Not Until I’ve Read My Bible! (Joshua 1:8)

Joshua 1:8, This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

One of the things we must do to stay alive is eat! Along with air, water, and sleep, our bodies need food. The nutrients contained in the food we eat keep us healthy and strong. If we neglect to nourish our physical bodies, our health will inevitably decline. The human soul works the same way! We must regularly feed on God’s Word to stay alive and spiritually healthy. We must continually and purposefully nurture our souls with the Word of God. As we read the Bible, we grow spiritually, strengthen our walk with Christ, and live with greater purpose. We know we’re supposed to read the Bible. We even want to read it. But a lot of the time it gets pushed to the side with our busy schedules.

So therefore, we must act upon what we know to be true. We must take God at His Word and trust Him for the fruit. We must do the following: Believe that God's Word is my greatest blessing. Believe that I cannot live apart from God's Word in my life. Believe that my greatest delight can be found in God's truth. Pray for a hunger for the Word of God. Plan a strategy to get in God's Word. Prepare to be blessed as I follow through in obedience to God’s Word.

Whether you have just become a follower of Christ or have been one for many years, establishing a daily habit of reading the Bible is great medicine for the soul and the means of living effectively in daily life. At the anticipation of a New Year, or after a particularly inspiring sermon, Sunday School lesson, or Christian book, we often think about ways to grow our spiritual well-being, strengthen our walk with Christ, and determine to live purposefully. Life is often frustrating, and disappointments are frequent bitter pills. An ever-growing reverence of the Lord is not only the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), but the source of developing wisdom (Proverbs 4:1-5:2). The most powerful and productive habit one can cultivate is daily dose of Bible reading. Of the 66 books of the Bible, there are 1,189 chapters. If we divide that by 365, it yields reading four chapters a day to completely read the entire Bible in a year. This simple discipline can transform our lives. Even the slowest reader can accomplish this goal. If you are a follower of Christ, you have been encouraged to read your Bible; however, it is so easy to neglect. Perhaps this devotion will motivate you.

God’s Word provides key benefits to us in our walk with God. Through daily Scripture intake, God uses His Word by His Spirit to form Christlike character, equip us for life and ministry, and sustain us with wisdom, holiness, and comfort. These benefits begin in our heart and mind (root), shape our life for God’s glory (fruit), and sustain our long-term walk with God (endurance). Because reading God’s Word is a command, we must consistently stick to a plan. Our approach cannot be hit and miss. As we return to the Scriptures day after day, we are not simply gaining information; instead, we are being formed, protected, and nourished by the living God.

1. Stimulates Our Relationship with God
Psalm 1:1-3, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The Bible is God’s Word written to us. When we read Scripture, we’re spending time with God, learning His heart, and understanding His ways. Just as relationships grow through communication, our relationship with God will flourish as we listen to Him through His Word. Never be content with how much you know about God and His Word. Always be learning.

2. Supplies Guidance and Wisdom
Psalm 119:105, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Life is full of decisions, challenges, and uncertainties. The Bible offers timeless wisdom. Proverbs, James, and Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels are rich in wisdom for every situation we face. By reading daily, we allow God’s Word to guide our steps and shape our choices.

3. Strengthens Our Faith
Romans 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Daily reading builds our faith as we see God’s promises, His faithfulness throughout history and to His people especially, and His power at work in the lives of His people. By knowing His Word, we can pray effectively as we can ask within His will. Dig your roots deeply into the Word so that you will be prepared to stand the test when it comes.

4. Supports Us for Special Battles
Ephesians 6:17, …the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The Bible describes itself as the “sword of the Spirit” for standing firm against temptation and spiritual attacks. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we are able to arm ourselves with truth and wisdom to resist the enemy and stay focused on Christ It is imperative to our spiritual survival that we are daily in the Word of God.

5. Sustains us Daily
Matthew 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Just as our bodies need daily nourishment of food and water, our souls need the life-giving truths of Scripture to thrive.

6. Sheilds Our Hearts against Sin
Psalm 119:11, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. It’s been said, “Sin will keep you from the Bible, but the Bible will keep you from sin.”

7. Secures the Soul with God’s Comfort
Romans 15:4, For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. The Bible gives us comfort by reminding us of His love, giving us courage to face life’s challenges, helps us to forgive those who have hurt us, provides peace in the midst of storms, and gives us hope for the future.

Points to Ponder:
The more that we invest in our study of the Bible, the more we will get out of it!
Adjust your attitude to one of expectancy.
Believe that God will reveal Himself and His truths to you personally!

Questions to Consider:
How much time and effort have you put into your devotional time?
Are you allowing time for God’s Word to shape your mind and change your thinking?
Are you willing to start today?

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Is Your Heart Fixed? (Psalm 57:7)

Psalm 57:7, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.”

Allen Francis Gardiner grew up in a Christian home, took to the sea, and achieved a successful British naval career with little thought for God. In 1822, however, he fell ill and re-evaluated his wasted life. He scribbled in his journal, "After years of ingratitude, unbelief, blasphemy and rebellion, have I at last been melted? Alas, how slow, how reluctant I have been to admit the heavenly guest who stood knocking without!" Traveling around the world had given Captain Gardiner a glimpse of the need for missionaries, and he gave himself for the task. Surrendering to the Lord and leaving England for South America, he hoped to minister among the Araucanian (or Mapuche) Indians of Southern Chile. Government interference and intertribal fighting forced him back to England. Three years later he was at it again, visiting the Falklands and investigating the possibility of taking the gospel to the islands of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Sensing opportunity at hand, Gardiner returned to England and on July 4, 1844, established a small organization called the Patagonian Missionary Society. He wrote, "I have made up my mind to go back to South America and leave no stone unturned, no effort untried, to establish a mission among the aboriginal tribes. While God gives me strength, failure will not daunt me." Allen kept trying to reach this region. He visited South America a third time, but his efforts were again hindered by intertribal fighting and governmental interference, the land being strongly Catholic, intolerant to Protestant missions. So he returned to England, recruited six missionaries, and set sail for Tierra del Fuego, but all seven men died of disease, starvation, and exposure on Picton Island. Gardiner, the last one to die, dated his final journal entry September 5, 1851, "Good and marvelous are the loving kindnesses of my gracious God unto me. He has preserved me hitherto and for four days, although without bodily food, without any feelings of hunger or thirst." Captain Allen Gardiner died without seeing a single soul saved among those for whom he was most burdened. Not one soul was saved, even though he kept trying and did not quit! Did he waste his life when he got right with God and went to the mission field? Did he waste his life away, dying on Picton Island in an effort to reach the lost for Christ? Was this man a flop or failure, even though he did the Lord's will? The answer is "No”. Allen may have not seen one convert while he was alive, but he lit a fire which has never gone out. His South American Missionary Society (as it came to be called) has been sending missionaries and saving thousands of souls for over 175 years.

Taking hold of God’s power and faithfulness brought security to David’s heavy spirit. He proclaimed that his heart was fixed and steadfast. He committed himself to worship God faithfully by singing and giving praise. The heart of the psalmist is full of conviction. It is steadfast, firm, and strong. We will not praise God well if we are uncertain, doubtful, weak. Our faith must have some firmness in it if we are to praise God. Understand that Satan will endeavor to suppress your devotion. He will use discouragement, despondency, disillusionment, depression, defeat, dismay, disappointment, and the disdain of others to quench the flames of a burning heart for God. Jeremiah suffered from such discouragement and depression. Jeremiah 20:8-10, “For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.” Jeremiah overcame his discouragement through the power of God's Word working in his life. Jeremiah 23:29, “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?”

Adoniram Judson, the missionary to Burma, was once flung into prison, a lonely, friendless man, at the mercy of his captors. It seemed a hopeless task to which he had set his hand. He found frustration on every hand. As he lay in that foul Burmese prison, his captors jeeringly said, "What about the prospects of Missions now, Judson?" His swift and unhesitating reply was, "They are just as bright as the promises of God!" Judson had confidence in the Lord in the face of difficult circumstances. If our heart is not fixed, we will fail to offer praise and adoration unto the Lord. The LORD is seeking a heart that is fixed and committed to Him. There are so many lures and distractions in this world that Satan will use to get you sidetracked. It is essential to you make up your mind and stick with that decision. The psalmist made that decision as well as the Apostle Paul. I Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Acts 20:24, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, keep my heart fixed and steadfast with Your love. Help me never to grow cold or calloused towards You, Your Word, or others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Spiritual Anorexia (Matthew 4:1-4)

Matthew 4:1-4, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

One of the things we must do to stay alive is eat! Along with air, water, and sleep, our bodies need food. The nutrients contained in the food we eat keep us healthy and strong. If we neglect to nourish our physical bodies, our health will inevitably decline.The human soul works the same way! We must regularly feed on God’s Word to stay alive and spiritually healthy. We must continually and purposefully nurture our souls with the Word of God. I Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” Job 23:12, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” It is imperative to our spiritual survival that we are daily in the Word of God.

In the United States of America, nearly 24 million people suffer from anorexia. There are a variety of reasons for the disorder: genetics, stress, depression, abuse, hormones, and low self-esteem. In its simplest and purest definition, anorexia is a loss of appetite for food. Someone who deals with this serious condition typically has a distorted view of their body and goes to drastic measures to alter their appearance. They often develop a disdain for food and drop to an unhealthy weight. As serious as this condition is, there is something even more deadly, a loss of appetite for the Word of God. Some believers are suffering from spiritual anorexia. Imagine going for days or weeks with little or no food. If you maintained such a practice for long periods of time, your body would suffer greatly. The same holds true with the lack of consumption of God’s Word. The Lord Himself said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” When we fail to have a daily intake of the Bible, we slowly starve the spiritual man. Don’t allow the things of this world to keep you from dining with the King. God has prepared a feast for you in His Word. Take hold of it daily, and throughout the day.

This means that more important than our physical sustenance is our spiritual sustenance, only found in the Word of God. The person who lives by this truth will also live by the power of God and be greatly used by God. To deny this truth is to deny the power of God in our lives. I am completely convinced that the Truth of God is what he needs most and what he should love the most. It was Jesus who confirmed, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness provides a crucial truth for the spiritual survival of the Christian. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted alone in the wilderness. During this time, the Lord fasted for 40 days [almost 6-weeks] (Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:16). Satan urged Jesus to turn stones into bread. Jesus responded to Satan with the Scripture (truth). The Devil needed to hear it. Christ and His Word are spiritual bread that satisfies the empty heart. This challenge and test came when the Lord was physically weak, but he was not spiritually weak. The Lord responded to the Devil by saying that man does not live by bread alone. Bread may fulfill a physical need, but the Lord stressed the importance of satisfying spiritual hunger by the Word of God.

Even when we are sick and physically weak; His Word gives us strength, God’s provision for spiritual hunger is His Word. Unfortunately, many Christians live by bread alone. They do not feed themselves spiritually by reading and studying God’s Word. Spurgeon said, “If God so willed it, we could live without bread, even as Jesus did for forty days; but we could not live without His Word. By that Word we were created, and by it alone we can be kept in being, for He sustaineth all things by the Word of His power. Bread is a second cause; the Lord Himself is the first source of our sustenance. Let us not be too eager after the visible (bread), but let us look to the invisible God.” George Muller confessed, "I saw more clearly than ever that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord, but how I might get my soul nourished." Mr. Muller came to see that his business, day by day, was to meditate upon the Word of God, searching as it were, into every verse for the sake of obtaining food for his soul. He knew what the Lord Jesus meant when He declared, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." John 6:35, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” Jeremiah 15:16a, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them.” God’s Word is the bread of life for the Christian. It does not get stale like physical bread. It does not get moldy or dry. It is satisfying to the soul. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God.

Points to Ponder:
Jesus hungered most for pleasing God.
The more that we invest in our study of the Bible, the more we will get out of it!

Questions to Consider:
How much time and effort have you put into your devotional time?
Are you allowing time for God’s Word to shape your mind and change your thinking?

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An Attitude of Gratitude (Psalm 100:4)

Psalm 100:4, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

In the Old Testament period, God's people brought animal sacrifices to be offered to the Lord at the altar. Today, instead of bringing the Lord dead sacrifices, we present living sacrifices to Him. The Bible speaks of several sacrifices that praise God:
1. We have the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). When our lips thank God for what He has done and for who He is, our praise pleases Him.
2. We have the sacrifice of a broken heart (Psalm 51:17). We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1-2).
3. There is the sacrifice of good works (Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 13:16).
4. And there is the sacrifice of finances (Philippians 4:18). When we share our money, time, possessions and energy with others, we bring a sacrifice to God.

As the Old Testament people of God entered the Temple, they were instructed to do so with thanksgiving. To this day, one of the besetting sins of God’s people is a lack of thanksgiving to God. Such ought always be a part of our prayer life. We are to enter into his courts with praise. As we come into the presence of the Lord, it is to be with praise. As Old Testament Israel entered the Tabernacle/Temple, they were to do so with songs of praise upon their lips. As we come into the presence of the Lord in prayer today, we ought always do so with praise to our God. It is universal and eternal. “Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” The importance of thanksgiving to God is emphasized by it being repeated again. We are to bless His name.

The condition of our heart should be of great concern because what comes out of it is going to determine how we live and act. If it is tender, we will be tender. If it is hard and cold, we will tend to be this way with people. The Bible teaches that we are the ones that determine the condition of our heart. We are responsible for our attitude. The choices we make can harden us or keep us yielded to God. Hebrews 3:15, “While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” We are not to harden our hearts as God's people did in the days when they rebelled and provoked the Lord. Hebrews 4:7, “Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” When the Lord speaks to us, we are not to harden our heart against Him. God's people were to enter God's courts with thanksgiving and praise. He invites us to fellowship with Him. If you are not close to the Lord, it's not God's fault. He is ever inviting us to be close to Him. He does not force Himself upon us. He wants us to make the choice to come to Him. He holds out His hand, but we must take it. In spite of all the corruption that was going on in Israel, Isaiah mentioned six times that God's hand was stretched out to His people (Isaiah 5:25; 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4; 14:27).

An attitude of gratitude leads to singing, serving, submission, striding to the place of worship, and speaking forth in praise to the Lord. If you want to keep your sinfulness in check and off of your back, then be grateful for what God has done for you. When you praise God, all the world can do is listen in wonder.

In 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers won the National League Championship and the World Series. The Dodgers had a great pitcher by the name of Orel Hersheiser, a mild-looking young man whose nickname was "Bulldog" because of his fierce competitiveness. In 1988, Hersheiser won about every award a pitcher can. He pitched 63 consecutive scoreless innings, still a record. In the World Series, he started and won several games. Orel Hersheiser was the Most Valuable Player and the toast of the baseball world. He was a guest on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Johnny Carson was interviewing him and asked how he, Hersheiser, seemed to stay so calm, steady, and focused in those incredibly tense, pressured situations, out there on the pitcher's mound, alone, with 50,000 screaming fans and millions of people watching on television. Hersheiser's answer stunned Carson. "I sing a hymn”, Hersheiser said. "I sing a hymn to myself out there that we sing every Sunday in church." Carson was momentarily speechless and caught a bit off guard and then asked if Hersheiser would sing it—on NBC-TV—and he did! Amen!
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Johnny Carson said later he was moved when Orel began to sing this song. In fact, he chose this taped segment to conclude his prime-time 27th anniversary television special of the Tonight Show. When we have a praising and grateful spirit for the Lord, He has a way of putting us in situations where people will hear our praise.

“So much has been given to me that I have no time to ponder that which I don't have.”—Helen Keller
“Giving thanks is not a matter of feeling thankful, it is a matter of obedience.”—Joni Erickson Tada (she is quadriplegic)
“The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts—nevertheless, [they] set aside a day of thanksgiving.”—H. W. Westermeyer
“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.”—Unknown
“Giving thanks is too often demoted to a secondary place in the prayers of Christ’s people. We are quick to make our requests and slow to thank God for His answers. Because God so often answers our prayers, we come to expect it. We forget that it is only by His grace that we receive anything from Him.”—Unknown

God wants us to be grateful for all the things He has done for us. When we are ungrateful, we demonstrate our immaturity. A spirit of ingratitude is the first step toward apostasy. There may be times when you may need to offer loving, tender, constructive criticism. Immaturity, however, is demonstrated when you constantly and hatefully complain instead of compliment; when you demand instead of delivering love and thankfulness for what is done for you. We can be this way with our parents, pastor, teachers, neighbors, family members and so on. Examine your life to see if you are making sacrifices for His glory. Many jobs are waiting to be done, and you might be the person for a specific job. Have you found that place of ministry God has for you? Are you using the gifts He has given you? Offer your sacrifices of praise to God that you may bring glory to Him and minister to others.

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Two Mighty Mites (Luke 21:1-4)

Luke 21:1-4, “And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.”

Christ pointed out the giving practices of those who had gathered in the temple. The Lord noticed a poor widow woman who cast a small offering into the treasury (two small mites). When compared to the other gifts that were given, her offering was considerably smaller. But Christ declared that she actually gave more than anyone else in the temple. A person’s gift is determined not by the amount he or she gives, but by the amount of sacrifice involved in the giving. The widow’s gift cost her everything. She gave as much as she possibly could. This powerful story describes a woman whose attitude and behavior reflect someone who is very devoted to the Lord and willing to make great sacrifices. The coins would rattle as they jingled down the wide tube of the trumpet into the chest.

Her poverty was visible. Her clothes were probably ragged, nothing compared to those who were wealthy. Jesus watched her put in two mites. This would be like putting in two pennies in our currency. Jesus was so impressed with the enormity of this widow’s faith and the size of her gift compared to what she financially had to give that He stopped everyone and drew attention to what this woman had done. He described this very poor woman, who had barely enough to survive, as one who put into the offering “more than they all.” Notice: All of the other wealthy people’s accumulated gifts did not equal what this poor widow put into the offering of God. Jesus said the rich had given of their “abundance”, and it describes excess. In other words, it didn’t touch their real fortune; it was just a small tip that they put into the treasury. But the poor widow woman gave of her “penury” which refers to the last bit of money she possessed. It took no faith for the rich to give of their excess, but it took great faith for this poor widow to cast into the offering box all that she had. She was fully entrusting herself to the care of God. Even though the amount the woman gave was smaller, the faith required to give it was larger. Haddon Robinson said, “The gold-medal giver in the New Testament turns out to be a woman who contributed less than a nickel.”

When this widow gave those two mites, she gave all she had. She emptied her pockets and her hands of all the money she owned. She gave it all. The Lord does not measure our giving by abundance, He measures it by ALL. God is not impressed with the amount of the gift as much as He is impressed with the amount of you that is in the gift. A.W. Tozer said it like this, “Not by its size is my gift judged, but by how much of me is in it.” The Lord was not focused on the amount she gave, however, for she gave little in monetary value. He was focused on what she had left, which was nothing. She gave according to the best of her ability. She did the best that she could with what she had. That is what a person does who is totally devoted to the Lord. Even though she was emptied handed, she had treasure in Heaven.

A good question to ask at this point is, "How do we get to a point where we are totally devoted to the Lord one-hundred percent?" It was in 1873, in Dublin that D.L. Moody heard British evangelist Henry Varley utter those life changing words: "The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him." It was after an all-night prayer meeting in Dublin, at the home of Henry Bewley. Varley did not even remember making the statement when Moody reminded him of it a year later. Moody said, "As I crossed the wide Atlantic, the boards of the deck… were engraved with them, and when I reached Chicago, the very paving stones seemed marked with them." D.L. Moody did great things for Christ because the Lord was the master of His life. Is He yours? Andrew Murray said, "God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him." Giving out of your “abundance” is commendable, but giving out of your “want” as the widow woman did, is honorable. This woman did not have a plaque with her name engraved on it placed in the vestibule of the temple, but she was recognized by the sovereign Lord of all creation. Two mites given from the abundance of the heart, is greater than two million given from the abundance of the treasury. This principle can be applied to all our service for Jesus. He judges our work and ministry not by its size or influence or success, but by the amount of sincere dedication, sacrifice, faith and love involved.

PRAYER: Like the widow’s mite, my offering will please and honor Jesus because it is a gift from my heart that requires more faith than if it were merely a token from a surplus supply. Without faith it is impossible to please You, Father. And I seek to please You above all else.

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Blessed With Gifts to Benefit Others (I Peter 4:10)

I Peter 4:10, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

As a father, He loves giving gifts to his children. A father recently bought a gift his children had been asking for. They received the gift gladly, and the father, too, enjoyed watching his children play with this gift. However, after several days passed, the father came in from a long day and wanted to spend some time with his children. They were so preoccupied with the game that they disregarded their father’s presence in the room. We know that they are children and this is to be expected. God has so blessed us with His gifts. He has given us these gifts that we may use for His glory as we serve Him. He is the Giver of all good things. He not only provides for us, but I also honestly believe He wants to give us our heart’s desire. However, something is wrong when those gifts supersede our time with the Giver. Has the Lord got your attention?

George Hebert said, “Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing- a grateful heart.” It is a sad testimony when the gifts of God become the very source of our indifference with God. If God gives you a boat, don’t use it to lay out of church on Sunday. If God gives you athletic ability, don’t allow it to keep you from prayer and Bible-reading. If God gives you a great career, don’t let it prevent you from being faithful. Don’t allow the presents of God to keep you from the presence of God.

We live in a society that places little value on serving others. Most people are focused on what they can get others to do for them and how they can receive honor and promotion. Yet, God honors those who are willing to serve. Jesus Himself was the epitome of a servant as He “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). As God, Jesus had every right to be served. However, instead of insisting on His prerogatives, He laid aside His rights and became a servant. But His service went far beyond living a life dedicated to helping others. Philippians 2:8, “He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Because of love, Jesus was willing to die for those who did not love Him. Being a servant requires that we focus more on others than we do on ourselves. When we are willing to give up our own preferences and conveniences for the sake of others, we are living as Jesus did. He made the choice to humble Himself, even to the point of death. Most of us are not called on to go to that extreme, but we should be willing to lay aside our focus on self for the sake of others. When we make that choice, it does not go unseen by God. The humility and service of Christ produced great honor. Philippians 2:10, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him.” If we are willing to serve and leave it up to God to reward what we do, we will have accomplished what is most important, and we will one day hear the words in Matthew 25:21, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

A Christian who is not fruitful in his life is failing in his most important assignment. Nothing should hold us back from doing what is necessary to follow Christ. Even if it requires what the world regards as a great sacrifice, serving Jesus is worth whatever it costs. When we are faithful to Him, we are His friends. In the same way, if we are to be of genuine service to others, it will come at a price. The time, talent, and resources that we put toward meeting the needs of others could be used for our own benefit. Or, we can choose to pour our lives and what we have into the lives of others, following the example of Jesus. And when we do, we have God’s promise that His grace will supply everything we need. “It's mine” versus “it's God's”. Deep down, how do you view your things, including money? It’s all His. We are stewards (managers, custodians) of what belongs to God. He is the Owner; we own nothing. As stewards, we will one day answer to the Owner for what He’s entrusted to us: a job, house, car, inheritance, spouse, children, family. I Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Everything you have, everything you are, everything you hope for is all the Lord’s. Every decision you make should always be a spiritual decision. God has given each of us specific interests, abilities, and talents that He expects us to use in serving Him and others. Because of how God created you, there are things that no one else in the world can do quite like you can. Though some of our gifts might seem less important than others, they are all significant to God because they provide ways to contribute to His purposes (I Corinthians 12:11-17).

Question to Consider:
Are you serving the Lord with the gifts He’s given you?

Point to Ponder:
When we devote ourselves to serving others, we are truly following Christ’s example.

Prayer, Father in Heaven, You are Lord and You are the King. You are my Master. You are the Owner. All that I have and am is Yours. Teach me to be a faithful steward. Thank You for entrusting me with the portion I have. Help me follow Joseph’s model and use what You’ve entrusted to me for Your kingdom. I want my treasure and heart to be safe with You. For the fame of Your Son, Jesus, I pray, amen.

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Merciful God (Matthew 5:7) – PART 2
 
Matthew 5:7, Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
 
1.God’s mercy should compel believers to practice mercy.
The Beatitudes give mercy as a continuing attitude and action of the redeemed. Matthew 5:7, Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
 
In the Beatitudes, Christ is teaching the attitudes that are within those who are truly part of the kingdom of God. With this specific attitude of mercy, Jesus gives a mutual promise. He says mercy will be given to those who have shown mercy. Those who practice mercy in their daily lives: forgiving others, giving to the poor, etc., will always receive mercy from God. But those who do not show mercy, God will show His justice. Matthew 6:15, But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  
 
Certainly, this should be a warning to us. If we withhold mercy, God will withhold mercy from us—He will not forgive us. But even worse than withholding mercy, He will judge us for not being merciful as He is. Matthew 18:33-35, Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
 
Understanding that this is a characteristic of God should cause us to practice the discipline of being merciful. By practicing mercy, we will look more like our Father who is great in mercy, and it also is the doorway to receiving tremendous blessings in our lives.
 
2.God’s mercy should compel believers to love mercy.
Micah 6:8, He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Micah says we must not only show mercy but love it. It is very possible for our acts of kindness and forgiveness toward others to have the wrong motive or simply to be done out of obligation.
 
I Peter 4:9, Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
God not only commands our actions but he commands our hearts. He commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to love him with all our heart, mind, and soul. God has called for us to love showing mercy because he loves showing mercy.
 
This is a wonderful characteristic of God that we must strive to show every day to those God has placed around us. God’s mercy must also continually drive us to the feet of God in prayer to ask for mercy on us, our communities, our nations, and all those around us. Thank you, Lord, that you are God of mercy. Thank you, Lord, that you don’t keep a record of sins, for who could stand your wrath, Psalm 130:3, If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
 
Questions to Consider:
In what ways do we see God’s mercy reflected throughout the Scripture?
In what ways is God calling us to demonstrate His mercy to the church and those around us?
​
Points to Ponder:
Pray that God would be great in mercy to your nation for its sins Psalm 51:1.
Pray a prayer of confession for specific sins and ask for God to bring revival.
 
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for having mercy towards me. By all rights I should be eternally separated from Your holiness and kindness. Cultivate within me, a heart that displays mercy and forgiveness. In Jesus' name. Amen.
 
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Merciful God (Proverbs 28:13) – PART 1

Proverbs 28:13, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

The Bible teaches us that God is a God of mercy. Mercy by definition means “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power”. This has the idea of God’s goodness toward those in misery and distress.

Throughout the Bible, we see that the character of God is merciful. He delights in forgiving people and being merciful to those who don’t deserve it. How should God being merciful affect us?

1. God’s mercy should compel believers to seek God’s forgiveness for their sins.
​I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This verse is abounding with mercy. Confession of sins implies acknowledgment and repentance. As we therefore come to God and acknowledge our sin with a repentant spirit, He is faithful and just (righteous) to forgive our sins. John is touching upon day-to-day forgiveness which interrupts our fellowship with God. It is seeking to restore strained fellowship. Furthermore, this confession grants cleansing from all unrighteousness. There is no sin too great which God will not forgive. He desires to give mercy to sinners.

Many saints walk around with condemnation about something they did or did not do in the past. This is because they don’t truly have an understanding of God’s great mercy. For that reason, they instead listen to and accept the condemnation of their flesh and the devil. Some have stopped going to church, some have stopped praying and reading their Bibles. They feel too guilty. Jesus took the penalty for our failures and our sins so that we could receive mercy. If we truly have a revelation of what Christ has done for us, we will run to the throne room of God constantly to receive grace and mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

2. God’s mercy should compel believers to pray for mercy over others.
If we understand God’s mercy, it should cause us to seek and plead with Him for mercy over others. At the cross, Jesus prayed, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do...” (Luke 23:34). He asked for mercy towards His persecutors. The Lord’s Prayer says, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” as it ushers us to seek forgiveness for not only our sins, but others (Matthew 6:12).

Do you ever ask for mercy over the sins of others? This is the same thing we saw the prophet Amos do for the nation of Israel (Amos 7:1-6). It is the same thing Moses did as he constantly asked God to forgive the nation of Israel for their sins (Exodus 32:9-14). It is the same thing Stephen did as he asked for forgiveness over those stoning him (Acts 7:60). It is the same thing that Christ prayed for on the cross. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). It is the same thing we must constantly do for those around us. God has called us to make intercession for people who are far away from God (I Peter 2:9; I Timothy 2:1-4).

Prayer: Lord, in spite of the fact that I don’t deserve Your lovingkindness or tender mercy, thank You for forgiving me of my sins and saving my soul. Help me to utilize these truths for the purpose of ministering to others. Please show me how I can actively and passionately engage in the ministry opportunities You have sovereignly placed around me. Give me eyes to recognize these opportunities, a heart dependent on You, and a desire to come alongside people in my life to help them to grow into a deeper relationship with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Guided By Grace (Exodus 23:20)

Exodus 23:20, “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.”

The people were on their way to the promised land of God. They had just been delivered from the evil bondage of Egypt (a symbol of the world). They were about to break camp and embark on the most amazing journey imaginable; the wilderness wanderings. The journey of God's people to the promised land was to take about forty years, (11 days journey – Deuteronomy 1:2) and the journey was to be arduous and difficult. Trial after trial and enemy after enemy were to attack God's people as they journeyed to their destination. They would often become worn and weary. They were going to need God's help, His protection, and guidance in order to reach the promised land. This is the first great promise God made to His people: He would protect and guide His people if they would just obey His commandments.

With over three million people, God foretold that He would send His angel before them to protect them in the way, bringing them to the place He had prepared for them. God provided Israel the Angel of Redemption for a redeemed people. Today, God speaks to us through His Word, the Holy Bible, and through His Holy Spirit. God guides us and directs us through the wilderness of this world as we journey to the promised land. Our duty is to listen, to do exactly what He says, to obey His Word and the leadership of His Spirit.

Jim Elliot was unsure what to do after graduating from Wheaton College in 1949. He spent the summer praying for guidance, and on October 29, received a letter about the need for workers in Ecuador. Jim felt a “simple urge” in that direction. On November 25, his diary records interest in Peru and India. On December 1, British Guiana entered the picture. Four days later he wrote, “Stirred for work among the Ecuadorian Quichuas again.”

On December 17, his missionary plans narrowed to either India or Ecuador. On December 31, he wrote : “O Lord, if you see anything in me holding back the revelation of Your will about Ecuador, uncover it. Had a letter from India today which ended, ‘I would rejoice to think the New Year would find you here.’ Still I am waiting.”

Early in 1950, he received acceptance from Wycliffe Bible Translator’s study camp in Oklahoma. “Feel as though the Lord would have me there, whether I go to India or South America.” Elliot arrived at the camp, still torn between two nations. The tutor assigned him was a missionary from Ecuador, and from him Jim first learned of the savage Aucas.

But India still burned within him. On July 4, Jim set aside ten days for prayer. On July 14 he wrote,” I asked for some word from God ten days ago, which would encourage my going to Ecuador. It came this morning in an unexpected place. I was reading in Exodus 23 when verse 20 came out vividly. ‘Behold I send an angel before thee to keep thee by the way and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.’ Coming as it did, with such preceding feelings and simple believing for some promise, I take this as leading…to Ecuador.”

This is the verse that sent Jim Elliot to his death, to his martyrdom, and to his glory—and that brought the Aucas, in God’s timing, to faith in Jesus Christ. In January of 1956, Jim Elliot and four other missionaries gave their lives in Ecuador in their effort to reach the Waodani (Auca) Indians. This fierce group was known to attack any outsiders, but the vision for reaching them with the gospel compelled these young men to take the risk. Not long after they set up camp near the Waodani village, they were attacked by warriors. Refusing to defend their lives with force, the missionaries were killed. The news flashed around the world, and the story of courage and sacrifice challenged many to take up the missionary cause. Even today Elliot’s words live on: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

The magnitude of this promise is overwhelming. God promised to go before His people. If we really believed and lived what this verse is saying...
• we would not go our own way
• we would not run ahead of God
• we would let God guide us
When we go our own way, when we get ahead of God and do not allow God to fight for us, we will always lose the battle. The cry of each heart should be, “Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.”

God speaks to us through His Word, the Holy Bible, and through His Holy Spirit. God guides us and directs us through the wilderness of this world as we journey to the promised land. Our duty is to listen, to do exactly what He says, to obey His Word and the leadership of His Spirit.

Nothing of lasting significance and importance for God is ever accomplished without great sacrifice. Whether it is our time, our talent, our treasure, or even our lives, we must be willing to give up what is temporary for the sake of what is eternal. When we do, we are following the example and pattern of Christ and walking in His steps.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, You have been so good to me. You have placed godly people in my life. You have led me to many wonder people. To my precious godly wife, the sweetest church I know, and to the hearts of those who are in need of You. There is no need to turn back now. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. AMEN!

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God’s GPS (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Years ago, for work, I was a traveling sales representative. I remember having a very large, spiral bound map book of the US. I logged countless hours and miles in my travels in those days. Technologically speaking, we have traveled a long way since those days. Like most of you, I use my GPS extensively in my travels. To say the least, it has put the map book out of business, although I still have my map book.

When traveling abroad or to an area I’m unfamiliar with, I travel with my GPS. The GPS lets you know where you are and where you need to go. Once you enter your destination, within seconds you have detailed directions anywhere in the world. It is so detailed that it allows you to begin your journey from the place you are currently at. From the location you are currently at, it will take you to your desired destination. All you have to do is trust it (Psalm 119:105; 48:14).

At times, we may feel like we are off course. Perhaps we feel like we have taken a wrong turn or failed to make a turn and believe we are heading in the wrong direction all because the way doesn’t seem right. As with the GPS, if we get off course, the GPS doesn’t shut down; its reconfigures. It turns us around and gives us a detailed path to put us back on course. We may ignore the GPS, but it still continues to configurate and never stops. So, it is with the Lord. He will never leave us nor forsake us. However, the LORD is with us at every turn. God has a plan for your life. If we trusted the Lord the same way we trust our GPS, life would be far less complicated. Many people fail to embrace His plan because they do not realize the starting point. Right here, right now, God is inviting all of us to follow Him, to trust Him, and to listen to Him. Like a GPS, as soon as we deviate from the designed path charted for us, the device lets us know we have gone off course; so it is with the Spirit of God. Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

He has mapped this way, He has scouted the trail, He has charted the course. He has already surveyed the scenery and knows the exact turns we should take. Start at your current location and listen to His instruction and guidance. Right here, right now you can begin to trust God. Not only will you get to your desired location, you’ll enjoy the trip.

Faith is like a GPS:
1. You Have to Listen for Direction
2. You Have to Start Where You Are
3. You will have to Re-route from Time to Time
4. You will be Responsible for the Drive

Life doesn’t always follow a planned route. At times in our Christian walk, we come to a juncture and we need to know the direction God has for us. At other times, the road may be filled with obstacles, littered with pot holes, or tied up in “construction”. Just like David, we need to hear God’s advice and counsel. Here is the great part; all we have to do is turn on our GPS (God’s Positioning System). He is our creator, our Father, and friend. God says in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Just as a compass can guide sailors through dark and uncharted waters, God’s Word can guide us through uncertain and difficult circumstances. We must simply trust it—over our feelings, over our own wisdom, and over contrary advice others may give us.

He will never lead us down the wrong route or leave us when the road gets rough. Although we may not always understand why He steers us on a particular road, we can be confident that He knows how to get us safely to our final destination. Jim Elliot said, “It’s His (God’s) business to lead, command, send, and call…it is your business to obey, follow, move, respond.” If we don't know where we are going, find out which way God is moving and then get going in the same direction.

Throughout Scripture we are reminded of God’s direction over our lives. He is our good Shepherd who leads us and He desires that we follow the path that leads to joy and contentment. When we pray for God’s guidance and for discernment through the Holy Spirit, we can rest assured that God will provide wisdom! We do not have to worry about our next step or about tomorrow because we know Who guides our way! God not only knows the way – He knows the best way, and He knows the way you should take today. By faith, trust Him, listen to Him, and enjoy the ride. Do not rush your day without going before God to seek guidance!

We should not trust in our own understanding because our understanding cannot be trusted. That’s because we ourselves cannot be trusted. And here we find just how counter-cultural these two verses really are, for if we can’t trust our own hearts, then the entire culture of “follow your own heart” and “do what makes you happy” is a lie. Surely, if we are honest with ourselves we know it to be true. How many times have our feelings told us to do something only to find the end in ruins? How many times have we trusted our gut only to find ourselves in the midst of anger or bitterness or sin? How many times have we pursued our own happiness instead of dying to ourselves to find that we have hurt those around us? No, our hearts cannot be trusted. And consequently, we need something better than ourselves to trust in. Which, of course, leads us back to the proverb. The culture around us would say, “Trust in yourself with all your heart, for you have all the understanding you need. In all your ways, be true to yourself, and your path will always be straight.” But Jesus loves us enough to tell us the truth.

Question to Consider:
Who do you listen to when seeking direction in life?

Point to Ponder:
We must not try to direct our own lives, but yield to the direction of Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord, Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans, and help me know when to stop and listen for Your direction. Your ways are perfect. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

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