A Christian Devotional

[Shammu]

Have you experienced catastrophe?

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

The Grand Canyon Park bookstore operated by the National Park Service found itself in the midst of some controversy a few years ago when they were selling a book written by creationists much to the ire of the National Center for Science Education.

The book detailed how the Grand Canyon could have been formed from a “catastrophic” event – a catastrophe such as the flood of Noah’s day. Imagine that, it may have been a catastrophe that created such beauty!

Nearly 2000 years ago, the disciples witnessed a catastrophe -- the crucifixion of our Lord. But the Lord used this tragedy to redeem all mankind. This great catastrophe was turned to ultimate beauty.

Each of us has experienced tragedy in our lives. Inevitably the question arises -- Why? Let’s be encouraged by one of God’s most beautiful masterpieces. The Lord can turn our great catastrophes into great beauty -- into great victory!

Let’s turn to the Lord with our catastrophes. He can turn the most difficult tragedy into an incredible work of art!

[Shammu]

Keep going -- don't stop!

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

In the Greek olympic games of old, a unique race was run. The winner was not the runner who finished first --- it was the runner who finished with his torch still lit!

There are times in our lives when we feel like we just can't continue in the race. These are precisely the times when the enemy loves to assault us to the point of breaking and torment us saying "You'll never make it to the finish line, you may as well just quit now". This is the time we need to cling on to God's promises! The Lord will soon reward our diligence for all our toiling here in this world. Paul said, "Let us not grow weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we do not faint".

Let's allow God's wonderful promises to strengthen and comfort us in each circumstance so that we can run the race --- not to finish first, but to run together, side by side --- the flame of our torch reaching the finish line blazing brightly with fire for Him!

[Shammu]

Be a LIGHT!

John 10:22-23 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication (Chanukah), and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

Chanukah, a time of celebration and rededication, is being celebrated all over the globe. Those of us who are grafted in through the atoning work of Messiah, we who know God, have an opportunity to see the deeper significance in the Jewish holidays and are not only welcome but encouraged to celebrate as well!

Over 150 years before Jesus' birth, a group of Jewish warriors led by Judah Maccabee, defeated Anticochus IV. Though terribly outnumbered by their foes, the Maccabees triumphed over the Grecian Syrian Empire. This led to the establishment of Chanukah -- the feast of dedication.

Judah entered into Jerusalem only to find the Temple desecrated by a sacrificed pig and an idol of Zeus. Upon seeing this, he immediately began to cleanse the Temple. Judah also found that there was only one cruse of undefiled oil which could burn in the Temple Menorah (holy candleabra which had to continually burn). This oil was only enough for one day but it miraclously lasted for eight days, just enough time to get more of this special oil made. So in memory of this miracle and the rededication of the Temple, Chanukah or the Festival of Lights has been celebrated by the Jewish people for over 2000 years and was even celebrated by Jesus Himself!

Every Chanukah, chanukkiahs (the candleabra of nine candle holders) are lit. Each chanukkia has a special candle, known as the Shamash which is raised above the other eight. The word 'shamash' means 'servant, helper, or minister -- so the Shamash candle is the servant candle, or the ministering candle, and is used to light all the other candles. It is the servant who is raised up and lights all the others, symbolizing Messiah, for us who believe.

Jesus came and proclaimed that 'He is the Light of the World and whoever follows Him shall have the light of life!' The one who serves the Lord will be a light! The one who does the will of God will shine! The more we serve the Lord, and earnestly do His will , with all our heart, soul and mind-- the more we will shine with the light of God and so ultimately will we be raised up!

Let's strive to serve the Lord with gladness this season and light up the world around us! We may be small but a small light will go a long way in a dark place!

[Shammu]

Don’t forget!

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

It’s amazing to me how quickly we forget the good things that God has promised us and done for us -- and not only do we forget, we begin to grumble!

Twice in the book of Luke, it is mentioned that Mary kept these things and pondered them. It seems that Mary always kept a place in her heart where she stored away God’s promises.

We, too, must create a place in our hearts to store away Gods gifts and promises to us so that we can always remain in a state of joy all the days of our lives.

Let’s reflect this holiday season, and unearth the many buried treasures with which God has blessed us.  Let’s ponder those things and praise God for His goodness.  He has already done so much in our lives and He wants to do more!

[Shammu]

Don't settle for a burger!

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

In today's society fast food is making billions. It's slogans are "have it your way" and "have it hot and and have it now". How easy it is for us to fall into this "fast food mentality". It has almost become who we are.  But in God's kingdom there's no fast food. We can't always have it our way and now.  When we are caught up in this fast food mentality, we lose the true meaning of patience.   True patience is the ability to wait on the Lord through trials without complaining and worrying; it is to be tested and persevere through trial.

We need to be patiently waiting on the Lord to answer us in a new way!  We cannot shortcut the things of God.  If we want a deeper anointing of the Spirit in our lives, we need to avoid this fast food mentality. We cannot have a deeper walk with the Lord without spending time in his Word, without spending time in intimate prayer, without walking in repentance and humility, and practicing a life of holiness. Is this a tall order? Yes, but when we are focused on God and patiently waiting on Him to answer -- He will preparing a blessing beyond our imagination!

[Shammu]

Grow in faith!

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

D.L. Moody spent many hours praying for faith.  He once said, "If all the time I have spent praying for faith was put together, it would be months.  I thought that someday faith was going to come down and strike me like lightening.  But faith did not come.  Then one day I read in the 10th chapter of Romans, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."  I now opened my Bible and began to read God's Word and faith has been growing ever since."

Much of what believers describe as 'faith' has nothing to do with Biblical faith.   Our faith must not be based on emotion, or want, and not on the latest Christian seminar.  But it must be centered on God's Word, on Messiah, His death and resurrection, His salvation.  The Living Word is the eternal, everlasting love of God which has been poured out upon our lives.

Read, hear, apply and live the Word, and you will grow strong in faith.

[Shammu]

Present yourself!

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

One Christmas morning, a 3-year-old girl was caught up in the excitement of gifts and giving. She was picking up, examining, shaking, and guessing what was inside every package. Then, in a burst of inspiration, she picked up a big red bow that had fallen off one present and held it on the top of her head. She looked up at her father with twinkling eyes and beamed a smile as she said, 'Look at me, Daddy! I'm a present!'

Everyone loves a gift -- including our Father in heaven! In view of all He has done for us, we are to offer ourselves to Him freely, including our bodies.  In doing that, we will truly present ourselves to the Lord as a living sacrifice.

This is the season to commemorate God's greatest gift to mankind -- His Son, Jesus, the Messiah. As we contemplate the love that prompted such giving, may our response be one of yielding our lives to Him for His glory.

Let's echo the words of that little girl, "Look at me, Father! I'm a present!"

[Shammu]

Go tell it on the mountain!

Isaiah 62:11 Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

We came across this quote in our search for devotional material and thought we'd share it with you in light of the holiday season. The author is not known but he or she is surely wise.

"If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer..... but our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior."

Yes, God sent us a Savior -- that we might know His forgiveness. But not only that we might know it. God sent us a Savior so that we, who have been given the privilege of this knowledge, might go and share the good news of His forgiveness with all the world!

Let's cherish His forgiveness today. Let's revel in it and let all who don't know that they can have the same!

[Shammu]

Fight the good fight!

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Rocky is back. Can you believe it? Rocky VI! Can the guy really still box after all these years?!

I remember when Rocky first came out. This movie about a powerhouse boxer became such a hit that they kept making sequel after sequel. They made so very many Rocky movies that even Hollywood started making a mockery of them. I saw one comedy clip once --"Rocky LXXXVII" with a little old bald guy playing Rocky. Apparently, he's coming back for more and he's stronger than ever!

There are certain words in Hebrew which, no matter how you say them, can only be plural. One example of this is the word "chaim" which means life. The word life, in the Hebrew, is actually plural. Perhaps God is trying to tell us something? Is there more to life than here and now? Life doesn’t stop with death. It keeps going on into eternity!

Maybe you feel like you are getting a beating today. There’s good news! God has the victory for us! Let's focus on His everlasting life in us today. If we can stay focused on this, no matter what kind of punches this world throws -- like Rocky, we’ll be coming back, and stronger than ever before!

[Shammu]

Got milk? It does the body good!

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

I remember when our little girl, Elianna, was just starting to nurse. Her mother's milk was the very essence of her growth. Would you believe that now, even at the ripe age of three, that Elianna still has much respect for that milk and asks for it often!

I am reminded of the story of Ruth. Naomi and her husband left Bethlehem in search for food in Moab. Ironically enough, Bethlehem means "house of bread" in Hebrew. Sadly, while they were on their quest for bread in Moab, Naomi's husband and two sons died. So Naomi went searching for bread, in a place other than Bethlehem (her house of bread) and ended up losing her whole family.

What can we learn from Naomi? Very simply-- Messiah who is the very Word of God is our Bread of life and there is really nowhere else to turn for our essentials. We risk losing everything we have if we veer to the right or to the left and go looking.

Thankfully, as soon as Naomi heard, "The Lord has visited His people again, there's bread in Bethlehem!" she immediately returned along with Ruth. We must stay focused on the Word - for within the Word we can find a source of nutrition that will sustain you no matter what happens.

Let's never forget the basics of our walk with the Lord, and always be as newborn babes desiring lot's of the sincere milk of the Word that is our source of nourishment.

[Shammu]

Happy New Year!

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

When missionary Dr. David Livingstone was working in Africa, a group of friends wrote him: "We would like to send other men to you. Have you found a good road into your area yet?" Dr. Livingstone sent this message in reply: "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all."

There’s a big difference between just being interested in doing something and actually making a commitment to doing it! Just being interested allows us the freedom do a thing only when our circumstances permit. But making a commitment to do that thing means accepting no excuses and no reservations -- it means putting aside our fears and reservations moving forward till we see the end result!  Dr. Livingstone was looking for results, and this required men of commitment!

With 2007 under way, let’s make some commitments! Our Lord, our families, our jobs and our congregations are awaiting us!

[Shammu]

Let your mourning turn to joy!

Psalms 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Failure is never a pleasant feeling. It isn't enjoyable to lose a job, see a relationship falter, or fail a test. But the disappointment we feel when we face defeat can be turned to joy if we look at it the right way!

Thomas Edison was busy working in his laboratory at 2 o'clock one morning when an assistant came into the room and noticed that the inventor was smiling broadly.

"Have you solved the problem?" he asked. "No," replied Edison, "that experiment didn't work at all. Now I can start over again." Edison could have such a confident attitude because he knew that the road to success is often paved with disappointments that serve to extend the road -- not to block it. Each failure brought him a little closer to success.

Living a life of victory is not about being perfect -- because we are human -- and will always make mistakes. The key is learning how to get up after we have fallen. It’s natural to make mistakes -- but it’s supernatural to learn from those mistakes and move forward!

[Shammu]

Beware!

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Nature provides us with an illustration that closely parallels the insidious tactics employed by our adversary.  According to scientists, Artic polar bears feed almost entirely on seals.  To enjoy such a meal, they sometimes resort to a cunning bit of trickery.  If the hole through which the seal gets his food is near the edge of the ice, the polar bear will take a deep breath and swim under water to its exact location.  Remaining below the surface, he will then make a tiny scratching sound, imitating a fish.  When the charmed seal hears this, he dives in for a quick supper, only to find himself suddenly entrapped in the huge, hungry embrace of his predator.

God has sent us forth as sheep among the wolves.  There are so many theories disguising themselves as Godly.  We're hungry for that meal -- but we must be wise enough to make sure it's not a trap!  Keep reading and studying the Word of God!  Pray and ask Him to reveal His truth.

The enemy loves to tempt us with a 'treat' so he can devour us!  Don't take anyone's word but God's!

[Shammu]

Are you glowing?

1Corinthains 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

This is a true story. When I wanted to 'pop the question', I planned the whole event out very carefully -- the restaurant, the roses delivered to the corner table between two big windows overlooking the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, an especially made heart shaped cheesecake (her favorite) with beautiful orchids atop for decoration. Even with all this preparation, when I actually did the proposing after dinner, on my knee, with ring in hand, my beloved just stared at the ring in disbelief. After a few very long minutes that I awaited her answer on bended knee in the middle of the restaurant and there came none, I thought I'd better get back into my chair. Finally, after another few long minutes, she said 'Well, aren't you going to kneel down and ask me to marry you?'

She was so taken aback by the ring that she didn't realize I had done it already! So there again, in the middle of the restaurant, she made me get back down and do it again! But that was the price I had to pay for such a lovely lady, I guess! Afterward, she glowed (as any girl would if she knew she was loved)!

In the ancient Hebrew marriage tradition, the groom's father would go and find him a bride -- like when Abraham sent his servant to choose a bride for Issac. A pretty price had to be paid for that bride, if you remember.

A price had to be paid for our marriage to the Lord too! And what price was that? It was Jesus' voluntary death at Calvary.

Let's remember the great price that was paid for us. The price was precious, because we are precious to Him! He has loved us with an eternal love that cannot be changed! We are His treasure! We should be glowing with joy!

[Shammu]

Life awaits us!

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

There are two kinds of birds that roam the desert: vultures and hummingbirds. The vulture thrives on a diet of rotting meat. He flies overhead searching for traces of leftover carcasses from slow-footed critters eaten by wild animals who’ve already had their fill.

Hummingbirds, on the other hand, will sweep through the desert, passing over all those repulsive, dead animals and seek colorful patches of beautiful wild desert flowers. They will suckle the delicious juices of those sweet desert blossoms and be satisfied.

While vultures look to the dead for their survival, the hummingbird seeks the living! Likewise, some of us unconsciously look to our past with its regrets, failures and sins to keep us alive. We think that somehow by looking back to those dead things, we might find some motivation to keep surviving here and now. But let’s take a lesson from the hummingbird.

Let’s sweep past that which is dead and focus on the sweet new life -- the exciting future that God holds for us as we continue seeking Him and moving forward in our relationship with Him!