Broken or Restored

Scripture:
Acts 6:4
Romans 3:10-18

---

Something I always had trouble with is how man is described.  We say that we are worms or detestable or use other bad descriptions.  We are worthless or rotten to the core.  The trouble I have always had is that man is also created in the image of God.  If God is good and perfect then man should inherently be the same.

Man is not evil or bad.  Man is inherently the image of God.  In that light man is good, loving, compassionate and full of mercy.  The trouble is that Adam and Eve listened to the lies of Satan and was deceived. Genesis 3:1-4

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, ³ but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. ⁵ “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

In that deception man fell into sin.  It is sin that separates us from God.  Once we are separated from God our true image gets distorted and misshapen.  Through Christ we are made clean again, our sins are washed away.  It is in that cleansing that we are made complete again in our true image of God.  We cannot cleanse ourselves and must be washed by the blood of Christ our Savior. 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!"

Without Christ we will remain in a broken state.  In Christ we are restored to what we were meant to be.  Let us help others become restored.  Let us hear God's call and follow His will.  Let each of us do our part and spread the good news of restoration of redemption.  Let us bring God's hope to the world.

Troubled Times...

Scripture:
Psalm 71:19-24
Romans 10:11-15

---

Troubled times seem to have hit us all.  The opening line in For Future Generations by 4Hiim goes "The Signs Are Obvious, They Are Everywhere All That We Hear About Is the Gloom and Despair Too Many Would Be Prophets Saying
"It’s the End of It All" I have heard over and over how we are in the end times.  All we here are the troubles and woes of the world.

I am not going to presume to know the fate of the world only God knows what will happen.  I do know how in the end it will all turn  out, at least for me.  In Psalm 71:20 "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again."  Even if we never see a trouble free life here on earth in the end we will have peace and life in abundance in heaven.  The greatest news is that Christ has died for our sins.  Christ lives and we serve a living God not a dead statue. 

Instead of being caught up in our woes we should be excited and full of life.  We should want to spread the good news of life to all.  Jesus tells us to go forth and make disciples of all nations.  We are not to spread the news to just those we like or think deserve it.  If we do not go forth and spread the love of Christ to the ends of the earth who will?  We can no longer be a generation that simply says someone else will do it.  If Christians keep waiting for someone else then the work will not get done.

Even though times may be tough God is faithful.  We should want to share the joy of salvation and the hope of Christ to those who are without hope...

Wisdom

Scripture:
Job 127-13
Ephesians 5:15-17

---

Most of us have heard sayings about wisdom.  For example Wise as an owl. A quote from Ben Franklin that I like is "Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble."  Another quote is "Words have no wings but they can fly a thousand miles." Author unknown (Korean on gossip).  Sheri Glewen states "Words spoken are like eggs broken."  These sayings and others can be found on www.wiseoldsayings.com. 

Every generation seeks wisdom.  Nobody wants to be counted the fool.  God places value in Wisdom.  The NIV version of the Bible uses wisdom 215 times and the KJV version 222 times.  One reference to wisdom is Proverbs 4:6-7  "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Another reference is Job 28:28 ""And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;And to depart from evil is understanding.'"

Five books of wisdom considered in the Bible are Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.  When we want to find words of wisdom those are the books we turn to.  People do not look for books on how to be foolish, it seems to me that comes all too easy.  I am sure we could all write a few books on how to be foolish.  However, let us focus on being wise.  Let us help one another become wiser.  Words of wisdom will build foolish council will destroy.

(Side note:  This particular devotional thought was difficult for me to write.  I feel I have gotten it all messed up.  I prayed and prayed over what to write.  However, I do not consider myself a wise person and I do not feel qualified to write on this subject.  I ask for forgiveness for my poor collection of thoughts in today's devotional thoughts.)

Are You Counted?

Scripture:

Proverbs 9-7-12

Isaiah 49:13-18

As my family and I pile in our van we do a head count before leaving.  We want to make sure everyone is on board and no one gets left behind.  After we have left and look back a head will be down low and we do not see them.  Panic hits for a brief second and when we think someone was left behind.  

It doesn't matter who we are or what we have done.  Once we accept Christ as our savior we are counted among His children.  God loves us unconditionally with no reservations and no catches.  His love for us is so great that He became man and lived a mortal life.  Jesus died to pay our wages to sin.  He rose again to give us new life.

God has done His head count and we are counted among His.  He will not leave us or forsake us.  Isaiah 49:16 "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me."  As a loving parent God will continually watch out for us and at the end of the day call us home.

Needs

Scripture:
Matthew6:31-34

Acts 15:36-41

It seems that whenever things start going well, financially, something always happens.  Recently I had to replace two tires on our minivan, it also needed an alignment.  To add to it I will soon need to replace the belts and have the transmission serviced, at least for now that is a deferred expense.  Adding to our financial woes we are in a position needing to finish our upstairs. Add to it all a major water leak to be fixed.

As the financial pressures build up I have someone to turn to.  Matthew 6:31-34:

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

God promises to provide for our needs as long as we trust in Him.  Whenever I look back in the past I see His hands at work.  Time and time again we have had our needs met.  We have always been able to pay the bills, have a home to live in, our cars kept in working order, food to eat.  If God provided for us even through our mistakes why would He leave us now?

He wouldn't leave us.  His promise it to give us our needs.  He may not give us our greatest desires and wants.  We may not live as the saying goes "High on the hog" but we have food, shelter, medical care.  No matter what happens in life I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our needs will continue to be met.  God is faithful even if we aren't.  God will always keep His promises.  God will always be with us...

God Bless, 

Repent I say again Repent...

Scripture 

Acts 2:38-39

Philippians 1:1-11

John the Baptist preached repentance.  He foretold of the coming of Christ.  In Acts we are told to repent and be baptized.  Jesus himself as an example was baptized.  In our great commission Jesus tells us to baptize others.  Matthew 28:18-20 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Prior to Jesus people were baptized after repenting from their sins.  Jesus came and was baptized. Matthew 3:13-15:

 ¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. ¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

 ¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

For several years I struggled with being baptized.  I was baptized as an infant and felt it was enough.  Baptism is not in any part a part of salvation.  If baptism was necessary to be saved then we would have works that saves us.  Then it is no longer necessary for the death and resurrection of Christ to save us.  Baptism has no part of salvation in us.  It is however the symbol of our new life in Christ.  

Jesus was himself baptized.  Jesus tells us to baptize others.  He is not only the ultimate example but given us direction.  As Christians we must repent of our sins.  We must seek a new life in Christ dying to our old ways of life.  Our baptism is our symbol of our new life in Christ.  Let us remember that we are new creations in life when we accept Christ as our Saviour.  Repentance is not just a one time deal.  Even in our new lives we will still make mistakes.  We wills till continue to sin.  Our lives will not be made perfect until we are received into heaven.  Until then we need to continually repent.  Let our baptisms remind us that we need to repent that we are made new in Christ... 

A Touch And A Hug

Scripture:

Leviticus 19:9-15

Matthew 19:13-15

There is nothing sweeter than a hug or snuggle from my two year old daughter.  I just love the way she lays her little head on my shoulder and hugs me.  When my seven year old was younger she would climb in bed with us in the morning and just snuggle up with me.  Also to hear little feet come running up as you come home being greeted with a hug is the best home coming I can get.  

We all love the feel of the touch from a friend or loved one.  There is something special and comforting in a loving embrace or touch.  How much greater is the touch from Jesus.  He touches our hearts and lives.  He gives us His loving embrace.  In Matthew 19:15 "After laying His hands on them, He departed from there."  Jesus touched the children before departing.  He always touched those He healed.  Sometimes there was a physical touch.  Always a touch in the heart.

Can you feel the touch of Jesus?  Is His touch given to others through you?  Remember the next time you give a hug it just might be the hug Jesus gives that person.  Our embrace might be the comfort Christ gives to someone else. We all feel good when we give or receive a loving hug.  Just a touch of the hand can bring volumes of comfort. 

Let Us Grow Together...

Scripture:
Isaiah 43:1-13

1 Corinthians 13:9-13

---

As I read today's devotionals I kept thinking of Megan, my 14 year old soon to be 15.  As I reflect on the past I remember playing with her and her younger brother Aaron.  I remember laying on the couch when is was a new born with her in my arms asleep.  Now I look at this wonderful teenager who is full of life and growing everyday.  

She didn't turn into a teenager over night.  She hasn't all of a sudden grown up into an adult.  Time has passed and she has slowly grown and matured.  I watched as her playing shifted from childhood to teen stuff.  Now she loves puppets, dogs, and horses.  

Why do we expect to be saved and then completely mature Christians?  God doesn't think we should go from infant to adult over night.  We cannot sit idle and let life slip by drinking only proverbial milk.  We do have to grow and mature as Christians.  We just do not have to do so over night.  God uses many trials and events in our lives to shape and mold us.  Our choices are used to help us grow.  God doesn't cause hardships to befall us.  However, He will use them to help us grow and trust in Him.  It doesn't happen over night but we do grow.

Let us walk in our faith and grow from infant to toddler on up to mature Christians together...

Love...

Scripture:

John 15:9-17

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

It is so easy to hate.  It is so easy to strike out at others.  We can do so without thought or any care.  Yet when it comes to love we falter and stumble.  In 1 Corinthians we are told without love all else is meaningless.  In John 15:17 Jesus give us his command to love one another. "This is my command: Love each other."

Love should come easily and naturally.  Love needs to be the very center of who we are.  A relationship with a spouse or our children will fail and end bitterly without love.  In A Christmas Carol Scrooge lives his life without the love of others.  As a boy he grew up not feeling a father's love.  As an adult he foolishly lets go of the love a woman has for him.  He then spends the rest of his life alone and bitter.  At least until the three spirits visit him.  Scrooge is then given another chance.  He finds love in a child and through his nephew. 

Jesus is waiting to share His love with us.  His love is a perfect love and one we are to imitate.  However since we are not perfect we will make mistakes and that is when we have to remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

If we keep the love of Christ in us and strive to follow what love truly is we will live as Christ would have us live.  We will be a bit kinder and more forgiving.  We will be understanding and gentle.  With love we can look past the shortcomings of others.  With love others can look past our faults and mistakes...

Separation From...

Scripture:
Romans 8:31-39
2 Corinthians 5:12-21

What separates us from love?  What is it that keeps us from our loved ones as well as from God?  We often say nothing can separates us from God.  While that is true there is nothing that can separate us from God we are still separated.  There are times when we are even separated from a person that we dearly love here on earth.

You might be asking what might that be.   Have you ever had an argument with a spouse, child, or parent?  Maybe you wronged your best friend.  We lash out in anger and become separated.  When we have sin in our lives we become separated.  Sin is the one thing that will separate you from all things including God.  Romans 3:22 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

There is hope and all is not lost.  John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  Jesus is the way to return to God.  He is even our redemption with one another.  Adam brought sin into our lives.  Christ brought us redemption.  We have salvation through Jesus.  It is because of what He did for us that we are no longer separated from God.  With Christ in our hearts there is NOTHING that can separate us from Him.  Let us remove sin in our hearts and replace it with Christ.  His redeeming blood that was shed for us is enough to wash our sins and restore unto us the joy of His salvation...

What is in your spirit...

Scripture:
Matthew 25:19-23

---

God expects us to be faithful with what He gives us.  Too often I  have not been wise or in reality faithful with what He has given.  It is easy to get wrapped up in today's self seeking attitudes.  We want to keep up with the Jone's.  We have to have that new car, computer, TV, or just go on that cruise.  We think these will make us happy and fulfill us.  So we unwisely spend our money and waste our time.  We are not good Stewards of what God has given.

Even now I think about getting that camper for vacations.  I justify it by thinking of the quality family time we can have.  It is an investment in my family.  It is a means to get that much needed break and rest.  It is... easily justified.  Maybe someday God will bless us with the means to have a camper.  If not, well that is OK too.  What is important is that I do not let the desire or means of getting a camper replace God in my life. 

There is nothing wrong with having nice things, cars, boats, campers.  We just have to keep our focus on God.  We cannot ignore the needs of those around us.  How can I spend money I don't have for a toy I don't need when my neighbor is in need, or when needs of my family have not been met.  God will provide for us.  God will bless us.  God will tend to us in all aspects of our lives.  We just need to be wise with what He has given.  We have to seek Him first in all things.  We need to start being good stewards with what we have.  Then He will give us more.  God will not just provide needs He will bless us beyond our imaginings... Even though I am not wealthy by the standards of this world I am rich beyond my dreams with what God has given me...  The question is where is my focus?  I ask where is your focus...

Is Your House Built Upon The Rock

Scripture
Isaiah 26:2-4
Romans 12:9-16

---

Growing up I remember singing a song The Wise Man Built His House.   The wise man built his house upon the rock, the rain came down and the floods came up and his house stood firm.  After moving down from Chicago my parents built their house.  In comparing the construction of their house to other houses you could see the difference.  In comparing houses you can see where a good builder took time and care into his craftsmanship.  A poorly built house will show its faults.  When the rains come down and the floods rise the poorly built house will surely fall.

Our spiritual life is the same.  Matthew 7:24-27

  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

If we have Christ as our foundation we will be able to stand firm.  We can withstand the trials of this world.  Our spiritual house will stand tall and firm.  We we build our foundations upon this world we will surely fall.  We will not be able to stand for long in the trails and tribulations of this world.
 
How do we build upon the foundations of Christ you might ask.  Simple through fellowship, praise, worship.  We also must use the two most important tools given us, prayer and scripture.  Our fellowship with each other will help keep us upon the right path.  Praise and worship will help us stay focused on God keeping Him first.  By keeping our focus on Christ being in constant prayer and reading His word we will build upon the rock...

Christ In Us...

Scripture
Philippians 4:6-7
Ephesians 6:1-4

---

Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers,do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."  As I ponder raising my children I am reminded of all the mistakes I have made.  Too often I have let my temper flare when I shouldn't.  I chastised when it wasn't called for.  To be honest I am amazed at how well my kids are doing.  OK I give all credit to first God then Nancy.  What is important that our children see is our walk with Christ.  They see it when we make mistakes and seek repentance.  In those times when I do mess up I will first seek forgiveness from God then I will seek it from my children.  I can count on more fingers than I care to how many times I have had to do so. 

Another area that our children see Christ in us is when we petition God.  Our children need to see it when we take our worries and burdens to Christ and leave them upon His feet.  When they see that we trust God with everything they too will learn to put their trust in Him.  They will grow up seeing God's provisions. Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." 

Our children are like sponges soaking in everything.  What they see you do and see in you they will pick up on.  They will mimic you. There is a song by Philips Craig and Dean I want to be Just Like You.  When our oldest was born and first heard that song I knew the truth in their words.  I knew she would grow up to be like us in many ways.  I wanted her, or any of my kids, to see and grow in Christ.  In order for that to happen I had to be Christ Like.  I know I have failed many times and will continue to fail.  What is important is that they see not only my failures but repentance, grace and mercy when I give it all to Christ...

He Who Provides...

Scripture
1 Chronicles 29:10-14
2 Kings 6:8-17

---

Provisions, who is the provider?  Do we provide for ourselves?  Do our parents provide for us?  Too many people look for the government or someone else to provide them with everything they want or need.  There are just as many people think that they do it all on their own.  They get rich from their own doings.  They have because of what they did.  1 Chronicles 29:12 "Both riches and honor come from You,..." David credits everything to God, shouldn’t we? 

Too often in my own life I just didn't trust God with my finances, and other areas of my life.  I didn't tithe any of my income.  I just couldn't see how God could stretch less to pay more.  After all if you need a thousand dollars to pay bills and buy food how can you give eighty out of eight hundred and meet all your needs.  Simple mathematics and logic would say you can't.  Simply put I didn't trust Him to be able to provide all my needs.  This couldn't be farther from the truth.  After all didn't Jesus feed five thousand with just a few fish and loaves of bread?  Didn't God feed the entire Israel Nation in the desert for forty years?

God not only provided for Israel He protected His people.  As we struggle in life we need to know that God will provide not only our needs but He will protect us as well.  He will send a host of angels to our aid if we call upon Him and put our faith and trust in Him. 2 Kings 6:17 "And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."  God is our provider and our protector.

If God can do what He has done for the Israel Nation and for others all through history, He can do the same for us.  Just remember all riches and honor come from God.  We must remember that He is the God who made the universe.  He is the God who made it all.  What can we say we made using nothing but our words?

Temples For God

Scripture:
Exodus 3:1-22
1 Corinthians 6:12-20

---

There are places that when you go there you instinctively know it is sacred.  You treat it with respect and reverence.  We don't even think twice about honoring a house of God or sacred ground.  Most of us wouldn't even think twice about it.  It wouldn't even occur to us to tear the house of God apart.

So why do we destroy our own bodies?  Are our bodies not the temple of God, His dwelling place.  I remember when I was a child and was talking with a friend of mine.  We got on the topic of smoking was bad.  I never considered it being bad.  He was the first person to emphasize our bodies are the temple of God.  He said by smoking we are defiling God's house.  On one hand I disagree with him on that note.  However, he was right.  Smoking causes harm and damages our bodies and those around us.  Thus we damage or defile God's house.  When we abuse our bodies or miss use them in immoral ways we are defiling the house of God.  His holy temple.  1 Corinthians 6:20 "you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

We should treat our own bodies the same way we would any church, temple or other holy place of God.  God paid a hi price for our bodies and our spirits.  Let us honor Him with them...

My Way or God's Way

Scripture:

Exodus 2:11-25
Philippians 1:9-18

---

As I ponder on what to write I am reminded of two different circumstances in the Bible.  Both could have had totally different outcomes which would have had major impacts on history. The first is Joseph's brothers.  What if they had not been jealous and sold Joseph into slavery.  God's plan would have manifested itself much differently and Israel might not have been placed into slavery by the Egyptians.  The other is Moses.  Had Moses not tried to handle things his way and waited upon the Lord he would not have murdered the Egyptian and been forced into exile.  The Israel's flight to freedom might have been very different.

I think of Paul and his circumstances.  He might have tried to fix things his own way.  Instead he waited upon the Lord doing His work where ever he was.  Paul found the good in all things.  Try as I might I just cannot seem to find the joy in some circumstances.  I can choose to handle things my way or I can choose to wait upon th Lord.  The outcome will be very different depending on my choice.  God's plan will still happen regardless.  How His plan manifests depends upon what we decide to do.  The question is not who is in control, for God is in control.  Instead the question to ask is am I going to let go of my illusion of control.  Am I going to try it my way or God's way.  The means to getting to the end will vary greatly depending on the path we choose.  

As Christians our destination is the same.  What makes the difference is how we get to that destination.  There is the easy way and then there is our way...

Let Us Not Compromise

Scripture:

Psalm 55:1-8

Daniel 6:1-28

---

It seems that life's busy ways can distract us and keep us from God.  In order to fit in or to be right with the world we can bend or slip away from what is important.  We do not necessarily stick to what God would have us do.  Even now I find I am easily distracted while writing this.  Life is full of constant interruptions, anything to keep us from God.  

Even when faced with being thrown to his death by the lions Daniel never wavered.  He stayed steadfast and constant.  God always being faithful saved Daniel.  God always being faithful will save us, He is always with us.  Psalm 91:14-16 NIV, 

¹⁴ “Because he^[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; 

   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 

¹⁵ He will call on me, and I will answer him; 

   I will be with him in trouble, 

   I will deliver him and honor him. 

¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him 

   and show him my salvation.”

Daniel and David along with a score of others in the Bible knew this to be true and never wavered in their faith.  Look at all Paul endured for Christ.  His steadfast faith still impacts Christians all over the world today.  Something to keep in perspective is time.  What is a day or even a year of suffering compared to eternity of misery being separated from God.  

God is with those who acknowledge Him and are faithful.  He will never leave or forsake us.  Let us all be more like Daniel.  Let us stand firm for what matters.  4Him plays has a song For Future Generations  that says 

So I wont bend and I wont break 

I wont water down my faith

I wont compromise in a world of desperation...

We need to say that we wont bend or break.  That we will not compromise our faith.  For the rest of this week let this be our motto...