Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Looking Good"

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. Matthew 23:25-26

Pam doesn’t often comment on the news. Even so, about a week ago she called me away from my computer and asked me to take a look at the story that was being shown on a local television news station. Perhaps you saw it, too. It had to do with a restaurant in Manhattan, which had set the Guinness world record for having the world’s most expensive dessert.

The dessert featured a blend of 28 cocoas mixed together with .2 ounces of edible 23-karat gold and was being served for the staggering price of $25,000.00. Of course you got more than that for your money. The sugary concoction features a gold bracelet with some diamonds, more edible gold and some truffles, which are marketed for about $2,600 a pound. Turning away from the TV, I called out over my shoulder, “Well, there goes your anniversary present.” She gave me a dirty look.

A few weeks ago, I resisted the temptation to speak about the costly confection in the Daily Devotions. Today, I can resist no longer. I can’t resist because the restaurant that made that dessert has been temporarily closed. Health officials found a live mouse, evidence of more live mice, and dozens of equally energetic cockroaches.

When I heard that story, it occurred to me how little things had changed since the time our Savior talked to the scribes and Pharisees about the foolishness inherent in cleaning the outside of a cup and leaving the inside filthy. It was the same day He spoke to them about graves, which look good and are whitewashed on the outside, but inside are filled with dead men’s bones. Either way you say it, the lesson is the same.

Jesus wanted people to know that while they often are primarily preoccupied with looking good on the outside, God is far more concerned with having us look good, that is, be forgiven, on the inside. Knowing that there is no make-up, no plastic surgery that can effectively beautify our inner hearts, Jesus came into this world to save us. His birth in Bethlehem signals His willingness to take upon Himself all of our sinful ugliness.

Now, because of what the Savior has done through His life, death, and resurrection, all who believe on Him can be, and are saved. Knowing God’s gracious plan the Christmas angels announced they had “good news of great joy.” Jesus is God’s Good News and because of His loving sacrifice Paul was able to write: “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

[Soldier4Christ]

"An Unsuitable Substitute"

Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3: 14b-15

Julie Willey doesn’t believe in God. A design engineer, Julie was raised Buddhist, but even so, she says she never believed in God. Surprisingly, every week, she and her husband load their four kids into their minivan and take them to Sunday school.

Of course, the Sunday school Julie’s children go to is not exactly like the Sunday school attended by the children of Christian parents. Julie’s children attend atheist Sunday school. That’s right, atheist Sunday school. At atheist Sunday school the instructors use art and discussion to encourage personal expression, mental curiosity, and the ability to work together. Oh, they also use music. Not familiar hymns like, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” No, their songs are ditties like, “I’m Unique and Unrepeatable.”

But there is no Jesus in atheist Sunday school. Stories like “Stone Soup” replace the traditional Sunday School’s message of “God loved the world so much He sent His Son to save us.”

But there is no Jesus. There are values; there is sociability; there is fun, but there is no Jesus.

There is no birth in Bethlehem; there is no suffering, sacrifice, sin, or forgiveness. There is no glorious resurrection on the third day. There is no hell, heaven, or hope. There is no Jesus. As one parent said, "I'm a person that doesn't believe in myths, I'd rather stick to the evidence."

Well, I don’t believe in myths, either. And every bit of evidence I can find says Jesus was, and is, real. History, fulfilled prophecies, miracles, and Easter Sunday all bear witness to the reality of the completeness of Christ’s redemptive act.

This is why this devotion is designed to encourage Christian parents, teachers, and churches to do all they can to make sure their children are acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make their little ones wise for salvation that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

As the Savior said to Martha, “one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42b)

Let’s give our children the “one thing necessary…” Let’s give them Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Real Hero"

The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10: 45b

Not one in a hundred of the Daily Devotion readers or listeners will know the name Arland Williams, Jr. Arland Williams, Jr. was a bank examiner who died on January 13, 1982.

If you’ve forgotten him, or never knew him, let me tell you a little bit about Arland. He was one of the passengers on Air Florida Flight 90 when it crashed into the frozen Potomac River. He, along with five others, managed to survive. Still, because a storm hampered rescue efforts, it looked as if the survivors might not survive.

Only after hours of waiting did a helicopter make it to the desperate souls. The chopper airlifted one person to safety and came back. The life ring was grabbed by Arland, who gave it to someone else. The chopper came back a second time, and a third time, as well as a fourth. Each time Arland gave it to someone else. Eventually Arland was alone, but when the helicopter came back for him, he was gone.

I bring up the story of Arland Williams Jr., because last week, in an MSNBC story about heroes, Doctor Earl Babbie, professor emeritus of behavioral sciences at Chapman University said, "I wish it were possible to interview heroes the day before they risk their lives for someone else; I bet you won't find anyone who can tell you with assurance what he or she would do in a life-threatening situation."

I’d be willing to take the Professor’s bet. I’d take the bet because there would be no gambling involved. You see, I know one Hero who knew exactly what He would do in a life-threatening situation.

I know Jesus.

Jesus was fully aware of why He had been born into this world. He was acquainted with the prophecies of Isaiah, which said the Messiah would be beaten, stricken, and wounded, so humanity would be saved. Because He knew, Jesus was able to tell His disciples that He had come to give His life as a ransom for many. Jesus knew that if you and I were to be rescued from death, He would have to sacrifice Himself. And so He did. Willingly Jesus gave His life so we might be given a new lease, a permanent lease, on eternal life.

This is why Jesus is the greatest Hero this world has ever seen. More than that, He is the only Savior this world will ever know. With thankful hearts we remember His birth; but with repentant hearts we recall why He came: He came as a Hero to give His life as a ransom for many.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Water In A Boat?"

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

There once was a man pulling a boat along the shore. It was hard work. A stranger was watching and asked, “Why don’t you try it with water?”

The owner of the boat answered, “You are the third man who’s asked me that question. I tried at first, but it was even harder for me to do it that way.”

“That can’t be true!” objected the stranger.

But the stranger was no longer surprised, when he heard the man’s answer. “Look, I filled it with water, but that did absolutely no good!”

Funny, isn’t it? Who would fill a boat with water to make it easier to pull across the sand? But don’t we often make the same mistake with the things God gives us? There are many of us who say, “I would put my mind on the things of Christ, but my obligations are very demanding and I am too tired!” In these moments we do not grasp the life-giving words of Jesus. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Our Lord promises He will provide relief and grant protection to all who believe in Him.

Magnus Malm, in his book “First Climber,” wrote about the difference between God, who is alive, and idols that are not. Idols have to be permanently maintained, upheld, and mended, but God maintains, upholds, and mends us.
We might climb wearily to God, but He lifts us up and gives us strength to carry out the work He has for us to do.

[Def]

"Water In A Boat?"

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

There once was a man pulling a boat along the shore. It was hard work. A stranger was watching and asked, “Why don’t you try it with water?”

The owner of the boat answered, “You are the third man who’s asked me that question. I tried at first, but it was even harder for me to do it that way.”

“That can’t be true!” objected the stranger.

But the stranger was no longer surprised, when he heard the man’s answer. “Look, I filled it with water, but that did absolutely no good!”

Funny, isn’t it? Who would fill a boat with water to make it easier to pull across the sand? But don’t we often make the same mistake with the things God gives us? There are many of us who say, “I would put my mind on the things of Christ, but my obligations are very demanding and I am too tired!” In these moments we do not grasp the life-giving words of Jesus. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Our Lord promises He will provide relief and grant protection to all who believe in Him.

Magnus Malm, in his book “First Climber,” wrote about the difference between God, who is alive, and idols that are not. Idols have to be permanently maintained, upheld, and mended, but God maintains, upholds, and mends us.
We might climb wearily to God, but He lifts us up and gives us strength to carry out the work He has for us to do.

Thank you Pastor Roger
Hang on!
Pray on!
 Glory! Our God  is always Loving on In Christ Jesus. Def

[Soldier4Christ]

"God Is Real"

In Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19

The little boy's father, a soldier in the British army, had been captured during the beginning days of World War II.

As the months, and then the years passed, the only thing that kept the boy's remembrance of his father alive was the aging picture of his uniformed father on the wall. After three years, even though he fought hard against it, the boy had forgotten almost everything about his father. Often he could be heard saying as he stood in front of that picture, “If only my father could step down and be here for me once again. If only my father could be real.”

For Christians, the birth of Jesus means that God has stepped into our sinful world.
Jesus is not a once-upon-a-time wish or a fond memory from the past. The Savior is real. Because Jesus stepped into our world no longer are we weighed down by all the things we have done wrong; no longer do we have to wishfully long for forgiveness.

God is real. In the person of Jesus, He came to live among us, be with us, care for us, love us, and give His life to save us. I can tell you that when our boy was eventually reunited with his father, it was a wonderfully happy time.

But that earthly reunion was a pale imitation of the joy we should be given in the Savior whose birth we celebrate later this month. Jesus has come and because He has, our holidays are blessed, and so will our lives be.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Too Busy"

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

On a winter's day, it might be nice to tell a story from the summer. This story begins with a church family who had invited their pastor along with his wife to Sunday dinner.

It was a miserably hot, humid day. When everybody was at the table, the father turned to his six-year-old boy and asked him to say a few words of prayer. "But, Daddy, I don't know what to say," the panicked boy replied.

Mother assisted when she explained, "Now, now, son, you just say what you've heard me say so often." “Okay,” said the little boy as he obediently bowed his head and prayed, "O Lord, why did I invite these people here on a hot day like this?"

In the month of December I know it may not be hot where you live. Even so, you may find yourself saying the same kind of prayer, as did that boy.

"Lord, why did I accept that invitation to the party? I don't feel like going out." "Lord, why do they have to squeeze so many church services in at Christmas time? I'd just like to relax."

If you’re feeling too busy, there’s a good possibility you may be too busy. Please, take a breather from the Christmas rush today. Put your priorities in order. Remember, the ultimate reason for this season is not the parties, the tinsel, the toys, and the decorations. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus who was born as God’s great gift of love and grace. Christmas is the celebration of our salvation.

Take some time and realize that if you celebrate the Savior’s birth, your days, and your prayers, will fall into their proper place.

[Soldier4Christ]

"No Other Name"

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

How would you like everybody around you to know you are confident, secure, and successful?

Most of us would think that would be pretty fine.

Would you feel equally pleased about letting your friends and family members know you have style, class, and sophistication? I’d like that; maybe you would, too.

And what if I could guarantee you are going to attract the right people into your life so that you will be able to raise admiring eyebrows and impress people so much their jaws will drop open? You wouldn’t have a problem with that, would you?

Amazingly, I’m pleased to share with the Daily Devotion listeners and readers that I’ve found a product, which says it can do all of those things and more. A few weeks ago, as I was traveling on a plane to Columbus, Ohio, where I was to celebrate a church anniversary and meet with the wonderful Pastor and the delightful people of Zion Lutheran Church, I read SkyMall magazine.

For those of you who don’t fly, that’s a free catalogue that offers all kinds of products from a great diversity of companies. On page 101, I read the ad for the MatrixPC watch from Gforce.
I was impressed. The ad promised if I bought that watch for $99.95 all of the blessings I’ve just mentioned would be mine. Sophistication, success, style, class –all for the modest sum of $99.95. Getting those things would be a bargain at twice the price.

Of course, most of us are pretty sure the watch company won’t be able to keep those promises. There aren’t many products that can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear and only one Person who can turn a sinner into a saint.

That is what Jesus has promised to do for all those who believe on Him. That’s what Peter was saying when he spoke the words in our devotion text selected for today. Salvation is found only in Jesus. Only in His Name can we be given forgiveness of our sins and salvation.

In short, Jesus changes us. He takes who we are, worthless and destined only for destruction, and transforms us into God’s adopted children, forgiven of our sins, and free from the eternal ravages of death and damnation. It’s why He was born; it’s why He rose. He’s how we receive eternal life.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Favor With God"

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31

Last week, there were two articles carried by most of the news services, which captured my attention.

The first was the story of Gillian Gibbons. Gillian is an English teacher at an exclusive, British-run school in the Sudan. As of this writing, Gillian sits in prison, and if she is found guilty of the charges made against her, she will be publicly lashed or sentenced to six months in jail. A terrible punishment for a terrible crime? Maybe. Let me tell you what Gillian has done. When a seven-year-old girl brought a teddy bear to class Gillian decided to use that bear as a prop. She asked the class to pick a name for the bear. Hassan, Abdullah and Muhammad were considered. Muhammad, the name of the most popular boy in class, won. For naming a teddy bear Muhammad, Gillian has been charged with blasphemy and insulting Islam’s prophet. For fear of reprisals, her school has been closed until January.

The second story is that of an unnamed 19-year-old girl in Saudi Arabia who, while traveling with a man who was not a relative, was stopped by seven men and raped 14 times. The men received prison sentences from less than a year to five years. The woman has been sentenced to six months in prison and 200 lashes. Her crime? She was driving in a car with a man who was not related to her.

When I read of how those women have been mistreated, I had to recall the respectful greeting of Gabriel to a girl from Nazareth by the name of Mary. You remember his Advent words, don’t you? He said: “Don’t be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. . .you will bear a Son. . .and you will call Him Jesus.”

Scripture doesn’t give us a lot of information about Mary. It doesn’t tell us the name of the place where she was born or share her birthday. It doesn’t tell us what she looked like, or what events had shaped her life. The Bible doesn’t tell us a lot of the things we might like to know about her, but it does tell us she had found favor with the Lord. It also tells us she was willing to do whatever God asked –even if it meant watching her Son, her Savior, our Savior, die on a cross to save humanity from sin.

Because of what Mary’s Son has done for us in fulfilling the law, taking our punishment, dying our death, and rising from the grave, St. Paul was able to write: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Saint Paul knew through Jesus all who believe in the Savior find favor with God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Discipline"

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Do you remember the “good, old days”? There are a lot of people who say they do.

I’ve noticed when people walk down memory lane, they usually say things like, “We were poor, but we didn’t know it because everybody was poor.” The other item that most folks remember deals with discipline. They reminisce, “On the first day of school my father always said, “Don’t get into a hassle at school, because whatever trouble you get into there is nothing compared to the trouble you’re going to be in when you get home.’”

According to an article carried by Time Magazine, things have changed. Nowadays, while many teachers may love working with the children entrusted to them, they also live in dread fear of running up against some parents. It seems in this new academic world, a percentage of these mothers and fathers will exhibit the following behaviors:

* defend their children no matter how wrong they may be
* prefer their children never be corrected
* make excuses to absolve their children of all responsibility

When I first saw that list, I thought, the Lord understands how those teachers feel.

After all, that’s exactly the way many react to Him. Think about it: people always seem to be accusing God of being unfair even as they defend their right to commit their sin. And because they never want to have the Lord point out their errors, they make multitudes of excuses to get themselves off the hook.

The Savior said He can’t accomplish much with people who have those kinds of defensive attitudes. That’s why He said He came to seek and save the lost. That’s why He came to bring light to those in darkness and be the great Physician for those who confess their sins. That’s the point John was making in his first letter when he said, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

So that sinners might be washed of their sin and saved from damnation is why Jesus came into this world. It is why He lived, suffered, died, and rose. And because He has first loved us, His people humbly confess, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.” Then, having made confession, they rejoice that He is.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Nagging"

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. Romans 13:11a

Most of us hate to be nagged by another person. We don’t want somebody giving us orders and telling us what to do.

About the only thing worse than being nagged by another person is being criticized and ordered about by an inanimate object. Even so, the engineers at Saab and Volvo are designing vehicles that will nag and nag and nag. Of course, the automakers maintain their vehicles will only do a good kind of nagging–the kind of nagging that is for the driver’s own good.

Maybe they’re right. According to an article carried last week by Forbes Auto, 25 to 30% of all vehicle crashes list drowsiness as a contributing factor. For that reason, some cars may soon come equipped with a device that monitors your shut eye. That’s right, shut eye. The vehicle will have an unobtrusive monitor watching over your eyes.

If your eyelids stay shut for longer than normal, a chime will go off and a light on your dash will ask, “Tired?”

If you keep dozing, the second warning will state: “You are tired.” The third warning scolds, “You are dangerously tired! Stop as soon as it is safe to do so!” I haven’t been able to find out if there is a fourth and final warning which says, “I’ve just called the police. If you won’t listen to me, maybe their sirens and lights will wake you up.”

For centuries the church has tried various methods to wake souls from their spiritual stupor.

Powerful preachers have pounded their pulpits and serious shepherds of the Savior have tried appealing to logic or emotion to let people know they were dozing.

In spite of our best attempts, people still continue to doze. They remain unaware of the eternal danger to their souls and remain asleep.

That is why preaching to sleepers can become discouraging for pastors, for families, for congregations.

In spite of the feeling of futility which can creep in on us, the Lord has told His people to keep on trying, keep on sharing, keep on reaching out, keep on telling the world that God has sent His Son so they might be saved from death and damnation.

It may sound like nagging to them, but we’re just trying to save their lives.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Wear Red Socks"

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15b (NIV)

It was always the same thing! When he left home his mother always made him wear red socks. This was a good motive for his friends to tease him. One day they asked him, “Why do you only wear the red socks when you leave home?”

The boy answered, “My mother said that it is for my own safety. If I get lost, she only has to look at the legs of all the children in the room. When she sees a pair of red socks, she will know I am there. This way she can find me fast.”

Our faith can be compared to a pair of red socks. Being a Christian is often seen as something bad or can be a motive for mocking and jokes. Around the world, it seems the most important thing is the opinion of the majority. For this reason, we often feel excluded or separated, because we don’t do what the world tells us to do.

Nowadays, many young people like to go out and get drunk, live an uncontrolled sex life and do other things the world promotes. For these people, going to church, belonging to a youth group, or singing and praising God is like wearing a pair of red socks. It seems awkward in the eyes of the world.

Don’t let yourself be taken in by the things of the world. There are many other ways to enjoy life without offending God: playing sports, studying, and having good, healthy fun. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).

Always wear the red socks of your faith so that everybody can see you are a Christian. This way, God will find you wherever you are.

[Soldier4Christ]

"No Vacancy"

And she gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Every year, as we get near Christmas, I remember a trip that my family and I took out west a number of years ago.

We had traveled all day; everyone was tired and hungry; the children had spent the last 50 miles arguing about who was going to scrape up the gum that had fallen onto the carpet in the back seat of the van. That was their problem.

My problem was finding a motel that wasn't flashing an orange neon no vacancy sign. Just when my temper was about to pop, I remembered another couple, thousands of years before, who also made a trip and tried to get lodgings at an inn that had hung out its no vacancy sign.

How much harder it must have been for Mary and Joseph when they arrived at their Bethlehem destination. Mary's advanced condition demanded she rest. They needed to find shelter immediately. Yet, when they inquired, they found “there was no room for them in the inn.” So it came to pass, the Son of God was born in a stable.

Of course that’s not the end of Jesus’ story. The Bible tells how the Babe of Bethlehem grew up and became the Christ of the cross and the Savior of the empty tomb. And even this is not the end of His story.

You see, this Christmas, Jesus still will be looking for places –hearts, which have room for Him. It is my prayer He has found such a place in your life. And, if He hasn’t, I shall be asking the Holy Spirit to motivate you to turn off the no vacancy sign.

This Christmas, by God’s grace, may Jesus find there is room in every inn.

[Def]

"No Vacancy"

And she gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Every year, as we get near Christmas, I remember a trip that my family and I took out west a number of years ago.

We had traveled all day; everyone was tired and hungry; the children had spent the last 50 miles arguing about who was going to scrape up the gum that had fallen onto the carpet in the back seat of the van. That was their problem.

My problem was finding a motel that wasn't flashing an orange neon no vacancy sign. Just when my temper was about to pop, I remembered another couple, thousands of years before, who also made a trip and tried to get lodgings at an inn that had hung out its no vacancy sign.

How much harder it must have been for Mary and Joseph when they arrived at their Bethlehem destination. Mary's advanced condition demanded she rest. They needed to find shelter immediately. Yet, when they inquired, they found “there was no room for them in the inn.” So it came to pass, the Son of God was born in a stable.

Of course that’s not the end of Jesus’ story. The Bible tells how the Babe of Bethlehem grew up and became the Christ of the cross and the Savior of the empty tomb. And even this is not the end of His story.

You see, this Christmas, Jesus still will be looking for places –hearts, which have room for Him. It is my prayer He has found such a place in your life. And, if He hasn’t, I shall be asking the Holy Spirit to motivate you to turn off the no vacancy sign.

This Christmas, by God’s grace, may Jesus find there is room in every inn.

Yes, He can lay down His sweet head in my heart
 as i lay mine in His.(+¸+)

[Soldier4Christ]

"Staying Ahead"

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Some time ago, we had a pipe break in the basement of our home. Two men, one old, and one young, came to fix it.

Quite honesty, I was awed at the speed with which the old fellow worked. He was quite a contrast to his young helper, who had a far more laid-back approach to the job.

When I commented on his work ethic, the oldster explained, "I work fast, because when I was an apprentice the boss would let us lay the first two lengths of pipe as a head start, then he would turn on the water –and he expected us to stay ahead of it.”

That is about as good a description for the week before Christmas as I've ever heard.

We have to work as fast as we can to stay ahead of the flood of things that need to be done.

Even then it seems like a losing proposition. Now is the time of shopping and cards and presents and miles of lists, which don't get finished.

If that sounds at all familiar, if you're having a tough time staying ahead of what needs to be done, I’d encourage you to read the opening words of the Nativity story: "It came to pass in those days. . .” That's God's way of saying, "I’m in control. I will make sure things will work out. I will get the job done.”

And He does get things done, you know. By sending His Son we have been given forgiveness, salvation, hope. God got the important things done. This means, as far as our lists are concerned, they are just icing on the cookie and tinsel on the tree.