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Dear Friends,
As life brings seasons of change, I find myself with a new and quite sudden temporary calling of the Lord—to be the Challenge 1 tutor (high school freshmen) for the second semester of the Classical Conversations program each Tuesday here in Grants Pass. Stepping into this role requires a vast amount of learning on my part, so at this point I feel I must redirect the time I take in writing devotionals to studying and reviewing subjects such as Latin, Shakespeare, rhetoric, logic, expository writing, a good number of classic novels, debate, economics, algebra, science, etc. I will miss writing Wednesday devotionals and do hope to be able to produce one a month, but I won’t be clear on this until I walk on this new path for a bit. God willing, I will resume regular writing sometime after May. Meanwhile, thank you for joining with me each Wednesday, and until we meet again, as Roy Rogers used to say, I pray God will bless you immeasurably and that your walk with Jesus will grow stronger each day. (To reread my devotionals, they are archived on my website: www.candicemarythomas.com) Candice JESUS—LIGHT OF THE WORLD “All right then, the Lord Himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14 The world had lived in darkness since The Fall of Adam and Eve which brought sin into the world. Living an eternal fate away from God our Father was unacceptable to Him, thus He began His plan of salvation. God regularly sent prophets as His messengers to guide the Israelites, the people He had chosen to bless all nations and bring people to Him through repentance, but this group displayed stiff-necked behavior, killing the prophets and going their own way.1 After the last writing prophet Malachi, died, there came a long, approximately 400 year period of silence with no word from God…that is, until the prophet John the Baptist was born who would proclaim the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Some will deny the birth of Jesus, but this denial is inaccurate not only because Jesus is mentioned in a number of historical documents including those of Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger2, but Jesus’ coming and death is foretold in over three-hundred prophecies in the Bible. Read the following extract from an article by Compass: “There are over 300 prophecies in the Bible of Jesus' first coming, all having come true. What would be the odds of just eight of these prophecies coming true? (1) Messiah to be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2) “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf." (2) Messiah betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12-13) “And I said to them, ‘If you like, give me my wages, whatever I am worth; but only if you want to.’ So they counted out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter—this magnificent sum at which they valued me! So I took the thirty coins and threw them to the potter in the Temple of the Lord.” (3) Messiah's clothes would be gambled away. (Psalms 22:18) “They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.” (4) Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced. (Psalms 22:16) “My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet.” (5) Messiah's bones would not be broken. (Psalms 34:20) “For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!” (6) Messiah would be born in the tribe of Judah. (Isaiah 37:31) “And you who are left in Judah, who have escaped the ravages of the siege, will put roots down in your own soil and grow up and flourish.” (7) Messiah would be called from Egypt. (Hosea 11:1) “When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.” (8) Messiah would be buried in a rich man's grave. (Isaiah 53:9) “His grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death, because He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth.” The odds of all eight coming true are virtually incomprehensible! Consider this illustration- Suppose we filled the entire State of Texas with 100 trillion silver dollars. That would make the entire state about two feet deep in coins. Then we mark only one coin. Next we stir-up the state full of coins so they are thoroughly mixed and random. The marked coin could be anywhere in the state in the two foot deep coins. Finally we blindfold a man and let him travel the entire state to choose one random coin. What would be the odds of him finding the marked coin in one try? He would have the same chance the prophets had for those eight prophecies being fulfilled. Which is virtually no chance. But that was only eight of the over 300 prophecies! Figuring the odds of fulfilling all 300 Bible prophecies is ridiculously astronomical. Simply incalculable-- except that the real author of these prophecies knew the future. The God Who created the universe out of nothing was in total control and knows the past, present AND future."Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you." Isaiah 42:9 3 And so came Jesus into the world, as prophesized many times over, bringing light into the darkness. Join with me and let your heart delight in John the apostle’s words: “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The One who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John testified about Him when he shouted to the crowds, ‘This is the one I was talking about when I said Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for He existed long before me.’ From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” John 1:1-18 This Christmas season, let us rejoice because Jesus is our true light, the One who guides us out of darkness to an eternal home with His Father; and let joy overwhelm us as we celebrate the birth of our Messiah Jesus, Savior and King! “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 VERSES: Psalm 18:28 “For it is You who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.” Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Ephesians 1:16-21 (Paul) “I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.” PRAYER: Dear Father, I long to worship you in spirit and truth each day, but especially to honor You during this Christmas season which brings to focus all You have done for me, leading me from eternal death to eternal life. Let me see and understand the truths of Your Son’s life: As Jesus was so humbly born, help me to humbly live; as Jesus lived in total obedience to You, help me to so live in obedience; and as Jesus loved and honored You in all His words and actions, help me to love and honor you in all I do and say. I realize I can do nothing in my own power, but only through the power of Your Holy Spirit living within me. Please make Him mighty in me to accomplish Your will in my life, and may I praise Your Name forever! 1. See Exodus 33:3; Deuteronomy 9:13; Nehemiah 9:16; Acts 7:51 2. https://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-exist.html 3. https://compass.org/article-silver-dollars-all-over-texas/ SONGS: “Jesus, Light of the World”—Third Day The most beautiful night of the year All the stars light up the sky And the city is sparkling with silver and gold From a million points of light A reflection of something that's deeper within Just a flicker of something more Jesus, light of the world Shine through the darkness, bright as the day Jesus, light of the world Shine in our hearts, show us the way tonight Who is this Child in a manger? Kings bow down and angels sing The Lord of the Universe Has come here to save us, a precious offering All the heavens above and the earth below Are filled with the light of Your love Jesus, light of the world Shine through the darkness, bright as the day Jesus, light of the world Shine in our hearts, show us the way tonight Jesus, light of the world Shine through the darkness, bright as the day Jesus, light of the world Shine in our hearts, show us the way Jesus, shine, shine Show us the way, light of the world Shine in our hearts, show us the way tonight Oh, show us the way tonight Show us the way tonight Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Brad Avery / David Carr / Mac Powell / Mark Lee / Tai Anderson Jesus, Light of the World lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. “Light of the World”—Lauren Daigle The world waits for a miracle The heart longs for a little bit of hope Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel A child prays for peace on Earth And she's calling out from a sea of hurt Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel And can you hear the angels singing Glory to the light of the world Glory, the light of the world is here The drought breaks with the tears of a mother A baby's cry is the sound of love Come down, come down, Emmanuel He is the song for the suffering He is Messiah, the Prince of Peace has come He has come, Emmanuel Glory to the light of the world Glory to the light of the world Glory to the light of the world Glory to the light of the world For all who wait For all who hunger For all who've prayed For all who wonder Behold your King Behold Messiah Emmanuel, Emmanuel Glo-glory to the light of the world Glory to the light of the world Glory to the light of the world Behold your King Behold Messiah Emmanuel, Emmanuel The world waits for the miracle The heart longs for a little bit of hope Oh come, oh come Emmanuel Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Lauren Daigle / Paul Duncan / Paul Mabury Light Of The World lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Essential Music Publishing DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! “Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing” (from Joy to the Word—Isaac Watts) 1 It was in 1719 when the English Christian minister, Isaac Watts, published The Psalms of David, which included one of our favorite songs, “Joy to the World.” 2 Though we merrily sing this every Christmas, the song was originally written to celebrate the joy that will occur with the second coming of Christ with the wise advice that every heart should be made ready for that wondrous event. How true it is that our hearts always need to be prepared for Jesus’ coming—the celebration of His first, and the expectation of His second. As this year’s Christmas season is in full sway, with decorating, cookie baking, and the delight of presents being purchased, let us take at least some time each day to focus on truly preparing our hearts for God’s greatest gift, freely offered and freely given—His Son. Let us also focus on how we can do this with a joy greater than any other this season. Some thoughts: GIVE GOD OUR GRATITUDE: Upon waking each morning, let us thank our Father for giving us a new day of life. With thankfulness, let us remember that God gave us life for a reason—to glorify Him through our daily speech and activities. With joy, let us honor others as He would have us do. We can remind ourselves that this is a personal and sometimes sacrificial gift of ourselves to our Father that we especially want to remember and practice this Christmas season. HONOR GOD THROUGH PRAYER: God gave us life because He wants us to spend eternity with Him! Let us then joyfully prepare for Jesus’ coming by praying to Him in the mornings as we awaken. Perhaps a prayer could be, “Bless You, Father, for a giving me this new day in which to praise You for Your plan of salvation. Thank You for Christmas and the joy of remembering the beginning of the fulfillment of Your prophecy to Eve: (God to Satan) “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike His heel.” Genesis 3:12-16 Thus we have the incarnation—Jesus, the second person of the trinity, who became human in His birth as a human baby in Bethlehem, again as prophesized: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.” Micah 5:2 REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF A REPENTANT HEART: Let us honor God above all things, knowing that when we are His, when we repent of our sins, He promises…“I will give them hearts that recognize Me as the Lord. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me wholeheartedly.” Jeremiah 24:7 What a joy--to know we belong to God! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME: To me, there’s nothing like beautiful Christmas hymns to elevate my heart in praising God for His Son, Jesus. As you listen to Christmas music this year, may your heart be once more focused on upon our Savior Jesus, God, born in a manger to teach mankind the true meaning of humility and self-sacrifice because of His overwhelming love for others. Let us never forget all Jesus went through in giving His life for us; let us forever thank Him with heartfelt sincerity. SONGS to Lift Your Hearts: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne. By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Charles Wesley / R. H. Pritchard / Tom Howard Come Thou Long Expected Jesus lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, DistroKid, Integrity Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc “Angels We have Heard on High” Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o'er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains Angels we have heard on high Sweetly, sweetly through the night And the mountains in reply Echoing their brief delight Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song? Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing, Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo Yeah Gloria, in excelsis Deo Angels we have heard Angels we have heard on high Angels we have heard, oh Angels we have heard on high Angels we have heard on high Angels we have heard on high In excelsis Deo Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Benjamin Allan Bram / Kevin Olusola / Scott Hoying / Traditional Angels We Have Heard on High lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC “Breath of Heaven” I have traveled many moonless nights Cold and weary with a babe inside And I wonder what I've done Holy father you have come And chosen me now to carry your son I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear In a world as cold as stone Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now Be with me now Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one should have had my place But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan Help me be strong Help me be Help me Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Amy Lee Grant / Chris Eaton Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song) lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Music Services, Inc “Mary, Did You Know?” Mary did you know That your baby boy will one day walk on water? Mary did you know That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know That your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered Will soon deliver you Mary did you know That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand? Did you know That your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby You've kissed the face of God Mary, did you know? The blind will see The deaf will hear And the dead will live again The lame will leap The dumb will speak The praises of the Lamb Mary did you know That your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know That your baby boy will one day rule the nations? Did you know That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? This sleeping child you're holding Is the Great I Am Oh, Mary, did you know? Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP Songwriters Mark Lowry, Music by Buddy Greene Published by © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP VERSES: Luke 2:8-12 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:20 “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.” Colossians 3:16 “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” PRAYER: Dear Father, in the midst of my preparing for Christmas Day and the celebration of Your Son Jesus’ birth, help me not to become so caught up in cultural festivities that I neglect to spend personal time with You reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas—the fulfillment of Your promise to send mankind a Savior who would crush Satan and the evil in this world. Without Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, let me never forget I would have nothing to celebrate this season. Please, Father God, help me year after year to become more like Your Son, giving my all for the sake of leading others to Your doorstep and salvation in Christ. May my life and the lives of all Christians become gifts we give back to You! DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! 1.https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=joy+to+the+world+lyrics 2.https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/occasions/christmas/joy-to-the-world-hymn-carol-lyrics-composer/ Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.
Seventh grade—my first year in junior high school, and we were assigned to memorize one of the inspirational poems found in our literature book. After much analysis, I chose a very famous poem, “Invictus,” written by William Ernest Henley Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.1 To a thirteen-year-old, not being raised in a family who understood or taught biblical truth, this poem was inspirational: “I’m not going to let anything get me down—not even my parents’ constant quarreling that could result in divorce! No circumstance will make me give in, nor will I suffer fear from what I face in life.” These words became my verbal mantra, though my actions really didn’t follow along! What I didn’t understand was this. From the age of twelve, William Henley suffered from tuberculosis of the bone, a terribly painful disease that attacks joints, causing not only stiffness but abscesses that eventually caused Henley to lose a leg. Being an affirmed atheist, he then had only one place to turn to in how to handle life—himself.2 He could choose to become a victim of life’s circumstances or make the choice to boldly face his future. This is what he chose to do, as demonstrated by the words in this poem. He states that he will be “master of his fate and captain of his soul.” Now, as a Christian adult, I feel great sadness as I better understand the words written in “Invictus.” Henley did not thank the one and only true God for creating his soul, but gave credit to gods, entities either unknown or those to whom pagans have worshiped throughout the ages. Henley therefore had no source to rely upon for truth, but only himself. He therefore declared that he was the master of his fate and captain of his soul. In truth, no man is ever master of his fate—that “destiny, lot, portion, or doom meaning a predetermined state or end. Fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome."3 Proclaiming "I am the master of my fate" is like stating I can control the weather or a volcano’s eruption. We never are masters of the testings life throws at us--those many curve balls, for if this were true, I know I certainly would never let anything adverse enter my life! On the other hand, God is just the opposite! He allows trials and testings in our lives to produce endurance: "We do know that God allows testings to build our endurance and character. "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4 Henley also wrote that he was the captain of his soul. He did appear to recognize that the soul could be as strong and solid as rock or as shiftless as sand. He seemed to comprehend that as the captain of a ship has to steer through storms, so would he have to steer his soul throughout life; but did he understand what the soul is? Did he understand, as George McDonald wrote, that the soul is that which makes the person? "We don't have a soul. We are a soul. We have a body..."?4 And did he learn through Scripture how the soul is fed...how our souls are either lost or saved through the redeeming blood of Christ, not through our own effort? In being an avowed atheist, the answer is "no." So what was Henley actually master over and captain of, and how are we the same? The only correct answer is our choices—those responses we make to the blessings, trials, and testings that face us in life. Will we say yea or nay to the information and circumstances presented to us, especially to that all-important eternal decision each must ask: "Will I choose to believe God's Word promising a redeemer to save me from my sin?" Will I choose to believe that it was Jesus' sacrificial blood upon the cross that redeemed me? Will I choose to accept Him as my personal Lord, Savior, and Master? Will I therefore choose to submit myself to Him, allowing Him to become the authority and director over my life, surrendering to His will and living in obedience to His commands? Will I allow Him to be my Master and Captain? As Henley did not, I chose to say yea to Jesus, and I pray you have done so, too! With that decision, I'm sure that you, as well as I, have begun to see fruit from that choice blossom in our lives. For instance, let's look at a common human problem-- FEAR. When we accept Jesus as Lord of our lives, we need never fear life or fate. Our all-knowing Father knows what will happen each moment of our lives, and He will never leave us or forsake us: “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:16 “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 Our lives become built upon trust in our awesome and incomprehensible God, our Master, who knows all and sees all; with Jesus as our Savior, we grow in love for our Father in heaven and for one another. We become more and more perfected in the love of Christ: “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.” 1 John 4:17 What a joy it is to know that because of our Father’s love for us, we are given strength not to fear life, but to live life, not in our own power, but in the power of the Holy Spirit! We never have to fear the need of being master of our lives! As a counterpoint to “Invictus,” an early twentieth century poet , Dorothea Day, at first a humanist attracted to Henley’s views but later becoming a Christian, wrote the meaningful poem “Conquered.” As you read it, join with me in the joy it brings to our hearts! “Conquered” Out of the light that dazzles me, Bright as the sun from pole to pole, I thank the God I know to be, For Christ - the Conqueror of my soul. Since His the sway of circumstance, I would not wince nor cry aloud. Under the rule which men call chance, My head, with joy, is humbly bowed. Beyond this place of sin and tears, That Life with Him and His the Aid, That, spite the menace of the years, Keeps, and will keep me unafraid. I have no fear though straight the gate: He cleared from punishment the scroll. Christ is the Master of my fate! Christ is the Captain of my soul! 5 VERSES: Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” James 1:21 "So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." Leviticus 17:11 "For the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible." PRAYER: Dear Father, what a joy it is to understand I do not need to rely upon my fallible self in journeying through life but can rely on You and Your Holy Spirit to guide me. What a joy it is to know that You are my Master, my Perfect Shepherd—one who only has the best in mind for my future days, and that with You as my Master, I need not fear life. Thank You for being my God; thank You that when I submitted my life to Christ, He took “the wheel,” for I only make a mess of things when I try to drive myself. I say “yea” to you, Jesus…I am Yours forever. Amen. SONG: “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati on a snow white Christmas Eve Going home to see her mama and her daddy with the baby in the backseat Fifty miles to go, and she was running low on faith and gasoline It'd been a long hard year She had a lot on her mind, and she didn't pay attention She was going way too fast Before she knew it she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass She saw both their lives flash before her eyes She didn't even have time to cry She was so scared She threw her hands up in the air Jesus, take the wheel Take it from my hands 'Cause I can't do this on my own I'm letting go So give me one more chance And save me from this road I'm on Jesus, take the wheel It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder And the car came to a stop She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat sleeping like a rock And for the first time in a long time She bowed her head to pray She said, "I'm sorry for the way I've been living my life I know I've got to change So from now on tonight Jesus, take the wheel Take it from my hands 'Cause I can't do this on my own I'm letting go So give me one more chance And save me from this road I'm on." Oh, Jesus, take the wheel Oh, I'm letting go So give me one more chance Save me from this road I'm on From this road I'm on From this road I'm on Jesus, take the wheel Oh, take it, take it from me Oh, why, oh 6 Artist: Carrie Underwood Album: Double Cream: The Best of Cream of Country DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! 1. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51642/invictus 2. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=tuberculosis+of+the+bone 3. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=what+fate+implies 4. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/889692-we-don-t-have-a-soul-we-are-a-soul-we5. 5. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/conquered-by-christ 6. http://www.songlyrics.com/carrie-underwood/jesus-take-the-wheel-lyrics/ Psalm 8 “O Lord, our Lord, Your Majestic Name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of Your strength, silencing Your enemies and all who oppose You. When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers—the moon and the stars You set in place—what are mere mortals that You should think about them, human beings that You should care for them? Yet You made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything You made, putting all things under their authority, the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!”
Today begins a week where we, hopefully, will focus on thankfulness—thankfulness for being born in a country where, in spite of all its problems, we are free to worship God openly; thankfulness for an abundance of food and water; for shelter; for friends; and for family, both biological and those Christians God has brought into our lives who are now family, many times becoming closer than blood relatives. This is a time to focus upward and upon all the good things God has brought into our lives—for at least a moment to move beyond the painful circumstances we may have endured this year, knowing God’s plan for each life is perfect. For my family, it means thanking God for taking our son’s sweet Missy home at such a young age, knowing our Father is forever kind and compassionate--that He removed this precious woman from great pain into total healing and peace. For this we give thanks. So this week let us give thanks to our heavenly Father, the Alpha and Omega, praising His name for what He is doing in our lives. Let us focus each day on at least a few of the following verses which remind us how great our Father is and why we should give Him thanks for the past year He has so graciously given us: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLT Ask: Are my roots growing down into Christ? Is my life being built upon Him? If so, am I praising God Father with thankfulness? “But, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:18b-20 NLT Ask: Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me so that I may praise the Father and give Him thanks with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs? “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 NASB Ask: Do I look for the end result of trials? Do I understand that God uses these times to develop my faith and endurance? Do I then give thanks to God and praise Him for what He is doing in my life, changing me to become more like Christ? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 NLT Ask: What is hard for me today? How can I turn my worries into prayers, knowing God asks me to be thankful in all things? “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change life shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NLT Ask: Each day, do I remember to thank God for who He is, for being unchangeable, and for loving me always with a love that surpasses all understanding? “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV Ask: Do I regularly thank God for being with me and strengthening me each day? Do I thank Him for upholding me in all situations? “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His faithfulness is everlasting.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT Ask: Have I ever made a list of all the good things God has done for me? (Thanksgiving provides a great time to write all this down and read your blessings at the dinner table!) “He gives strength to the weary, and to the one who lacks might He increases power.” Isaiah 40:29 NLT Ask: Have I thanked my Father for giving me the strength to carry on when I feel I no longer can in this life? Can I look back and see His hand leading me through the valleys and storms of my journey? “It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, Most High; to declare Your goodness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night.” Psalm 92:1-2 NLT Ask: When I wake up in the morning, do I thank God for giving me a new day; and before I sleep, do I recount the blessings that His faithfulness has brought me during the day? “Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and He would have given you living water.’” John 4:10 NLT Ask: Have I truly praised the Lord lately for giving me His living water of everlasting life? “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:8 ESV Ask: Do I sometimes forget that I must not worry about having the provisions I need for life, understanding that Jesus will always be with me through every circumstance? Do I realize that when I love money and am not content with what I have, I am relying only upon myself for provision and not the promises of God? “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:16-17 NLT Ask: Do others see me as a representative of Christ because I am continually giving Him thanks and praise for how He has filled my life with His Spirit? “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.” Psalm 73:26 Ask: Do I let my heart resound praises to my Father for the truths of this verse? “Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.” 1 Chronicles 29:13 NASB Ask: Do I, as David did, exalt God and thank Him for His greatness, power, and victory over evil, recognizing He, our Majestic King, is to be exalted above all? “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:1-5 ESV Ask: Have I recently read this psalm and meditated upon its truth and beauty? “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion…” Psalm 103:1-4 NIV Ask: Do I think about being crowned with love and compassion as proven by Jesus’ forgiving me of all my sins? “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 KJV (“Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.” NLT) Ask: Do I express to God thankfulness for having His Holy Spirit live within me? Am I, in any way, by action or word, preventing the Holy Spirit from working fully in me for the glory of God? “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.” Zachariah 9:9 NLT Ask: Am I thankful that God prophesized Jesus’ coming and that we should and can rejoice in the fact that every prophecy of God is fulfilled? “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV Ask: Do I overflow with thankfulness that I am able to be rooted in Jesus Christ if I choose to spend time with Him, studying His Word and praying to imitate Him? “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7 Ask: Can I picture myself dancing around the house, bursting with songs of thanksgiving to the Lord because He is trustworthy and my warrior against evil? (Perhaps this year is a good year for me to do so?!) “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.” Psalm 123:1 KJV (“I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven.” NLT) Ask: Have I envisioned God seated upon His throne, my all-worthy, all-compassionate, all merciful, and Almighty Father? Have I thanked Him for who He is--the King and Master of everything that is? ”Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24 NKJ (“I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” NLT) Ask: Have I with all my heart, each day, thanked God the Father for sending Jesus to remove any and all condemnation from me, purifying me so that I may spend eternity with Him in heaven? “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1-3 NIV Ask: Do I remember to give God thanks for my brothers and sisters in Christ and for how they have influenced me in my walk with Him? Am I thankful that the love between us not only is growing but is being openly displayed, glorifying God and demonstrating to others that we are Christ’s disciples? “Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.” Psalm 108:5 NLT Ask: How many times weekly do I study God’s creation and note His glory shining over all? True, the earth is now groaning because of sin, but how much more, then, can I envision heaven and God’s glory there? May I always remember to thank and exalt You Lord for who You are! “Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11-12 Ask: Have I considered that my generosity to others results in their seeing God in action, resulting in their joyfully thanking their Father in heaven for His provision? “Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O Lord.” Psalm 97:8 KJV (“Jerusalem has heard and rejoiced, and all the towns of Judah are glad because of Your justice, O Lord!”) Ask: Why should I rejoice? As we close out our week, let us reflect on Verses 1-8 of Psalm 97 NLT: “The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad. Dark clouds surround Him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire spreads ahead of Him and burns up all His foes. His lightning flashes out across the world. The earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim His righteousness; every nation sees His glory. Those who worship idols are disgraced—all who brag about their worthless gods—for every god must bow to Him. Jerusalem has heard and rejoiced, and all the towns of Judah are glad because of Your justice, O Lord. For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.” PRAYER: Dear Father, this week is a reminder of what I should be doing every day of my life—meditating upon who You are, what You have sacrificed to bring me to Yourself, and being grateful for all of this. Let me never forget that You have blessed my life beyond measure. I thank You with all my heart for loving me so very much and claiming me as Your own. To You, and You only, be all honor, glory, and praise! DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! Genesis 2:15-17 “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”
Imagine the thought and preparation that comes before any artistic masterpiece is created. Now pick any masterpiece you know of and picture it being mutilated. Sad but true, many masterpieces of artwork throughout the years have been vandalized, some by rebellious people who wish to make their points of view known or others as a result of accident, alcohol, or possible mental illness. Included in the list of these paintings are Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan by Ilya Repin, Le Rêve, by Picasso, Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat by Monet, and Nightwatch by Rembrandt van Rijn.1 While some paintings such as the Mona Lisa have been protected throughout the years, many times by a glass covering, the other paintings listed above were not so fortunate. For instance, out of Rembrandt’s 600 paintings, Nightwatch is a highlight, using light and shade to create a textured, three dimensional effect depicting the officers and men of the Amersterdam Kloveniers Militia.2 Measuring an astounding 12.5 feet by 15 feet and weighing 743 pounds, it has become a Dutch national treasure.3 Nightwatch was first slashed in 1975 with a bread knife by an unemployed school teacher, Wilhelmus de Rijk. Later, in 1990, a mentally ill man threw acid on the painting. Fortunately, the painting was able to be restored, but it now is in need further restoration as there is a slight white haze where the painting had been cut.5 Yes, when something is a masterpiece and has been vandalized, we all wish for its restoration. Restoration—it becomes a beautiful word in my mind as it leads me to think of our God. Consider with me for a minute God before He created all from nothing. Can you imagine the thought He put into His planning? Can you picture the output of energy that had to take place? Can you picture the beauty of each created planet, star, animal, plant, person? The uniqueness, with each creation being a masterpiece, made in perfection? I am picturing great excitement and joy as God began creating. “Let there be….” And there was! Let’s travel back through history to the garden where we find Adam and Eve, the highest of God’s creation among the animals and creatures of the earth, the only ones made in His image. Were they not masterpieces? Indeed they were! But listen to this conversation between the Almighty and our initial parents: “ ‘Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?’ The man replied, ‘It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.’ Then the Lord God asked the woman, ‘What have you done?’" And thus it was that sin was born from man’s rebellion, which came to be known as The Fall, and with The Fall came, though slowly at first, death and decay. God’s perfect creation was vandalized by man himself, and everything has groaned ever since. HOWEVER…God loved and continues to love His masterpieces—you, I, and the very earth we live on too much to allow the results of man's vandalsim to go on! So He, being all-knowing—even before creation began—had restoration in mind. Remember always that God is love, and love simply will not let something pass away—it will do everything within its power to restore! In order to restore mankind to Himself, man’s sin--that damaging self-inflicted vandalism—had to be removed. So God did something drastic; He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on our behalf as He took our sins upon Himself, thereby offering us the choice of restoration. What is that choice? Accept Christ as Savior and be fully restored as a child and heir of God—or choose not to, and be destined to life without His goodness, hope, love, or joy. There is the true depiction of light versus shade—the light of living in God’s presence versus that of living in the ultimate darkness of life without Him! Restoration—a new, purified life in Christ and, one day, a new and perfect earth. Peace will reign and “the wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. But the snakes will eat dust. In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on My holy mountain. I, the Lord, have spoken!”” Isaiah 65:25 Isn’t it glorious to realize we need not fear the times we live in, in spite of the vandalism taking place in our country and throughout the world? Doesn't it give hope to know that when we do, even now, vandalize ourselves by sinning, God restores us through confession? We have an incomprehensible great and awesome God. He is the definition and reconciliation and restoration. Praise be to His holy name now and forever! 1. https://shop.ariustechnology.com/blogs/news/vandalism-of-art 2. https://www.rembrandthuis.nl/en/meet-rembrandt/rembrandt-the-artist/most-important-work/the-night-watch/ 3. https://shop.ariustechnology.com/blogs/news/vandalism-of-art 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Night_Watch VERSES: Genesis 3:14-15 “Then the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.’ ” 1 Peter 5:10 “In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.” I John 5:4 “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” PRAYER: Dear Father, how can I possibly find the words to show how grateful—how thankful—I am that YOU ARE GOD! If You were not YOU, if You were not LOVE itself, I, as all others, would be doomed to darkness—a place completely devoid of light—and an eternity of life without Your goodness and peace. So thank You, Father, that You continued pursuing me throughout my twenties and even into my early thirties until You could restore me to You through the saving grace of Jesus; and Father, thank You that one day, as I live eternally with You, I will be the masterpiece You originally planned for me to be—pure and without sin. I cannot repeat enough times, “Father, You are so, so, so very, very GOOD!” Amen. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“Hidden Treasure”--Anonymous ‘Twas long ago I read the story sweet-- ‘Of how the German mothers, o’er the sea, Wind in, throughout the yarn their girlies knit, Some trinkets small, and tiny shining coins, That when the little fingers weary grow, And fain would lay aside the tiresome task, From out the ball will drop the hidden gift, To please and urge them on in search for more, And so, I think, The Father kind above Winds in and out the skein of life we weave, Through all the years, bright tokens of His love, That when we grow weary and long for rest They help to cheer and urge us on for more; And far adown within the ball we find, When all the threads of life at last are spun, The grandest gift of all—eternal life.”1 I must admit that I’ve never looked at my life as a skein of yarn, but when I now do, I can clearly see how God has woven tokens of His love into it to encourage me not to waiver from the path He has laid before me. My Father does this in His own timing and in His own way. We all know that in life, we will be faced with a multitude of trials: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2-4 James' words do not state if troubles come, but when troubles come (they are guaranteed), we are to consider them opportunities for joy. These trials develop within us strength and endurance to help us become the people God wants us to be, and we learn to focus on the joy set before us--the grandest gift of all--eternal life. If we but look during those times of our deep, hard struggles, we can discern God’s loving hand as He drops into our lives tokens, hidden until needed, that encourage us along our journey. What possibly could they be? Yours will differ from mine, but I would encourage you to look back and recount those episodes that have lifted your hearts during times of darkness. Here are a few from my life:
1. Leaves of Gold, edited by Clyde Francis Lytle, 1948, Coslett Pubishing Company. VERSES: Acts 13:2 “One day as these men (prophets and teachers at Antioch) were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.” John 1:16 “From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.” Isaiah 41:20 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.” Numbers 6:24-26 “ ‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.’ “ PRAYER: Thank you, Father, for blessing me with trinkets—tokens—gifts—not before or after I need them, but when I need them. With each of these, You help me rise from possible despair into the joy of understanding who You are and how good You are, no matter what circumstances may indicate. You are the great I AM—the all-knowing, all-loving, all merciful, kind, and caring God who has chosen me in my wretchedness to be saved through faith in Your Son, Jesus. Please fill me daily with Your Holy Spirit so I may worship you with a clean heart, being thankful for all You’ve given to save me. Amen. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! Psalm 100:3 “Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”
I simply have to admit it—God has given me the best in life from my 30’s onward (I had some very tough years before that). He gave me His Son as my Savior and my husband, who led me to Jesus’ door and helped me knock on it. Recently my sweet guy, Terry, went on a motorcycle ride, leaving very early in the morning before I was up. Later, I found on the kitchen counter an endearing poem that ended with the words: “X’s and O’s, good and plenty and strong; You are the bestest, and to me you belong.” (Yes, Terry loves making up words!) I loved the entire poem, but what really hit me were his words, “..to me you belong.” Now of course I’ve known this all along, but to have it written, there before me, meant so very much! I was and am filled with joy when I think of belonging to Terry because he is such a good man—one who not only treasures me, in spite of all my foibles, but strives after God. God—I was led then and now to dwell on belonging to Him. I came to the conclusion that believing in Christ is the definition of belonging, for as God's children, He will allow nothing to snatch us from His hand! Why? All people are God’s creations, but we become His children when we accept Jesus as our personal Savior; God immediately adopts us and we become part of His family, and God takes care of His own! Being the best of all fathers, God gives us life-changing promises, just as He gave the Israelites, for we become seeds of Abraham: “ If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29 What are some of those promises? Here are just a few: “The LORD hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the broken hearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time.” Psalm 34 17: 19 We undoubtedly will face many sorrows in life, the result of The Fall, but God promises us that He is with us. Sometimes we may feel His uplifting presence; at others, we will not. However, this does not mean God is not there. He is indeed, for He cares what we go through with all His heart, and He is a promise keeper: “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 Our God will never fail us: “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” Joshua 1:5 Our Father provides for us; He leads, refreshes and restores us; He protects us from the evil one and promises us eternal life. Wow—what more could we ask in a dad? (Psalm 23) God gives us an inheritance as His sons and daughters, and what an inheritance that is! “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.” Galatians 4:7 “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” Romans 8:17 When we accept Jesus as Savior, we become co-heirs with Christ, and one future day we will not only be blessed by living in His good and perfect kingdom, but we will help Him rule! WOW! "If we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us…” 2 Timothy 2:12 Yes, we are deemed God's children, and we belong to Him. What a glorious feeling that is! As the Almighty's children, let us live out the following truths, knowing we will be forever His: Psalm 100:3 “Know that the Lord is God; It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” Isaiah 43:1 “But now, this is what the Lord says; He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.” John 10:27-29 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” As a believer, you and I do indeed BELONG to God, and whoever God has adopted, is forever saved. We have Jesus’ word on this: “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of all those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day.” John 6:39 If you are searching for belonging, look no further. Just cast your heart heavenward and ask Jesus to be your Savior! There is no better time than now! VERSES: Galatians 3:13-14 ”Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” 1 John 3:1-3 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” PRAYER: Dear Father, there have been times in my life when I’ve searched for belonging—desiring so much to be loved as a daughter, wife, mother, and friend—and though I never knew or recognized this at that time, You were right by my side all along, waiting to rescue me by becoming my Father. Yes, it was You, Father, who answered all my longings. I know I am blessed by Your giving me a loving family, as I truly wish everyone would have—but by becoming Your child, I know that I can find belonging now with fellow believers and that one day I will discover more belonging than imaginable when I finally dwell in Your presence. Meanwhile, as I learn to live more and more for You, I discover that every void and vacuum is filled by You—by your inexpressible love, care, and guidance. Thank You, God, for being my Father. Thank You that You have written me a poem by giving me life and proving many times over,“TO ME YOU BELONG!” SONG: IN CHRIST ALONE-- Stuart Townend & Keith Getty In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My Comforter, my All in All, Here in the love of Christ I stand. In Christ alone! – who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe. This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save: Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied – For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live. There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain: Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine – Bought with the precious blood of Christ. No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me; From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand: Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand. Stuart Townend & Keith Getty Copyright © 2001 Thankyou Music (Adm. by CapitolCMGPublishing.com excl. UK & Europe, adm. by Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, songs@integritymusic.com) DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! Why God? Why does He, the creator of all that is, love and desire a relationship with you—with me? It seems incomprehensible, doesn’t it, for we are all such great sinners and God is so pure and good. Well, let me tell you a story.
He arrived late at night, December 28th. My son had brought him down from Salem, and it was traumatic for the little, almost fourteen pound guy. He hadn’t traveled in a car before, and being thoroughly scared, had thoroughly wet himself. First thing of order, thoroughly bathe him! Then I began to smoother him with love and attention. It took him three days before he barked (and yes, many a time I wish we could go back to those no bark days), and he was afraid to go outside without me. For months I walked him in early morning freezes or late at night darkness trying to encourage him to use the great outdoors. I stuck to the formula—take him out after every nap, when he got up in the morning, and before he went to bed. Still, it took me a year and a half to teach this little guy to ring a bell to let me know when he had to go out and constant cleaning up the rug and floor meanwhile! He had a regal look about him, so after studying a good number of names, we tagged him with Sir Bentley Winston Thomas. Now Bentley was shy of people but snoopy and adventurous when it came to the world. During the first two weeks we had him, he managed to squeeze his way through a four inch square of fencing at ten o’clock one night. He had wandered through brush up a hill on our property, and I was in my pajamas with a flashlight. There he went, trotting down the neighbors’ driveway. Now, I couldn’t climb that fence, so I called and cajoled him with sweet talk, and finally he came back, and I somehow managed to squeeze him back through that fencing. Four hundred dollars later, we had added another layer of fencing around our one acre of property to keep him from getting out--keeping him safe. Bentley was not meant for our country property. He has long hair that continually gets matted no matter how much I brush him, and he gets tree sap stuck to his skin in multiple places. Recently, he got a foxtail stuck in his paw, and three visits to the vet and almost another four hundred dollars later, he was on the mend. I was told I could buy little boots for him to keep this from happening again (I pictured Bentley never walking again and my having to carry him everywhere), and of course I was told when the vet checked him out that he would need a tooth pulled and teeth cleaned—that I should start saving up another six hundred to one thousand dollars for that procedure. OH, BOTHER! When I ask Bentley if he wants to go for a walk, he runs and hides. When I head for the leash, he runs and hides. When I ask if he wants to go for a car ride, he runs and hides. Still, I seek him, and still I take him for walks and car rides because, in the one case, I want him to be healthy, and in the other, I want him with me. All in all, I do everything I can for him because of love. Yes, in spite of wanting to pull my hair out from time to time, I really love my little guy. Now what does all this have to do with God? On a billion times more than an electron microscopic level, so very, very much! Although seemingly ridiculous, let’s compare what we do for our pets to what God has done and continues to do for us—our God, the Almighty King of the universe--the One who pursues us when we try to run and hide because He wants us with Him. We might ask ourselves, "Why would God pursue me? Why would He desire a relationship with me—one who because of sin sometimes sees herself as lower than a pregnant ant, as the saying goes?" Yet, that is not how God sees me or how He sees you. He studies us from His throne and sees us as His beloved people—people who need to be rescued, just like some of our pets, and knowing that we many times do not understand what is good for us or what will keep us safe, He continues His pursuit because of who He is--LOVE. There we are, mangy and matted due to sin, and just like Adam and Eve who rebelled against God by stepping outside the boundaries He had given them, He watches us many times do the same. An example: He tells us in His Word, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 Based on this Scripture, let’s each ask ourselves simple questions, such as “ What kinds of books am I reading, movies am I watching, and what kind of music am I listening to? Is there soft porn (sex scenes) and/or foul language in them? Is God honored or dismayed by what I am doing and putting into my mind? Is there any other way I am stuck in the sap of this world? Am I cheating, perhaps on a test, on taxes, or on my spouse? Do I tell lies, whether little or great? Do I suffer from an addiction such as drugs, alcohol, or gambling? Do I promote the practice of homosexuality or other related behaviors--those that our culture is constantly pushing through media?” These are all good questions to ask ourselves, but we must know that no matter what we may be doing or have been involved in, God still loves us! He “. . . showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 All it takes on our part for God to bathe us, to wash away the dirt and remove the mats affecting us, is to confess our sin and accept Jesus as our Savior. Then, as the Holy Spirit immediately enters us, He gives us the strength and desire needed to begin cleaning up our act as we live willingly within the boundaries God has set for us--those rules designed, as was Bentley’s fencing, to keep us safe. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13 GOD IS LOVE, and His love is so great that it overpowers all else! Not only did He pour out His love by sacrificing His Son, Jesus, to save us as He desires no man to perish, but He loves us so much that He continues to pursue us each and every time we step outside His boundaries. He then rejoices when we return to Him, as illustrated by the Prodigal Son: “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.’” Luke 15:20-22 Dogs—they come in many varieties and types! They may arrive flea bitten, mangy, unvaccinated, and malnutritioned, or perhaps they are pampered and groomed. Some look prim and proper, having registered papers, while others—well, we just have to shake our heads, asking, “Is that really a dog?” Yet each of us who have adopted dogs into our families dote on them. We treat them for fleas, give them food, water, shelter, and naturally, treats, all to keep them clean, well-nourished, and healthy. God does so much more for us! He does not superficially bathe us on the outside, perfecting our outer shells, but desiring our inner transformation, He cleanses us from the inside out by nourishing us with His living Word. He provides us with food, water, and shelter, and treats us by lovingly hearing and answering our every prayer, not always in the way we would ask, but in the way that is best. Most of all, God treats us for those pesky fleas, those sins we commit, by forgiving them when we but ask, then leads us on His path of righteousness straight into heaven: “ If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 Salvation through the sacrifice of His only Son—now that’s doting on us! So why God, and why me? No, none of us deserve God’s love and care, but He truly values each and every one of His creations and continually pours His love upon us, seeking our salvation and a mutual love relationship. Did God consider the cost of this? If He did, He thought us worth it because Jesus’ gift of His life paying the ransom for our sins is priceless. I guess that is what love is--freely giving your all: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 and “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8-9 A great question, therefore, lies before each of us that we must answer: “Will I turn on my Master, as a dog may his, and in stubbornness viciously bite, being unwilling to accept His love and sacrifice; or will I, in obedience and response to my Master’s incomprehensible love, live in obedience to Him because I love Him in return and know He has my eternal welfare in mind?” Choices—our eternal future is based on this all important one. My prayer is that each of you will run to the safety and shelter of your loving Father. VERSES: I John 1:7 “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.” Psalm 23:6 “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Ezekiel 34:11 “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep.” Micah 7:18 “Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because You delight in showing unfailing love.” Romans 7:18-20 “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it." PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You with all my heart for loving me during my mongrel state, that is before I accepted You as my Savior; and after, when, like Paul, I desire to do what is good, but I don’t, and when don’t want to do what is wrong, I do!” Still, You are faithful to forgive my every sin and provide for my every need. You are filled with love, compassion, and mercy, and You never tire of forgiving. Thank You for Your perfect plan of salvation and Your steadfast love for me and every person You’ve created. We often say to one another, “You are the best,” but truly, Father, YOU ARE THE ONE AND ONLY GOD AND THE VERY, VERY BEST!! Amen. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! “DEAD LEAVES” —“You will find it less easy to uproot faults, than to choke them by gaining virtues. Do not think of your faults; still less of others’ faults; in every person who comes near you look for what is good and strong: honor that; rejoice in it; and as you can, try to imitate it; and your faults will drop off, like dead leaves, when their time comes.” Ruskin 1
A season has ended and a new one has come: summer has made way for autumn’s breathtaking beauty—trees made glorious with God’s creative plan of multi-colored leaves, the reds and oranges especially striking. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with His glory!” Isaiah 6:3 Indeed, all creation shouts God’s glory! And I begin to look around at God’s creation. I do see the leaves of my trees turning color, some already fallen to the ground. I turn from looking up to looking at my home’s borders where I find the lavish colors of my mums and other autumn flowering plants refreshing to my soul; and I also note that some ground cover newly planted during summer, has done an excellent job of spreading and chocking out weeds that had previously resided there. Next spring they will flower. What joy! I believe God’s creation provides an excellent analogy of what Ruskin wrote: choke out faults by gaining virtues. That’s what my ground cover did! Moreover, Ruskin advised not dwelling on our faults or the faults of others but to look for the good in others. Great advice! Perhaps Ruskin read Scripture before writing those words. I hope so! So what is it that we need to choke out, anyway? What is a fault? In the Bible, fault implies a defect, of less moral weight than a crime or sin.2 Such might be impatience, rudeness, not listening well to others, being a user, not a giver, etc. Rather than focus on these shortcomings, however, we need to focus on Jesus’ teachings, considering others more important than ourselves. Paul wrote, “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:1-4 Jesus summed this all up when He said, “’A second (commandment) is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:39 When we follow Jesus’ teaching, we become less and less self-absorbed—a great cause of fault; and when we place others’ needs before our own, selflessness replaces selfishness, and we become the servants Christ so very much desired us to be. Jesus also taught the importance of our words. “Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” James 3:2 Rather than using words rashly without thought, the cause of being rude, insensitive, condemning, etc., we are to use words to encourage one another and build one another up, to be good and helpful to others (1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Ephesians 4:29). “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24 Again, Jesus taught us that we are to humble ourselves in placing others’ needs before our own, and the fault of selfishness grows less and less. Jesus also said, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 Although when Jesus said these words He was talking to men who were using excuses not to follow Him immediately, I believe this verse can also be applied to our lives today. By not looking back at the errors of our ways, but by studying God’s Word so that we may become imitators of Christ, our faults will drop off like dead leaves and be replaced by the green leaves of godliness that edify our Lord and Savior and prayerfully will touch the lives of others drawing them to the light of salvation in Him. Paul wrote, “. . . but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14 Our past equals dead leaves; let us not wallow in it! Let us focus on our future in Christ which promises a brilliant, joyful life in eternity! Let us run our race with vigor and follow Jesus’ command: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Faults . . . dead leaves . . . have you let yours fall from your tree of life, or do you focus on your past and feel overwhelmed? I would urge you, as I am doing for myself, to look forward, not back; to focus on who you can be in Christ and how others’ lives can be touched for Him when you act as His hands and feet. When you pass your goal line, how wonderful it will be if you then watch others following on the path to life in Jesus because of how you lived your life. 1. Leaves of Gold, edited by Clyde Francis Lytle, Gossett Publishing Company, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, 1948. 2. https://www.biblestudytools.com › dictionary › fault VERSES: Genesis 19:26 “But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.” Romans 12:10 “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Proverbs 15:4 “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Philippians 4:8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” PRAYER: Dear Father, I would ask that you would help me to remove all dead leaves from my life and continue to learn from Your Holy Word who and what you desire me to be and do. Rather than focus on my faults or the faults of others, let me always focus on Your life and how you placed the welfare of others before your own and imitate You. Turn what is dead in me into life, and help me always focus on the hope that lies before me—the knowledge that when this race has been run, I will live with you in incomprehensible joy. Thank You, Father, for continuing to teach me and lead me on the path that leads to You, and help me guide others in Your footsteps. Amen. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! Luke 23:42 “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ ”
His disciples looked up to Jesus, for He was more than amazing. He healed the blind, the sick, and the lame; and He exorcised demons, raised the dead, and forgave sin. So great were Jesus’ teachings and miracles that while walking with Jesus for three years, these men attested that He indeed was the Son of God.
Head knowledge told Jesus’ disciples that He was indeed the Messiah—the Son of God. He daily demonstrated this, and as He was in the Davidic line, they, as generations of Jews before them, expected Him to physically conquer the Romans and set up Israel as the ruling nation. Why? Perhaps it was because they were strong in believing the first two parts of God’s promise to Abraham—that Abraham and his descendants would become a great nation and that they would be given land. But it appears that the third part of the promise was not fully understood—that through Abraham and his descendants, all nations would be blessed. How so? It goes back to Adam and Eve and the promise that Satan and sin would be crushed. God’s kingdom would be one of purity and of love for all. It does appear that the disciples truly didn’t understand Jesus’ role or His kingdom, though time and again, Jesus spoke about who He was, His kingdom, and His purpose—not to be an earthly king at that time, but to save mankind from sin: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 This was Jesus, foretold by the angel of the Lord to Joseph, “ And she will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” God’s purpose was very clear: Jesus would save mankind from sin. Therefore, Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 “Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!’ Jesus responded, ‘Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.’ ” Luke 19:8-10 Don’t you sometimes wonder if the disciples were really listening? Don’t you wonder about them putting two and two together to understand the prophecies of Scripture? If they fully understood Jesus, why did they abandon Him in the garden? Deny Him? Leave Him at the cross? Lock themselves behind locked doors after His crucifixion? False expectations—this is what it appears the disciples suffered from. Where was their conquering hero when He was mocked, tortured, and crucified on the cross? How could He allow these things to happen to Himself if He were truly to be their Messiah Ruler? These men who walked with Jesus, ate with Him, and traveled with Him, now doubted who He was. When we examine Scripture, however, there was one man--a most unlikely man--who did understand who Jesus was. He was a criminal—some believe a murderer—and he was being crucified at the side of Jesus. While a criminal on the other side mocked Jesus, this man protested, “ ’Don’t you fear God when you’ve been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise.’ ” Luke 23 40-43 Now I must ask myself, as you might ask yourself, “What about me? Do I have false expectations of You, LORD? Do I, knowing you are God, expect You to answer my every prayer with “Yes, so it shall be done,” or do I expect You to act like a genie, giving me my three wishes? Do I expect You to crush everything bad in the world because, like some say, if You were good, You wouldn’t allow it? Is there anything I expect of you that I should not? OR am I in Your Word enough to understand who You really are, the all-compassionate, merciful Master planner who walks with me every step throughout my life? Do I understand that there will be multiple times of joy as I walk in my Christian faith, but also know I am guaranteed in Your Word to face difficult trials, and maybe, someday, even persecution by those who hate You? All these questions are answered by faith—even a simple faith such as that of the criminal who repented and was saved just before his death. Faith helps us understand that God is good and trustworthy—that we live in a fallen and decaying world because of sin, but that sin has been conquered through Jesus’ work on the cross. Faith gives us the knowledge that one day there will a new heaven and a new earth where all will be well and where there will be great rejoicing and praise for our Almighty God. Our enemy, Satan, would have us rely and fall back onto false expectations, for he wants us to think God fails us. Let us never succumb to his wily tricks by immersing ourselves in God’s Word. God never fails! He is our rock and salvation. May He be praised forever and ever. VERSES: John 1:12 “But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 3:3 “Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.’ ” John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” Colossians 2:8 “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” PRAYER: Dear Father, as I read Your Word, help me by the light of Your Spirit completely understand what You are teaching so that I never suffer from false expectations concerning You or about what is happening in this current world. You are the answer to every question and to every search for meaning. You, Almighty God, are majestic and awesome. Thank You for Your perfect plan for mankind and thank You for Your perfect plan for me. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! |
Author Candice Mary Thomas writes about loving God and loving people! Coming to Christ at age 32 and now in her 70's, Candice knows what a difference it makes living with or without Christ as one's personal Savior. Archives
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