Dear Sir or Madam...

Daily Reading:  1 Corinthians 1

Scripture Focus: To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. (1 Corinthians 1.2)

Devotional Thought: I recently heard a friend complain about a negative email: "And there was no, 'Hey, how ya doin?' or anything like that.  It was just bang..."  Most of us are turned off by - or simply turn off! - impersonal or contrived communication.  I used to tell my staff members, "Whenever you communicate with somebody - even email or text - say something genuinely kind and personal.  A simple salutation works wonders!"

Paul gave careful attention to his salutation to the Corinthians.  With deliberate precision, Paul taught a lot of theology in these words, writing that Christians should be...

In Corinth...  Paul's address immediately reminded the Corinthians that they were, indeed, in Corinth.  As Christians we must never lose sight of our surroundings!  We are to be good neighbors and citizens.

In Christ Jesus... Not just in Christ Jesus, but sanctified in Christ Jesus.  The word sanctify simply means to make holy or set apart.  While living in the world remember who you are living for - Jesus!

In the Church... They were in Corinth and in Christ together!  Sainthood is not a solitary activity.  As a matter of fact, when we try to be saints without the church we have only a whisper of the influence that Jesus intends for us.  When people isolate themselves from the people of God, eventually they find that they are isolated from the company of God!

In prayer...   Paul 'accused' the Corinthians of calling upon the name of our Lord.  Would that accusation stick with you?  Would the evidence of your life convict you of being a woman or man of prayer?  Food for thought!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that while I am in you, I am also in the church and in the world, to make a positive difference!  Help me, therefore, to be a person of great prayer and faith and obedience.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; 8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! (Psalms 111:6-10)

Armageddon Plan

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 11-12

Scripture Focus: Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth. (Ecclesiastes 11.1-2)

Devotional Thought: As Lana and I approached retirement, we would talk to our financial adviser about various doomsday scenarios.  He would laugh and tell us, "I don't have an Armageddon Plan!"  That is so true, isn't it?  We don't know what troubles may befall us.  We don't know "what disaster may happen on the earth."  So, what are we to do?

The wise man of Eccliastes had some unusual advice: "Cast your bread upon the waters..."  Wait, wait!  Cast it upon the waters?  Give a portion to seven?  How's that going to help me if disaster happens?

Jesus told a parable that illustrated how this works.  There was an 'unjust' manager who was getting fired.  He went around to the creditors of his employer and forgave their loans.  Then, when he lost his job, he was "welcomed into their homes."  Jesus was not commending the dishonest manager for dishonesty, he was simply pointing out that when we are generous, we will experience generosity.  It even works in this world's materialistic system.  How much more so in heaven!  Jesus then instructed, "Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings" (Luke 16.9).

Financial advisers may not have an "Armageddon Plan," But God does.  It's called generosity.  Then, "after many days"

we will find that we have received a "good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over!"  (Luke 6.38).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the things that you have given me.  Help me to be generous today, just as you have been generous to me.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  1 Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. (Psalms 111:1-5)

That's Blunt

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 9-10

Scripture Focus: If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. Ecclesiastes 10:10

Devotional Thought: Have you ever heard the expression, “Work smarter, not harder”?  We could also say, “Work wiser, not foolishly.”  This is a modern-day version of what Solomon is emphasizing in Ecclesiastes.  Considered to be the wisest man in Biblical history, Solomon’s wisdom was given to him by God.  He has a lot to say about the behavior of fools compared to acting with wisdom.  One of the proverbial statements he makes is, “If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed,” (v10).

This imagery brings to mind a different New Testament passage.  In Ephesians 6, Paul instructs believers to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil,” (Eph. 6:11).  One of these items is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  How effective is a blunt sword?  About as effective as a blunt iron.  Solomon’s wisdom in Ecclesiastes may pertain to a literal sword or axe, but his advice is as figuratively practical as it is literally practical.

How does our sword become blunt?  When we neglect to sharpen the edge, by spending time with the Lord and seeking wisdom and spiritual discernment in the Word of God.  As believers, we wrestle against spiritual forces of evil.  We cannot expect to win battles with blunt swords.  We must recognize our true enemy and the nature of the war in which we fight.  We must be prepared to wield the sword of the Spirit, fighting the enemy with the Word of God, against which no evil can stand.  We also should be “praying at all times in the Spirit… keep[ing] alert with all perseverance,” (v18).  We need not fear our enemy when we arm ourselves in the Lord!

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, when we think of the power of our enemy, it sometimes seems overwhelming.  Help us to recognize our enemy and be prepared to stand against him.  Against You nothing shall stand!

Psalm of the Day:  5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. 6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth. 7 He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head. (Psalms 110:5-7)

Finish Strong

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 7-8

Scripture Focus: Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Ecclesiastes 7.8)

Devotional Thought: College football is upon us!  Many teams are starting their conference schedules this weekend, and there is a lot of trash talk going on.  I think, though, that boasting is better reserved for after the game than before.  Patience is better than pride.  Or, as it says in 1 Kings 20.11: "Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off." 

How many of us have started a project with grand plans and good intentions only to see our plans fizzle and our intentions fade?  "I'm going to lose 10 pounds!" we say to our friends who politely nod their heads in agreement but think, "Yea, right!"  If they're kind, they don't bring it up when we gain 5 instead!  "Today I'm going to get that garage cleaned out!  It's as good as done!"  That night, with the car still parked in the driveway, we say vow to do it tomorrow.

That's why the wise man said, "Better is the end of thing than its beginning."

Spiritually the same thing happens.  We have good intentions, but our follow-through is lacking.  I know many, many people who have had a good start with the Lord, and who have said to God, to themselves, and to others that they are going to serve the Lord with all their heart and soul.  But, when life happens, they fade away.  Somehow, the great beginning did not translate to a great ending.  The problem is that too often the boasting is done in the flesh.  The flesh cannot win spiritual victories for us.  We must live in the power of the Spirit.  Then, the end will be even better than the beginning!

Prayer: Thank you Lord, that "He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it."  Fill me, I pray, with your Spirit, and enable me to finish strong as I lean into your grace. Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  1 The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." 2 The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! 3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. 4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." (Psalms 110:1-4)

Worship God!

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 5-6

Scripture Focus: Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. (Ecclesiastes 5.1)

Devotional Thought: Doc Lail, a good friend of mine, recently loaned me Holy Fire Fell, a history of worship practices in the Church of the Nazarene by Dirk Ellis.  As the author reviewed the changes in worship style, he expressed our forefathers' concern over narcissistic worship - worship that is focused on us and our feelings.  Frankly, I think that condition is prevalent in churches and among Christians today.  We have made worship about us.  We want the songs to move our hearts, the message to meet our needs, even the length of the service to fit our schedules.

Worshippers in the days of Ecclesiastes suffered from a similar ailment.  They wanted worship centered around themselves.  The Teacher called it "the sacrifice of fools!"  He warned them, "guard your steps when you go to the house of God."  Our coming is not about getting our felt-needs met, nor is it about offering great and entertaining worship experiences.  We must "draw near [to God] to listen."

God has something to say to us, but it is hard for him to get a word in edgewise!  We are too concerned about what we are saying (or singing!) to hear what God is saying.  The Teacher warned against being rash with our words or hasty with our mouths.  "Let not your mouth lead you into sin...  For when words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear " (Ecclesiastes 5.6-7).

We have missed out on the meaning of worship if it is about what we have to say, or how we feel.  We need to guard our steps and our hearts when we go to the house of God!

Prayer: Jesus, you taught us that the Father desires worshipers who worship in spirit and truth.  May your Holy Spirit lead us to truly worship you, proclaiming your majesty and mastery over all!

Psalm of the Day:  26 Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love! 27 Let them know that this is your hand; you, O LORD, have done it! 28 Let them curse, but you will bless! They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad! 29 May my accusers be clothed with dishonor; may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak! 30 With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. 31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from those who condemn his soul to death. (Psalms 109:26-31)

Two are better than one

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 3-4

Scripture Focus: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4.9-10)

Devotional Thought: God has created us to be in relationship and community.  The wise man of Ecclesiastes saw the advantages of community and the disadvantage of being alone.  Two are better than one because...

They have a good reward for their labor. 

·        Attain. When two people work together on a task, they are able to more than double their output.  First of all, every job has an 'escape velocity.'  That is the amount of energy needed to get the job started.  One person may not be able to achieve that on her own.  But two working together can!  We need to attain momentum.  I recently started Momentum Ministries and it took a lot of work and encouragement from family and friends to get started! 

·        Maintain. when two are working together, they can maintain momentum better.  I have learned over the past 8 years of writing this devotional how important it is to have someone alongside me to write when I rest.  My daughter Jenny has served in that roll primarily, but many of you also have helped me when I needed to rest.  Uninterrupted movement is so important to progress!

They can pick each other up. 

·        Regain.  Inevitably things come along to trip us up.  There are times we can pick ourselves up and go on.  There are situations, however, when we are so broken and wounded that we are unable to do so.  If we are alone in such a time, then we will be disabled for extended periods, perhaps indefinitely. 

There is an adage that says wolves run in packs.  I don't think it is stretching the metaphor too much to say, "Christians run in packs..."  We need to stay together to stay productive and safe.  With whom are you running?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for those whom you have given me that travel with me on this journey.  Help us to help each other attain, maintain and regain spiritual momentum!

Psalm of the Day:  21 But you, O GOD my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name's sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me! 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me. 23 I am gone like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust. 24 My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt, with no fat. 25 I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they wag their heads. (Psalms 109:21-25)

All Streams Run to the Sea

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 1-2

Scripture Focus: All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full. (Ecclesiastes 1.7a)

Devotional Thought: Today, we begin to make our way through the book of Ecclesiastes.  Most scholars agree that King Solomon, the wise son of David, was the author of this book.  This book is part of the genre known as wisdom literature, and needs to be read poetically and understood metaphorically.  The author expresses his struggles in vivid language that are not to be read as settled fact.  Still, there is much to be gained in the understanding of truth.

I love what Solomon wrote in chapter 1, verse 7: "All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full."  I thought about some of the seas that never are full...

·        The sea of God's love.  God's love is a boundless ocean ready to receive one more sinner.  As the old hymn says, "Though millions have come, there is still room for one.  There is room at the cross for you."

·        The sea of God's forgetfulness.  Micah 7.19 says that God will throw our sins into the depths of the sea where they will never again be brought before the remembrance of God.  The blood of Jesus washes our sins into that sea!

·        The seas of obstacles.  The Hebrew children saw the Red Sea as an obstacle, but God saw it as an opportunity to display his awesome power.  God pours his grace and power into that sea which is never too full for us to cross!

·        The seas of possibilities.  Psalm 104:25 says, "Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great."  The mysteries and wonders of life are inexhaustible.  Life is an adventure in the infinite creativity of God!

Let's go down to the sea and see the mighty wonders of our God!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the streams that flow through my life.  Some are good and pleasant while others are hard and sad.  Thank you that all of them end up in the ocean of your love.  Help me see the wonders of your mighty love.

Psalm of the Day:  16 For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted, to put them to death. 17 He loved to curse; let curses come upon him! He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him! 18 He clothed himself with cursing as his coat; may it soak into his body like water, like oil into his bones! 19 May it be like a garment that he wraps around him, like a belt that he puts on every day! 20 May this be the reward of my accusers from the LORD, of those who speak evil against my life! (Psalms 109:16-20)

For the healing of Nations

Daily Reading:  Revelation 22

Scripture Focus: The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22.2b)

Devotional Thought: There is a lot of debate going on concerning the status of immigrants and refugees.  Fear, prejudice, terrorism, and irreconcilable cultural differences have made for a very divided world.  Though there is little agreement about the solutions to the problems, there is near universal consensus that the nations need healing.  Sadly, as long as there is sin in the world, there will be wars and rumors of wars; there will be power struggles and oppression; there will be greed and exploitation.

But, there is coming a day when sin will be erased from our existence.  We will live in a place of perfect beauty and love.  We will be like Jesus for we shall see him as he is!  And, there will be a healing of the nations.  That place is beautifully depicted in Revelation.

In the midst of the heavenly city, there will the River of the Water of Life.  On each side of that river, will be a tree.  It is the Tree of Life.  It shall bear fruit every month.  There will never be any lack.  In that place, delivered from want, from disease, from death, from separation, from sorrow, there will be perfect healing for the nations.

The word for nations indicates people who practice similar customs or common culture.  All those customs and cultures will be perfectly blended together in heaven.  We will not lose our identity, but we will rejoice together in the fact that Jesus can save a Spanish-speaking capitalist as much as he can save an English-speaking socialist.  Those who come from cultures subdued and formal shall worship alongside those who are boisterous and informal.  I believe that even Democrats and Republicans will get along in that place.  What a work of healing!

Prayer: Lord, in the early history of humanity, you spread mankind apart through diverse languages and customs.  But the day is coming when we will all be united in worship at your feet.  What a day that will be!

Psalm of the Day:  6 Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. 7 When he is tried, let him come forth guilty; let his prayer be counted as sin! 8 May his days be few; may another take his office! 9 May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow! 10 May his children wander about and beg, seeking food far from the ruins they inhabit! 11 May the creditor seize all that he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil! 12 Let there be none to extend kindness to him, nor any to pity his fatherless children! 13 May his posterity be cut off; may his name be blotted out in the second generation! 14 May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out! 15 Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth! (Psalms 109:6-15)

In with the New

Daily Reading:  Revelation 21

Scripture Focus: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. (Revelation 21.1)

Devotional Thought: My friend Fuad - manager and owner of Gold Star Chili in Bethel - told me that his store is scheduled to be rebuilt in 2019.  The process is simple: tear down the old one, build a new one.

Some things that have to be torn down or taken away before new things can come to life...

The first heaven and earth will pass away.  This world will not last forever.  This is nothing new.  Scientists have been telling us for generations that the universe is headed to oblivion.  It will either keep expanding until things are so spread out that it cannot sustain life.  Or, it will expand to a certain point and then start contracting until it draws completely into itself and 'dies' in the unimaginable pressure and temperature of its creation.

There will be a new heaven and earth.  This will be different from the first heaven and earth.  Will it be made using the same 'stuff' of today's world?  That depends.  Do you believe in evolution?  Can God use existing ingredients to make something new?  He can do what pleases him!  But, as I said, it will be different.  It will be eternal.  We are coming to "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading" (1 Peter 1.4).  It is a "city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" (Hebrews 11.10b).

Prayer: Lord, I know that creation as we know it is on a timer.  One day - however far in the future only you know - this world will pass away.  help me to live my life so that I go to dwell in that new place with you forever and ever.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  1 Be not silent, O God of my praise! 2 For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. 3 They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. 4 In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. 5 So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love. (Psalms 109:1-5)

Summary Judgment

Daily Reading:  Revelation 20

Scripture Focus: And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne… and the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.  Revelation 20:12

Devotional Thought: In this scene of the Lord’s revelation to John, we read of the White Throne Judgment.  There are differing opinions as to whether or not believers will be present at this judgment, but to the same end.  Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be judged according to the gospel, justified and acquitted by Christ, and will enter into eternal life with God.

What of those who are not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life?  They will stand before the throne of God and be judged according to what is found in the other books, in which all of their past actions, thoughts and deeds are written.  What a terrifying thought, for all of what has been done openly and in secret will be laid bare before our holy Creator.  There is none who can stand before Him in our own merit.  All who try will be thrown into the lake of fire (v15).

What do we do with this knowledge?  How do we process this terrible imagery?  First, it should give us renewed determination to reach others with the saving news of the gospel.  Like us, their only hope is to have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Second, it should renew in us a sober-mindedness regarding the tremendous cost of our sin, and of the Lord’s contrasting holiness.  We have no hope apart from God’s grace.  Third, the appropriate response of those who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation is wholehearted worship and praise.  At the end of time, there will be a blood sacrifice required by the Lord.  The only question is: whose blood will pay the price?  Praise God, for He has provided the perfect Lamb, whose blood is sufficient for all of our sins!

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, without the Lamb of God, we would be hopelessly lost.  None can stand before your throne of judgment.  Praise Your holy Name for the atoning blood of Your Son!

Psalm of the Day:  7 God has promised in his holiness: "With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Valley of Succoth. 8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter. 9 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph." 10 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 11 Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go out, O God, with our armies. 12 Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! 13 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. (Psalms 108:7-13)

Wedding Planner

Daily Reading:  Revelation 19

Scripture Focus: The marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” — for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. (Revelation 19.7b-18)

Devotional Thought: In a few weeks I will be performing a wedding for some friends.  Preparations are being made.  One of the most important I always stress: 'You need to get your marriage license now!  Bring it to me at least a week before the wedding."  I want to be sure because if they don't do that, all the other preparations will be in vain.  That's the stuff of wedding nightmares!

There is coming a day for another marriage. The angel told John, "The marriage of the Lamb has come."  The date is set.  It is known only to the Father, but Jesus has been preparing ever since the foundation of the world.  In the eternal counsels of God, he looked down the corridors of time and envisioned a perfect and eternal setting where we would be with him. The Kingdom of God comes.  He will be our god, and we will be his people.

The Bride must make herself ready.  First of all by saying yes to his proposal we take on the garments of Christ - his righteousness!  As the song goes, "Not our own righteousness, but Christ within!"  Having been clothed in the righteousness of Christ, then we can start putting on "fine linen, bright and pure."  This is "righteous deeds of the saints."  Notice that the bride of Christ is always singular.  Jesus does not have many brides, but only one.  It is the church.  But, each one of us are a part of the body of the bride.  And each one of us can do something to effect the beauty of the bride.  Those are our righteous deeds.

Are you putting on fine linen, bright and pure?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for clothing me in your righteousness.  Help me, O Lord, to enhance the beauty of the church and to glorify your name as I live out this life of righteousness with my deeds.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  1 My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! 2 Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! 3 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. 4 For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! 6 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer me! (Psalms 108:1-6)

Permanent Residence

Daily Reading:  Revelation 18

Scripture Focus: Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more (Revelation 18.21b)

Devotional Thought: A few weeks ago I was riding through town with a friend.  We drove by an old, dilapidated house on her street.  The house had a bright orange 'X' on an outside wall.  She remarked, "I thought they were going to tear that house down."  I thought to myself, "If they leave it much longer, they won't need to.  It's going to fall down!"  That's kind of sad to think about, isn't it?  When that house was built many years ago it was a source of satisfaction and pride.  Today it is ready to be torn down to "be found no more."

I've had a hand in the construction of 4 new homes.  I've loved those homes - been proud of them - but I recognize that they will not be there forever.  Whether through the ravages of time or by an act of violence, everything is destined to destruction. 

John the Revelator saw that future for Babylon.  In chapter 16 of Revelation we saw Babylon as symbolic of this world's corrupt powers.  Today, I see in it another comparison: Babylon as the temporal city vs. The New Jerusalem as the eternal city.

The New Jerusalem is a city coming down from heaven (ch. 21).  It is destined to host the marriage supper of the Lamb, (ch. 19).  It is an eternal city where those who enter shall never go out (ch. 3).

Abraham sought a city with foundations whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11).  That is the new Jerusalem.  That is the house built on the Rock which is Jesus Christ.  It will remain strong through all the storms of life.

Are you building your life on Jesus?

Prayer: Lord, I am looking for a better city, an eternal city, the abode of God.  Help me to live in this world in such a way that I may dwell in your world forever.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  39 When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, evil, and sorrow, 40 he pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes; 41 but he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. 42 The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth. 43 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD. (Psalms 107:39-43)

And the winner is...

Daily Reading:  Revelation 17

Scripture Focus: They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful. (Revelation 17.14)

Devotional Thought: Coexist!  I've read that many times on bumper stickers, and I appreciate its sentiment.  But are there not some things that by their very nature cannot exist together?  Where there is light, darkness must flee.  Where there is contamination, purity is compromised.  Where there is truth, deception cannot survive.  Where there is war, peace is gone.  Where there is love, hatred has no home.  We can cover the world with bumper stickers, but the fact remains that some things are mutually exclusive. 

In today's verse, there are three distinct groups or individuals:

·        The Lamb.  Jesus is the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world.  But, he has overcome the world.  By defeating the despair of death and conquering the darkness of the grave, Jesus has won over all that is an enemy of life and light.  The Lamb will conquer for he is Lord of lords and King of kings!

·        Those with the Lamb.  Jesus is not the sole Victor.  He brings with him those who trust in him.  At the end of all things, we are victorious because we are called, chosen and faithful!

·        Those against the Lamb.  Rallied by powerful God-haters and truth-deniers, there will be those who make war on the Lamb.  In the words of that ancient hymn: Lo their doom is sure.  One little word shall fell them.

A Mighty Fortress is our God!  Jesus said that those who are not with him are against him.  There is no neutral ground and there is no default position.  Are you with or against him?

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, O King of kings and Lord of lords, for the victory that you have won.  I trust in you.  I am with you, Lord!  I am for you, Lord!  I am in you, Lord!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  33 He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, 34 a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the evil of its inhabitants. 35 He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. 36 And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in; 37 they sow fields and plant vineyards and get a fruitful yield. 38 By his blessing they multiply greatly, and he does not let their livestock diminish. (Psalms 107:33-38)

Is Papaw in heaven?

Daily Reading:  Revelation 16

Scripture Focus: And God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. (Revelation 16.19b)

Devotional Thought: A few weeks ago, I was asked the question, "Is Papaw in heaven?"  That's tough - especially at a funeral.  What do you say when 'Papaw' was obviously not a Christian?

As a young pastor, I was scared to death of doing funerals, especially when the deceased was not a Christian.  Eugene Simpson, my District Superintendent, helped me so much.  He told me, "Scott, remember that your funeral sermon cannot preach one person into heaven, nor can you preach one person out of heaven."  That is reflected in the words of a graveside committal: "This body we commit to the ground.  The spirit we leave with God, the just and merciful judge of the earth." 

You see, it isn't our job to judge anybody.  Our information at best is inaccurate and incomplete.  Often, it is biased.  But, there is One who is not subject to our biases, who sees perfectly and forgets nothing (except confessed sins!).  God remembers.

Babylon in the book of Revelation is a metaphorical reference to Rome and the oppressive systems of this world.  At times, the government - or other powerful sources such as media, business, and Hollywood - line themselves up against the children of God.  As a matter of fact, Jesus said that the world would hate us because it hated him.  The good news is, we don't have to seek vengeance (It mine, says the Lord) or try to mete out the correct punishment for the crime.  We don't even have to keep track of it.  God remembers.

So, is 'Papaw' in heaven?  We will leave it in the hands of the Lord, for God remembers.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for failing to think about the eternal destiny of lost souls.  Stir our hearts to bear witness to the salvation of the Lord. And then, Lord, having done all we can, help us to leave their spirits with God, for you remember.  Amen."

Psalm of the Day:  23 Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; 24 they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep. 25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. 26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; 27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end. 28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. 31 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. (Psalms 107:23-32)

Sing to the Lord

Daily Reading:  Revelation 14-15

Scripture Focus: And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! (Revelation 15.3)

Devotional Thought: Today is bittersweet, our retirement day.  Lana and I are going a new direction in ministry.  Before we embark on that journey, we plan to see our grandkids.  One of the stops will be Charleston, SC.  Besides visiting our kids, we will go to Kiawah Beach.  We love the ocean.  It communicates a sense of God's glory to us.  Though we don't sing on the beach, we feel like it!

According to Revelation 15, The multitude of worshipers in heaven will find themselves on the shore of "a sea of glass mingled with fire" (v. 2)  "With harps of God in their hands," they will sing...

The song of Moses, the servant of God.  This is the song of deliverance.  After the children of Israel were delivered from Egyptian slavery, Moses wrote a song (Exodus 15).  He praised God for bringing them safely out of Egypt and through the Red Sea.  In heaven, we will be able to look back at the troubles and obstacles of life and see how God delivered us.  We will sing of his great salvation!

The song of the Lamb, the Son of God.  This is the song of redemption.  The Bible says that we have been redeemed from the curse of sin.  The price of redemption?  The blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God!  So, in heaven we will sing a new song to the Lamb: "Worthy are you ... for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5).

Lana, I can't wait to sing in that choir with you!  I hope we are standing side-by-side, praising our Lord together!

Please visit my website at momentumministries.org, and become a part of our new ministry!

Prayer: "We praise thee, O God, for the Son of thy love, for Jesus who died and is now gone above.  Hallelujah!  Thine the glory!  Hallelujah!  Amen!  Hallelujah!  Thine the glory!  Revive us again."

Psalm of the Day:  17 Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; 18 they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. 21 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy! (Psalms 107:17-22)

Hear. Heed. Hang on.

Daily Reading:  Revelation 12-13

Scripture Focus: If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. (Revelation 13.9-10)

Devotional Thought: In Revelation 13, there is a beast who has authority over the nations of the earth.  This beast will force all whose names are not written in the Book of Life to worship him.  John issued a threefold warning to the church:

Hear.  "If anyone has an ear, let him hear."  I watched with dismay as the confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh progressed.  Or, should I say did not progress?  Those who had made up their minds before the first hearing did everything in their power not to hear what he had to say.  And they wanted to prevent anyone else from hearing it, too.  Satan uses the same strategy - silence the truth.  The truth is available to us, if we would but hear.  Our culture has turned a deaf ear to God and we will pay the price for it.  Worse yet, I fear that there are those in the church who have tuned God out, not wanting to face the plain truth of Scripture.  They would rather be in the dark and do what they want!

Heed.  "With the sword must he be slain."  Those who refuse to heed what they hear from God and his Word, face a judgment.  Taken captive by their own lusts, these rejecters of God will receive the due consequences of their decisions.    We cannot be simply hearers of the Word, we must be doers of the Word! (James 1.22)

Hang on. "Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints."  You've heard the expression, "That's why they play the game."  The outcome of the sporting events is not predetermined.  They play to see who wins.  In the same way, the saints have to endure and believe to the end.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me spiritual ears.  Help me to hear.  Thank you for giving me truth.  Help me to heed it.  Thank you for giving me the ability to hang on.  Help me to do so in your power and by your grace.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, 11 for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. 12 So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. 13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. 15 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 16 For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. (Psalms 107:10-16)

And he shall reign...

Daily Reading:  Revelation 10-11

Scripture Focus: Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Devotional Thought: The book of Revelation is not for the faint of heart.  The end times events prophesied by John are terrifying, but they are meant to extend mercy to those who have yet to repent.  God is giving the wicked one last chance, and He uses many of the same methods and symbolism that He used in Israel’s history to once again showcase His glory.  He leaves little room for doubt in the minds of the unbelievers as to Who is in control.  Yet, sadly, not all will accept this mercy and grace.

Then enters the seventh angel.  He blows his trumpet, and voices from heaven proclaim, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever,” (Rev. 11:15).  Finally, God will reclaim his kingdom!  He will cleanse his creation of all sin and unrighteousness and he will reign on his throne forever.  Thousands of years after the first man and woman introduced sin into God’s perfect world, He will restore it to perfection.

For thousands of years, He has shown His power and glory.  He has shown His beauty, as evidenced in creation.  He has shown His love, as He sent His only Son to earth to provide us with a way back to Him.  He has given countless opportunities to the wicked to repent, and to accept the free gift of eternal life through Jesus.  “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise… but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance,” (2 Peter 3:9).  As believers, we anxiously await the day that the Lord reclaims the world as His own, and we pray for the unsaved to have the eyes to see and the hearts to believe.

Jenny

Prayer: Oh Lord, how we long for the day when you make all things new again!  When you come to earth to perfect it and cleanse it from sin, to dwell with us forever.  Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Psalm of the Day:  4 Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; 5 hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. 6 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. 8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (Psalms 107:4-9)

And there followed...

Daily Reading:  Revelation 8-9

Scripture Focus: The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed... (Revelation 8.7)

Devotional Thought: Several months ago, I noticed a squeal coming from under my convertible hood.  I knew it was the belt, but I hardened my ears to it, trying to ignore it.  One morning I went to take it out with Lana, and not only was there a loud squeal, but there was a significant loss of power.  I pulled it back in the garage and finally decided it was time to listen to those foreboding sounds.  A few minor adjustments by my mechanic, and the problem was taken care of.  If I hadn't listened though, the troubles would have multiplied.  I should have taken care of it much sooner, but I have a tendency to ignore such 'warning sounds,' hoping that they will go away.

In Revelation there is a warning sound: the blowing of heavenly trumpets.  The scripture says that after each trumpet sounded, "there followed..."  The trumpets served as harbingers to what was to come.  When the trumpet blew, things inevitably and predictably came to pass.

There is coming a day when the heavenly trumpet will sound once again - in the twinkling of an eye.  Certain things will follow the sounding of this last trumpet: "The dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed" (1 Corinthians 15.52).  "And the dead in Christ will rise. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thessalonians 4.16-17).

The trumpet will sound, but we must not wait for the last trumpet.  We should respond now to the call of God.  "Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 4.7).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the warning 'sounds' of your return.  Help us to heed the trumpet call of God and to make sure we are ready!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day:  1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble 3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Psalms 107:1-3)