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Feb

Wide-Eyed Wonder

Categories: Devotional

When we lose our wonder for who God is and what He does, we get complacent and even bored with our Christianity. That’s a dangerous place to live. Thinking of the story of Ruth and Naomi, it’s like living in Moab when you could be living in Bethlehem during barley harvest. Read more

Dec

The Much-Anticipated Christmas (Luke 2: 8-20; Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7)

Categories: Devotional

Tags: anticipation, Christmas, Isaiah, Luke, wonder

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The days building up to Christmas are filled with anticipation and wonder. But perhaps the most anticipated and most wonder-filled day of all is not a day but a night - Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas. Read more

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Recognizing and Avoiding Youth Ministry HazardsJanuary 2, 2019Editor’s Note: I originally posted this in early 2012 as a follow up to a list of 10 ministry hazards. I realized recently that the link was broken and thought that it might be worthy of repeating, as a reminder of some of the entrapments and distractions that we must guard against as we carry out our ministry efforts…. 1. Making “light” of the gospel You might say that the gospel is light for a darkened world, right? But, that doesn’t make it easy. Promoting a “light” version of the gospel will do far more damage than good for your teens. The gospel is all about the love of God being demonstrated through the incredibly gracious sacrifice that the Son of God made on the cross. His death, burial, and resurrection comprise the good news of the gospel – that through His sacrifice we can have eternal life, by faith in Him. It’s not by works of righteousness that we perform, it is only by His mercy and grace that we can be saved. The gospel is not just bowing a head and asking Jesus into a heart, it’s about trusting in Him and on His love and His sacrifice to save. And then there’s evidence in the new creature that God makes when salvation comes – the evidence of salvation in one’s life. When your teens “get saved”, ensure that there is assurance, there is genuine faith, and there is a change. The gospel is not easy or light. To make it easy or light widens the path, but may bring destruction. Salvation is heavy, man… God’s only begotten Son bore the burden of the whole world’s sin on His shoulders, so that we could be saved. Don’t make light of the gospel. Preach it straight. Let the Holy Spirit prepare the way. And let God bring the change. The perfect antidote for the poison of sin is the gospel. Use its power – full strength! 2. Minimizing the Bible It’s easy to get caught up discussion about current events and popular theories when ministering to teens. And in doing that, sometimes it becomes easy to leave the Bible out of the discussion. I’ve been a part of several youth meetings where there was plenty said about lots of things, but the Bible didn’t get opened. God’s Word has all of the answers for life. Regardless the event, the theory, or the situation, there’s something in God’s Word that you can relate to teens. I’m a firm believer in the practicality of God’s Word. I also believe that it is important to teach it, preach it, and memorize it. In many youth ministries, the Bible is secondary to programs, fellowship, and games. If you want to keep your teens from being poisoned by the world, give them a healthy dose of the Bible every chance you get. 3. Distorting essential doctrine Over the years, I’ve learned that the clarity of doctrinal truth is essential. When that truth gets distorted, or even watered down, there is a setting for trouble. Teens are looking for something real and something dependable. No matter what I might think of my own ideas, or the new philosophies the world might offer, they pale in comparison to the truth and reality of the Bible. Doctrines such as the fall of man and the consequences of sin, the virgin birth of Christ, the propitiation of our sins, the persons of the Godhead and others are the “real thing” that teens need to hear and learn so that when they encounter a counterfeit doctrine, they will be able to tell the difference. And don’t think that Satan is not trying to deceive them with counterfeits. You and I know that he is out to trick them. It’s our duty as ministers to teens to give them doctrine straight, unembellished, and pure so that the Holy Spirit can establish them in truth. To keep your teens free from the poison of counterfeit doctrine – be extra careful not to distort the doctrine you teach. 4. Centering on entertainment We live in a world that’s all about entertainment – especially when it comes to teenagers and young adults. It seems that there has to be something exciting going on to keep their interest and involvement. That idea has made its way into our youth group meetings and even church services, to the point that more time is spent on music, skits, games, and fellowship than on serious Bible study. We need to be careful to center our ministry on helping teenagers in the best way possible – by centering on Jesus Christ and God’s Holy Word. That doesn’t mean that studying the Word has to be boring. By no means is that so! As ministers to today’s teens, we need to do our best to present God’s Word in an exciting, lively, and innovative way – keeping them involved. Songs may have impact, skits may break the ice, and fellowship may build friendships, but it’s God’s Word that will change lives and make a difference for eternity. Guard against the poison of too much entertainment by centering your ministry on the Word. 5. Assuming you know God’s will for your teens “But, I know what my teens really need…” I’ve heard that before and I’ve even said it myself. Realistically, only God knows for sure what His will is for each teen in your group. Hopefully, the teen will learn God’s will and surrender to it. I was once told by a pastor, “God doesn’t send me your mail,” implying that it was not possible for him to know God’s will for me. Likewise, we don’t have all of the answers for each of our teens regarding God’s will. Sure, there are some things that are explicitly God’s will for teens corporately – God’s will is not for teens to fall into sin; God’s will is for teens to be saved; God’s will is for teens to grow in the likeness of Christ… But regarding God’s perfect will for each individual is essentially between Him and the teen. For example, should every teen attend a Christian college after graduating from high school? My recommendation and my answer would be yes, if I had my way. But, my way is not necessarily God’s way. God may have something different in mind for that teenager that doesn’t include Christian college. And if I were to say I knew God’s will for that teenager and he or she missed out on something special that God had for them because they took my answer to heart, what then? Pray with and for your teens that they might find God’s perfect will. Help them understand ways that God’s will can be discovered and tested. Then help them avoid the poison that comes from trusting someone else, even their beloved youth pastor, for God’s will. 6. Tolerating sin in the camp This is (or should be) obvious, but things happen for the sake of… numbers… popularity… laziness… you name it. Dealing with sin is tough, but it must be dealt with. The Bible shows us the dangers of having sin in the camp (Joshua 7). But still, we will overlook sin sometimes because “we love teenagers” and we don’t want them to stop attending the youth meetings. This is wrong on several counts: 1) Sin is just wrong no matter what; 2) Other teens will recognize the situation and will wonder why it isn’t addressed; 3) Overlooking sin is rebellious on the part of a leader – which results in sin; 4) Allowing sinful behavior to be overlooked endangers all of the ministry members. There are certainly other concerns with overlooking sin, but I think those are sufficient to recognize that even with good intentions, if we tolerate sin, we are asking for disaster. Sin is a poison – it must be dealt with in an expedient manner or it will destroy your ministry. 7. Excluding parents from the ministry Parents are an essential part of the teen ministry. Your ministry needs helpers. Some of the best helpers are the parents of your teenagers. By neglecting what parents bring to the ministry, you limit one of the great resources available. Sure teenagers don’t want their parents around for everything – and neither should you. But think of ways to get parents involved in the background. We have some parents who are great at providing food and snacks for youth activities. These parents provide their goods then disappear. And the teens always look forward to what was brought. Sometimes we need drivers for scavenger hunts. Parents are a great resource for that activity. I also recommend having parents make guest appearances for Bible study, especially when teen boys and girls have separate studies. Hearing a parent’s testimony or a life-lesson they learned can have an impact on your teens and pull the group together. Additionally, it’s good to publish news so parents can see what the teens are “up to”. I have more parents following our teen ministry Facebook page than teens. And it’s amazing to see how many teens “like” the comments parents make on the page. 8. Judging the teen by the coat he/she wears To be honest, this is one of my early mistakes. I would look at the teenager on the outside and assign them a position in our group – and in my heart. I really messed up by doing that. God had to teach me the hard way, as I saw teens drift in and out of our youth group because I failed to give them the same love and attention as others, just because they dressed different or “smelled like the world”. The truth is we all taste the earth and think it’s good, none of us are holy or pure, and any self-righteousness we have is as stinky rags. So it is with every teen who enters your ministry. I recall one teen girl who came to our youth group wearing a dingy leather coat, worn out jeans, and unkempt hair. It appeared to me that she had been in her clothes and in the world a little too long. I had a hard time giving her the part of my heart she needed and deserved. But, thankfully, I have a wife who was much more soft-hearted than I was at the time. As a result, this young lady eventually became a faithful member of our group and I fell as much in love with her as with any of our other teens. But, in honesty, that first day, she could have drifted away because I didn’t see what God saw in her. By the way, she ended up attending a conservative Christian college; she married a missionary; she learned how to witness to the deaf; and she serves in South America. As I watched that teen girl grew in Christ, along with others like her who came into church seeking refuge from the world and finding a life change that only Jesus can bring, I realized that they (all teens) are precious to God and also should be precious to me, regardless of how they look, smell, act, or first believe. My Savior died for each of them and it’s my responsibility to minister to them with an unconditional love and pray that they would find Christ. I learned that a judgmental heart will poison the group and it will die. 9. Resisting change The silliest words I have ever spoken are “We’ve always done it this way…” I have always found change hard to take. I am a radical fundamentalist – I don’t vary from what I know is true and what I know works. That’s a good thing when it comes to sound doctrine, the Word of God, and the gospel message. But, when it comes to methods for teaching or worshiping God, there are opportunities for change that helps the ministry. For example, I was a hard-liner on the right kind of music for church for the longest time. And then, attending a church service as a guest, I heard some of the “new Christian praise music” (something that actually had a beat) and it grabbed my heart. I was truly blessed by what I heard and it moved me to focus on God in a mighty way. The song was “Mighty to Save”. I recognized at that point that God gave us music, technology, and other new methods that can help us reach people and worship Him in spirit and in truth. Music is just one example. There are countless ways I have changed how I minister to our group. (Another example: I am a reluctant and late Facebook adopter… and it has been a tremendous help for our ministry.) While resisting change is a hazard, being too quick to change can be just as harmful. In every instance pray for discernment as you evaluate the change. 10. Neglecting the teens who are leaders in your group Every teen group has leaders within the group. God is raising up the next generation of leaders. It is our responsibility as ministers to teens to seek out the potential in our group and provide opportunity for leadership growth. Teens will naturally sense the leadership around them. We need to be tuned in to our group to identify those leaders. Once we identify them, we must give them small responsibilities and teach them the responsibilities of leadership. Teens can be prayer leaders, help with ministry activities, and even form a leadership council. If we don’t make the most of the talents God provides through these teens, they will find ways to use their talents elsewhere. These are 10 things that I thought of that are hazardous to the youth ministry. I’m sure there are many other things you could share. Why not share them by commenting to this article? [...] Read more...

Survival 101: Making the Most of Unexpected ChangesJune 20, 2023Warning! Unexpected Changes Ahead! Most of us have gone through some unexpected changes recently. And, no doubt, there are more changes ahead. Will we ever be comfortable with things changing… especially unexpectedly? I doubt it. But, we can understand some things that can help us deal with change. Here are some facts about change and its impact on us… Fact 1: Things change… that’s a fact of life that we all must face. The only thing we know for sure is that things change. Change occurs when you least expect it. Things are rolling along hunky-dory, with everything just fine as far as you can tell and boom – things just decide to blow up due any number of things… Changes in people – friends, family, mentors… Changes in location, school, classes… Changes in you… Changes in life! Change can be brought about due to growth, maturity and godly decision making or it could be something much more tragic like accidents, mistakes, and even sin. Social and cultural shifts brought about by pandemics, economic downturns, inflation, war, and technological advances all can create life changes… Whatever the reason and whatever the cause, we must have a plan for dealing with the change and trying to make the most of it. Fact 2: Most of us don’t like change and we don’t deal with change very well. Change causes anxiety… change brings on fear… but often times, along with the anxiety and fear change brings excitement and hope. We must acknowledge that change happens and we must also acknowledge that regardless of the change and the circumstances that brought change, life goes on. If we look at change from the right perspective, we can benefit from the change, even difficult and bewildering change that seems to break our world into pieces. Fact 3: God understands change and will help you get through it. Realizing this fact will help you make the most of any change. God’s Word shows us clearly that we can get through any change with God’s help. Here are seven thoughts from God’s Word that you can remember to help you survive (and even grow as a result of) an unexpected change… 1. Change is a part of life (2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Hebrews 11:1) Everyone experiences change – you are not alone in your anxiety or fear. But even as change sweeps in and leaves you in a cloud of dust, you can be comforted in knowing that the dust will clear and the sun will shine on you again. Though change may bring its own set of issues, you need not be distressed; you have no need to despair; you are never forsaken; and you will not be destroyed because of it… as long as you keep your hope and faith in God. Remember the definition of faith from Hebrews 11:1 – it is the substance and evidence of things that we cannot see but we hope for. 2. God is in control – even in control of the change (1 Chronicles 29:11; Isaiah 55:8-9) Even though change may have caught you off guard, God wasn’t surprised by the change. He is “head above all” and knows what happens before it happens. Even better, nothing happens without God first allowing it to happen. This is His world, His universe, and you are an important part of it. He controls all things with a purpose – His purpose. We may not understand it, but we can trust in it. (Isaiah 55:8-9) 3. God is with you through the change (Joshua 1:9; Hebrews 13:5) Change can make you feel alone and at the end of the world. You might feel that no one could ever know what you are feeling. But God knows. In fact, if you are saved and a member of God’s family, you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way. He has promised to never leave or forsake you. Think about this, would a God that gave His only begotten Son to take your place and pay for your sins ever leave you alone to suffer through a change? No way! It’s not going to happen. He’s there, walking with you and sometimes carrying you through the change. 4. God is faithful to keep His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9) The good thing about knowing that God promises to stay with you through difficult times is that He won’t break a promise. The nature of God is that He is faithful. His faithfulness is revealed every day when He gives us new opportunities to serve Him and partake of His blessings. As you experience change, count on God’s promises. Look for opportunities that He provides and recognize His blessings. His faithfulness will see you through. 5. God doesn’t change (Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) No matter how much everything else changes, God remains the same. His love doesn’t change. His nature doesn’t change. Our God is an immutable God, meaning that He cannot change. Even though we experience change, God does not experience change. It’s mysterious, but true – even though from our perspective things change, from God’s perspective it’s all the same. Think about what Hebrews 13:8 says about Jesus… 6. God has a bigger plan… (Jeremiah 29:11) There’s more to the story than you see. You live in the moment. It’s not just you, we all live there. That’s why change has such an impact. If we were able to live with eternity in mind, the unexpected changes that occur wouldn’t have such an impact. We would understand that in spite of what might be happening in the moment, there’s bigger things that God has in store. We can’t see what tomorrow will bring. But we can know that tomorrow is part of God’s plan. We can trust that God’s already got it figured out for us and He has our best interest in mind. 7. God’s plan for you is still working (Romans 8:28-29) Everything I’ve written up until now leads to this: God is working His plan for you. If you are surrendered to His will for your life, then He is working things together for good. No matter what things look like now, He has a great outcome in store. But, you must remember that these things work together when: 1) you love God – that means you put Him first; 2) you are surrendered to His purpose; 3) you are conforming to the image of Jesus Christ by first trusting Him as Savior and then living for Him. in Summary… Is unexpected change turning your life upside down? Maybe there’s a trust problem there. Maybe your relationship with God isn’t where it needs to be. God has a plan that He is working for you. Here’s the big question – are you part of the plan? If not, you need to get into God’s plan for your life. It starts by trusting Jesus Christ for your salvation. Then, as you grow in His likeness, His peace (a peace that surpasses all of our understanding) will help you through these changes. [...] Read more...

Heavenly Treasure (Part 1): Where is Your Treasure?April 10, 2019We all seek something to treasure… in most cases, we already have something or someone that we treasure. For most of us, what we treasure has only temporary value – not lasting value. The Bible tells us about treasure that lasts. Whatever treasure we may have, we all seek to collect more of it. Sometimes, we dwell on our personal “treasures” more than we should, thinking that it’s far more valuable than it’s actually worth. We even hide that our treasures away so that only we can enjoy them. But, there is some treasure that’s worth more than you imagine and it’s best valued when it isn’t hidden. Is your treasure earthly or heavenly? Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about our treasure… This passage contrasts the two locations that house our treasures – earth or heaven. The old adage “you can’t take it with you” certainly applies to what most of us considers to be treasure. We count possessions, material things and sentimental items as our treasure. These things won’t last – anyone who has experienced a disaster of some sort can testify to this being true. But there are treasures that can be stored in heaven – heavenly treasures that really matter and that last forever. The disasters and mishaps that destroy our earthly treasures can’t impact heavenly treasures. Losing earthly treasures can be an inconvenience, but if our treasures are stored in heaven, our heart will be with those treasures, so we will not be broken-hearted when earthly treasures perish. Think about what you value, what you treasure and answer these questions: What are you trusting in for happiness? What are you saving up for security? What are your big plans in life? By answering these questions, you can get a pretty good picture of where your treasure is… So, what is heavenly treasure? The Bible mentions treasure a great deal. In Isaiah 33, the prophet gives us God’s view of a heavenly treasure: This passage shows us what is pleasing to the Lord, including things that bring stability and strength (wisdom, knowledge and salvation from God). It’s trendy to follow earthly wisdom, to strive after the knowledge of man or to seek salvation on human terms that are different from God’s plan. But all of that is nothing but rubbish and is based on a prideful desire for treasure that satisfies the flesh. So what results in ultimate treasure? It’s the fear of the Lord. To fear not pleasing Him, to fear separation from Him and to fear His righteous judgment. It is this fear that causes one to submit to God’s plan, to accept His reconciliation and trust in His salvation through Jesus Christ. It is this fear that compels believers to love God with all their heart, mind and strength and to seek His wisdom and grow in His knowledge. With that in mind, let’s consider some of the ways Jesus Christ described heavenly treasure I. A heavenly treasure is SPOKEN. (Matthew 12:34-37) Here we see Jesus as He addresses the Pharisees, those Jewish leaders who were expert in the Law but not even babes in grace. He admonished them for their murmuring after he had just cast out devils and healed a man. Jesus knew their words and thoughts, just like he knows our words and thoughts. Based on what Jesus said, we can conclude that: We must be careful how we speak. Your words reflect where your treasure is found. There’s a second encounter that Jesus had that shows us something about heavenly treasure… II. A heavenly treasure is SHARED and SURRENDERED. (Mark 10:17-21) This Scripture account shows how Jesus dealt with a young man (which we know from other gospel records as a rich young ruler), one who had obvious wealth, which he treasured greatly. He was seeking eternal life. He was probably willing to purchase it, if it could be for sale, but he had no idea of the price. He was not willing to agree to God’s terms. His treasure was in wealth and prosperity, which he would not share and would not surrender to God. Based on what we learned from Jesus in this encounter, we can conclude that: What you share and how much of your life you surrender to God’s will gives indication of where your treasure is found. The final illustration is one that describes what Jesus did to show us heavenly treasure… III. A heavenly treasure is SHOWN / SPREAD. (2 Corinthians 4:1-7) What we find here is that heavenly treasure is not a treasure we hide. It’s a treasure that we show, we spread and we celebrate. It’s the great salvation that God provided through His Son Jesus Christ. Without this treasure, we cannot begin to have other heavenly treasures. This treasure changes lives, it brings light into darkness and it makes all things new. Knowing these things, two questions beg to be asked: Do you have this treasure? If you do, are you showing it and spreading it around? A Few Thoughts about Finding Heavenly Treasure… If you are missing out on heavenly treasure, there’s one sure place to find it: in Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s only Son, who came from Heaven to earth to give His life as a ransom for you and me. He substituted His perfect life as payment for our sin debt. You see, the Bible clearly states that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Because we owe that sin debt, we have a price to pay. That price is death and eternal separation from God in a place that’s utterly undesirable, called Hell (Romans 6:23). But God, because of His great love for us, even while we were sinful, paid the price for us by sending His perfect Son to die in your place and my place (Romans 6:23 and Romans 5:8). That was God’s gift to you and to me – eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is a gift of grace – something that you and I don’t deserve. In order to have that gift, you must claim it and receive it. That happens by calling upon Jesus to save you (Romans 10:13) and believing on Him for everlasting life (John 3:16). That belief must be a complete faith and trust in Jesus’ sacrifice because there’s nothing else that you can do to be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). Do you want the treasure described above… Here is a simple way to find it and receive it: Admit that you are a sinner and that you deserve to pay the price for that sin. Believe that God loves you so much that He paid the price for you with His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Call upon Jesus Christ to save you from your sin, believing that He will do it. God promises that if you do the above, truly believing and trusting in Jesus Christ with all of your heart, soul and mind, you will be saved or “born again” in Christ. You will experience a new life with many more treasures found in the unsearchable riches of Jesus. [...] Read more...

Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)April 19, 2019Digging deep into the audio vault looking for something that would help recognize Resurrection Sunday, I found this song, “Don’t Let Them Fool You,” by Lou Hayles from her first solo album Don’t Hide Away. The album is a UK release that came out of Great Britain’s “Jesus Music” movement of the mid-to-late 1970’s. The entire album features quality orchestration along with acoustic instrumentation accompanying Ms. Hayles’ captivating voice on original compositions. Although the album is a rare find in the US, it’s definitely worth the effort required to locate a copy and listen. “Don’t Let Them Fool You” speaks of an encounter with the empty tomb on the first day of the week after Jesus was crucified. The song challenges you to avoid listening to doubters and believe that He is risen! Praise His name He’s alive… He’s alive… He’s alive… Don’t let them fool you. Taken from the original vinyl release of Don’t Hide Away, “Don’t Let Them Fool You” is the first track on the album. Don’t Hide Away was published in 1977 on Myrrh Records (UK) (MYR1055). Ratings: Note: Audio is provided for education and review purposes in accordance with US copyright law provisions. [...] Read more...

Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)July 24, 2019For quite sometime now, Roby Duke has been my favorite Christian/Gospel artist by far. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but I connect with his music, both in style and in content. Writing, recording, producing his own recordings as well as other artist’s recordings from 1982 through 2006 made Roby Duke somewhat of a legend and a collector’s item among serious Christian music fans. His music stopped in 2007 when he passed from earth to Heaven on December 26, 2007, only two days after his final performance with his son at Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks, California. For years before that, his music became a rarity as Christian labels stopped printing and distributing his recordings. His original vinyl, cassette tape and CD recordings have been out of print and unavailable for some time now. They also are not available in any digital format. Two later independent releases are available, but the classic material is difficult to find. As a result, I have located vinyl and cassette tape versions of Roby Duke’s first three albums, Not the Same (1982), Come Let Us Reason (1984). and Blue Eyed Soul (1986). My favorite album by far, Down to Business was released on CD and cassette only (no vinyl!) in 1989 (I have copies of both versions). Another fine album, 1994’s Bridge Divine was also only available on CD and cassette tape, although I’ve yet to locate a cassette copy. Again, the songs on these albums are no longer available in any format, either analog or digital. Two later CDs, 2004’s Ghost (a very personal, mostly instrumental album that provides an intimate look at that time of Roby Duke’s life) and 2006’s Relaxed Fits, which includes a few re-makes of his originals along with some arrangements of classic hymns (his version of “Be Thou My Vision” is a standout on this album), were both released on CD and digital formats and are available today through the usual music marketplaces. While it’s hard for me to choose a single track from the classic albums that aren’t available, I picked “Not the Same,” the title track from Roby Duke’s first album of the same name. Taken from the original vinyl release of Not the Same, “Not the Same” was published in 1984 on Firewind/Sparrow records. Ratings: Note: Audio is provided for education and review purposes in accordance with US copyright law provisions. [...] Read more...

How to Live Without WorryMarch 15, 2020DAY 1: Why Worry? (Read Matthew 6:25-34) Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV) 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. This week’s devotion is quite simple: Know what you believe, know it’s the truth, know Who it’s from, and trust in Him! Even when the going gets rough and the truly unexpected and unimaginable happens, trust in what you know is true! The apostle Paul put it this way: “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Sometimes it seems that the whole world around you might be going crazy and you’re not sure what the next hour will bring, much less what tomorrow will be like. While it’s hard to not get anxious and to worry about the situation, recall what Jesus said in Matthew 6:34: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”. Certainly, we live in days of where the evil is sufficient. Yet, we can still live worry free with a peace that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ and understanding that He has this all covered. Over the next week, look at the following principles to help you live worry free in these troubled times: Have faith Exercise trust Practice prayer Be prepared Live in the reality of today’s blessings Be thankful Day 2: Have faith. (Romans 8:28-39) That means believe what God has promised, especially through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you read Matthew 6:25-34, you can’t help but sense God’s provision and protection for you. Add to that what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28-39… Phrases like: all things work together for good; nothing can separate us from the love of God, and in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us. Read it, remember it, and believe it. Romans 8:28-39 (KJV) 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. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Day 3: Exercise trust. (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33-34) Believing is one thing. Living by what you believe is a whole different matter. Take what God promises and apply it to your daily living. Allow God to show Himself through your faithful obedience. As the writer of Hebrews says: Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Exercising your trust in God means that you act on your faith. If you believe that He is in control, then you will give Him whatever it is that worries you. He will take care of it. Matthew 6:33-34 (KJV) 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Day 4: Practice prayer. (Philippians 4:4-7) In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul provides the perfect formula for peace in troubled times: Philippians 4:4-7 (KJV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The key here is prayer… Not worrying or being anxious, but through prayer in every situation, turn it over to God and let Him supply what you need – peace! Day 5: Be prepared. (Philippians 4:8-9) You can also see from the same passage in Philippians mentioned above, that there are steps you can take to prepare your though life for whatever may come. When you think the right thoughts, its a lot easier to flee anxiety and worry. But not only prepare your thought life… Also, be prepared by doing what’s right. Know that when you’re obedient to God’s will, He will honor your obedience with His peace and a right relationship with Him. Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Day 6: Live in the reality of today’s blessings. (James 4:13-15) Even today I heard this phrase as the world was turning upside down: “in everything there’s a silver lining.” Look for the blessings in the midst of hardship. Life’s too short to worry about what could be. Take advantage of what God gives you here and now. The book of James puts it this way: James 4:13-15 (KJV) 13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. When you live in the reality of today’s blessings, you won’t have time to worry about tomorrow. Day 7: Be thankful. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24) No matter how bad things may seem, there’s always something to be thankful for. Look at what the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” He follows that up in verses 23 and 24 with these words: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (KJV) 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. You can be thankful because “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving” you can go to God and seek His perfect peace to survive yet another day in these troubled waters called life. Living a worry free life starts with knowing not what the future holds but by knowing WHO (That WHO is God, not the World Health Organization) holds your future. You can know that by trusting in God’s promise of salvation through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. If you haven’t done that already, then receive the gift by calling on Him for salvation. Then and only then will your worries begin to cease. In conclusion, consider the following reasons to be thankful even when circumstances aren’t what you’d like them to be… 1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV) 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) 14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV) 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. [...] Read more...

The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)December 20, 2019READ: Luke 2:11-14, Romans 16:25-27, and 1 Timothy 3:16 KEY THOUGHT: What kind of answer would you get if you asked the average person, “What’s Christmas all about?” I suppose for some, the answer would be based on the cultural message sent out by media, marketing, and mass promotion. Sadly, the answers would mostly miss the mark. We’ve done such a great job of blending the secular with the sacred that we seldom separate the two enough to give Christmas its true identity. With that in mind, there’s so much of the season that Christmas is not about… It’s not about… Santa Claus, St. Nick or an elf named Buddy… Rudolph, a red nose, or a reindeer running over someone’s grandmother… Snowmen, magical hats and scarves, or ugly sweaters… Snowflakes that glisten, warm apple strudel, or any other favorite thing, Carols with or without jingling bells, even if they’re silver… Dickory dock, hanging a sock, or climbing down the chimney at 12 o’clock… Packages wrapped in pretty paper, pretty ribbons, and bows… Cookies, puddings, punches, or candy kisses… Friends, family, fancy dinner parties or memorable moments spent roasting chestnuts (or boiling peanuts) by the fire… Snow (real or otherwise), even if it paints a picture like one by Currier and Ives… Mangers, cattle, sheep, or even their shepherds on a midnight clear… Gold, frankincense, myrrh, or gift cards… Or those who bring them… Stars in the night sky, silent or not… Trees and lights, glitter and sparkle, or tinsel and garland… Poinsettias, holly, ivy, evergreens, or even mistletoe… Dot com (Amazon or any other), Black Friday, cyber Monday, or any of the twelve-plus days of Christmas… So many other things that give opportunity to distract us from the Truth about Christmas… While most of these things are part of the Christmas season experience, these things are not what Christmas is truly all about… It’s important to note that none of those things listed are wrong or bad, but each of them must be kept in perspective so that they don’t overshadow what true meaning of Christmas. Keeping Christ first at Christmas requires us to recognize that Christmas is a birthday celebration and a reminder… It’s also much more than that. So, what’s Christmas really about? It’s about: A plan from the beginning of time. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; Genesis 3:15) Prophecies fulfilled in the person of Christ as God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, 53:1-12) Grace to God’s fallen creation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:34) Sacrifice by God’s only Son on a cruel cross devised by man (Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:21-25) Salvation by the blood of God’s unblemished lamb (1 Peter 1:19-21) Life everlasting given by grace and received by faith (Ephesians 2:1-10) The gospel of salvation spread, taught, and realized around the world (Matthew 28:18-20) The power of God given to man through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) An eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28-29) A Mediator, a Savior, a Redeemer, a King all in one name – Jesus , God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Philippians 2:9-11) When you carefully consider Christmas, you’ll find the true meaning of Christmas, and why God sent His Son as a Gift… It’s as much about the cross as it is about the manger. CONSIDER: How much of your Christmas celebration is focused on Christ as compared to all of the other “trappings” of Christmas? How do some of the traditions of Christmas distract both believers and unbelievers from the true meaning of Christmas? What can you do to help promote the truth of Christmas and help others see its real meaning? APPLICATION: Let the truth of Christmas add real meaning to the holiday season! [...] Read more...

A Lesson of Grace (Titus 2:11-12)November 18, 2019READ: Titus 2:11-12 KEY THOUGHT: The lyrics of the classic hymn, “Amazing Grace,” describe the role that the grace of God has in the Christian’s life: Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found T’was blind but now I see T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed Grace is the means to salvation – “for the grace of God that bringeth salvation…” (Titus 2:11). It is also the means by which those saved by grace learn Christ. Grace teaches us that we should live an honest, self-controlled (or Spirit-controlled life) that demonstrates Christ-like behavior to the world. We all need to learn a lesson of grace. It’s a lesson that teaches: God demonstrated His love to us by grace when He sent Jesus Christ to die for us. Without grace we would have no hope of salvation. Without grace we would be blind to the truth. Without grace we would be lost and dying in our sin. With grace we have the righteousness of Christ. With grace we have confidence and security in Christ. With grace we have the Holy Spirit to help guide us to a life that honors and glorifies God. With grace, we are led to a heavenly home that we don’t deserve. When we learn the lesson of God’s grace, we believe and trust in God’s provision to open our eyes to the truth, bring us into His family, and give us the gift of new life that we don’t deserve. CONSIDER: How does the grace of God appear to all? How has the grace of God impacted your life? What does grace teach you about God’s unmerited favor toward you? APPLICATION: Trust God to help you have a testimony of the high standard of Christ! [...] Read more...

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Audio Resources and Posts

Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)April 19, 2019Digging deep into the audio vault looking for something that would help recognize Resurrection Sunday, Read more [...] Read more...

Sonlight – Day of Salvation (1973)January 21, 2019Here is a track from Sonlight’s 1973 vinyl LP. This early Christian “pop” song has Read more [...] Read more...

Neale & Webb – At The Cross (1995)May 28, 2019Most of the Audio Vault is filled with vinyl records. However, there are a few CDs that find a spot there. At The Cross by Neale & Webb is one of those rare CDs that fits into the vault. Out of print for some time now and (as far as I can tell) not available in any digital format, At The Cross was released in 1995 on CD and cassette (no vinyl!). [...] Read more...

Wendy & Mary – “Around the Walls” (1985)February 28, 2019Here is a track from Wendy & Mary’s 1985 vinyl LP, “Battle of the Heart.” Read more [...] Read more...

John Fischer – Leavin’ It All To You (1982)April 9, 2019John Fischer’s first album was released in 1969 at the advent of a new wave of Christian music striving to bring the message of the gospel to the rapidly changing youth culture of the day. His first album, The Cold Cathedral, is considered by many to be the first contemporary Christian music album released in the United States. [...] Read more...