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01-16-2009, 09:26 PM
Light Bearers
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2
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Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him. Ecclesiastes 5:10-14
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I am nearing the Shore
Start afresh with each new day and be renewed in the spirit daily by the Presence of God's Holy Spirit.
Forgive and forget all troubles and difficulties of the preceding day and arise with God's spiritual sunshine shining through the windows of your soul.
Take no thought for cares and worries of tomorrow but be like the birds of the air arising each day with a song of praise in your heart.
Hallelujah!
Begin each day with a renewed zeal of the Lord in your bones, boldly facing each new day, lifting up the Standard of Christ, marching, marching on toward Zion, Zion the beautiful city of God.
Brethren, we are all on a journey that presses always onward and forward toward the gates of the City of God.
I'm on my way to Zion, Zion, the beautiful city of God.
I am nearing the Shore!
©01/17/2001 Jim Welch
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A Place of Honor
Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase (Pr. 3:9).
In a dream, you see yourself seated at an immense banquet table in what seems to be the biggest, most beautifully decorated banquet hall you have ever seen. The table you are seated at seems to go on forever. It is large and round, and seems to have thousands of people seated at it, many of whom you can barely make out as people at all. In fact, if not for their movement, you are certain they would blend into the background. You then notice someone seated at the place of honor--it is God Himself. You can hardly believe it and you can hardly wait to see what will happen next.
One by one people begin to stand and make their way to the podium to speak. Each one tells of what God has done in their lives, the wonderful lessons taught, life saving and life changing events. There are heartfelt words about God's grace, and tearful words about His mercy. One by one, each tells the rest what God meant to him or her personally. Then you notice that it's your turn. You stand. You make your way to the podium...
What do you do? What do you say? How long will your time of honoring be--or how short? Does a warm smile come to your face as your heart melts in joy to tell of God's love for you and the wonderful times you have spent together? Or do you grow anxious--worried how your story will compare to the rest?
What does it mean to honor God? Proverbs 3:9 tells us to "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase." In other scripture, we are instructed that honor goes far beyond righteous acts, it is a matter of honoring God in our hearts as well (Isa.29:13; Ps.78:36; Mk.7:6-7). The Bible does not focus merely on tithes, offerings and righteous acts, it focuses more on the condition of the heart when we are doing those things--and when we are not doing them.
Honoring God with your "substance" (or wealth in other translations), is not referring merely to income. If we limit ourselves to this we are certainly defining who we are within narrow margins. Your substance is defined by everything you are and all you have to offer. I'm sure you agree that you have a lot more to offer than money. In fact, if someone were to limit what you have to offer as only having to do with money, you would more than likely be offended.
So why is it that when we hear words like, "Honor the Lord with thy substance," that the main thing that comes to mind is money? Perhaps God should be offended. After all, He made you to be, and to have the potential to be, far more than a walking bank account. You--aside from your net worth--are important to God. Who you are as a person is what is most important to Him. And the best way you can honor Him is by honoring Him in who you are.
As you allow Him to shape your life so that you can honor Him in it, honoring Him with money and righteous acts will be a byproduct, not the main product.
For Thou dost not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; Thou art not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise (Ps. 51:16-17).
Day by Day Devotionals
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Introduction to Exodus http://www.biblepathway.org/cgi-bin/en/en_view.cgi?page_type=intro&book=exo&language=en&ext=
Read Genesis 49 -- Exodus 1 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ge+49-ex+1§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The Israelites' stay in Egypt ends with the death of Jacob and Joseph. God's chosen people begin a new era as He plans to establish them as a nation.
Just prior to his death, Jacob foretold an amazing prophetic future of each tribe. Although he was not the firstborn, Judah was destined to continue the Abrahamic Covenant with its promise of the Messiah (22:18). Judah is . . . a lion. . . . The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be (49:9-10).
Judah emerged as the powerful leader of Israel and one who was feared by his enemies as a lion. Added to this, their tribe was to hold the sceptre of legislative control over the other tribes until Shiloh come. Shiloh means "Peacemaker," and is commonly accepted to be a name or title for the Messiah.
As we look forward to His glorious return, our hearts are thrilled. The coming Christ is good news to all who keep His Commandments. . . . For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:2,4). When our King is come, He will reprove the world of sin . . . Of judgment, because the prince of this world, (Satan, whose demonic power has oppressed the world with hate and suffering) is judged (John 16:8,11). Oh, the freedom of that day!
When Jacob called his sons together and foretold the blessings of God upon them, he emphasized the abuse which Joseph had suffered: The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him (Gen. 49:23; also Ps. 105:17-18).
Joseph's difficulties began with his spiritual insight and God-given dreams which caused his brothers to hate him and sell him into slavery when he was just a teenager. But God was with him and prepared him to become the man He could use to protect and provide for His people in Egypt.
A vital step in allowing God's will to be fulfilled in us is being convinced of His sovereignty over our circumstances.
It is easy to manifest the characteristics of a spirit-filled life of love, joy, and peace to those we love. But, when we allow Christ to rule our hearts, feelings of ill will toward all who have wronged us disappear as we sincerely pray for God to bless them, since He said: I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matt. 5:44).
Thought for Today:
The more important the things of the world become to us, the easier it is to forget God's purpose for our lives.
Christ Revealed:
As the Messiah who would come. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed (Rev. 5:5). The sceptre shall not depart from Judah . . . until Shiloh (the Peacemaker) come (Gen. 49:10).
Word Studies:
GENESIS 49:8 in the neck of = in control over; 49:10 sceptre = ruler's staff of authority; 49:26 prevailed above . . . progenitors = distinguished above . . . his brothers; 50:15 will certainly requite = will fully repay. EXODUS 1:10 there falleth out any war = if war occurs; 1:12 grieved = fearful of their size; 1:17 feared = had reverential, heartfelt submission to; 1:19 are lively = bear quickly, easily; 1:20 waxed very mighty = became very numerous.
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What I was Made to Do
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We’re created and saved for service to God.
Years ago, our family owned a Border collie. The first time we took her in the woods as a puppy, we noticed that she got very concerned when the members of our group didn’t stay together. My son rode his bike and was racing ahead so he could do some jumps. My husband lagged behind taking a picture of some wild flowers. My daughter and I just strolled along enjoying a good talk. Poor Missy didn’t know what to do. She nearly ran her legs off trying to check on everyone. We laughed and laughed at her efforts. They seemed terribly foolish from our point of view.
Missy was absolutely committed to her task, though. She persisted in checking on all of us because of who she was. Border collies are bred to herd and guard sheep. They just naturally try to keep them together because a stray sheep will almost certainly become coyote food. Missy didn’t understand why her barks and jumping in front of us didn’t turn us back into the pack.
There are some similarities between Missy and us, particularly when we consider what we are designed to be and do. Before God saves us, we just naturally sin. We’ve been born with a sin nature that desires to please self more than anything. But, after Jesus saves us, He gives us a new nature that desires to please God more than anything. The most natural thing in the world for a saved sinner to do is to obey God. It’s what He made us for.
God will never accept us in His presence because we keep His commandments or do good things for other people. He requires absolutely perfect holiness of anyone who enters into His presence. We can never make it by what we do. But, God made it possible for us to become righteous as we place our faith in Jesus and His death on the cross as the sacrifice for our sin. Once we believe, we do right things as an expression of our gratitude and to show our new character.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for making it possible for me to have a personal relationship with You. Thank you for Jesus who died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Now that You have saved me and given me a new heart, please help me serve you faithfully and honorably. Help me be what You made me to be. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne
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Drive Them Out
Bible Reading: Numbers 33:51-52; Psalm 106:34-43; Galatians 5:13-24; 1 Peter 2:1.
God's command to Moses concerning the inhabitants of Canaan seems harsh and cruel today: "You must drive out all the people living there." Why was God so harsh and unyielding? Because those people were idol worshippers, practicing all manner of shameless immorality, and encouraging others to do so as well.
In our lives, we are reluctant to take dominion over every area for Christ. We tend to go easy on the "little sins" - our bad habits, negative personality traits, and social compromises. But if we want to wholeheartedly serve God, we must drive them all out.
Moment of Meditation: The "little" sins that we tolerate are like quietly growing cancers.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, examine my life and expose everything not pleasing to You. Drive out all of the little sins that keep me from wholeheartedly serving You. Amen.
For Further Study: Psalm 39:17; 66:18; 119:33; Proverbs 10:17-20; 17:19-20; Romans 7:5,15-25; 8:5-8,13; Galatians 6:8; 1 Peter 2:11.
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The Bread of Life
Daily Devotional for January 17
John 6:48 "I am that bread of life"
John 6:35 "I am the bread of life"
Is there a hunger and thirst for His words of life, or do we spend much of our time feeding on ashes of defeat?
Christ Jesus died and rose again so that we can experience the abundant life. Feeding on the bread of life will produce obedience. Obedience produces a hunger for His words. If we have no hunger or thirst, we will put the love letter down, and will not read it.
Many people read other books very intently. They could tell you what that book says cover to cover. They will be motivated by the book.
If a saved person has no motivation for reading the Bible, it is because they are either carnal and warring against God, or they have grieved the Holy Spirit and need to repent.
Ask each day that God would create a capacity for us to read His Holy words so we will not starve to death spiritually.
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Who Is The Greatest?
January 17th
READ: Mark 9:30-50
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35).
Our Lord evidently knew what these disciples had been talking about. So when they get into the house at Capernaum, He asks them, "What were you discussing on the way?"--a simple, normal question--but He is met by embarrassed silence because they had been discussing who was the greatest among them. Somehow that did not sound right in the presence of Jesus. It would be wonderful if we always had this awareness that what we say and think is being done in His presence. It would make us feel differently about many things.
We are not told how this argument came about. I suspect that it was occasioned by the events of the transfiguration. James, Peter, and John had been chosen to go up on the mountain with the Lord and to observe this marvelous sight. Jesus had strictly charged them to tell no one what they had seen. I believe they kept this charge. But it is quite possible to keep a secret in such a way as to make everybody agog to find out more. When they came back, the others probably asked, "What happened up there?" And they said, "Oh, we're not permitted to say. One of these days perhaps we might be able to tell you, but you ordinary disciples are excluded from this for now." And then, of course, the argument readily arose as to who was the greatest.
To answer this, Jesus gave them a marvelously revealing statement. He told them the truth about ambition. Notice He did not rebuke them for wanting to be greatest. Never does He take them to task because of their desire. God has somehow built into every human heart the desire to succeed at whatever we do. He did not rebuke them, for this is part of our humanity--to want to succeed. What He did do was to tell them the true way to greatness. "It is not by seeking to be first," He said. "It is by a willingness to be last. It is not by getting people to serve you; it is by becoming a servant of all."
There are two kinds of ambition. There is the ambition to be approved and applauded by people, and the ambition to be approved and applauded by God. There are those who want to gain fame and attention and influence and power. The measurement of the ambition to be great before people is always "How many serve me? How much power do I exercise over others? How wide is the extent of my influence?" Who of us has not suffered many times from this desire to be known, to be admired, to be considered great?
But Jesus points out that true greatness is never found there. The measure of true greatness is "How many do I serve? How many can I help?" This is the mark of greatness in the eyes of God. Christianity is a radical faith! It is exactly the opposite of the natural instincts of the heart. Our natural inclinations will get us deeper and deeper into trouble. Though we may achieve a form of greatness in the eyes of people, it will turn into cobwebs and ashes in our hands.
Teach me the meaning of these words in the depths of my heart. Help me to strive for that greatness that will shine throughout eternity.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
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Jesus Keeps His First Passover
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. Luke 2:41, 42.
Joseph and Mary went up to Jerusalem every year to the feast of the Passover, according to the requirements of the Jewish law. Christ's childhood days were ended. He had entered upon the period of youth. Joseph and Mary, as was their custom, prepared to take their long journey to Jerusalem. They took Jesus with them. They went in company with many others who were on their way to Jerusalem to observe this solemn festival.
It is impossible for human minds to understand the meditations of the Son of God as He looked with interest upon the Temple for the first time. As He walked its courts, and His eye discerned the work of the ministering priest, the altar with its bleeding victim, the holy incense arising to God, and the mysteries of the Holy of Holies behind the veil, and comprehended the reality which these ceremonies prefigured, what thoughts were awakened within His breast we cannot conjecture. Christ Himself was the key to unlock all these sacred mysteries which were indefinitely understood by Joseph and Mary. These were all instituted to represent Christ, and were fulfilled in His death.
The Passover was a name given to this ceremony in commemoration of the wonderful event of the Hebrews' leaving Egypt. The night they left Egypt, the destroying angel entered every house and slew from the firstborn of the king upon his throne down to the firstborn of the lowest slave. . . .
The Lord gave special directions to the Hebrews, for each family to slay a lamb and sprinkle the blood upon their door posts, that when the destroying angel should go forth upon his errand of death, the blood upon the post of the door should be to them a sign that those who were within the house were the worshipers of the true God. The angel of death passed over the houses thus designated. Upon that eventful night the Hebrews were directed to be prepared for their journey. . . .
According to the directions given them of God, they were all prepared for their journey, ready for the word of command to go forth from Egypt. . . .
While the institution of the Passover was pointing backward to the miraculous deliverance of the Hebrews, it likewise pointed forward, showing the death of the Son of God before it transpired. In the last Passover our Lord observed with His disciples, He instituted the Lord's Supper in place of the Passover, to be observed in memory of His death. No longer had they need of the Passover, for He, the great antitypical Lamb, was ready to be sacrificed for the sins of the world. Type met antitype in the death of Christ (Youth's Instructor, May 1873).
From Lift Him Up - Page 23
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GIVING GODS GIFTS TO OTHERS
“He finds himself in possession of a degree of honesty, tolerance, unselfishness, peace of mind, and love of which he had thought himself quite incapable.” 12&12 p.107
“We beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.” 2 Corinthians 6:1
For what it's worth: Ignoring God was what I did as a practicing alcoholic. I did it so well that I was afraid to face God once I was sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. Fortunately, my fear of returning to the hell of alcoholism finally dominated and I reluctantly turned to God. My motives certainly were not pure, but He did not seem to mind. Even though I was undeserving, God started freely and generously pouring out His kindness on me. He has continued over my years of sobriety with precious love gifts, some whenever He wished, others at just the right time when I needed them most. I must never take God’s gifts for granted, grow complacent about them, nor in any other way ignore them. Rather, I must always be grateful and not just say “thanks” but demonstrate gratitude by trying to give the gifts to others.
God bless you!
Joe W.
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2
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Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him. Ecclesiastes 5:10-14
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I am nearing the Shore
Start afresh with each new day and be renewed in the spirit daily by the Presence of God's Holy Spirit.
Forgive and forget all troubles and difficulties of the preceding day and arise with God's spiritual sunshine shining through the windows of your soul.
Take no thought for cares and worries of tomorrow but be like the birds of the air arising each day with a song of praise in your heart.
Hallelujah!
Begin each day with a renewed zeal of the Lord in your bones, boldly facing each new day, lifting up the Standard of Christ, marching, marching on toward Zion, Zion the beautiful city of God.
Brethren, we are all on a journey that presses always onward and forward toward the gates of the City of God.
I'm on my way to Zion, Zion, the beautiful city of God.
I am nearing the Shore!
©01/17/2001 Jim Welch
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A Place of Honor
Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase (Pr. 3:9).
In a dream, you see yourself seated at an immense banquet table in what seems to be the biggest, most beautifully decorated banquet hall you have ever seen. The table you are seated at seems to go on forever. It is large and round, and seems to have thousands of people seated at it, many of whom you can barely make out as people at all. In fact, if not for their movement, you are certain they would blend into the background. You then notice someone seated at the place of honor--it is God Himself. You can hardly believe it and you can hardly wait to see what will happen next.
One by one people begin to stand and make their way to the podium to speak. Each one tells of what God has done in their lives, the wonderful lessons taught, life saving and life changing events. There are heartfelt words about God's grace, and tearful words about His mercy. One by one, each tells the rest what God meant to him or her personally. Then you notice that it's your turn. You stand. You make your way to the podium...
What do you do? What do you say? How long will your time of honoring be--or how short? Does a warm smile come to your face as your heart melts in joy to tell of God's love for you and the wonderful times you have spent together? Or do you grow anxious--worried how your story will compare to the rest?
What does it mean to honor God? Proverbs 3:9 tells us to "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase." In other scripture, we are instructed that honor goes far beyond righteous acts, it is a matter of honoring God in our hearts as well (Isa.29:13; Ps.78:36; Mk.7:6-7). The Bible does not focus merely on tithes, offerings and righteous acts, it focuses more on the condition of the heart when we are doing those things--and when we are not doing them.
Honoring God with your "substance" (or wealth in other translations), is not referring merely to income. If we limit ourselves to this we are certainly defining who we are within narrow margins. Your substance is defined by everything you are and all you have to offer. I'm sure you agree that you have a lot more to offer than money. In fact, if someone were to limit what you have to offer as only having to do with money, you would more than likely be offended.
So why is it that when we hear words like, "Honor the Lord with thy substance," that the main thing that comes to mind is money? Perhaps God should be offended. After all, He made you to be, and to have the potential to be, far more than a walking bank account. You--aside from your net worth--are important to God. Who you are as a person is what is most important to Him. And the best way you can honor Him is by honoring Him in who you are.
As you allow Him to shape your life so that you can honor Him in it, honoring Him with money and righteous acts will be a byproduct, not the main product.
For Thou dost not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; Thou art not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise (Ps. 51:16-17).
Day by Day Devotionals
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Introduction to Exodus http://www.biblepathway.org/cgi-bin/en/en_view.cgi?page_type=intro&book=exo&language=en&ext=
Read Genesis 49 -- Exodus 1 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ge+49-ex+1§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The Israelites' stay in Egypt ends with the death of Jacob and Joseph. God's chosen people begin a new era as He plans to establish them as a nation.
Just prior to his death, Jacob foretold an amazing prophetic future of each tribe. Although he was not the firstborn, Judah was destined to continue the Abrahamic Covenant with its promise of the Messiah (22:18). Judah is . . . a lion. . . . The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be (49:9-10).
Judah emerged as the powerful leader of Israel and one who was feared by his enemies as a lion. Added to this, their tribe was to hold the sceptre of legislative control over the other tribes until Shiloh come. Shiloh means "Peacemaker," and is commonly accepted to be a name or title for the Messiah.
As we look forward to His glorious return, our hearts are thrilled. The coming Christ is good news to all who keep His Commandments. . . . For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:2,4). When our King is come, He will reprove the world of sin . . . Of judgment, because the prince of this world, (Satan, whose demonic power has oppressed the world with hate and suffering) is judged (John 16:8,11). Oh, the freedom of that day!
When Jacob called his sons together and foretold the blessings of God upon them, he emphasized the abuse which Joseph had suffered: The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him (Gen. 49:23; also Ps. 105:17-18).
Joseph's difficulties began with his spiritual insight and God-given dreams which caused his brothers to hate him and sell him into slavery when he was just a teenager. But God was with him and prepared him to become the man He could use to protect and provide for His people in Egypt.
A vital step in allowing God's will to be fulfilled in us is being convinced of His sovereignty over our circumstances.
It is easy to manifest the characteristics of a spirit-filled life of love, joy, and peace to those we love. But, when we allow Christ to rule our hearts, feelings of ill will toward all who have wronged us disappear as we sincerely pray for God to bless them, since He said: I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matt. 5:44).
Thought for Today:
The more important the things of the world become to us, the easier it is to forget God's purpose for our lives.
Christ Revealed:
As the Messiah who would come. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed (Rev. 5:5). The sceptre shall not depart from Judah . . . until Shiloh (the Peacemaker) come (Gen. 49:10).
Word Studies:
GENESIS 49:8 in the neck of = in control over; 49:10 sceptre = ruler's staff of authority; 49:26 prevailed above . . . progenitors = distinguished above . . . his brothers; 50:15 will certainly requite = will fully repay. EXODUS 1:10 there falleth out any war = if war occurs; 1:12 grieved = fearful of their size; 1:17 feared = had reverential, heartfelt submission to; 1:19 are lively = bear quickly, easily; 1:20 waxed very mighty = became very numerous.
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What I was Made to Do
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We’re created and saved for service to God.
Years ago, our family owned a Border collie. The first time we took her in the woods as a puppy, we noticed that she got very concerned when the members of our group didn’t stay together. My son rode his bike and was racing ahead so he could do some jumps. My husband lagged behind taking a picture of some wild flowers. My daughter and I just strolled along enjoying a good talk. Poor Missy didn’t know what to do. She nearly ran her legs off trying to check on everyone. We laughed and laughed at her efforts. They seemed terribly foolish from our point of view.
Missy was absolutely committed to her task, though. She persisted in checking on all of us because of who she was. Border collies are bred to herd and guard sheep. They just naturally try to keep them together because a stray sheep will almost certainly become coyote food. Missy didn’t understand why her barks and jumping in front of us didn’t turn us back into the pack.
There are some similarities between Missy and us, particularly when we consider what we are designed to be and do. Before God saves us, we just naturally sin. We’ve been born with a sin nature that desires to please self more than anything. But, after Jesus saves us, He gives us a new nature that desires to please God more than anything. The most natural thing in the world for a saved sinner to do is to obey God. It’s what He made us for.
God will never accept us in His presence because we keep His commandments or do good things for other people. He requires absolutely perfect holiness of anyone who enters into His presence. We can never make it by what we do. But, God made it possible for us to become righteous as we place our faith in Jesus and His death on the cross as the sacrifice for our sin. Once we believe, we do right things as an expression of our gratitude and to show our new character.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for making it possible for me to have a personal relationship with You. Thank you for Jesus who died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Now that You have saved me and given me a new heart, please help me serve you faithfully and honorably. Help me be what You made me to be. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne
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Drive Them Out
Bible Reading: Numbers 33:51-52; Psalm 106:34-43; Galatians 5:13-24; 1 Peter 2:1.
God's command to Moses concerning the inhabitants of Canaan seems harsh and cruel today: "You must drive out all the people living there." Why was God so harsh and unyielding? Because those people were idol worshippers, practicing all manner of shameless immorality, and encouraging others to do so as well.
In our lives, we are reluctant to take dominion over every area for Christ. We tend to go easy on the "little sins" - our bad habits, negative personality traits, and social compromises. But if we want to wholeheartedly serve God, we must drive them all out.
Moment of Meditation: The "little" sins that we tolerate are like quietly growing cancers.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, examine my life and expose everything not pleasing to You. Drive out all of the little sins that keep me from wholeheartedly serving You. Amen.
For Further Study: Psalm 39:17; 66:18; 119:33; Proverbs 10:17-20; 17:19-20; Romans 7:5,15-25; 8:5-8,13; Galatians 6:8; 1 Peter 2:11.
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The Bread of Life
Daily Devotional for January 17
John 6:48 "I am that bread of life"
John 6:35 "I am the bread of life"
Is there a hunger and thirst for His words of life, or do we spend much of our time feeding on ashes of defeat?
Christ Jesus died and rose again so that we can experience the abundant life. Feeding on the bread of life will produce obedience. Obedience produces a hunger for His words. If we have no hunger or thirst, we will put the love letter down, and will not read it.
Many people read other books very intently. They could tell you what that book says cover to cover. They will be motivated by the book.
If a saved person has no motivation for reading the Bible, it is because they are either carnal and warring against God, or they have grieved the Holy Spirit and need to repent.
Ask each day that God would create a capacity for us to read His Holy words so we will not starve to death spiritually.
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Who Is The Greatest?
January 17th
READ: Mark 9:30-50
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35).
Our Lord evidently knew what these disciples had been talking about. So when they get into the house at Capernaum, He asks them, "What were you discussing on the way?"--a simple, normal question--but He is met by embarrassed silence because they had been discussing who was the greatest among them. Somehow that did not sound right in the presence of Jesus. It would be wonderful if we always had this awareness that what we say and think is being done in His presence. It would make us feel differently about many things.
We are not told how this argument came about. I suspect that it was occasioned by the events of the transfiguration. James, Peter, and John had been chosen to go up on the mountain with the Lord and to observe this marvelous sight. Jesus had strictly charged them to tell no one what they had seen. I believe they kept this charge. But it is quite possible to keep a secret in such a way as to make everybody agog to find out more. When they came back, the others probably asked, "What happened up there?" And they said, "Oh, we're not permitted to say. One of these days perhaps we might be able to tell you, but you ordinary disciples are excluded from this for now." And then, of course, the argument readily arose as to who was the greatest.
To answer this, Jesus gave them a marvelously revealing statement. He told them the truth about ambition. Notice He did not rebuke them for wanting to be greatest. Never does He take them to task because of their desire. God has somehow built into every human heart the desire to succeed at whatever we do. He did not rebuke them, for this is part of our humanity--to want to succeed. What He did do was to tell them the true way to greatness. "It is not by seeking to be first," He said. "It is by a willingness to be last. It is not by getting people to serve you; it is by becoming a servant of all."
There are two kinds of ambition. There is the ambition to be approved and applauded by people, and the ambition to be approved and applauded by God. There are those who want to gain fame and attention and influence and power. The measurement of the ambition to be great before people is always "How many serve me? How much power do I exercise over others? How wide is the extent of my influence?" Who of us has not suffered many times from this desire to be known, to be admired, to be considered great?
But Jesus points out that true greatness is never found there. The measure of true greatness is "How many do I serve? How many can I help?" This is the mark of greatness in the eyes of God. Christianity is a radical faith! It is exactly the opposite of the natural instincts of the heart. Our natural inclinations will get us deeper and deeper into trouble. Though we may achieve a form of greatness in the eyes of people, it will turn into cobwebs and ashes in our hands.
Teach me the meaning of these words in the depths of my heart. Help me to strive for that greatness that will shine throughout eternity.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
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Jesus Keeps His First Passover
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. Luke 2:41, 42.
Joseph and Mary went up to Jerusalem every year to the feast of the Passover, according to the requirements of the Jewish law. Christ's childhood days were ended. He had entered upon the period of youth. Joseph and Mary, as was their custom, prepared to take their long journey to Jerusalem. They took Jesus with them. They went in company with many others who were on their way to Jerusalem to observe this solemn festival.
It is impossible for human minds to understand the meditations of the Son of God as He looked with interest upon the Temple for the first time. As He walked its courts, and His eye discerned the work of the ministering priest, the altar with its bleeding victim, the holy incense arising to God, and the mysteries of the Holy of Holies behind the veil, and comprehended the reality which these ceremonies prefigured, what thoughts were awakened within His breast we cannot conjecture. Christ Himself was the key to unlock all these sacred mysteries which were indefinitely understood by Joseph and Mary. These were all instituted to represent Christ, and were fulfilled in His death.
The Passover was a name given to this ceremony in commemoration of the wonderful event of the Hebrews' leaving Egypt. The night they left Egypt, the destroying angel entered every house and slew from the firstborn of the king upon his throne down to the firstborn of the lowest slave. . . .
The Lord gave special directions to the Hebrews, for each family to slay a lamb and sprinkle the blood upon their door posts, that when the destroying angel should go forth upon his errand of death, the blood upon the post of the door should be to them a sign that those who were within the house were the worshipers of the true God. The angel of death passed over the houses thus designated. Upon that eventful night the Hebrews were directed to be prepared for their journey. . . .
According to the directions given them of God, they were all prepared for their journey, ready for the word of command to go forth from Egypt. . . .
While the institution of the Passover was pointing backward to the miraculous deliverance of the Hebrews, it likewise pointed forward, showing the death of the Son of God before it transpired. In the last Passover our Lord observed with His disciples, He instituted the Lord's Supper in place of the Passover, to be observed in memory of His death. No longer had they need of the Passover, for He, the great antitypical Lamb, was ready to be sacrificed for the sins of the world. Type met antitype in the death of Christ (Youth's Instructor, May 1873).
From Lift Him Up - Page 23
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GIVING GODS GIFTS TO OTHERS
“He finds himself in possession of a degree of honesty, tolerance, unselfishness, peace of mind, and love of which he had thought himself quite incapable.” 12&12 p.107
“We beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.” 2 Corinthians 6:1
For what it's worth: Ignoring God was what I did as a practicing alcoholic. I did it so well that I was afraid to face God once I was sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. Fortunately, my fear of returning to the hell of alcoholism finally dominated and I reluctantly turned to God. My motives certainly were not pure, but He did not seem to mind. Even though I was undeserving, God started freely and generously pouring out His kindness on me. He has continued over my years of sobriety with precious love gifts, some whenever He wished, others at just the right time when I needed them most. I must never take God’s gifts for granted, grow complacent about them, nor in any other way ignore them. Rather, I must always be grateful and not just say “thanks” but demonstrate gratitude by trying to give the gifts to others.
God bless you!
Joe W.