A Daily Devotional

[Soldier4Christ]

The Whole Law

"Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD" (Leviticus 18:5).

The absolute holiness of God is emphasized throughout the Book of Leviticus, and this is the standard for all those created in His image. This is made clear, beyond question, when the text above is quoted in the New Testament: "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them" (Galatians 3:11,12).

It is not enough that a man keep most of God's laws. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10). "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them" (Galatians 3:10).

It is obvious, therefore, that while "the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good" (Romans 7:12), no human being (except Jesus Christ) has ever been able to keep God's perfect law, and all are therefore under God's condemnation. "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20).

The widespread delusion that a person can be saved by good works is dangerous, and many are on the road to hell smug in their supposed goodness. To keep the law, however, the Creator Himself had to become man, and He did fulfill the law as our representative before God. Then, when He died, Christ "redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13). "Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested . . . by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe" (Romans 3:21,22).

[Soldier4Christ]

What is Sin?

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4).

The Bible warns that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), and "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:20). These are strange days, however, and there are many "that call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). Who is to say what is right and wrong, when even our U.S. Supreme Court implies that there are no absolutes?

God is the one who defines sin, because it is He who will judge sin. The definition is multi-faceted, for sin takes many forms. Most basically, as our text says, "sin is the transgression of the law"--not just certain laws, but all of God's law, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10).

But there must be more than just formal obedience to God's commands, for "All unrighteousness is sin" (I John 5:17). Furthermore, there are sins of omission, as well as sins of commission. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).

When there is no specific law or command to guide our actions in a particular situation, the principle to follow is that of faith--that is, the confident inward assurance that we are doing that which honors the Lord, for "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23).

There is much more that could be noted, but it is clear that no one could ever measure up even to these demands, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). All of us deserve the wages of sin: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:. Now "the righteousness of God without the law is manifested. . . . Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:21,22).

[Soldier4Christ]

The Gospel of the Angel

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:.

In the final and climactic reference to preaching the "gospel" in the Bible, we read of an angel flying through the sky preaching what the Apostle John called "the everlasting gospel" to "them that dwell on the earth." His message? "Worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters" (Revelation 14:6,7).

It is clear from our text that this gospel of the angel could not have been any different from the gospel preached by Paul, as the angel (like Paul) had been sent by God into the world to preach the true gospel. Furthermore, it was the everlasting gospel and, therefore, has always been the one true gospel, from the beginning of time to the end.

The gospel is identified, however, in many different ways. It is called "the gospel of the kingdom" the first time it is used (Matthew 4:23). The opening verse of Mark speaks of "the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1). Paul calls it "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24) and "the gospel of peace" (Romans 10:15). He also speaks of "the glorious gospel of Christ" (II Corinthians 4:4) and "the gospel of your salvation" (Ephesians 1:13). It is frequently called "the gospel of God" (e.g., Romans 1:1) and even more frequently, "the gospel of Christ" (e.g., Romans 1:16).

Most frequently of all, however, it is called simply "the gospel" (e.g., Matthew 11:5), as though it needed no other descriptor at all. The word "gospel" means "good news," and this true gospel centers on the glorious news of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, from eternity to eternity. He is our Creator, our Example, our Redeemer, our Savior, our Lord, and our eternal King. As the angel will cry across the heavens in the last days, we must worship Him!

[Soldier4Christ]

At God's Good Pleasure

"But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased" (Psalm 115:3).

We often raise questions about God's actions, but He is never obligated to explain to us His reasons. It is enough to know that it pleased Him, for whatever He does is right by definition.

For example, if someone asks why God created the universe, we must answer simply that it was for His "pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11). "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places" (Psalm 135:6). He does not have to give account to us, for we also were created at His pleasure.

And why did He allow His Son to suffer and die on the cross? Although "He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him" and to "make His soul an offering for sin," knowing that eventually "the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand" (Isaiah 53:9,10).

We may never be able to understand why God has done this, especially for sinners such as us, but we don't have to understand. "It pleased God . . . to save them that believe" (I Corinthians 1:21), not them that understand.

We can be sure that God does have perfect reasons for everything He does, and perhaps we shall understand it all in eternity. In the meantime, we are simply (with Paul) to be thankful that "it pleased God, who . . . called me by His grace, To reveal His Son in me" (Galatians 1:15,16). He has, in some way beyond comprehension, "predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Ephesians 1:5), and that is enough to know for now.

[Def]

At God's Good Pleasure

"But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased" (Psalm 115:3).

We often raise questions about God's actions, but He is never obligated to explain to us His reasons. It is enough to know that it pleased Him, for whatever He does is right by definition.

For example, if someone asks why God created the universe, we must answer simply that it was for His "pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11). "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places" (Psalm 135:6). He does not have to give account to us, for we also were created at His pleasure.

And why did He allow His Son to suffer and die on the cross? Although "He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him" and to "make His soul an offering for sin," knowing that eventually "the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand" (Isaiah 53:9,10).

We may never be able to understand why God has done this, especially for sinners such as us, but we don't have to understand. "It pleased God . . . to save them that believe" (I Corinthians 1:21), not them that understand.

We can be sure that God does have perfect reasons for everything He does, and perhaps we shall understand it all in eternity. In the meantime, we are simply (with Paul) to be thankful that "it pleased God, who . . . called me by His grace, To reveal His Son in me" (Galatians 1:15,16). He has, in some way beyond comprehension, "predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Ephesians 1:5), and that is enough to know for now.

AMEN!!!
that is all i need to know and Jesus Christ  believe......The plan belongs to God and it is done.
 ;)Love in Jesus Def

[Soldier4Christ]

The Complex Cosmos

"He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion" (Jeremiah 10:12).

This verse gives a fascinating insight into God's primeval creation of the universe, especially on the first four days of His week of creative work. The "earth" refers to the geosphere, or the inorganic components of the globe, the "world" to its biosphere, especially the plant life, and the "heavens" to the atmosphere and astrosphere.

God's "power" refers to the tremendous energy or force required to organize the complex systems and physio-chemical processes which govern the earth. The "wisdom" of God speaks of the skillful planning by which He set up the plant biosphere and the hydrologic systems to maintain it. His "discretion" is the infinite intelligence necessary to spread out the infinite cosmos filled with innumerable stars and clusters of stars, all individually distinct from all others.

The infinite, complex, highly energized universe could never in all eternity have evolved itself out of primeval chaotic nothingness, as evolutionists delude themselves into believing. The universal law of entropy now operates in such a way in the universe as to dissipate its energy and disintegrate its complexity, as it heads downward towards chaos and death. It is absurd to think that the cosmos could have "organized" itself by the same processes which are now "disorganizing" it.

The two preceding verses say it well. "But the LORD is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting king: . . . The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens" (Jeremiah 10:10,11). We do well, therefore, to trust Him in all things. "I am the LORD," says He, "the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27).

[Soldier4Christ]

That I May Know Him

"That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death" (Philippians 3:10).

Paul deeply desired to know Christ in an intimate fashion--to experience an even deeper relationship. In our text, he lists three things which will also be known if we know Christ:

The power of His resurrection: The victory of Christ over sin and death exhibited His great power. Paul not only longed for an ultimate resurrected body, "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead" (v.11), but he longed for the power over sin as well "to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11).

The fellowship of His sufferings: Paul's desire to know Christ was so great he was willing, if need be, to suffer as He suffered. And, indeed, Paul did suffer in many ways (as seen in II Corinthians 11:23-27 and elsewhere). "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps" (I Peter 2:21). "If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17).

Being made conformable to His death: Paul was willing to die as Christ died and soon did die a martyr's death, beheaded in a Roman prison. But that is not in view here. Rather, he wanted to be like Christ in His death, gaining complete victory over all sin. "For he that is dead is freed from sin" (Romans 6:7).

To know Christ in this way, to be conformed to Him as Paul desired, primarily demands developing the servant's heart and selfless humility that took Christ to the cross (Philippians 2:58) to make it possible for us to know Him.

[Def]

That I May Know Him

"That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death" (Philippians 3:10).

Paul deeply desired to know Christ in an intimate fashion--to experience an even deeper relationship. In our text, he lists three things which will also be known if we know Christ:

The power of His resurrection: The victory of Christ over sin and death exhibited His great power. Paul not only longed for an ultimate resurrected body, "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead" (v.11), but he longed for the power over sin as well "to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11).

The fellowship of His sufferings: Paul's desire to know Christ was so great he was willing, if need be, to suffer as He suffered. And, indeed, Paul did suffer in many ways (as seen in II Corinthians 11:23-27 and elsewhere). "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps" (I Peter 2:21). "If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17).

Being made conformable to His death: Paul was willing to die as Christ died and soon did die a martyr's death, beheaded in a Roman prison. But that is not in view here. Rather, he wanted to be like Christ in His death, gaining complete victory over all sin. "For he that is dead is freed from sin" (Romans 6:7).

To know Christ in this way, to be conformed to Him as Paul desired, primarily demands developing the servant's heart and selfless humility that took Christ to the cross (Philippians 2:58) to make it possible for us to know Him.

AMEN!!

[Soldier4Christ]

All In All

"Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He" (Deuteronomy 32:3,4).

It is a thrilling exercise to note all the holy and gracious attributes attached to the name of God by the writers of Holy Scripture. In our text, for example, taken from the song of Moses, God is called a "God of truth." According to the prophet Isaiah, the Lord is a "God of judgment" (Isaiah 30:18).

David called God both the "God of my righteousness" and "the God of salvation" (Psalms 4:1; 68:20).

In the New Testament, Stephen called Him "the God of glory" (Acts 7:2). Paul called Him both "the God of hope" and "the God of patience and consolation" (Romans 15:5,13) when he wrote to the persecuted believers in the great capital of the Roman Empire.

To the carnal Christians in Corinth, He was called "the God of all comfort" and "the God of love and peace" (II Corinthians 1:3; 13:11), and to the suffering believers in Philippi, Paul identified Him as "the God of peace" (Philippians 4:9).

The Apostle Peter called Him "the God of all grace" (I Peter 5:10), and the writer of Hebrews recognized Him as both "God the judge of all" and "the God of peace" (Hebrews 12:23; 13:20).

Our God is, indeed, the God who is all in all to His people. He is the God of truth and righteousness, of peace and love, of patience and comfort, of hope and grace, glory, and salvation. "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints" (Revelation 15:3). Is He, above all, "Lord of all" in us who know Him?

[Soldier4Christ]

How Populations Grow

"And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them" (Exodus 1:7).

Populations can grow very rapidly. For example, one can calculate that the seventy who came into Egypt with Jacob (Genesis 46:27) could easily have multiplied to over five million in just ten generations, assuming only that the average family had six children who lived and reproduced, and that only two generations were living contemporaneously at any one time. This was less than half the number in Jacob's immediate family. The actual count of the grown Israelite men (not including the tribe of Levi) who left Egypt with Moses was "six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty" (Numbers 1:46). The total population was probably between two and three million at the time.

This illustrates how rapidly populations can grow when conditions are favorable. In fact, if a simple geometric growth rate is assumed (which was the assumption made by Charles Darwin in relation to his imagined "struggle for existence" in nature), it would only take about 1100 years--assuming 35 years per generation--to develop the present world population of six billion people. Immediately after the Flood, with only eight people and the whole world before them, with long life spans still prevailing, and with every incentive to have large families, the population surely would have grown explosively. Yet the average annual growth rate since the Flood need only have been one-fourth the present growth rate to produce the world's present population in the 4000 years (minimum) since that time.

All of which indicates that the evolutionary scenario, which assumes that human populations have been on the earth for about a million years, is absurd. The whole universe could not hold all the people!

[Soldier4Christ]

A New Source for Stem Cells
by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

Some scientists and policymakers claim that the moratorium on the use of human embryos for stem cell research has stifled the development of possible cures for debilitating diseases. Thankfully, a true breakthrough seems to have been reached as two labs have recently developed an alternate source that uses cells from adults. Viruses were used as a vector to deliver transcription factors that converted adult somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells. (The virus technique will never be used to actually make these available for clinical use, but creating pluripotent cells from adult somatic cells can be done!) The future finally looks hopeful for stem cell research.

The November issues of various leading science journals explained the procedure, evoking strong reaction from scientists and politicians--not all of it positive. One would think that all concerned would welcome the news. Moral and political objections have been overcome, and the ethical concerns that hampered funding have been virtually eliminated. But many still call for the use of human embryos to harvest stem cells. So why doesn't everyone involved embrace the new technique?

Could it be that a deeper issue has come into play? Could there be a hidden agenda, either on the conscious or subconscious level, in embryonic stem cell research?

Let me call your attention to a biblical war that has been raging almost since the beginning. Lucifer was the highest created being in the angelic hierarchy. He held great power and influence, ranking second only to the Godhead. Along with the other angels, he had praised God for His creative acts "when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). But he must have smarted as God created His own image in man (Genesis 1:27) and began a new relationship of grace with mankind, relegating angels to the role of "ministering spirits" (Hebrews 1:14).

Scripture doesn't provide the details, but we know that Satan (as he is now known) attempted to usurp God's kingship of the universe. But God will not allow pride or rebellion in His presence, and He banished Satan from the heavenly realm to the newly-formed planet earth.

No doubt he arrived in a rage against God, His work of creation, and God's image in man. In Adam and Eve he saw the potential to mock God's creative work. Thus his first order of business was to tempt them to reject God and His authority. Since that time, his empty promises have led mankind into pain, suffering, disease, and the grave.

Nothing brings Satan such great enjoyment as seeing mankind experience misery and death. Might this be the mentality undergirding embryonic stem cell research, not to mention abortion, euthanasia, and even racially-motivated genocide? Could it be that Satan is empowering and energizing his followers, either knowingly or unknowingly, to carry out his desires?

If these connections are accurate in any regard, then we would expect this negative reaction on the part of certain scientists and leaders to a scientific breakthrough that avoids the destruction of human life. After all, individual doctors may rejoice when human life benefits, but the forces of darkness do not.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Unequal Yoke

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14).

This is one of the definitive statements in Scripture on the doctrine of Christian separation. Not only should believers refrain from practicing evil teaching and error, they should not join in any formal association with those who do such things, nor should they enter into a binding relationship of any kind with non-Christians.

There may be a question regarding the full scope of this prohibition, though it probably would not apply to civic clubs, professional societies and such like, with no religious connotations. The context of this verse implies an association of Christians with pagan idolaters, compromising God's word with the immoral pantheism of the Greek religions.

The "unequal yoke" seems, therefore, to be one involving an actual "fellowship" and "communion" in some kind of religious or quasi-spiritual union with unbelievers, and this is forbidden, for how "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). In the modern scene, ancient Greek pantheism has now become one form or another of evolutionary humanism. Thus the prohibition would at least apply to membership in secret lodges or fraternities with a pseudo-religious structure and purpose, as well as membership in liberal churches or cults in the so-called "New Age" orbit. It clearly must also include marriage or partnership or other formal unions with individuals who, as unbelievers in Christ, are either knowingly or unknowingly affected by such pagan beliefs or practices. Instead of such an unequal yoke, we should be joined only to Christ and His followers, "For," said He, "my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30).

[Soldier4Christ]

God Knows What We Don't Know

"I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).

One of the most perplexing aspects of the Christian life is trying to understand God's purpose when defeat or affliction comes into our lives, thereby hindering or even halting our ministry and testimony for Him. Many have been the servants of God who were sincerely working for Christ, seeking to obey His will and His word as best they understood them, but then suddenly were laid aside by sickness, or had their ministries stopped by the enemies of God (sometimes even by fellow Christians), or for some other reason, and could not discern why God allowed it.

What then? When affliction comes, we must simply trust God, knowing that whatever He does is right and that our affliction is invested with His faithfulness. He is our Creator and, through Christ, has also become our heavenly Father: "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12:9). He knows what we don't know, therefore we can "know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

This verse (Romans 8:28) is one of the most familiar and most wonderful promises in the Bible, but it is one of the most difficult to believe in time of affliction or loss. Nevertheless, it is God's promise, and "all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us" (II Corinthians 1:20).

God knows the end from the beginning, and in that wonderful day when Christ returns, "then shall I know even as also I am known" (I Corinthians 13:12). Until then, we must simply trust Him.

[Def]

God Knows What We Don't Know

"I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).

One of the most perplexing aspects of the Christian life is trying to understand God's purpose when defeat or affliction comes into our lives, thereby hindering or even halting our ministry and testimony for Him. Many have been the servants of God who were sincerely working for Christ, seeking to obey His will and His word as best they understood them, but then suddenly were laid aside by sickness, or had their ministries stopped by the enemies of God (sometimes even by fellow Christians), or for some other reason, and could not discern why God allowed it.

What then? When affliction comes, we must simply trust God, knowing that whatever He does is right and that our affliction is invested with His faithfulness. He is our Creator and, through Christ, has also become our heavenly Father: "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12:9). He knows what we don't know, therefore we can "know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

This verse (Romans 8:28) is one of the most familiar and most wonderful promises in the Bible, but it is one of the most difficult to believe in time of affliction or loss. Nevertheless, it is God's promise, and "all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us" (II Corinthians 1:20).

God knows the end from the beginning, and in that wonderful day when Christ returns, "then shall I know even as also I am known" (I Corinthians 13:12). Until then, we must simply trust Him.

It was in my afflictions that i accepted Jesus Christ not out of pain but out of love.down deep out of love..I studied "John 3:16 for  3 years and i had to believe in my heart without a reservation that only Jesus Christ the Son Of the Living God could save me by dying at my place.
 And that is what the Father wanted from me  a complet surrender to His will and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior sent By the Father to saved those who would believe in the works of His Son.
Matthew 11:27 "All things are delivered unto me of my Father:
                        and no man Knoweth the Son, but the Father:
                        neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son,
                        and He to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.(Matthew 11:27 KJV) 
Love in jesus Def.
Good night.

[Soldier4Christ]

Thine, O Lord

"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all" (I Chronicles 29:11).

This is one of the great doxologies of Scripture, originally a part of King David's prayer at the time of Solomon's coronation as his successor. Although David and Solomon were the greatest kings of Israel, and two of the greatest kings in the world of their age, David rightly acknowledged that the Lord Himself was the true King, not only of Israel, but of all heaven and earth. He is head, the supreme ruler, over all.

This is the first occurrence in Scripture of the great testimony of worship: "Thine is the kingdom." In the modern world, however, there are relatively few who acknowledge Him as King of Creation. Except for a small minority, most people believe that the universe has evolved, and man is king.

But David's prayer will be echoed again in the great prayer of the cherubim: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11). Then, soon afterwards, "the four and twenty elders" utter their prayer: "We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty . . . because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned" (Revelation 11:16,17).

Someday, every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. "Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. . . . Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. . . . Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:6,10,12). In that day, "there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him" (Revelation 22:3).