that to whom much is given, much is required. We have been given eternal life, His joy, and the gift of His indwelling presence (to name a few things). We have also been given a great responsibility. We are to look humanity in the face and not wince. We are to see the wickedness of mankind and not run. As we draw closer to God, we cannot help but feel His pain for a fallen people. We cannot help but fall to our knees and yearn for God to bring Light to those who dwell in darkness.
Mourning Walk
Early morning silence embraces,
his footsteps softly traverse the hall.
Bluish tinted walls lay left and right,
a wake within the peripheral of night.
The couch waits in the darkness like a friend.
And meets him as he bends his knees beside,
He lays, head on arm, across the cushion,
as though within the stillness he would hide.
His heart beats into his eyes
and forces tears to fall to arm and couch.
Bemoaning what has driven man from God,
He pleads for Light,
and waits with longing for the Morning Son.
A very familiar song tells us that "People Need the Lord." We must allow ourselves to feel some of the Father's pain that He feels as He watches His children do things that are hurting them. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted." It may be painful to experience the kind of knowledge and wisdom that Solomon speaks of--the kind that brings us grief and sorrow. But God assures us that we will be comforted. And in this process, we may discover that the depressing thoughts of a fallen people may be worth having--they may be the very thing that compel us to fall to our knees and lift up a fallen soul to the God who can lift them up.
...how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Mt. 23:37).
Day by Day Devotionals
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Read Genesis 46 -- 48 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ge+46-ge+48§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Read the stirring details of how God used Joseph to dramatically save the small Israelite family from extinction.
Our lives are designed to test our faith and focus our attention on the guidance of God. God is able to take the most pathetic situations and turn them into the most wonderful blessings as he did with Joseph who said: Be not grieved . . . that ye sold me. . . . So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God (45:4-8). Jacob's sons returned from Egypt with the wonderful news: Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt (45:26). Although Jacob longed to see his precious son Joseph, yet he must know God's will. His grandfather Abraham had gone into Egypt and had sinned and his father Isaac was forbidden by God to go to Egypt. Furthermore, Jacob was an old man now. Would he be forsaking the promised land to be buried in Egypt outside the will of God? Could he, even for Joseph's sake, go down into Egypt?
Jacob was afraid to proceed further. He did not want to forfeit his right to the Abrahamic Covenant promises. So, before he left Canaan, he stopped at Beersheba where Abraham and Isaac had offered sacrifices (21:33; 26:24-25; 46:1). Jacob presented his fears and laid his all on the altar — "To go, or not to go?" — leaving the decision to God, who said: I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation (46:3).
After entering Egypt, Jacob had to teach his descendants the consequences of failing to seek God's guidance. As the time drew nigh that Israel (Jacob) must die (47:29), he bestowed his prophetic blessing upon Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim (48:17-20) They were selected to receive the inheritance that would have gone to Reuben, Jacob's oldest son. Although Reuben possessed great natural abilities, in addition to having the inheritance rights of the first born, he forfeited his rights to the Abrahamic inheritance because of his immorality. (Note I Chron. 5:1; Gen. 49:3-4.)
If Christians could realize what those in eternity now know, they would drop all interest in this world's attractions and prayerfully read all that God has written. But there are rival voices sounding everywhere, demanding attention and filling our eyes and ears with such a multitude of sounds that we often neglect the Voice from the throne. God's voice, heard through His Word, is too often ignored. We can praise the Lord that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4).
Thought for Today:
Like Jacob, our first priority before making any life decision should be to seek the Lord for His guidance. His Word is our Guide.
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph, who was placed by God second only to Pharaoh (Gen. 41:39-40) in order to sustain life and give provision (47:15-17). Jesus said: The Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:33).
Word Studies:
46:4 shall put his hand upon thine eyes = will close your eyes when you die; 47:4 sore = severe; 47:6 activity = skillfull at their craft; 47:13 fainted = suffered, exhausted; 47:18 not ought = nothing; 47:20 prevailed over them = continued to be severe; 47:21 removed = became servants throughout the land; 48:6 issue, which thou begettest = your children; 48:10 were dim = became blind; 48:14 guiding his hands wittingly = crossing his hands intentionally.
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Wait ’till You See Me When I’m Done
Philippians 1:6
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
God Finishes the Job
God chose you, called you, declared you not guilty, and is now glorifying you. Sometimes we think that God can’t possibly make us to be like Jesus. But, He can because he is God. He can and he will—It’s a promise.
It’s very interesting to watch a master potter work, especially if you can track the whole process of making a single bowl. First, he prepares the clay, which involves wetting it, beating it, cutting it, and kneading it over and over again. It often takes a total of several hours over two or three days to make the clay just right.
When the clay is ready the potter places it on a wheel that spins it while he presses on it to make the shape emerge. He pushes and pulls and cuts and carves until the shape he has in mind emerges. Then, he sets it on a shelf for a few days to dry before firing it.
The firing process is usually done in two stages. The first stage hardens the clay so it isn’t so fragile while the artist applies the glaze. After the first firing, the potter applies glaze to the bowl. The glaze is very thin clay with chemicals that will change into beautiful colors as they melt. At this point, the piece still looks like some carefully shaped and hardened dirt. The final firing heats the bowl to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the bowl very hard and durable. It also reveals the colors and designs the potter applied to the surface. Only after the clay has been beaten, shaped, stretched, and fired can we see the beauty that was in the mind of the potter from the very beginning.
Remember that God is the master potter of your life. He planned, prepared, and organized every part of who you are and what you will experience so that he can reveal the beauty he has in mind. He will keep on working, forgiving, and training you throughout your whole life. He will keep the heat on when it’s needed. But, he’ll also give you times of rest and peace.
The most important facts in all of life are these: God loves you and there is nothing that can keep him from making you perfect and complete. When you stand before him in heaven one day, all the beauty he built into your character will be clearly seen. Don’t be surprised when you realize that you look very much like Jesus, the glorious Son of God.
Today’s Prayer:
Lord God, I praise you that you do have a plan to make me perfect and complete, just like Jesus. I also praise you for being so loving and powerful because that makes me confident that you will complete the job you’re doing on me. Please help me.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff AZ
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1 Minute Daily Devotions
January 16, 2009
The Truth About Suicide
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own..." - 1 Corinthians 6:19
Perhaps no issue is more painful and complex than suicide. We cannot understand the despair felt by people contemplating their own murder. And most of us cannot begin to measure the horrors faced by families left behind.
First, a word for the family left behind. You may be struggling with the fear that your loved one has committed the unforgivable sin and is not in heaven. Let me make this absolutely clear: Christ forgives all sin. While suicide is clearly outside the will of God, it is a sin that Christ paid the penalty for on the cross. If your loved one trusted Christ as Lord and Savior, be assured he or she is in heaven right now.
And if you are thinking about suicide, recognize that these thoughts come directly from the devil. Here is the lie he is putting in your head: If I'm gone, I'll no longer be a problem for my family. They won't have to worry about me and I won't have to hurt anymore." This is a wretched lie, because the fact is, your family will suffer with this forever. It will haunt them, devastate them; possibly even destroy them. That's why suicide is such a selfish sin.
If Satan is putting these thoughts in your head, please tell a friend or seek help from a pastor or a Christian counselor. God has great plans for your life. Don't let the devil convince you to destroy what God has created for a purpose. Tell him to, "Go back to your home in hell. Jesus has great and meaningful plans for me and I'm going to trust Him."
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Discouraging Others
Bible Reading: Numbers 32:5-15; Hebrews 3:12-14.
When the tribes of Reuben and Gad refused to go across the Jordan with the rest of Israel, Moses became angry and asked, "Are you trying to discourage the rest of the people from going across to the land the Lord has given them?"
This is exactly what the 10 spies did to God's people after the original Exodus from Egypt, and they wandered for 40 years in the wilderness and died there.
If we fearfully settle for less than God's best for us, we not only lose out for ourselves, but we may be discouraging others from obtaining what God has for them as well. On the other hand, if we valiantly press forward for God's best, then we will encourage those around us to do the same.
Moment of Meditation: "Discourage" means to rob courage from someone. "Encourage" means to build up courage and valor in those around you.
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, encourage my heart that I might encourage others. Amen.
For Further Study: Exodus 6:6-9; Deuteronomy 1:20-37; 31:7-8; Joshua 1:9; 8:1; 10:25; Job 4:5; Isaiah 42:1,4.
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Receive a Blessing
Daily Devotional for January 16
Psalm 100:4 "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name."
Sunday before you came to church, has World War III just been fought? Did satan get the advantage of you, and cause all kinds of havoc in the home? Now, when going to church you feel like the great pretender. 1 John 1:9 the recovery verse is in need, because satan knows if he can rob you each Sunday, he will.
We had a 96 year old dear saint come to church services at Elcor Nursing Home. She would say to us that she came to church to receive a blessing, and she never was disappointed once. Her expectations were in the Lord. This is how we should come to church also; to receive a blessing from the Lord Almighty. Our expectations should be in the Lord.
Receive Christ Jesus as your personal Saviour and let all your expectations be in Him.
Bible References (KJV)
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
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The Glory That Follows
January 16th
READ: Mark 9:1-9:29
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them (Mark 9:2).
A remarkable event! There are four dramatic occurrences in this account that immediately capture our attention: First, there is the glorious change in the person of the Lord Himself: Suddenly, as they were with Jesus there on that mountain, His countenance altered. His face began to shine, His garments became white, and His whole being radiated glory. What happened to Jesus? We can only understand this when we see that what He did was to slip back into eternity, in a sense, back into his pre-human glory. It is evident therefore that our Lord did not have to die. That is one of the meanings of the transfiguration. It makes clear that He had no reason to pass through death. He could step back across the boundary of time into eternity without passing through death.
The second thing that grips us is the account of the heavenly visitors, Moses and Elijah. The disciples seemed to have no difficulty at all in recognizing instantly who these men were. Jesus did not say, "Now, Peter, James, and John, I'd like you to meet Moses and Elijah." No, they knew instantly who they were. There will be no need for introductions in glory.
The third element of great interest in this account is the proposal that Peter makes. After hearing these men discussing these strange events together, Peter, in his usual manner, interrupts: "Master, it is good for us to be here. This is tremendous! Let's make three booths and live here. Let's settle down here and make this our world headquarters. We'll make one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He evidently has in mind that they would transform that mountain into the headquarters for the worldwide reformation movement that was going to start. They would operate right from that mountain, as the center of all activity. That shows how foolish he was and how little he understood what Jesus had been trying to tell him. Someone has said that there are only two kinds of speakers: those who have something to say, and those who have to say something! Peter was someone who just had to say something. So he makes this proposal that they make this their headquarters for a great campaign to take over the world.
But he scarcely had gotten the words out when he was interrupted, and the fourth dramatic event occurred. Suddenly they were overshadowed with a cloud. It is my conviction that it was the identical cloud mentioned in the Old Testament, which hovered over the tabernacle during the day--the glory of God, called the shekinah. They heard a voice speaking out of the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him." There is no doubt that this is a correction of Peter's brash statement. The Father Himself is saying, "Peter, do not put Jesus on a par with Moses and Elijah. You listen to Him. He is the one of whom Moses and Elijah spoke. He is the one who fulfilled all the predictions of the prophets and the sacrifices of the law. Listen to Him; this is my beloved Son."
Lord. I am grateful for this preview of glory. Teach me to stand back in awe at who You are and what You have planned for me.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
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The Wise Men Welcome Him
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? Matt. 2:1, 2.
The King of glory stooped low to take humanity; and angels, who had witnessed His splendor in the heavenly courts, as He was worshiped by all the heavenly hosts, were disappointed to find their divine Commander in a position of so great humiliation.
The Jews had separated themselves so far from God . . . that angels could not communicate to them the tidings of the advent of the infant Redeemer. God chooses the Wise Men of the East to do His will. . . .
"There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." These men were not Jews; but they had been waiting for the predicted Messiah. They had studied prophecy, and knew the time was at hand when Christ would come; and they were anxiously watching for some sign of this great event, that they might be among the first to welcome the infant heavenly King, and worship Him.
These Wise Men were philosophers, and had studied the works of God in nature. In the wonders of the heavens, in the glories of the sun, moon, and stars, they traced the finger of God. They were not idolaters. They lived up to the dim light which shone upon them. . . . These Wise Men had seen the heavens illuminated with light, which enshrouded the heavenly host who heralded the advent of Christ to the humble shepherds. And after the angels returned to heaven, a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the heavens.
This light was a distant cluster of flaming angels, which appeared like a luminous star. The unusual appearance of the large, bright star which they had never seen before, hanging as a sign in the heavens, attracted their attention. They were not privileged to hear the proclamation of the angels to the shepherds. But the Spirit of God moved them out to seek this heavenly Visitor to a fallen world. The Wise Men directed their course where the star seemed to lead them. And as they drew nigh to the city of Jerusalem, the star was enshrouded in darkness, and no longer guided them. . . .
The Wise Men are surprised to see no unusual interest upon the subject of the coming of the Messiah. . . . The Wise Men plainly stated their errand. They were in search of Jesus, the King of the Jews, for they had seen His star in the east and had come to worship Him. . . .
The advent of Christ was the greatest event which had taken place since the creation of the world. . . . The eye of God was upon His Son every moment . . . . The gifts brought to them [Joseph and Mary] by the Wise Men sustained them while in the land of [Egypt] (Review and Herald, Dec. 24, 1872).
From Lift Him Up - Page 22
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The Trouble with Disobedience
by Momong
Mark 1: 40-45
1 Sm 4: 1-11/ Ps 44: 10-11. 14-15. 24-25
He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to Him.
(Mark 1:45)
We are in our disobedience
Stained by the leprosy of sin;
But thank God in our penitence,
Touched by God’s Word, we are made clean.
A man with leprosy came to Jesus and begged Him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to Him from everywhere. (Mark 1: 40-45)
Reflection
How ironic that by restoring the once leprose man back to his community, our Lord found Himself instead unable to mix freely in any town or village, and had become the “outsider” that the former leprose man was. This was because the healed man did not obey the instructions of Jesus, telling everyone he met about his miraculous healing. Now everyone wanted to see who this ‘wonder worker’ was. It was akin to having stirred up a hornet’s nest.
Disobedience has always gotten man into trouble ever since God created him. If only Adam and Eve had not disobeyed the simple rules laid down by their Maker, life for all of mankind would still be a paradise on earth. And yet God did not allow the leprosy of sin to bring mankind to perdition. To bring man back to a clean slate, God would end up thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem, ostracized and tortured in a way worse than any leper.
Sin is disobedience. Each time we sin, we drive Jesus “out of our camp”, but we are the ones feeling like a leper. It is only when we realize our inability to cleanse ourselves of the filth of sin do we go to Jesus (through His minister), and beg Him saying, “If You are willing, Lord, You can make me clean.” His healing touch in the Eucharist cleanses us once again in our repentance.
I was once a leper, Lord, in my sinfulness; but You touched me with your Word, and You made me clean. Never let me disobey Your statutes and decrees again. Amen.
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Healing of a Paralytic
by Momong January 16th, 2009 [Friday]
Mark 2: 1-12
Heb 4: 1-5, 11 / Ps 78
“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins,” he then addressed the man with paralysis, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat and go home.”
(Mark 2:10-11)
Belief that knows no obstacle
Shall not be paralyzed by fear;
All things in life are possible
For those who love and persevere.
Upon Jesus’ return to Capernaum, a multitude of people came to the house where He was staying to listen to His Word. While He was preaching, four men who could not enter the jampacked house broke the roof above Him to lower their paralytic friend for Jesus’ healing. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” (2:5) Here, the faith of the paralytic’s friends lay in stark contrast to the doubts of the scribes, who questioned our Lord’s authority to forgive sins. While the paralytic had obeyed Jesus’ command and stood to go home, the scribes remained paralyzed in their skepticism and unbelief.
Reflection
Despite the innumerable cures and exorcisms that Jesus performed before He left Capernaum, displaying His authority over evil spirits, over sickness, over nature, etc. the scribes still questioned His authority to forgive sins. This was because of their lack of faith. They refused to believe, even if the truth was already staring them in the face. It was the opposite in the case of the four men who refused to be cowed by obstacles in order to bring their friend to the healing power of Jesus. They believed that if there’s a will, there’s a way, even if they had to pay for the damages later.
Faith demands action. St. James said, “What good is it if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?… I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.” (Jam.2:14,18) The four friends of the paralytic were motivated into action because of their compassion for their sick friend. They wanted him to be restored back to his normal life. Jesus was moved by their faith and His compassion for the paralytic. He forgave the man’s sins first because He knew the paralytic needed forgiveness more than healing. God knows what we need more than we do.
Many of us are not abiding by God’s will when we doubt our capability to complete an assigned task. But it is only when we take action that God’s grace will be manifested in our life. 1 Corinthians 13 states that “Love bears all things, believes all things, endures all things.” This means we must remain open to what the Lord will accomplish in our life, and persevere in faith.
We place ourselves in Your hands, O Lord, that we may receive Your grace. Amen.
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FREE AND UNDESERVED GIFTS
“What he has received is a free gift, and yet usually, at least in some small part, he has made himself ready to receive it.” 12&12 p.107, Step Twelve
“And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.” Romans 11:6
For what it's worth: There was no part, even a small part that I played in my rescue from the hell of alcoholism. I did nothing to make myself ready; I was too busy trying to drink myself to death. The same is true of my recovery from the devastation of this disease. After all, it took a miracle just to get me into my first Alcoholic Anonymous meeting. And I left so many of them in a rage over the God talk, that it took a number of miracles to keep me coming back. I have been sober in AA for some years now, and I still feel this gift of sobriety is undeserved. Any time I start to believe I have earned it, a new character defect, or one of the old ones that I thought I was rid of, attacks me. I am deeply grateful my Heavenly Father grants gifts “free and undeserved”. Otherwise, I would still be a lost soul.
God bless you!
Joe W.
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2
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Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, 'You are the Son of God.' But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was. Mark 3:7-12
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Jesus Christ is the Rock of Ages
Jesus Christ is the Rock of ages, the Rock of our salvation and the Rock that when smitten brought forth a spring of living water to quench the thirst of all men who believe on Him.
The water of life that Jesus has given unto us shall break forth into springs of living water causing us to overflow with love, joy and peace.
This living spring is the Spirit of the Most High God that teaches us all things and guides us into the pathways of righteousness and truth.
Righteousness, because He teaches us to abound in love, joy and peace.
Truth, because:
He teaches wisdom and understanding,
He causes us to remember the words of Jesus Christ
and He enables us to do and obey them.
Jesus Christ is the Rock of Ages.
©01/16/2001 Jim Welch
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Hearts of Lamentations
Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted (Mt.5:4).
Ecclesiates tells us that "in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow" (1:18). There is no one I can think of who grieved more for fallen humanity than Christ Himself. He knew what was in man (John 2:25). He walked among humankind daily, knowing what was behind the masks they put on for everyone else. He knew their secrets, ambitions, desires and thoughts. Yet, He did not run away from that sorrow--he bore it. He faced up to it, even though it grieved Him, so that all mankind could know joy.
Jesus tells us that to whom much is given, much is required. We have been given eternal life, His joy, and the gift of His indwelling presence (to name a few things). We have also been given a great responsibility. We are to look humanity in the face and not wince. We are to see the wickedness of mankind and not run. As we draw closer to God, we cannot help but feel His pain for a fallen people. We cannot help but fall to our knees and yearn for God to bring Light to those who dwell in darkness.
Mourning Walk
Early morning silence embraces,
his footsteps softly traverse the hall.
Bluish tinted walls lay left and right,
a wake within the peripheral of night.
The couch waits in the darkness like a friend.
And meets him as he bends his knees beside,
He lays, head on arm, across the cushion,
as though within the stillness he would hide.
His heart beats into his eyes
and forces tears to fall to arm and couch.
Bemoaning what has driven man from God,
He pleads for Light,
and waits with longing for the Morning Son.
A very familiar song tells us that "People Need the Lord." We must allow ourselves to feel some of the Father's pain that He feels as He watches His children do things that are hurting them. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted." It may be painful to experience the kind of knowledge and wisdom that Solomon speaks of--the kind that brings us grief and sorrow. But God assures us that we will be comforted. And in this process, we may discover that the depressing thoughts of a fallen people may be worth having--they may be the very thing that compel us to fall to our knees and lift up a fallen soul to the God who can lift them up.
...how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Mt. 23:37).
Day by Day Devotionals
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Read Genesis 46 -- 48 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ge+46-ge+48§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Read the stirring details of how God used Joseph to dramatically save the small Israelite family from extinction.
Our lives are designed to test our faith and focus our attention on the guidance of God. God is able to take the most pathetic situations and turn them into the most wonderful blessings as he did with Joseph who said: Be not grieved . . . that ye sold me. . . . So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God (45:4-8). Jacob's sons returned from Egypt with the wonderful news: Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt (45:26). Although Jacob longed to see his precious son Joseph, yet he must know God's will. His grandfather Abraham had gone into Egypt and had sinned and his father Isaac was forbidden by God to go to Egypt. Furthermore, Jacob was an old man now. Would he be forsaking the promised land to be buried in Egypt outside the will of God? Could he, even for Joseph's sake, go down into Egypt?
Jacob was afraid to proceed further. He did not want to forfeit his right to the Abrahamic Covenant promises. So, before he left Canaan, he stopped at Beersheba where Abraham and Isaac had offered sacrifices (21:33; 26:24-25; 46:1). Jacob presented his fears and laid his all on the altar — "To go, or not to go?" — leaving the decision to God, who said: I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation (46:3).
After entering Egypt, Jacob had to teach his descendants the consequences of failing to seek God's guidance. As the time drew nigh that Israel (Jacob) must die (47:29), he bestowed his prophetic blessing upon Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim (48:17-20) They were selected to receive the inheritance that would have gone to Reuben, Jacob's oldest son. Although Reuben possessed great natural abilities, in addition to having the inheritance rights of the first born, he forfeited his rights to the Abrahamic inheritance because of his immorality. (Note I Chron. 5:1; Gen. 49:3-4.)
If Christians could realize what those in eternity now know, they would drop all interest in this world's attractions and prayerfully read all that God has written. But there are rival voices sounding everywhere, demanding attention and filling our eyes and ears with such a multitude of sounds that we often neglect the Voice from the throne. God's voice, heard through His Word, is too often ignored. We can praise the Lord that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4).
Thought for Today:
Like Jacob, our first priority before making any life decision should be to seek the Lord for His guidance. His Word is our Guide.
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph, who was placed by God second only to Pharaoh (Gen. 41:39-40) in order to sustain life and give provision (47:15-17). Jesus said: The Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:33).
Word Studies:
46:4 shall put his hand upon thine eyes = will close your eyes when you die; 47:4 sore = severe; 47:6 activity = skillfull at their craft; 47:13 fainted = suffered, exhausted; 47:18 not ought = nothing; 47:20 prevailed over them = continued to be severe; 47:21 removed = became servants throughout the land; 48:6 issue, which thou begettest = your children; 48:10 were dim = became blind; 48:14 guiding his hands wittingly = crossing his hands intentionally.
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Wait ’till You See Me When I’m Done
Philippians 1:6
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
God Finishes the Job
God chose you, called you, declared you not guilty, and is now glorifying you. Sometimes we think that God can’t possibly make us to be like Jesus. But, He can because he is God. He can and he will—It’s a promise.
It’s very interesting to watch a master potter work, especially if you can track the whole process of making a single bowl. First, he prepares the clay, which involves wetting it, beating it, cutting it, and kneading it over and over again. It often takes a total of several hours over two or three days to make the clay just right.
When the clay is ready the potter places it on a wheel that spins it while he presses on it to make the shape emerge. He pushes and pulls and cuts and carves until the shape he has in mind emerges. Then, he sets it on a shelf for a few days to dry before firing it.
The firing process is usually done in two stages. The first stage hardens the clay so it isn’t so fragile while the artist applies the glaze. After the first firing, the potter applies glaze to the bowl. The glaze is very thin clay with chemicals that will change into beautiful colors as they melt. At this point, the piece still looks like some carefully shaped and hardened dirt. The final firing heats the bowl to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the bowl very hard and durable. It also reveals the colors and designs the potter applied to the surface. Only after the clay has been beaten, shaped, stretched, and fired can we see the beauty that was in the mind of the potter from the very beginning.
Remember that God is the master potter of your life. He planned, prepared, and organized every part of who you are and what you will experience so that he can reveal the beauty he has in mind. He will keep on working, forgiving, and training you throughout your whole life. He will keep the heat on when it’s needed. But, he’ll also give you times of rest and peace.
The most important facts in all of life are these: God loves you and there is nothing that can keep him from making you perfect and complete. When you stand before him in heaven one day, all the beauty he built into your character will be clearly seen. Don’t be surprised when you realize that you look very much like Jesus, the glorious Son of God.
Today’s Prayer:
Lord God, I praise you that you do have a plan to make me perfect and complete, just like Jesus. I also praise you for being so loving and powerful because that makes me confident that you will complete the job you’re doing on me. Please help me.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff AZ
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1 Minute Daily Devotions
January 16, 2009
The Truth About Suicide
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own..." - 1 Corinthians 6:19
Perhaps no issue is more painful and complex than suicide. We cannot understand the despair felt by people contemplating their own murder. And most of us cannot begin to measure the horrors faced by families left behind.
First, a word for the family left behind. You may be struggling with the fear that your loved one has committed the unforgivable sin and is not in heaven. Let me make this absolutely clear: Christ forgives all sin. While suicide is clearly outside the will of God, it is a sin that Christ paid the penalty for on the cross. If your loved one trusted Christ as Lord and Savior, be assured he or she is in heaven right now.
And if you are thinking about suicide, recognize that these thoughts come directly from the devil. Here is the lie he is putting in your head: If I'm gone, I'll no longer be a problem for my family. They won't have to worry about me and I won't have to hurt anymore." This is a wretched lie, because the fact is, your family will suffer with this forever. It will haunt them, devastate them; possibly even destroy them. That's why suicide is such a selfish sin.
If Satan is putting these thoughts in your head, please tell a friend or seek help from a pastor or a Christian counselor. God has great plans for your life. Don't let the devil convince you to destroy what God has created for a purpose. Tell him to, "Go back to your home in hell. Jesus has great and meaningful plans for me and I'm going to trust Him."
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Discouraging Others
Bible Reading: Numbers 32:5-15; Hebrews 3:12-14.
When the tribes of Reuben and Gad refused to go across the Jordan with the rest of Israel, Moses became angry and asked, "Are you trying to discourage the rest of the people from going across to the land the Lord has given them?"
This is exactly what the 10 spies did to God's people after the original Exodus from Egypt, and they wandered for 40 years in the wilderness and died there.
If we fearfully settle for less than God's best for us, we not only lose out for ourselves, but we may be discouraging others from obtaining what God has for them as well. On the other hand, if we valiantly press forward for God's best, then we will encourage those around us to do the same.
Moment of Meditation: "Discourage" means to rob courage from someone. "Encourage" means to build up courage and valor in those around you.
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, encourage my heart that I might encourage others. Amen.
For Further Study: Exodus 6:6-9; Deuteronomy 1:20-37; 31:7-8; Joshua 1:9; 8:1; 10:25; Job 4:5; Isaiah 42:1,4.
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Receive a Blessing
Daily Devotional for January 16
Psalm 100:4 "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name."
Sunday before you came to church, has World War III just been fought? Did satan get the advantage of you, and cause all kinds of havoc in the home? Now, when going to church you feel like the great pretender. 1 John 1:9 the recovery verse is in need, because satan knows if he can rob you each Sunday, he will.
We had a 96 year old dear saint come to church services at Elcor Nursing Home. She would say to us that she came to church to receive a blessing, and she never was disappointed once. Her expectations were in the Lord. This is how we should come to church also; to receive a blessing from the Lord Almighty. Our expectations should be in the Lord.
Receive Christ Jesus as your personal Saviour and let all your expectations be in Him.
Bible References (KJV)
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
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The Glory That Follows
January 16th
READ: Mark 9:1-9:29
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them (Mark 9:2).
A remarkable event! There are four dramatic occurrences in this account that immediately capture our attention: First, there is the glorious change in the person of the Lord Himself: Suddenly, as they were with Jesus there on that mountain, His countenance altered. His face began to shine, His garments became white, and His whole being radiated glory. What happened to Jesus? We can only understand this when we see that what He did was to slip back into eternity, in a sense, back into his pre-human glory. It is evident therefore that our Lord did not have to die. That is one of the meanings of the transfiguration. It makes clear that He had no reason to pass through death. He could step back across the boundary of time into eternity without passing through death.
The second thing that grips us is the account of the heavenly visitors, Moses and Elijah. The disciples seemed to have no difficulty at all in recognizing instantly who these men were. Jesus did not say, "Now, Peter, James, and John, I'd like you to meet Moses and Elijah." No, they knew instantly who they were. There will be no need for introductions in glory.
The third element of great interest in this account is the proposal that Peter makes. After hearing these men discussing these strange events together, Peter, in his usual manner, interrupts: "Master, it is good for us to be here. This is tremendous! Let's make three booths and live here. Let's settle down here and make this our world headquarters. We'll make one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He evidently has in mind that they would transform that mountain into the headquarters for the worldwide reformation movement that was going to start. They would operate right from that mountain, as the center of all activity. That shows how foolish he was and how little he understood what Jesus had been trying to tell him. Someone has said that there are only two kinds of speakers: those who have something to say, and those who have to say something! Peter was someone who just had to say something. So he makes this proposal that they make this their headquarters for a great campaign to take over the world.
But he scarcely had gotten the words out when he was interrupted, and the fourth dramatic event occurred. Suddenly they were overshadowed with a cloud. It is my conviction that it was the identical cloud mentioned in the Old Testament, which hovered over the tabernacle during the day--the glory of God, called the shekinah. They heard a voice speaking out of the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him." There is no doubt that this is a correction of Peter's brash statement. The Father Himself is saying, "Peter, do not put Jesus on a par with Moses and Elijah. You listen to Him. He is the one of whom Moses and Elijah spoke. He is the one who fulfilled all the predictions of the prophets and the sacrifices of the law. Listen to Him; this is my beloved Son."
Lord. I am grateful for this preview of glory. Teach me to stand back in awe at who You are and what You have planned for me.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
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The Wise Men Welcome Him
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? Matt. 2:1, 2.
The King of glory stooped low to take humanity; and angels, who had witnessed His splendor in the heavenly courts, as He was worshiped by all the heavenly hosts, were disappointed to find their divine Commander in a position of so great humiliation.
The Jews had separated themselves so far from God . . . that angels could not communicate to them the tidings of the advent of the infant Redeemer. God chooses the Wise Men of the East to do His will. . . .
"There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." These men were not Jews; but they had been waiting for the predicted Messiah. They had studied prophecy, and knew the time was at hand when Christ would come; and they were anxiously watching for some sign of this great event, that they might be among the first to welcome the infant heavenly King, and worship Him.
These Wise Men were philosophers, and had studied the works of God in nature. In the wonders of the heavens, in the glories of the sun, moon, and stars, they traced the finger of God. They were not idolaters. They lived up to the dim light which shone upon them. . . . These Wise Men had seen the heavens illuminated with light, which enshrouded the heavenly host who heralded the advent of Christ to the humble shepherds. And after the angels returned to heaven, a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the heavens.
This light was a distant cluster of flaming angels, which appeared like a luminous star. The unusual appearance of the large, bright star which they had never seen before, hanging as a sign in the heavens, attracted their attention. They were not privileged to hear the proclamation of the angels to the shepherds. But the Spirit of God moved them out to seek this heavenly Visitor to a fallen world. The Wise Men directed their course where the star seemed to lead them. And as they drew nigh to the city of Jerusalem, the star was enshrouded in darkness, and no longer guided them. . . .
The Wise Men are surprised to see no unusual interest upon the subject of the coming of the Messiah. . . . The Wise Men plainly stated their errand. They were in search of Jesus, the King of the Jews, for they had seen His star in the east and had come to worship Him. . . .
The advent of Christ was the greatest event which had taken place since the creation of the world. . . . The eye of God was upon His Son every moment . . . . The gifts brought to them [Joseph and Mary] by the Wise Men sustained them while in the land of [Egypt] (Review and Herald, Dec. 24, 1872).
From Lift Him Up - Page 22
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The Trouble with Disobedience
by Momong
Mark 1: 40-45
1 Sm 4: 1-11/ Ps 44: 10-11. 14-15. 24-25
He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to Him.
(Mark 1:45)
We are in our disobedience
Stained by the leprosy of sin;
But thank God in our penitence,
Touched by God’s Word, we are made clean.
A man with leprosy came to Jesus and begged Him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to Him from everywhere. (Mark 1: 40-45)
Reflection
How ironic that by restoring the once leprose man back to his community, our Lord found Himself instead unable to mix freely in any town or village, and had become the “outsider” that the former leprose man was. This was because the healed man did not obey the instructions of Jesus, telling everyone he met about his miraculous healing. Now everyone wanted to see who this ‘wonder worker’ was. It was akin to having stirred up a hornet’s nest.
Disobedience has always gotten man into trouble ever since God created him. If only Adam and Eve had not disobeyed the simple rules laid down by their Maker, life for all of mankind would still be a paradise on earth. And yet God did not allow the leprosy of sin to bring mankind to perdition. To bring man back to a clean slate, God would end up thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem, ostracized and tortured in a way worse than any leper.
Sin is disobedience. Each time we sin, we drive Jesus “out of our camp”, but we are the ones feeling like a leper. It is only when we realize our inability to cleanse ourselves of the filth of sin do we go to Jesus (through His minister), and beg Him saying, “If You are willing, Lord, You can make me clean.” His healing touch in the Eucharist cleanses us once again in our repentance.
I was once a leper, Lord, in my sinfulness; but You touched me with your Word, and You made me clean. Never let me disobey Your statutes and decrees again. Amen.
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Healing of a Paralytic
by Momong January 16th, 2009 [Friday]
Mark 2: 1-12
Heb 4: 1-5, 11 / Ps 78
“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins,” he then addressed the man with paralysis, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat and go home.”
(Mark 2:10-11)
Belief that knows no obstacle
Shall not be paralyzed by fear;
All things in life are possible
For those who love and persevere.
Upon Jesus’ return to Capernaum, a multitude of people came to the house where He was staying to listen to His Word. While He was preaching, four men who could not enter the jampacked house broke the roof above Him to lower their paralytic friend for Jesus’ healing. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” (2:5) Here, the faith of the paralytic’s friends lay in stark contrast to the doubts of the scribes, who questioned our Lord’s authority to forgive sins. While the paralytic had obeyed Jesus’ command and stood to go home, the scribes remained paralyzed in their skepticism and unbelief.
Reflection
Despite the innumerable cures and exorcisms that Jesus performed before He left Capernaum, displaying His authority over evil spirits, over sickness, over nature, etc. the scribes still questioned His authority to forgive sins. This was because of their lack of faith. They refused to believe, even if the truth was already staring them in the face. It was the opposite in the case of the four men who refused to be cowed by obstacles in order to bring their friend to the healing power of Jesus. They believed that if there’s a will, there’s a way, even if they had to pay for the damages later.
Faith demands action. St. James said, “What good is it if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?… I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.” (Jam.2:14,18) The four friends of the paralytic were motivated into action because of their compassion for their sick friend. They wanted him to be restored back to his normal life. Jesus was moved by their faith and His compassion for the paralytic. He forgave the man’s sins first because He knew the paralytic needed forgiveness more than healing. God knows what we need more than we do.
Many of us are not abiding by God’s will when we doubt our capability to complete an assigned task. But it is only when we take action that God’s grace will be manifested in our life. 1 Corinthians 13 states that “Love bears all things, believes all things, endures all things.” This means we must remain open to what the Lord will accomplish in our life, and persevere in faith.
We place ourselves in Your hands, O Lord, that we may receive Your grace. Amen.
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FREE AND UNDESERVED GIFTS
“What he has received is a free gift, and yet usually, at least in some small part, he has made himself ready to receive it.” 12&12 p.107, Step Twelve
“And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.” Romans 11:6
For what it's worth: There was no part, even a small part that I played in my rescue from the hell of alcoholism. I did nothing to make myself ready; I was too busy trying to drink myself to death. The same is true of my recovery from the devastation of this disease. After all, it took a miracle just to get me into my first Alcoholic Anonymous meeting. And I left so many of them in a rage over the God talk, that it took a number of miracles to keep me coming back. I have been sober in AA for some years now, and I still feel this gift of sobriety is undeserved. Any time I start to believe I have earned it, a new character defect, or one of the old ones that I thought I was rid of, attacks me. I am deeply grateful my Heavenly Father grants gifts “free and undeserved”. Otherwise, I would still be a lost soul.
God bless you!
Joe W.