Bible Study & Devotions

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Normal people love to hear words of love spoken or written lovingly to them. No surprise there! But do you realize that there is no human language, nor could there be, that can accurately describe the quality and quantity of the love of God? Perhaps it is problematic that we often use "love" as a convenient word to depict the attitude and actions of God for us. However, the Bible has a lot to say about God's love whether the word "love" is used or not. Will you seek to understand, even fractionally, how great God's love really is in order not to miss out on much of what the Bible is really teaching about His love? Let's look at some profound passages of Scripture the next several days to expose some fascinating words of love that are frequently preconceived, passed over or even perverted.

Let's start with "Love." Read the verse above again. The phrase "His own love" is huge! Already we know there is a contrast between the highest quality of human love and God's love. "His own love" means it is not our type of love because it is uniquely of and from God. The context of the passage has proven this point in verse 7 with "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God. . . ."

Do you know someone who deserves to have you die for them? We are not asking if you would die for someone but if that someone would be deserving of your love and sacrifice. And not in the sense of restitution or punishment as in a court sentence--but a vicarious act of love? Hence the word "scarcely." God never did anything to deserve a death sentence. On the contrary we are the ones who deserve death! "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Is 53:5-6). This is just one of the reasons why God's love is so deep and indescribable.

Christian, praise the Lord for His indescribable gift of love! Unbeliever! Accept His love for you today. Call in faith upon the name of Jesus, the Son of God to forgive your sins.

"Why should I fear in the days of evil,when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me? Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother,nor give to God a ransom for him--for the redemption of their souls is costly, and it shall cease forever--that he should continue to live eternally, and not see the Pit. . . . But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me."

Today's word of love, Redemption (to buy back), is much more than just another component of God's indescribable Gift of Love. Redemption is the theme of the entire Bible! "God has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name." (Ps 111:9). The redemption of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land is a beautiful and amazing foreshadowing of the redemption of all believers from the curse of sin through Adam's Fall to a clean account with God through the Righteousness of Christ to a crown of glory in Heaven. "For this reason He (Christ) is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." (Heb 9:15).

Do you know the value of your soul! God does! "What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt 16:26). How awesome and exceedingly profound a fact! As part of this Divine Plan of Redemption, God bought back our sinful souls sliding toward the Pit and He (through Christ) became sin for us! "We implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (II Cor 5:20b-21). "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Is 53:10-12).

More about this amazing truth tomorrow. But do notice that the author of Psalm 49 expresses his clear, convincing faith that God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me." (v. 15). This author could not see (as we see--looking back) all the fulfilled plan of God through the Cross of Calvary. We have the whole truth and nothing but the truth in the Bible. Have you turned from your sin to the Savior and Redeemer of your soul?

"Christ has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."

Yesterday we focused on the value of the soul and how it really cost Jesus a lot (far more than we can measure) to rescue and redeem our souls from certain destruction. "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree") (Gal 3:13). "Jesus Christ made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." (Phil 2:7-8).

Now, redemption (redemption of the soul) can only be accomplished by a holy, merciful, loving, gracious, all powerful, all wise, eternal God (there is only one God Who meets all those requirements) because:

Are you one of the Redeemed? If so, praise God! If not, call upon Him for forgiveness and redemption today!

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation."

What a word! Do you realize that without God"s Reconciliation to us there is no Forgiveness? No Redemption? No Salvation? No Peace! No Security?! What really did happen when you accepted the free gift of God"s salvation?

Well first, we know perhaps more clearly what did not happen--and (what an incomprehensible blessing) what will never happen! What did not and never can happen is for God to ever condemn us for or even account to us any sin--past, present or future! Thus we read "old things have passed away" and God "has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ."

And second, we know what did happen--and even better, what has happened forever: those who once were "enemies to the death" against God are now friends and sons and daughters forever with God! We are at permanent peace with God because of Jesus Christ, Who is God Himself. "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity." (Eph 2:13-16).

In the letter to the Romans Paul clearly links the facts of justification and reconciliation together, culminating in glorious praise through the permanent peace made possible by the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation." (Rom 5:8-11).

Praise God for His indescribable gift of love manifested permanently through the Reconciliation of every sinner who comes to Christ in humility and faith in Salvation!

"Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

What a blessing for us to have this passage in the Bible. Many great teachers and various types of leaders seem to have very little time for the "wee ones." And many adults often these days spend as little time as possible with their own children. Are you "punching a timecard" with the children God has placed in your life? Jesus has set an awesome example for us to follow. He refused to neglect the little children. He not only wanted to heal them of their physical maladies--He especially desired to heal them of their spiritual malady--and bring them into the Kingdom of Heaven by His Love and Grace through their simple, childlike faith. "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." (H. Woolston).

Christ even used these dear children as a "sermon illustration" right then to teach the jaw-dropping crowd that if they did not come to Christ as these children had, they could never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I do not believe Jesus meant this as an insult to the adult hearers but as an exhortation to humble themselves and keep the matter simple. Jesus knew that the "culture of the day" viewed children as too lowly and He used this socio shortcoming as "faith fuel" in yet another sermon. ^"Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?" But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me."" (Mark 9:33-37).

Both our faith must be childlike and our fellowship with God must be childlike. "Be imitators of God as dear children." (Eph 5:1). Perhaps John Calvin was thinking of Christ"s teaching here when he said "Faith is not a distant view but a warm embrace of Christ."

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Just reading these precious words brings serenity and rest. Imagine hearing Jesus, the Gentle Shepherd speak these words just 6 feet away from you! Did the people who had the blessing of hearing Christ say these words in their presence understand that the "rest" Jesus speaks about is not physical rest but spiritual rest? Did they know that spiritual rest can only be found completely by

Praise the Lord for His gift of Salvation and Assurance! Dear Christian, why would we ever want to continue to try to find peace and rest from any other source but the Savior? Everything we need is found in Him! "The LORD is my Shepherd I shall not want . . . My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." (Ps 23:1, 5b-6).

Are you burdened with the business and cares of this world? Don"t worry anymore. Cast those burdens at the feet of Jesus!

Are you burdened by an unresolved issue of life? Cast that burden at the feet of your loving Shepherd!

Are you burdened by a besetting sin that has corrupted your mind, heart and communion with God? Confess it to the Lord! Forsake it completely! And you will find rest for your soul!

"[Be] casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (I Pet 5:7). Oh how much He really cares for us! There is no way for us to understand the deep level of love and care that God has for His children.

You too can have real rest through eternal Salvation available in Jesus Christ alone and humble Submission to His will for your life. The loving words of Jesus are inviting you today to come to Him for rest. Will you answer His call?

"Do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Food and clothes! Are these everyday necessities taking up a lot of our attention perhaps? We currently live in a time when more and more people are wondering if there will be enough food in the fridge for next month--or even next week--or perhaps tomorrow! More and more people, to help make ends meet financially are using hand-me- downs, second-hand clothing or even scraping by with whatever they can find. Certainly nothing wrong with that. "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." I Tim 6:7-8.

Those who live for money and not for God, who are "secure" financially and do not "worry" about these simple necessities of life are actually missing out on a very special Christian activity called trusting God. "There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches." (Prov 13:7). "Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice." (Prov 16:8). It is seriously a thriving joy to lean on the Lord for all things great and small. He isn"t just interested in the big "important" areas of your life. He is always interested in every area of your life--even the so called "small things." "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father"s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matt 10:29-31) "Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (Matt 6:8b).

It is also important to understand that today"s key Bible passage is not promoting a reactive vs. proactive lifestyle. That is, we must not say "I"ll just sit around and wait for the Lord to give me everything I need!" Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness the Bible way will naturally result in a Spirit led life of diligence, faith and satisfaction. We urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. (I Thess 4:10b-12).

Yesterday we were reminded that trusting God is a good thing--in fact an essential thing for every Christian. Do you think God loves us so much and wants us to trust Him so much that He graciously sends financial trials into our lives? Or do you think God wants us to confide in great wealth without a care in the world? Some people may have told you that God guarantees you will become financially rich if you just turn to Him and trust Him and obey Him. Have you ever tried to tempt God with this popular prayer of the hypocrite? "Lord, if you really love me then will you give me _______ and ________ and _______!"

But what does the Bible really mean by "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you?" It is best to read all of Matthew 6 as well as other relevant Bible passages to answer this question. For example: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (money)." (Matt 6:24). "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." (I Tim 6:17). "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."(Phil 4:19). So clearly God lovingly requires us to trust in Him and not in money or the things that money can get for us. Besides, trusting in Him is far better a gain than a 100,000% capital gain because as we read yesterday "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (I Tim 6:7-8).

Will you trust in God"s indescribable gift of love for eternity to come instead of your own way and wealth in this present world? "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" (Rom 11:33).

"Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding."

Please read Prov 4:10-27. We learn that there are 2 main points about godly wisdom that we can resolve to apply to our lives today. (1) Finding the right light/right path requires a Righteous Life and (2) A Righteous Life requires spiritual wisdom.

First, do you notice that verses 18 and 19 are the apex of this great poem about wisdom? "The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. Here at the apex we are shown a great contrast between the righteous and the wicked. A righteous person manifests more and more light (v 18) The wicked person manifests darkness (v 19) A righteous person stays on the right path (v 18) A wicked person strays from the right path and even stumbles on the wrong path (v 19)

Second, the poetic sections immediately before and after verses 18, 19 examine in specific detail the obvious contrast stated in verses 18 and 19. And so we can see 2 encouraging principles that we should resolve to add to our lives:

(A) A Spiritually wise person makes the right spiritual choices (vv 10-17; 20-27)

B. A Spiritually wise person enjoys good spiritual consequences (vv 10-17; 20-27)

Have you accepted the fact that wisdom is essential for your life? Are you willing to completely commit your way to the Lord and let His wisdom rule your life? May you be blessed this week and this year as you seek to walk in godly wisdom.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is our best source of spiritual rest. You already know you cannot find real rest from the cares of the world by "playing hard--life is short." Nor can you find real rest by "banking on" your accomplishments. "I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luk 12:19-21) You certainly will never find rest by being religious without a Biblical, personal faith in Jesus Christ. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matt 23:25-28)

Jesus pleads earnestly for us to choose real rest in Him alone. Real rest for our souls--not just our bodies or our minds. Once we choose to rest fully, firmly and faithfully in our Good Shepherd's care, He has promised gentleness, guidance and the greatest quality of spiritual rest you cannot even imagine. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. . . . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:1-3, 6)

Dear lost lamb, will you resolve to come back to your Good Shepherd to find rest for your soul today? He loves you so much and wants you back. Choose real rest in Christ Jesus today!

[And Joshua said]"As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. . . . And the people said to Joshua, 'The LORD our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!'" Joshua 24:15c, 24 NKJV

God's chosen people have experienced innumerable blessings and victories from "The Lord Who Delivers." They have been sustained by miraculous manna, water-out-of-nowhere, the collapse and conquest of Jericho, the Red Sea defeat of Pharaoh's armies, victories of wars that Israel didn't even have to fight in and new land to settle that they didn't need to construct or cultivate! "I sent the hornet before you which drove them out from before you, also the two kings of the Amorites, but not with your sword or with your bow. I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.' (vv 12, 13) And they received so much more directly from the Hand of God Almighty!

So why would they even want to worship and serve any other god but God Almighty? What do you think? It is bewildering right?!

Why would we, Christian, want to serve anything or anyone else but our God? Why would we ever want to turn away from Him and be tantalized by temporal temptations that never produce lasting pleasure or real happiness and will only grieve God and draw us away from communion with Him? Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. (Ps 51:10-12a) If you resolve to serve God first and with a humble, grateful attitude--just imagine the multitude of blessings He has promised you! "The LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day." (Deut 6:24).

However, we must make sure our deepest motives for serving the LORD are not to get but to give back to God--simply because "We love Him because He first loved us." (I John 4:19)

Peter said to Him (Jesus), "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"
And so said all the disciples. Matthew 26:35 NKJV

It is no secret that Peter was the leader of our Lord's followers. Other apostles may have been closer (John the Evangelist) or may have never betrayed Jesus to be crucified (Judas) but no other apostle seems to hold so much authority and sway as Peter does. Remember these lines from the Bible: "And Peter answered Him and said, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' (Matt 14:28). Then Peter answered and said to Him, 'Explain this parable to us.' (Matt 15:15). Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!' (Matt 16:22). Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' (Matt 17:4). Then Peter answered and said to Him, 'See, we have left all and followed You.'" (Matt 19:27)

All of these excerpts reveal how focused and enthusiastic Peter was for the Lord. I'm sure Peter would be viewed by all as "the most likely to succeed!" And, up until Matt 26:40 in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter, for the most part, was highly successful in his worship and service to the Messiah. In fact, Peter was so convinced in his own mind of his faithfulness and loyalty to the Lord that he actually contradicts Jesus when Jesus prophesied of Peter's fear and denial of Christ. "Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' Peter said to Him, 'Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!'" (vv 34, 35).

But in that Garden of Prayer slumber conquered service. Sleeping and awaking at least twice, do you believe perhaps Peter was sleep deprived when the Judas' mob came for Christ? Or perhaps Peter was the victim of a predetermined action beyond his control? Or, was Peter thinking "of himself more highly than he ought to think?" (Rom 12:3b) Whatever the cause, how could Peter do a 180 and end up with "Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly." (vv 74-75).

Dear follower of Christ, there is so much for us to learn from Peter's faith. Let us resolve to be closer to Christ--to learn every day from Him and about Him through the study of the Word--and to resolve to never deny our Lord and Savior (publicly or privately).

"I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not cling to me." Psalm 101:3. NKJV

Now, in verse 3, David presents more specific areas in life that will prove whether we are committed to integrity or not. First, we must realize that our eyes can be easily deceived. "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened." (Gen 3:6-7). Adam and Eve could only see so much with their physical eyes. And after disobeying God and eating the forbidden fruit their spiritual eyes were opened to know that good and evil are real enemies.

Greed and ambition may at times attempt to partner up against us. "You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous." (Deut 16:19).

We can internally rationalize all day long about the joys of covetousness and visual pleasures, but there are extremely dangerous consequences in yielding to the lusts of our eyes. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (I John 2:15-17).

Even Jesus gave stern warning about our eyes when He said in the Sermon on the Mount, "Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell." (Matt 5:28b-29).

Humble Job knew the weakness and danger of a "roving eye" because he said, "I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?" (Job 31:1) Now the lust of the eyes is not just an issue for men. Nor is Ps. 101:3 dealing only with lust. Anything wicked that our eyes can see should never "cling to us." Avoiding that "second look" will help to ensure that the "first look" was accidental--not intentional. Will you resolve to preserve the integrity of your eyes?

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." (Heb 12:1-2a NASU).

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20th

Jan 20, 2012

Integrity--Psalm 101, part 4

"A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness.

Psalm 101:4. NKJV

Integrity for each Christian should certainly mean avoiding any wicked thoughts and actions. But David here goes a little further again to include not even knowing wickedness. He doesn't even want a shadow of a temptation to occur. This does not mean for us to be naïve about what wickedness is and does-- but to be vigilant and purposed in our will and ways to never take a first step toward anything wicked. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, (Eph 5:8-11a).

Those who have been redeemed from the curse of sin and set free to serve the Savior forever will want always to purpose to please Him. To please our Redeemer not just in the big things but the little things too that no one else but God might notice. "Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."(Matt 6:13).

The Christian's deep desire to bring honor and glory to God through clean living must also never be sourced in pride or attempting to buy His favor. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Eph 2:8-9). Nor should we fail to realize God's fundamental purpose for our lives when He created us. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Eph 2:10).

And so, when God saves you--He also equips you to be ready to live a righteous life through Him and for Him and because of Him. Notice these contrasts between the pure and the perverse--between the righteous and the wicked: "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. They have corrupted themselves; They are not His children, Because of their blemish: A perverse and crooked generation." (Deut 32:4-5). "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1).

Let us resolve to completely forsake wickedness of every kind and live right for God.

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21st

January 21, 2012

Spiritual Growth/Milk-- part 1

"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." I Peter 2:1-3. NKJV

When Baby ____is hungry he or she cries for milk. If Baby ____ goes without milk too long he or she will become very sick. Baby ____ is not going to grab your wallet, jump in the car, drive to the fast food drive-thru, order, pay, eat and then drive back home happy and content. Baby ____ needs someone to provide certain foods in the proper portions at the proper times. If this happens as it should happen then Baby ____ is happy and satisfied and -- growing.

Christian, Jesus has already provided the source of nourishment and growth for us -- The Bible. Read the passage above once more. What is the main goal of the passage? Right! The goal is our spiritual growth. What does the passage above say must happen before we can grow spiritually?

Be saved from the penalty of sin ("tasted that the Lord is gracious.")
Abstain from sinful thoughts and actions ("laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.") and
Crave spiritual nourishment ("desire the pure milk of the word.")

It is very important for all Christians to know--especially those Christians who have been saved for many, many years that the point of this passage in I Peter (contrast Heb 5:12-14) is not that there will come a time when you are "mature enough to dispense with the milk." God's Word is always good for us all the time. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Tim 3:16-17).

The main point of our passage today is that in order for us to grow spiritually we must act as if we are newborn babies craving the milk of the Word and not become weaker and waning away through neglect or rebellion. In fact, of all the light yet available for us to see in Scripture, in spite of years of intense study, we really are newborn babes. "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." (I Cor 13:12).

Also, ironically, often those who claim to be mature and not need milk really do need it. "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal." (I Cor 3:1-3a).

Let us resolve to desire the Word and keep on growing.

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22nd

Jan 22, 2012

Spiritual Growth/Milk-- part 2

Yesterday we were reminded that milk, for every growing Christian, is always good all the time. It is wonderful to remember that "Jesus loves me this I know--for the Bible tells me so." It brings sweet peace to recollect how Christ "set our feet upon the rock -- out of the miry clay." But today we will see that God does not want His children to exclude the beautiful, bulging buffet of Bible precepts, promises and principles or to embrace permanently a strict diet of milk alone. ^"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Heb 5:12-14).

Those who continue growing in the image of Christ and order their lives after His pattern through the study of the Precious Book will inevitably become wiser, stronger, quicker, better in spiritual life and combat. "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph 6:14-17) "You (Oh LORD), through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts." (Psalm 119:98-100).

Let us also remember to remain humble, respectful and willing to serve others through our knowledge of God's Word. "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Eph 4:11-16).

Where are you in your spiritual growth? It may be like "preaching to the choir" (since you are reading this devotional right now). But could you -- would you make a resolution to feast on the other fascinating food of Scripture? Will you commit yourself to consume more than milk? If so, you will grow! You might even be surprised (for good) how much you grow and how much your growing helps others around you to grow. Go do it!

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23rd

Jan 23, 2012

"Don't Say It!"

"We all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. . . . Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so."

James 3:2, 10. (NKJV)

Please read verses 1 through 12 of James chapter 3, below.

Several years ago, in San Diego County, over 10, 0000 acres of land were thoroughly destroyed by an unforgiving forest fire. Where did such an all consuming fire come from? It did not come from a series of massive lightning strikes or a fuel train derailing. It didn't even start because of an innocent campground bonfire. That 10,000 plus acres were decimated by 1 half used cigarette being tossed from a moving car onto the median on I-8. "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell." (vv 5-6).

For those of us who really choose to resolve to control our tongues from this point forward in life, the Bible will be our best "Advisor" every step of the way. Let's hear and heed the following passages from Proverbs as we continue in our commitment to use our mouth as God intended the mouth to be used:

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. (Prov 12:18).
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. (Prov 15:2).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Prov 18:21).
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. (Prov 21:23).
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. Prov 11:11.
He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. (Prov 13:3).
The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Prov 16:23.
A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin. (Prov 26:28).
If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. (Prov 30:32).

James 3: 1-12. My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.
4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.
8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

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24th

Jan 24, 2012

"Don't Do It!"

"My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent."

Proverbs 1:10 NKJV

How will the Christian's life best reflect the righteousness of Christ except through conspicuous action? Others are watching how we live--to see whether we really live what we believe or not. Our actions or inactions not only affect us personally--but those around us too. In fact, one of the best ways to determine if a Christian really is committed to doing right or not is to face temptation. Hence the above verse. We all will certainly be tempted to sin in some form at various times. The "perfect" Christian is not one who is never tempted--but one who refuses to "consent" to temptation. Read the following Bible passages and notice the alarming caution, conviction, care and comfort of each truth:

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Rom 8:1) "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Rom 12:21) "Awake to righteousness, and do not sin." (I Cor 15:34a) "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you." (II Cor 6:17) "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. . . . For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh." (Gal 5:1, 13a) "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good." (II Thess 3:13) "Do not love the world or the things in the world." (I John 2:15a)

When you face a temptation today (and you will) either external or internal, will you resolve to stay true to God and just "don't do it?" The Holy Spirit of God is our Helper during times of temptation. He helps us remember God's Words of caution, care, conviction and comfort. Satan, our sinful flesh and the world are constantly tempting and demanding that we "do what feels good" and "live however I want" because "no one's going to tell me what to do!" We must also remember these 2 key Scriptures to help us successful say "NO!" to temptation:

"Do not quench the Spirit." (I Thess 5:19) "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

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25th

Jan 25, 2012

"Don't Think It!"

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV

The title today carries a negative imperative. But notice that today's key verse carries a positive imperative. One says "don't!" The other says "do!" In fact, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" speaks to us with both positive and negative commands. One could paraphrase Col 3:2 like this: "Don't fix your thoughts on earthly things--Fix your thoughts on spiritual things. The importance of this double-sided truth presents much more than a veritable contrast between the value of earthly things and the value of Heavenly things--there is a highly practical teaching here for all of us to understand and obey: Right thinking doesn't just happen--you have to make it happen. And you have to make it happen the Bible way--or it won't stay!

First, we see that salvation from sin (born again) must precede righteous, spiritual thinking: "If then you were raised with Christ." We don't gradually get more and more saved from the penalty of sin. We should, Christian, gradually get more sanctified (set apart) from the power of sin. (See Romans chapters 6 and 7). There are so many passages in the Bible, written to believers (saved from the penalty of sin) who are struggling to continue to be set apart from the power of sin. ^"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9)

Second, we see that it is not enough to just empty our minds of evil thoughts--we must fill our minds with good, spiritual thoughts--that is, Christ. If you take the first bite of your morning cereal and notice that the milk is spoiled, you will probably spit it out, dump out the bad bowl of cereal, wash out the bowl of all the rottenness and start over with fresh, tasty milk, Right? Every true believer should have a craving for the knowledge of Christ--Who He is and what He has done and is doing and will do for you! Conversely, every true Christian should have an aversion to the temporal, putrid things of the world.

Will you resolve to think about the glory and majesty of Christ and not the fleshly things of this world?

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26th

Jan 26, 2012

"Don't Be Bitter!" part 1

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV

It could be argued that nothing is more debilitating for the Christian than a lifestyle of bitterness.

Bitterness germinates when genuine forgiveness is forsaken. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matt 6:14-15).
Bitterness grows when self deception and selfish ambition, through a spirit of vengeance, work together to plan, prune and produce more bitterness. "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood." (Rom 3:13-15).
Bitterness gets really ugly when its crop is so large that there is no longer enough room to contain it. And the end can be something so indescribable and so deadly that it would not be expedient to mention. "Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the LORD your God, and the fear of Me is not in you, says the Lord GOD of hosts." (Jer 2:19) "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." (Acts 8:22-23).

Dear Christian, have you lost your love for the Lord? Have you quit trying to live righteously for His glory and satisfaction? ? Is there someone who has offended you so deeply that you have chosen not to forgive them? Are there days you are so shackled down with suffocating bitterness that you cannot function even in your simple daily activities?

Forgiveness is the answer for bitterness. We will study forgiveness more tomorrow. But for now, let us resolve to say "No More!" to our bitterness. It has taken too much time and joy already from our lives--and the lives of others.

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." (Jude 24-25).

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27th

Jan 27, 2012

"Don't Be Bitter!" part 2-- Forgiveness

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV

Yesterday we found that bitterness is very serious. Bitterness often will not remain private. If stored up and never released through the power of forgiveness, mercy and love, bitterness can spill over into every area of our lives and eventually lead to ominous and unmentionable consequences. So how can we be healed from our bitterness?

First, resolve to be bitter no more no matter what. Yes, even before knowing the manner and means of resolution, determine to end bitterness once and for all. In other words, we should not think, "Well, what's this going to cost me?" Or, "If you knew what ____said or did to me then you would understand why I could never forgive them!" Or, "As soon as they apologize to me or compensate me, then I'll think about forgiving them!" These statements and the motives behind them reflect a consuming bitterness already controlling us and keeping us out of God's will and fellowship.

Second, remember that:

"while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." (Rom 5:8b-9) Jesus forgave us ALL our sins--not 1 sin or some sins or most sins but ALL our sins. "You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." (Mic 7:19b) And remember:
(2) "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matt 6:14-15) As redeemed sheep in the fold of the Lord should we not at least forgive others the few sins they commit against us? "You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."(Matt 18:32b-35)

Third, and to be surprisingly practical: remain in a spirit of reconciliation all the time. This attitude is reflective of a Spirit-controlled life of godly success that brings real peace and joy internally and externally. "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Col 3:12-13)

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28th

Jan 28, 2012

Service to God-part 1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."

Romans 12:1. NKJV

"It's my life and no one is going to tell me how to live it!" "God can have my soul but He cannot have my life!" "Life is short--play hard!"

For a true Christian these familiar expressions are fallacious--except for one small part: "Life Is short." "We finish our years like a sigh. . . For it is soon cut off, and we fly away." (Ps 90:9b, 10b).

So Who owns us? Well again, for the born-again believer, Christ owns us. "For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." (Rom 14:7-8). "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Cor 6:19-20).

In fact, operation is a proof of ownership: So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Rom 8:8-10). "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5).

Christ is our LORD--our owner! The only sacrifice pleasing to Him is a sacrifice that is living --not dead! Christ died for us so we could live because of Him, for Him and through Him. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit." (John 15:16a). "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 6:11). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Gal 2:20).

All of these Bible passages convince us and compel us to dedicate our all--mind, body, spirit to jubilant, faithful service that pleases God; "holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."

Will you resolve to live completely for the Lord? Not out of obligation but out of gratitude and full of fervor for His cause?

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29th

Jan 29, 2012

Service to God-part 2

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Romans 12:2. NKJV.

This verse has so much truth packed into it that we would have to spend a year really studying it. But today let's focus on just 1 of 2 parts of this verse that will probably have the most impact on our resolution to serve God faithfully. The truth is presented as both a "do" and a "don't." The "don't" must happen before the "do." So, let's look at the "don't" today because it is impossible to obey the command of being "transformed by the renewing of your mind" unless we first are not "conformed to this world."

As Romans 5 through 8 have already taught us, each Christian must be dead to sin first--then alive through righteousness in Christ. Consider these key passages that bring us up to the point of Rom 12:2:

"As sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom 5:21).
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Rom 6:1-2).
"Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." (Rom 6:11-14).
"I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." (Rom 7:21-25).
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Rom 8:5-6).

Even Jesus Himself explains this great truth of dying to self and living for God: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. (John 12:24-26).

Let's resolve to not be conformed (molded and mannered) to this temporal world because "the form of this world is passing away." (I Cor 7:31b)., and "we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (I Tim 6:7).

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30th

Jan 30, 2012

Service to God-part 3

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Romans 12:2. NKJV.

Yesterday we studied the first of 2 parts of this verse expressed as a "don't!" In order for us to "be in God's will" we must first resolve to not be like the world--and in reality not even think like the world thinks.

Today we see that the second part (the "do") is for us to "be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude]"(v. 2 AMP). Every Christian can desire, decide and determine to live righteously according to the law of the Spirit because "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (II Cor 5:17).

The power source for living in the Spirit (and not like the world and the flesh) is Jesus Christ in us. "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Eph 2:1-7).

Let us trust in Christ to "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:19).

If all these passages are not practical enough to encourage us to live for Him and not for ourselves, would not the following passages give us, Christian, encouragement and hope? "The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (I John 2:17). "Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Rev 11:15).

Let's resolve today to submit completely to the Lord so He can mold us into His likeness each day so we can serve Him fervently and faithfully forever!

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31st

Jan 31, 2012

Resolve to be Resolved

"With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! . . . I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart."

Psalm 119:10, 32. NKJV.

All this month, the first month of this New Year, we have seen some saints, statements and stories from the Bible involving resolutions and what resulted from these resolutions. Has the perfect light of Scripture shined on your minds and hearts and showed the way Christ wants you to go? "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Ps 119:105)

Our Lord has done everything He needed to do for us to fulfill every Scriptural resolution according to His plan and purpose. He cleansed us from all our sin. He changed us from within so we could honor Him. He chose us to be a good, growing harvest in His field. Now He challenges us to do our part--resolve to be resolved to honor our commitments to Him.

Did you promise God you would always _______? Then, assuming this is a Biblically-based promise, resolve to do it.
Did you promise God you would never _______? Then, assuming this is a Biblically-based promise, resolve to never do it.

The author of Psalm 119 is demanding of himself to always seek the will and ways of the Lord with ALL his heart. The commitment is 100% not 99.99999% or less. Do you see :

the depth of the resolution? "With my whole heart"
the denial of the resolution? "let me not wander from"
the determination (literally: "to the end") of the resolution? "I will run the course" and
the dependence of the resolution? "For You shall enlarge my heart."

Obviously we can never keep our Scriptural resolution(s) through our finite strength. Our dependence must be anchored in the Almighty power of God, Who is on our side. "Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Is 40:31). "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13).

Dear Christian, whatever God has burdened your heart to do or stop doing based on the unchanging but always relevant Bible, resolve to be resolved this year and the rest of your life to live for His glory. Care about what He cares about. Love what He loves. Live as He has lived. "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." (Col 4:17b). "Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." (II Cor 13:11b).

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Liberty Ministries' Bible Devotions and Study Aids: February 2012

Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you, Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you, Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Listen to Liberty Ministries' Audio Sermons Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you, Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

**Liberty Ministries' Bible Devotions and Study Aids: February 2012**

Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you,

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you,

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!

Listen to Liberty Ministries' Audio Sermons

Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you,

Please Email us to request that these devotions be sent to you on a daily basis via email!