A Christian Devotional

[Shammu]

Re-dedicate yourself!

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

As parents trying to raise kids in this world, we're constantly reminded by the Lord of Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." The Hebrew word "train", in this passage is, "Chanak" which can be translated, "train up" or "dedicate." It's the root word from which we get the word, Chanukah.

The festival of Chanukah is not only a time of rejoicing, but also a time of "dedication." Let's be reminded of the cost that the Maccabees were willing to pay to make their stand against Antiochus – who was led of the same anti-christ spirit that swirls around us today. They were willing to lay it all down and dedicate themselves to serving God.

As the spirit of anti-christ is released in this age, we also need to make a stand in the Spirit and consecrate ourselves for the battle before us. So this holiday season, let's not only rejoice in the victory we have, but continue to walk in it, wholeheartedly dedicated to serving God – no matter the cost!

[Shammu]

Shine as a star!

Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

A National Geographic article published today describing a real celestial event which took place at the time of the birth of Jesus reminded me of Risto Santala's explanation in his book, "The Messiah in the New Testament in the Light of Rabbinical Writings". He wrote about a conjunction of major planets that took place which could have led the wise men from the east, to Israel.

Santala reports that in 1603, Johannes Kepler observed a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the constellation of Pisces; he observed a "new, particularly brilliant and strangely colored star between Jupiter and Saturn, which soon faded." Kepler suggested that the Star of Bethlehem could have been such an event. Later, Alfred Edersheim wrote, "There can be no doubt that the most remarkable conjunction of planets -- that of Jupiter and Saturn in the constellation of Pisces, which occurs only once in 800 years -- did take place no less than three times in the year 747 A.U.C., or two years before the birth of Christ (in May, October, and December). This conjunction is admitted by all astronomers."

Santala writes, "The constellations of the zodiac were generally identified with different nations, Pisces, for example, being considered the patron constellation of Syria and Palestine, and the revealer of the End Times. Saturn was associated with Palestine in Babylonian astrology, whereas Jupiter was the royal planet, foreshadowing a political Golden Age. Thus, when Jupiter conjoined with Saturn in Pisces it was obvious that the Ruler of the End Times had been born in Palestine."

Whether or not this was the "star" the wise men saw is debatable, but it strongly suggests that a real and significant celestial event did take place roughly at the time of the birth of Jesus. As millions around the world are celebrating His birth today, we ought to remember that one purpose for which God created the stars was, "for signs." [Genesis 1:14]

But, you also, are a sign...a sign of His birth and of His life. Whether you realize it or not, you also are a living, breathing, announcement of Messiah and of His light. And this holiday season, with the spiritual darkness so rapidly increasing, your calling and destiny is to SHINE!...to shine like the stars, in a darkening world, exactly in the same way that His coming to Bethlehem was announced, "a star out of Jacob"...What a destiny! Let us pray that as the season closes and the new year turns, we, His people, will be filled with the oil of his Spirit which will fuel this shining...even right up til the moment He comes, blazing back into this world...Hallelujah!

[Shammu]

Fruitcake, anyone?

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

As people around the world celebrated Christmas, can you imagine how many gifts were given yesterday?!

However, there are many gifts we can give this holiday season, that are better than any material gift. Here’s some holiday food for thought:

How about these gifts? Forgive someone who’s hurt us. Ask someone we’ve hurt for forgiveness. Do something nice for a neighbor. Give an anonymous gift. Visit someone in the hospital or in an old age home and tell them a story or sing them a song. Invite someone for dinner who you’ve never thought of inviting before, like our faithful check out lady at the grocery store and her family. Freely give as God has given us. Share the greatest gifts ever, the Gospel of our Lord and the testimony of how He’s worked in our lives!

Wherever or however we celebrate this holiday season, let’s strive to make it FRUITful for God’s Kingdom!

[Shammu]

Mercy triumphs over justice!

Matthew 18:32-35 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

In the parable of the unmerciful servant, the servant mistakenly thought that he could demand justice from another servant all the while asking mercy for himself from the king. When the king found out about this servant's awful behavior, he became enraged and said to him "You wicked servant, I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to; couldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" He then went on to hand the servant over to the tormentors. Jesus closes this parable by saying that this is how our Heavenly King will treat each of us unless we forgive our brother from our heart." Ugggh. Harsh words. But God will not put up with us desiring mercy for ourselves, while we lack forgiveness for others and desire judgment upon them.

It's natural for us to desire judgment upon those who continually wrong us. But we, as believers, have to remember that judgment against others is God's privilege alone. We are not to judge or wish judgment upon others. We are to pray for God's mercy upon them in salvation.

Has someone offended or hurt you today? Let's choose to forgive and pray for their salvation. Blessed is the man who overlooks an offense!

[Shammu]

Develop Godly ambition!

Jeremiah 45:5 And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.

J. Oswald Sanders, a Godly man and former director of Overseas Missionary Fellowship, once wrote about a position he desired. As he contemplated lobbying for the position, at one point, while walking through the city of Auckland, New Zealand, a verse of Scripture came to his mind, "Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not!"

Sanders later said, "The words came just as though it was God speaking. There were crowds all around me, and no one else heard the voice, but I heard it all right!" He went on to say, "I believe that was a real turning point in my service to the Lord." As a result, he never sought the position, but later it was opened for him, in God's timing.

The world's standards of greatness -- money, success, power and fame -- mean nothing to God. If we truly aspire to greatness, we will learn from Jesus' example. He didn't exemplify His greatness by conquest or by riches or worldly success – but rather by humility, gentleness and servanthood.

If we truly want to be great in God's kingdom, we will decide to transform worldly "ambition" into "Godly ambition". We will not seek honor, but humility. We won't desire power to rule, but to become the greatest servant. Beyond everything, we will long to be great in His love…and through His love, influence and transform the world around us. These are "ambitions" worthy of our Lord and Savior, who, because of His great love and humility, was exalted above every other name, and also promised that He will humble the exalted...and, exalt the humble.

[Shammu]

Happy New Year – orders remain UNCHANGED!

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

One of the most fascinating sites to visit in Washington D.C. is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. For 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, a platoon of 30 honor guards protects the tomb through rain, snow and even hurricanes! It's been guarded every minute of every day since 1937.

A single sentinel takes his post guarding carefully, walking exactly 21 steps then pausing for 21 seconds before turning around and continuing his duty. The number 21 is in reference to the 21 gun salute which is the military's highest honor given to a soldier. When the changing of the guard takes place, the orders are passed from one soldier to the next – "Orders Remain Unchanged."

As we enter into a New Year, the world is rapidly changing before our eyes! As the war unfolds in Israel, a new President takes the helm in the U.S., the world economy is on the brink of complete collapse – one thing hasn't changed -- our orders from Yeshua to preach this gospel of the Kingdom to every one!

Continue to stand guard, watching and being ever alert of the times in which we live; and never forget that our "Orders Remain Unchanged!" With so much work to be done, let's be sure we enter 2009 with our priorities intact

[Shammu]

As the ball drops!

Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

This morning as I woke up, I decided to watch the ball drop in Times Square on YouTube. There were thousands of people bundled up in freezing New York weather to witness a few short seconds during which a descending ball of light announces the arrival of a New Year – 2009. These hardy people endured the freezing air to mark the passage of time, but even more, because they were anticipating a "new beginning!" Saying good bye to a tumultuous 2008, they were looking forward to making a fresh start in 2009!

One thing given equally to every person, rich or poor – is time. In 2008, each of us lived 365 days, 8,760 hours and 525,600 minutes. How did you spend it? Reflecting over 2008, I am astounded how quickly the year seemed to pass – almost like the proverbial blink of an eye. And looking back over it has caused me to ask, am I really carefully managing my time...the one commodity I "spend", that I can never buy back?

The psalmist expresses a timely request on our behalf..."Teach us to number our days", so that every one of them truly counts for the Lord! We can't change the past, but we can always improve our time management in the year to come. With so much work to be done, let's apply our hearts to wisdom, and use our time wisely!

[Shammu]

It's okay if you find yourself in the midst of a minefield!

Psalms 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

In a documentary mini series called "Against All Odds" a remarkable story is told about an Israeli platoon who found themselves in the midst of a minefield along the Syrian border during the Yom Kippur War. When the platoon realized they were in a minefield they pulled out their bayonets and started to dig out mines and to disarm them, when suddenly a fierce wind began to blow removing the sand from the minefield. Each and every mine was then exposed and the soldiers ventured through the minefield unscathed.

Sometimes our family feels as though we're in the midst of a minefield, considering we live in the middle of the Negev desert and the present war is being waged about an hour's drive from our house! Yet despite being in the midst of a war zone, we find peace and rest in the shadow of the Almighty!

Seek to dwell in the secret place by seeking a deeper relationship with Him this new year, so that when you hear of wars and rumors of wars swirling all around you, you can say with confidence, "You are my refuge and my fortress: my God and I will trust you!" May the Lord richly bless you as you develop that intimate relationship with Him!

[Shammu]

Take that leap of faith!

Php 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.

This morning, as we’ve been preparing to set up the new Worthy News site, one of our servers went down! Hackers hit the server with a DoS attack (Denial of Service).

Isn’t it the way it is sometimes? As soon as you make that leap and take on a responsibility that stretches your faith, the enemy comes and tries to find a way to hinder you from going forward with it!

But we have NO intention of allowing him to squelch our plans! We are pressing forward toward the “high calling of God in Christ Jesus!”

You don’t let him either! Has God been calling you to do something specific? Has He laid something on your heart to do and you keep being sidetracked with other things? Go do it! Don’t let anything stop you! There is FAR too much work to be done!!

[Shammu]

Fight on the hidden battlefield -- and win!

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Have you ever heard of the Valley of Elah? It's the valley near Bet Shemesh where David defeated Goliath, yet this historic battlefield is virtually untouched in Israel. During the rainy season a brook runs through the midst of the valley, however it dries up during the summer. This brook is very likely the one from which David chose his five smooth stones – one of which was used to kill Goliath. Yet, this historic place has no landmarks, no churches – people drive past it all the time unaware of it's biblical or historic significance.

The present "invisibility" of this battlefield causes me to reflect on the fact that David's battle with Goliath was also won in an "invisible" place...the place of David's faith. Isn't it true, most of the battles we face are won or lost in the spiritual realm -- on a hidden battlefield where we wage war in our prayer closets? Spiritual victories in our prayer closets won't necessarily result in monuments marking them, but those victories will be well remembered in Heaven, and will leave dynamic memorials of faith in our hearts!

Is there a spiritual Goliath facing you today? If so, remember where the battlefield lies, hidden – in your prayer life! Stand strong and firm in devoted prayer...and the victory will be won – fight on the spiritual battlefield, where the greatest victory of all, Yeshua's own triumph on the cross, has already prepared the way for yours!

[Shammu]

Keep seeking and you will find!

Luke 2:25-32 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Simeon must have been a remarkable man, one who continued to seek God all his life. The Lord rewarded him by finally revealing to him the infant Yeshua's identity as Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world, and allowing Simeon to actually hold and bless the "lamb of God".

Why did God reveal himself to Simeon? What was his secret? I believe it was that he never stopped seeking and patiently waiting. Yeshua said, "Seek and ye shall find." The Greek really emphasizes the continuing aspect of the Lord's exhortation, literally, "Keep seeking and you will find."

We are all aging, that's a given...but do you want to age badly?...then stop seeking. But if, as you age, you desire an exciting, and even youthful spirit-filled life as a believer, then learn a secret from Simeon, a man who aged really well. Don't stop seeking God, or waiting upon Him!" This Godly man discovered that, even in old age – God will reveal awesome things to you!

[Shammu]

Fire away!

2 Chron. 20:17,21-22 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

We've been encouraged by numerous phone calls and emails in the past few days, telling us that people are praying and fasting for Israel and believers in the land – and we so appreciate it, more than words could ever express!

For the past 2 weeks, the "Chanukah" war has been front page news. In this conflict some of the most sophisticated weapons ever developed are being deployed....,and yet the amazing truth is that we, as believers, have a weapon far more powerful and effective than any man-made weapon ever created – Worship!

Most of us worship God when things are going well. And while worship can and should be a daily joyful exercise, and also an expression of praise for the Lord's victories, remember that worship has also been commissioned by God's people as one of the weapons in our spiritual arsenal.

So we can learn something from Jehoshaphat. He assigned worshipers to lead the armies into battle- and Israel crushed her enemies! Worship brought forth the victory in the midst of battle!

In the midst of your spiritual battle, learn the power of praise and the weaponry of worship, to disarm principalities and powers in heavenly places. When fears, doubt, discouragement, and despair threaten to overwhelm you – try warring with worship. Learn to praise Him in the midst of the battle...... and soon enough you'll be praising Him even more, for the victory!

[Shammu]

Continue to lift your brother up!

Exodus 17:9-12 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

We've now received literally hundreds of emails from readers around the world who are lifting Israel and specifically the believers here, in prayer, and what an encouragement this outpouring of support has been to us.

When Israel was fighting Amalek, Moses stood on top of the hill overlooking the battle, with his hands lifted high, and as long as they were lifted, Israel prevailed. When his arms became weary and dropped down, the battle went to Amalek; so Aaron and Hur drew up alongside Moses and they lifted up his hands, keeping them raised until sundown, because Moses didn't have the strength within him to fight the battle alone.

Do you know a brother or sister who's been going through a rough time? Someone you know who really needs prayer? I'm sure we all do. So be an encouragement this weekend – lift your brother or sister in prayer, stand beside them, and help them through the battle. You never know how your help might affect a far greater spiritual battle they're involved in. And with so much work to be done, remember too, that he who refreshes will himself be refreshed!

[Shammu]

Renew and take hold of your vision!

1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

As many of you know, we've initiated a new phase of ministry. We have now begun to present news articles written by our own staff of writers, reporting news which is often neglected by mainstream media outlets, whose slant tends to be liberal, so that our readers are equipped with accurate and important information for effective prayer concerning world affairs. So, we're continuing to walk out the vision the Lord gave us ten years ago. If you've begun reading our articles you may sense the direction in which we're headed.

"Where there is no vision the people perish" [Proverbs 29:18]. Has the Lord given you a vision? Has He given you an assignment to accomplish? Now is the time to lay hold of that vision and continue to fulfill your calling. It may not happen as you planned or expected…but be confident of this fact…that your work in the Lord is not in vain!

Don't settle for what the Lord has already accomplished through you. Yes, it's always nice to be reminded of how God has already used you – but never lose sight of what He still wants to do with you in the future, and how He may want to build upon what He has already done in the past. So renew your vision of His will for your life, for your future, – and walk in it!

[Shammu]

Learn how to teach!

2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

When the apostle Paul wrote this letter to his young student Timothy, he taught him some profound truths that I often apply in my life. I suppose when Timothy received these instructions, he was about my age – a young man still developing his skills at evangelism, teaching and instructing.

Early in my Christian walk, I grabbed hold of a passage – let no man despise thy youth, but rather be an example in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, and in faith. This was my mantra in the first years of my walk.

Now I'm focusing on being a servant able to teach. Paul's instruction is not to "strive" -- I hear him saying "be careful to teach with a proper spirit" and to avoid "trying to prove that you're right". I want to be sure that I'm not trying to force my perspective on someone, but rather instruct with meekness, gentleness, and patience.

One phrase in the verse says something about the effect of teaching in the right spirit-– "they recover themselves"! It's not our job to convince someone of the truth. We "contend earnestly for the faith" allowing the Holy Spirit to do the convincing, so that someone who is in error is free to repent based on God's conviction, and not my persuasiveness. So let's be sure we're leaving room for Him, teaching in a manner that Paul would be proud of.

We're all called as servants; so let's strive to be servants that would make our Master proud!