admin
01-23-2009, 08:37 PM
Romans 12
Living Sacrifices to God
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
-----
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19
-----
Jesus never fails
Go into all the world and bring forth God's message of hope and good tidings of joy, declaring that Jesus Christ has delivered all men from their sins and has purchased for them everlasting life and victory.
Jesus Christ is ever victorious and Jesus Christ never fails.
He is the Champion of Justice and the Protector of the downtrodden and the oppressed.
He is able to save to the uttermost all men who have committed their souls to Him and He is able to keep all from falling all whom the Father has given Him.
He is in Heaven preparing a place for you and if He has prepared a place for you in Heaven then
He shall come again to receive you unto Himself that where He is you may be also.
Jesus Christ overcomes.
Amen.
©01/24/2001 Jim Welch
-----
All The Things That Money Can Buy
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb. 13:5).
This is perhaps a very familiar verse of scripture to many of us. Probably due to one word that seems to stand out above the rest--"money." It is probably not surprising that it should stand out as it does, when we see the word all sorts of thoughts may come to mind. Perhaps even a feeling of dread as we prepare for the Bible to tell us that our thoughts toward money may be impure, or that we may have to give some up or give up wanting it.
Amazing as it may be, this verse is not so much focused on money as we might think. It probably just seems that way due to our cultural biases. Instead, the focus is toward the end of the verse, within the reason not to love money--"because God has said. . ."
Perhaps a paraphrase like this might be helpful:
God will never leave you or allow your needs to be forgotten. Believe that, for it is so true. Because of this fact, you don't have to worry about running out of money or material wealth--He will see to it that you always have what you need. Be at peace with your current life circumstances, the Lord is faithful.
The verse does not focus on the money as much as on the reason why people seem to love money, or seem to lack contentment with what they have--they simply fear not having it. Why do people love money? It makes them feel secure. The more they have, the more they feel secure. We seem to think that if we have enough money we won't have to worry about things, like, where our next meal is coming from, or will I be able to pay the rent this month. But money is not a sure thing--just keep an eye on the stock market. Watch the fluctuation of the value of a dollar. Take a good look at empires (such as Russia) that collapse economically.
Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and [money]" (Mt. 6:24). We like to feel secure, and we will tend to love that which can make us feel secure. We will tend to "hold to the one" that provides security "and despise" the one that does not. It is not a matter of what you say you believe, but a matter of where you demonstrate that you have placed your trust.
Money fluctuates. God is stable. Money is not a sure life-long investment. God is sure to be invested in your long life. We say that our paychecks are spent before we even get them, and leave us wanting. "But my God shall supply all of your needs."
Who is it that supplies all of your needs? Which one have you put your trust in? Ask God to search your heart and show you matters of security that you have trusted money to provide for, and ask Him to help you trust everything to Him alone.
Day by Day Devotionals
-----
Read Exodus 20 -- 22 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ex+20-ex+22§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The Law is a mirror that reveals with absolute accuracy and authority what we are and what we should be.
The Ten Commandments are the only revelation of God given to mankind that was written with the finger of God (31:18). Eight of the Ten Commandments are expressed negatively: Thou shalt not. Four point to the absolute perfection of the Holy, Creator God, who alone is to be worshiped and obeyed. Six present standards for our relationship with others.
The Law reminds us that none of these relationships with God or man can be ignored. In an exclusive, covenant relationship, the Lord God must always have priority in our hearts and be our first consideration, without compromise. Consequently, His Commandments begin: God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God. . . . Have no other gods before Me. . . . Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven . . . or . . . earth. . . . I the Lord . . . am a jealous God . . . shewing mercy unto . . . them that love Me, and keep My Commandments. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. . . . Honour thy father and thy mother. . . . Thou shalt not kill. . . . commit adultery. . . . steal. . . . bear false witness. . . . covet . . . any thing (20:1-17). Obedience to the Law was to be Israel's outward sign of having accepted His call to be a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation (19:6).
We are warned that all liars will go to hell. It is wrong to steal — wrong whether it is done by shoplifting, cheating on our income tax, or failing to give an employer a full day's work. It is wrong to bear false witness against our neighbors and it is wrong to commit adultery. The . . . unbelieving . . . murderers . . . *****mongers . . . and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:8). The Law calls for a sincere obedience from the heart. If I have love toward my neighbor, I will not steal his property or commit adultery with his wife. I will protect his loved ones because they are the property of God.
True Christians seek to know more of God. What peace we have in knowing that when we do fall short of keeping His Word, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).
Thought for Today:
A nation may remove the Ten Commandments from its buildings, but that doesn't make them any less Divine Law for mankind now.
Christ Revealed:
The perfection of Christ is revealed through the Ten Commandments, for He kept all of them (Ex. 20:1-17). He was perfect and without sin (Heb. 4:15).
Word Studies:
20:10 Sabbath = day of rest to honor God; 20:13 kill = murder; 21:8 strange nation = foreign people; 21:14 presumptuously = willfully; with guile = treacherously; 21:19 be quit = be acquitted, blameless; 21:22 her fruit depart from her = suffer a miscarriage; 22:2 breaking up = breaking in; smitten = struck with a fatal blow; 22:16 endow = marriage payment; 22:21 vex = wrongfully treat; 22:24 wax = become; 22:25 usurer = one who loans with interest; 22:31 holy men unto Me = special people consecrated to My service.
-----
God Planned You as a Master Creation
Psalm 139:13-15
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
“Created by God”
Today we will begin to consider some scripture passages to discover just how wonderful, unique, and important you are. Nearly everyone dislikes something about his physique or her personality. Tall people wish they were shorter. Short people would give anything to be taller. Math whiz kids envy those who can read anything and figure out what it means. Athletes sometimes hate not being able to do as well in school as other kids do. It doesn’t really seem to matter what set of strengths God gave us, we can always find someone we would rather be like.
Today’s scripture tells us that God made each individual person on earth exactly the way he wanted them to be. He has a job for each of us to do that requires the precise set of strengths and weaknesses he programmed into us.
The talents and positive personality traits God gave us make it possible for us do particular things. Those who love grammar and reading often become writers. Those who have better-than-average physical strength or coordination can take on jobs like building things or hiking to isolated villages to share the gospel. We all appreciate the talents of pianists, guitar players and singers who can lead us in worship.
But what about our weaknesses? Shy people make incredible listeners. Those who struggle with reading may become engineers or businessmen. The athletically challenged frequently compensate by organizing events and encouraging others. God has another important purpose for giving us some weak points. He wants to be sure that we can sympathize with our friends who also have difficulties. Because we become stronger and more compassionate as the result of our struggles, we can help others do the same.
We must remember that God’s is reflected in everything He makes. He is absolutely and perfectly good. So, anything he creates has to be awesome. He made you exactly the way you are to do something that only you can do. What a concept!
David, who wrote this Psalm, was the youngest in his family. His dad and brothers didn’t think he was even important enough to call away from the sheep when Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel. But, God knew David would make a great king. After all, God created him for that purpose way before he was born. David had times when he wondered if God could ever use him, but he kept on obeying the Lord. As a result, he became one of the greatest heroes in the Bible. There are no unimportant jobs and no worthless people in God’s eyes. God created you for a job in his kingdom that is just as important as the one David did.
Today’s Prayer:
My God and my Creator, I thank you for making me different from every other human being. Thank you that your goodness and wisdom are expressed in the way you mixed up my DNA. Help me accept myself as your wonderful creation and find the role you have for me to play in your plans, today and always. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne
-----
1 Minute Daily Devotions
January 24, 2009
The Lions Never Retired
"Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them, 'My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.'" - Acts 28:17
When publicizing a mission conference at our church, there were some missionaries whose last names we couldn't print or even mention the location where they were serving. This is because if it had became known that they were missionaries, they could be expelled from the country, imprisoned, or even killed.
Paul was keenly aware of the dangers of sharing Christ, and we cannot forget that our missionaries still face very real persecution - a fact that has hit close to home over the past few years. In 2002, several of our medical missionaries who had dedicated their lives in service to the people of Yemen were brutally murdered by a pack of Islamic terrorists right in the hospital where they worked. And there was the case of Graham Staines, a missionary to India. He ran a leper clinic, caring for the most outcast of Indian society. And yet he was martyred for his faith, killed along with his two young sons.
No, persecution of Christian missionaries didn't end with the lions in Rome. It continues today, throughout the world, led by a legion of groups that hate the Lord and all who spread His word. We need to pray for our missionaries, support their mission, and honor their incredible courage.
-----
A Seeking Heart
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 12:13b-14; Psalm 119:2,10.
Although King Solomon was very wise, he did not make use of that wisdom in choosing his wives. One of them was Naamah, the Ammonite, mother of Rehoboam.
The Bible says that Rehoboam, "did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord". No wonder! With a pagan mother and a busy father, Rehoboam did not have the kind of upbringing that would direct him to seek the Lord. Although he made a big show of serving God for three years, his heart was not in it, and eventually his true beliefs became evident.
Becoming a Christian and serving God is not an accident. An uncommitted heart is a wayward heart. You must purpose in your heart to seek God's will.
Moment of Meditation: Know your heart.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, help me always to have a seeking heart, a committed heart, a heart set on doing Your will.
For Further Study: Matthew 7:7-8; Jeremiah 11-14..
-----
Follow Me
Daily Devotional for January 24
Mark 10:21 "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me."
What is the one thing that keeps you from total surrender to our Lord? You are the only one that knows.
Maybe it's money and a great job, or it could be a lovely house in the country. Christ Jesus would like us to follow Him. He will not force nor manipulate one to follow Him. The choice is always ours. He will not force total surrender either. He went to the cross to die for the sins of mankind willingly. He lives each day to make intercession for each one on this earth, willingly.
Are we willing to follow Him no matter where He may lead us? He doesn't always lead us in to great victory. He may lead us in to the valley. He just wants us to be willing. Christ Jesus can always use the willing to help others that are burdened down with sin. They share the old story of Christ Jesus and His love.
-----
Watch!
January 24th
READ: Mark 13:1-37
Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: "Watch!" (Mark 13:35-37).
Jesus gathers up all the intervening time between His first and second comings and divides it into four watches—one long night of the world's sin—and He says, "You don't know (and, I think He implies, "I don't know") whether the coming is to be early in that time or in the middle of it, or three-quarters of the way through, or clear at the end." No one knows. I don't know; you don't know. But it is like a man going on a journey (here He likens it to His own going away) who gives his servants work to do, and he expects them to do it. And he sets a doorkeeper to watch.
What is he to watch for? Is he to watch for the master's return? That is the way this is usually interpreted. But that is not it, for he is to start watching as soon as the master leaves. He knows the master will not be back right away. What then is he to watch for? He is to watch so that no one can deceive him and gain entrance into the house and wreck and ruin and rob all the master has. So Jesus' word is, "Be alert; don't go to sleep; watch! There are temptations and pressures that will assault you to make you think that it is all a lie, to make you give up and stop living like a Christian, stop walking in faith, stop believing the truth of God. Watch out for that. And in the meantime, do your work. Don't let anything turn you aside. Don't let anything derail you from being what God wants you to be in this day and age." This is the way you watch. We are not to be looking up into the sky all the time, waiting for His coming. That will happen when He is ready. We are to watch that we are not deceived.
I have been disturbed at how many Christians seem to have fallen away. I look back across many years of ministry, and I see men whom I would have sworn were solid, tremendously committed, faithful, Bible-teaching Christians but who are now denying their faith and have turned aside. And on every side, seemingly, this increases—people falling off into immorality and iniquity, turning away from their faith, saying, in effect, they no longer believe the Lord or the Bible. It is this our Lord is warning against.
Therefore, He says that we are to keep awake. Do not believe all the secular voices that tell us the world will go on forever as it is now. Don't believe the other voices that tell us there is no God, so we can live as we please, or that if God exists, He will never judge us. Don't believe the voices that whisper to us constantly and try to turn us away from our faith. With one sharp, arresting, ringing word of command, Jesus ends his message: "Watch!"
Lord, strengthen me and help me to stay alert, that I may endure to the end, that I may be faithful unto death, that I too may join in that great day with those who are given the crown of life.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
-----
A Breastplate for Safety
And having on the breastplate of righteousness. Eph. 6: 14.
We must put on every piece of the armor, and then stand firm. The Lord has honored us by choosing us as His soldiers. Let us fight bravely for Him, maintaining the right in every transaction. . . . Put on as your breastplate that divinely protected righteousness which it is the privilege of all to wear. This will protect your spiritual life.
Ample provisions have been made for all who sincerely, earnestly, and thoughtfully set about the work of perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Strength, grace, and glory have been provided through Christ, to be brought by ministering angels to the heirs of salvation. None are so low, so corrupt and vile, that they cannot find in Jesus, who died for them, strength, purity, and righteousness, if they will put away their sins, cease their course of iniquity, and turn with full purpose of heart to the living God. He is waiting to strip them of their garments, stained and polluted by sin, and to put upon them the white, bright robes of righteousness.
The truly righteous, who sincerely love and fear God, wear the robe of Christ's righteousness in prosperity and adversity alike. Self- denial, self- sacrifice, benevolence, kindness, love, patience, fortitude, and Christian trust are the daily fruits borne by those who are truly connected with God. Their acts may not be published to the world, but they themselves are daily wrestling with evil, and gaining precious victories over temptation and wrong.
All who have put on the robe of Christ's righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of the Saviour. Not one soul who in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power.
Each one will have a close struggle to overcome sin in his own heart. This is at times a very painful and discouraging work; because, as we see the deformities in our character, we keep looking at them, when we should look to Jesus and put on the robe of His righteousness. Everyone who enters the pearly gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self.
From God's Amazing Grace - Page 30
-----
MAN’S OPINION LEADING TO GOD
“Our eyes begin to open to the immense values which have come straight out of painful ego-puncturing.” 12&12 p.74
“But the people of the town were divided in their opinion about them.” Acts 14:4
For what it's worth: When I was drinking and I was hurt by someone’s opinion of me, I would get drunk and forget about it. However, sober awhile in Alcoholics Anonymous, I found that I was overly sensitive to people’s opinion. As a defense for my vulnerable self-image, I developed an arrogant attitude. Fortunately, as I grew up emotionally and spiritually in AA, I learned “the immense values” of “ego-puncturing” for character-building. However, despite years of maturity in the Program, my inner strength weakens and that arrogant attitude jumps out to “defend me”. My Higher Power has a tricky way of helping me with this defect. He will see to it that something happens that forces me to again surrender my ego. When that occurs, He insures that I get the message and inventory my spiritual condition to find out where I am slack and, with His help, do something about it. I usually find that I was trying to be more confident in me rather than relying on my Heavenly Father. It certainly is difficult for me, but when I truly keep myself in His care, the contradictions, misjudgments, ill will, misunderstanding, and any negative reaction of man can be of “immense value”, keeping me humble and reminding me to seek a more conscious contact with my Heavenly Father rather than man.
God bless you!
Joe W.
Living Sacrifices to God
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
-----
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19
-----
Jesus never fails
Go into all the world and bring forth God's message of hope and good tidings of joy, declaring that Jesus Christ has delivered all men from their sins and has purchased for them everlasting life and victory.
Jesus Christ is ever victorious and Jesus Christ never fails.
He is the Champion of Justice and the Protector of the downtrodden and the oppressed.
He is able to save to the uttermost all men who have committed their souls to Him and He is able to keep all from falling all whom the Father has given Him.
He is in Heaven preparing a place for you and if He has prepared a place for you in Heaven then
He shall come again to receive you unto Himself that where He is you may be also.
Jesus Christ overcomes.
Amen.
©01/24/2001 Jim Welch
-----
All The Things That Money Can Buy
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb. 13:5).
This is perhaps a very familiar verse of scripture to many of us. Probably due to one word that seems to stand out above the rest--"money." It is probably not surprising that it should stand out as it does, when we see the word all sorts of thoughts may come to mind. Perhaps even a feeling of dread as we prepare for the Bible to tell us that our thoughts toward money may be impure, or that we may have to give some up or give up wanting it.
Amazing as it may be, this verse is not so much focused on money as we might think. It probably just seems that way due to our cultural biases. Instead, the focus is toward the end of the verse, within the reason not to love money--"because God has said. . ."
Perhaps a paraphrase like this might be helpful:
God will never leave you or allow your needs to be forgotten. Believe that, for it is so true. Because of this fact, you don't have to worry about running out of money or material wealth--He will see to it that you always have what you need. Be at peace with your current life circumstances, the Lord is faithful.
The verse does not focus on the money as much as on the reason why people seem to love money, or seem to lack contentment with what they have--they simply fear not having it. Why do people love money? It makes them feel secure. The more they have, the more they feel secure. We seem to think that if we have enough money we won't have to worry about things, like, where our next meal is coming from, or will I be able to pay the rent this month. But money is not a sure thing--just keep an eye on the stock market. Watch the fluctuation of the value of a dollar. Take a good look at empires (such as Russia) that collapse economically.
Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and [money]" (Mt. 6:24). We like to feel secure, and we will tend to love that which can make us feel secure. We will tend to "hold to the one" that provides security "and despise" the one that does not. It is not a matter of what you say you believe, but a matter of where you demonstrate that you have placed your trust.
Money fluctuates. God is stable. Money is not a sure life-long investment. God is sure to be invested in your long life. We say that our paychecks are spent before we even get them, and leave us wanting. "But my God shall supply all of your needs."
Who is it that supplies all of your needs? Which one have you put your trust in? Ask God to search your heart and show you matters of security that you have trusted money to provide for, and ask Him to help you trust everything to Him alone.
Day by Day Devotionals
-----
Read Exodus 20 -- 22 http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=ex+20-ex+22§ion=0&translation=kjv&oq=
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The Law is a mirror that reveals with absolute accuracy and authority what we are and what we should be.
The Ten Commandments are the only revelation of God given to mankind that was written with the finger of God (31:18). Eight of the Ten Commandments are expressed negatively: Thou shalt not. Four point to the absolute perfection of the Holy, Creator God, who alone is to be worshiped and obeyed. Six present standards for our relationship with others.
The Law reminds us that none of these relationships with God or man can be ignored. In an exclusive, covenant relationship, the Lord God must always have priority in our hearts and be our first consideration, without compromise. Consequently, His Commandments begin: God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God. . . . Have no other gods before Me. . . . Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven . . . or . . . earth. . . . I the Lord . . . am a jealous God . . . shewing mercy unto . . . them that love Me, and keep My Commandments. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. . . . Honour thy father and thy mother. . . . Thou shalt not kill. . . . commit adultery. . . . steal. . . . bear false witness. . . . covet . . . any thing (20:1-17). Obedience to the Law was to be Israel's outward sign of having accepted His call to be a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation (19:6).
We are warned that all liars will go to hell. It is wrong to steal — wrong whether it is done by shoplifting, cheating on our income tax, or failing to give an employer a full day's work. It is wrong to bear false witness against our neighbors and it is wrong to commit adultery. The . . . unbelieving . . . murderers . . . *****mongers . . . and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:8). The Law calls for a sincere obedience from the heart. If I have love toward my neighbor, I will not steal his property or commit adultery with his wife. I will protect his loved ones because they are the property of God.
True Christians seek to know more of God. What peace we have in knowing that when we do fall short of keeping His Word, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).
Thought for Today:
A nation may remove the Ten Commandments from its buildings, but that doesn't make them any less Divine Law for mankind now.
Christ Revealed:
The perfection of Christ is revealed through the Ten Commandments, for He kept all of them (Ex. 20:1-17). He was perfect and without sin (Heb. 4:15).
Word Studies:
20:10 Sabbath = day of rest to honor God; 20:13 kill = murder; 21:8 strange nation = foreign people; 21:14 presumptuously = willfully; with guile = treacherously; 21:19 be quit = be acquitted, blameless; 21:22 her fruit depart from her = suffer a miscarriage; 22:2 breaking up = breaking in; smitten = struck with a fatal blow; 22:16 endow = marriage payment; 22:21 vex = wrongfully treat; 22:24 wax = become; 22:25 usurer = one who loans with interest; 22:31 holy men unto Me = special people consecrated to My service.
-----
God Planned You as a Master Creation
Psalm 139:13-15
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
“Created by God”
Today we will begin to consider some scripture passages to discover just how wonderful, unique, and important you are. Nearly everyone dislikes something about his physique or her personality. Tall people wish they were shorter. Short people would give anything to be taller. Math whiz kids envy those who can read anything and figure out what it means. Athletes sometimes hate not being able to do as well in school as other kids do. It doesn’t really seem to matter what set of strengths God gave us, we can always find someone we would rather be like.
Today’s scripture tells us that God made each individual person on earth exactly the way he wanted them to be. He has a job for each of us to do that requires the precise set of strengths and weaknesses he programmed into us.
The talents and positive personality traits God gave us make it possible for us do particular things. Those who love grammar and reading often become writers. Those who have better-than-average physical strength or coordination can take on jobs like building things or hiking to isolated villages to share the gospel. We all appreciate the talents of pianists, guitar players and singers who can lead us in worship.
But what about our weaknesses? Shy people make incredible listeners. Those who struggle with reading may become engineers or businessmen. The athletically challenged frequently compensate by organizing events and encouraging others. God has another important purpose for giving us some weak points. He wants to be sure that we can sympathize with our friends who also have difficulties. Because we become stronger and more compassionate as the result of our struggles, we can help others do the same.
We must remember that God’s is reflected in everything He makes. He is absolutely and perfectly good. So, anything he creates has to be awesome. He made you exactly the way you are to do something that only you can do. What a concept!
David, who wrote this Psalm, was the youngest in his family. His dad and brothers didn’t think he was even important enough to call away from the sheep when Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel. But, God knew David would make a great king. After all, God created him for that purpose way before he was born. David had times when he wondered if God could ever use him, but he kept on obeying the Lord. As a result, he became one of the greatest heroes in the Bible. There are no unimportant jobs and no worthless people in God’s eyes. God created you for a job in his kingdom that is just as important as the one David did.
Today’s Prayer:
My God and my Creator, I thank you for making me different from every other human being. Thank you that your goodness and wisdom are expressed in the way you mixed up my DNA. Help me accept myself as your wonderful creation and find the role you have for me to play in your plans, today and always. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne
-----
1 Minute Daily Devotions
January 24, 2009
The Lions Never Retired
"Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them, 'My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.'" - Acts 28:17
When publicizing a mission conference at our church, there were some missionaries whose last names we couldn't print or even mention the location where they were serving. This is because if it had became known that they were missionaries, they could be expelled from the country, imprisoned, or even killed.
Paul was keenly aware of the dangers of sharing Christ, and we cannot forget that our missionaries still face very real persecution - a fact that has hit close to home over the past few years. In 2002, several of our medical missionaries who had dedicated their lives in service to the people of Yemen were brutally murdered by a pack of Islamic terrorists right in the hospital where they worked. And there was the case of Graham Staines, a missionary to India. He ran a leper clinic, caring for the most outcast of Indian society. And yet he was martyred for his faith, killed along with his two young sons.
No, persecution of Christian missionaries didn't end with the lions in Rome. It continues today, throughout the world, led by a legion of groups that hate the Lord and all who spread His word. We need to pray for our missionaries, support their mission, and honor their incredible courage.
-----
A Seeking Heart
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 12:13b-14; Psalm 119:2,10.
Although King Solomon was very wise, he did not make use of that wisdom in choosing his wives. One of them was Naamah, the Ammonite, mother of Rehoboam.
The Bible says that Rehoboam, "did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord". No wonder! With a pagan mother and a busy father, Rehoboam did not have the kind of upbringing that would direct him to seek the Lord. Although he made a big show of serving God for three years, his heart was not in it, and eventually his true beliefs became evident.
Becoming a Christian and serving God is not an accident. An uncommitted heart is a wayward heart. You must purpose in your heart to seek God's will.
Moment of Meditation: Know your heart.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, help me always to have a seeking heart, a committed heart, a heart set on doing Your will.
For Further Study: Matthew 7:7-8; Jeremiah 11-14..
-----
Follow Me
Daily Devotional for January 24
Mark 10:21 "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me."
What is the one thing that keeps you from total surrender to our Lord? You are the only one that knows.
Maybe it's money and a great job, or it could be a lovely house in the country. Christ Jesus would like us to follow Him. He will not force nor manipulate one to follow Him. The choice is always ours. He will not force total surrender either. He went to the cross to die for the sins of mankind willingly. He lives each day to make intercession for each one on this earth, willingly.
Are we willing to follow Him no matter where He may lead us? He doesn't always lead us in to great victory. He may lead us in to the valley. He just wants us to be willing. Christ Jesus can always use the willing to help others that are burdened down with sin. They share the old story of Christ Jesus and His love.
-----
Watch!
January 24th
READ: Mark 13:1-37
Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: "Watch!" (Mark 13:35-37).
Jesus gathers up all the intervening time between His first and second comings and divides it into four watches—one long night of the world's sin—and He says, "You don't know (and, I think He implies, "I don't know") whether the coming is to be early in that time or in the middle of it, or three-quarters of the way through, or clear at the end." No one knows. I don't know; you don't know. But it is like a man going on a journey (here He likens it to His own going away) who gives his servants work to do, and he expects them to do it. And he sets a doorkeeper to watch.
What is he to watch for? Is he to watch for the master's return? That is the way this is usually interpreted. But that is not it, for he is to start watching as soon as the master leaves. He knows the master will not be back right away. What then is he to watch for? He is to watch so that no one can deceive him and gain entrance into the house and wreck and ruin and rob all the master has. So Jesus' word is, "Be alert; don't go to sleep; watch! There are temptations and pressures that will assault you to make you think that it is all a lie, to make you give up and stop living like a Christian, stop walking in faith, stop believing the truth of God. Watch out for that. And in the meantime, do your work. Don't let anything turn you aside. Don't let anything derail you from being what God wants you to be in this day and age." This is the way you watch. We are not to be looking up into the sky all the time, waiting for His coming. That will happen when He is ready. We are to watch that we are not deceived.
I have been disturbed at how many Christians seem to have fallen away. I look back across many years of ministry, and I see men whom I would have sworn were solid, tremendously committed, faithful, Bible-teaching Christians but who are now denying their faith and have turned aside. And on every side, seemingly, this increases—people falling off into immorality and iniquity, turning away from their faith, saying, in effect, they no longer believe the Lord or the Bible. It is this our Lord is warning against.
Therefore, He says that we are to keep awake. Do not believe all the secular voices that tell us the world will go on forever as it is now. Don't believe the other voices that tell us there is no God, so we can live as we please, or that if God exists, He will never judge us. Don't believe the voices that whisper to us constantly and try to turn us away from our faith. With one sharp, arresting, ringing word of command, Jesus ends his message: "Watch!"
Lord, strengthen me and help me to stay alert, that I may endure to the end, that I may be faithful unto death, that I too may join in that great day with those who are given the crown of life.
This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons.
-----
A Breastplate for Safety
And having on the breastplate of righteousness. Eph. 6: 14.
We must put on every piece of the armor, and then stand firm. The Lord has honored us by choosing us as His soldiers. Let us fight bravely for Him, maintaining the right in every transaction. . . . Put on as your breastplate that divinely protected righteousness which it is the privilege of all to wear. This will protect your spiritual life.
Ample provisions have been made for all who sincerely, earnestly, and thoughtfully set about the work of perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Strength, grace, and glory have been provided through Christ, to be brought by ministering angels to the heirs of salvation. None are so low, so corrupt and vile, that they cannot find in Jesus, who died for them, strength, purity, and righteousness, if they will put away their sins, cease their course of iniquity, and turn with full purpose of heart to the living God. He is waiting to strip them of their garments, stained and polluted by sin, and to put upon them the white, bright robes of righteousness.
The truly righteous, who sincerely love and fear God, wear the robe of Christ's righteousness in prosperity and adversity alike. Self- denial, self- sacrifice, benevolence, kindness, love, patience, fortitude, and Christian trust are the daily fruits borne by those who are truly connected with God. Their acts may not be published to the world, but they themselves are daily wrestling with evil, and gaining precious victories over temptation and wrong.
All who have put on the robe of Christ's righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of the Saviour. Not one soul who in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power.
Each one will have a close struggle to overcome sin in his own heart. This is at times a very painful and discouraging work; because, as we see the deformities in our character, we keep looking at them, when we should look to Jesus and put on the robe of His righteousness. Everyone who enters the pearly gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self.
From God's Amazing Grace - Page 30
-----
MAN’S OPINION LEADING TO GOD
“Our eyes begin to open to the immense values which have come straight out of painful ego-puncturing.” 12&12 p.74
“But the people of the town were divided in their opinion about them.” Acts 14:4
For what it's worth: When I was drinking and I was hurt by someone’s opinion of me, I would get drunk and forget about it. However, sober awhile in Alcoholics Anonymous, I found that I was overly sensitive to people’s opinion. As a defense for my vulnerable self-image, I developed an arrogant attitude. Fortunately, as I grew up emotionally and spiritually in AA, I learned “the immense values” of “ego-puncturing” for character-building. However, despite years of maturity in the Program, my inner strength weakens and that arrogant attitude jumps out to “defend me”. My Higher Power has a tricky way of helping me with this defect. He will see to it that something happens that forces me to again surrender my ego. When that occurs, He insures that I get the message and inventory my spiritual condition to find out where I am slack and, with His help, do something about it. I usually find that I was trying to be more confident in me rather than relying on my Heavenly Father. It certainly is difficult for me, but when I truly keep myself in His care, the contradictions, misjudgments, ill will, misunderstanding, and any negative reaction of man can be of “immense value”, keeping me humble and reminding me to seek a more conscious contact with my Heavenly Father rather than man.
God bless you!
Joe W.