Friday, October 30, 2009

+DEV+ Known and Loved

Date: October 30, 2009 12:42 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Known and Loved

Known and Loved

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)
Scripture Focus: John 10:1-18

The envelope had my name and address neatly typed, and it was graced with a commemorative stamp instead of a meter imprint. I opened it and began to read the letter. After greeting me by my first name, the writer began, “Because of your keen interest in...”

Ah, I thought, he remembered our recent conversation and was sending me the information I had requested. To the contrary! I quickly noted that the letter had been computer-generated. My name was used, but I was not known.

How different with our Good Shepherd! He speaks to the real person within. He knows our deepest hungers, our highest aspirations. He knows our bitter regrets, our frustrated hopes, and our secret dreams. He knows the best and the worst within us, and still He loves us.

As our Good Shepherd, Christ has committed Himself to our eternal salvation and daily care. He speaks to us personally and provides for us according to our individual needs and capacities.

Insight: We can never know ourselves better than Christ knows us. He will never give us tasks that are beyond us nor withhold whatever we need.

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

+DEV+ God’s Searchlight

Date: October 29, 2009 12:41 AM
Topic: +DEV+ God’s Searchlight

God’s Searchlight

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 16

Much as giant beads of light pierce the darkness as searchlights pan the area, God’s eyes constantly roam the earth searching out hearts that are fully committed to Him. And into those hearts He promises to pour His strength.

Note the context in which this promise is given. King Asa had led the people of Judah to remove all evidence of idol worship and to fortify their cities. They sought God with all their hearts, and He was found by them. Then Asa compromised. When the King of Israel began to provoke war, Asa sent treasures from the temple to the king of Syria with a terse appeal, “Break your treaty with the King of Israel, so he will leave me alone.”

Asa made a critical blunder. God’s prophet spoke. “God promises to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Yet you chose to solve your problem in your own strength.”

Asa’s heart was unyielding toward God. From that point on, his reign skidded downhill. The choice was his, as it is ours today.

Insight: Will we trust our own resources or count on God’s ever-available strength? As His eyes scan the earth today, may He find our hearts ready to receive His help.

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

+DEV+ Living in Love

Date: October 27, 2009 9:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Living in Love

Living in Love

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love.” (John 15:9-10)
Scripture Focus: John 15:9-17

When Jesus speaks of love, He speaks in the past, present, and the future.

Past: As My Father has always loved Me, so have I loved you.

Present: So live today in that sphere of perfect love. And as you obey My commandments today,

Future: You will continue to live in that sphere of My love.

Present: I am telling you this so that My joy may constantly pervade your life. Love each other,

Past: As I have unfailingly loved you.

What a beautiful blending of past, present, and future, of receiving love, giving out love, and enjoying new capacities to give and receive love!

Jesus gives us two responsibilities if we will live in His love. First, to obey His commands, and second, to reach out and love others. We may start by taking time to listen or by helping lift the load of another. But when we obey and take that first step, we will sense that the warmth of His love is filling our beings.

Insight: Our love-hungry hearts long to enjoy Christ’s love to the full. We are satisfied when we obey Him and express love to others.

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Monday, October 26, 2009

+DEV+ Enfolded in Love

Date: October 26, 2009 7:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Enfolded in Love

Enfolded in Love

“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken’...says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 54:1-10

She is known as Julian of Norwich, a gentle lady born in 1342 who lived in a cell attached to St. Julian’s Church in Norwich, England.

What could a person so far removed from our world have to say to us today? Simply this. During a severe illness, Lady Julian’s heart was opened to receive insights into God’s character, insights that transcend time and culture. God’s love so filled and overwhelmed her that she devoted the rest of her life to sharing what she had seen and learned.

“He is our clothing,” she wrote. “In His love He wraps and holds us. He enfolds us for love, and He will never let us go.”

God’s never-failing, all-encompassing love is not subject to the winds that so quickly affect human love. Friends may grow distant. Family members may allow differences to become barriers. The one dearest to you may betray a commitment to you made in God’s presence, but God will never vary in His commitment to you. His love will never fail. His promises can never be withdrawn.

Insight: God’s compassion is based on His character, not on your conduct. He enfolds you in His love today.

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

+DEV+ Surrounded

Date: October 25, 2009 9:32 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Surrounded

Surrounded

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people.” (Psalm 125:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 125

A teacher talked about decorating her classroom—not the interior, but the entrance and the hallway that led to her room. “I want it to look like a fortress so that when the teens enter the room they will feel they are absolutely safe. No matter what they are dealing with at home or with their peers, I want them to know that they can let down their guard. Our Bible lessons will build them up to face the world outside our room.

In somewhat the same way God’s people felt safe and protected in Jerusalem. The city was surrounded by mountains which the psalm-writer saw as a picture of God’s strong arms reaching out to protect and shelter His own.

We cannot avoid the experiences of life that buffet us. Troubles come to us, as they do to all people of every time and place. We cannot avoid stress and pain. Still we are protected. The Lord, who loves us, has placed us in a protected valley. He surrounds us with His strong love. The storms come, but we are sheltered in His everlasting arms.

Insight: The choice is ours today. We can keep struggling as we confront our problems alone. Or we can rely on the strength we receive from God’s love and protection.

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Thursday, October 22, 2009

+DEV+ Help, Lord!

Date: October 22, 2009 10:21 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Help, Lord!

Help, Lord!

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry....The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:15, 17)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 34

Right now, this very moment, a cruel and evil enemy is on the prowl. And you may be its intended victim. “Be alert,” God warns, “your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Temptation, the enemy’s favorite tool, comes in many forms. The struggle demands our full concentration. Our resistance weakens just as our enemy planned. We wear down, and it seems too hard to say that big NO one more time.

Help is at hand. First, we have the Lord’s word that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). We do not have to be defeated.

Then we have our Lord’s reassurance that His eyes are on us constantly. His ears are always tuned in to our cry. He’s there for us. There’s no panic to get through on Heaven’s 911 emergency number, no need even to state our dilemma. He hears and will see us through our time of trouble, if we put our trust in Him.

Insight: We do not have strength to withstand temptation. That’s why God wants us to call for help, believing that He will never let us down.

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+DEV+ Secret Nourishment

Date: October 22, 2009 12:19 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Secret Nourishment

Secret Nourishment

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 17:7-8

By all standards God had crowned Richard’s 32 years in Christian ministry with unusual success. But each high seemed to have been counterbalanced with a low. He suffered personal loss and deep disappointment. Yet through the years his friends found his testimony amazingly consistent.

No matter what occurred, Richard gave evidence of a close relationship with God. When good things happened, he gave thanks, taking no credit to himself. When setbacks came, he still gave thanks, knowing he could count on His resources. Behind every shadow Richard discerned that God’s good hand had not been withdrawn. In time of drought he nourished the hearts of all around him.

One did not have to be near Richard long to discover the secret of his spiritual vitality. He was saturated in God’s Word. He read it, memorized it, and wove it into his conversations. He constantly sent the rootlets of his soul to feed on its nourishment. By tapping God’s never-failing source of sustenance, he was fruitful in all seasons.

Insight: We can be fruitful if we tap the secret source through time alone with God in His Word. Our hearts will be nourished, and we will bring blessings to others.

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My Monthly Political Rant

We need a US Constitutional Amendment that will automatically "disqualify" any LIBERAL from holding ANY office, in City, State or Federal Government. As we have to endure their "progressive" agendas that has caused the decline of this once great country and the collapse of the US Dollar.

It is my opinion that every Liberal, (whether they be Republican, Democrat or Independent, or any third party position) that voted "yes" to any part of the stimulus / Bail-outs / Universal Healthcare, should be rounded up and tried for treason, given the choice for execution or immediate deportation to the country of their choice. For they are the ones to be held responsible for this mess they have put upon us.!!!!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

+DEV+ Grace to Cope

Date: October 20, 2009 9:56 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Grace to Cope

Grace to Cope

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 4:14-16

Failure! That word can be stamped across the lives of the Children of Israel. Not failure to perform, but failure to believe. God promised spiritual fulfillment, but when the Israelites heard His Word they did not listen with faith. They failed to enter into the blessing God had for them.

We too may fail, but we don’t need to. God promises to bless us. When we hear His Word, we need to listen with faith to receive what He says. Regarding our inner response, we may deceive ourselves, but we do not deceive Him. His Word is the divine clarifier. It monitors our hearts, sifting our deepest, most subtle thoughts and attitudes.

God’s complete knowledge of us need not produce fear. We have Jesus Christ our High Priest, who stands in Heaven on our behalf. He represents us as One who has keen awareness of our need. He knows how feebly the flame of our faith burns. We may fail, as did the Israelites of old. Jesus knows our weaknesses, and He never turns away from us but reaches out to help us when we call on Him.

Insight: Christ invites us to come to Him with confidence so that we can find grace to cope in our moment of need.

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Monday, October 19, 2009

+DEV+ This or That?

Date: October 19, 2009 10:52 PM
Topic: +DEV+ This or That?

This or That?

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25:4)
“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 25

My six-months in Springfield was a high point in my spiritual life. The church we attended throbbed with vitality. The congregation grew week by week. The offering baskets overflowed as we poured out our love and gratitude to God. The preaching was uplifting and challenging. Our sense of the unity of Christ’s body thrilled us.

After the words of the benediction on Sunday evening we always sang together, “Take the Name of Jesus with You.” Then we left to go our separate ways. Some of us wished we could have set our spiritual instruments on automatic pilot so we could live as we had worshiped.

But, we couldn’t. We each had to make personal choices throughout the week. Should we do this or that? Should we go here or there? Should we speak or be silent? Should we keep our schedule or stop to help another? The pastor could not be there to remind us of God’s Word. But God was there. He promises to give us moment-by-moment direction as we need it.

Insight: This or that? God will do His part to give us direction. Our part is to keep alert, to be ready to listen and obey.

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Sunday, October 18, 2009

+DEV+ My Shepherd

Date: October 18, 2009 8:03 PM
Topic: +DEV+ My Shepherd

My Shepherd

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 23

As a teenager I traveled by car across the USA from Seattle to Miami. Wide-eyed, I sat with my nose pressed against the window. Even during the night I peered into the darkness, hoping to capture every possible glimpse of the pristine northland and the sweeping prairies.

My friend missed the beauty because he was occupied with getting organized. Throughout the three-day trip, he packed and repacked his carry-on bags, expecting that soon he could sit back and enjoy the view. He never did.

Like my friend, we may become fretful when life does not conform to our tidy plans. When we focus only on our frustrations, we miss the thrill of a spiritual adventure with our Shepherd.

As you read Psalm 23, notice its constant reference to the present. Right now—this minute—you can have fellowship with the Lord. There’s no need to wait till you put your life together. He is ever-present to care for you, no matter how out of control your day may be.

Insight: Do you believe that the Lord is your ever-present Shepherd today? Trust Him and place yourself in His care.

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Thursday, October 15, 2009

+DEV+ Strength for Today

Date: October 15, 2009 8:24 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Strength for Today

Strength for Today

“He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak....Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar... run and…walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29, 31)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:25-31

God’s man trembled on the brink — of what? That was a part of his problem. He had no way of guessing what could possibly be ahead for him.

The man was Moses. God was sending him back to Egypt to lead a nation of slaves out of bondage. “Who am I for such a job?” Moses gasped. He was unknown by the slaves, and he was a wanted man in the court that held the slaves in their misery. The assignment seemed to defy logic.

God answered, “I will be with you.” Moses’ inadequacy was not a problem to God.

Moses then asked, “And who are You?”

God replied, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14).

Though the exact meaning of this name is hidden in mystery, we know it refers to God’s eternal, dependable nature. Promises He gave Moses were based on His never-changing character.

We too can know the reality of God’s presence. He has promised us strength for today to accomplish the work He has for us to do. We can count on His strength because we can count on Him.

Insight: God will always give us the strength to do what He asks us to do. As we count on that we can accept even difficult assignments with trust and joy.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

+DEV+ Our Ever-Present Help

Date: October 14, 2009 9:32 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Our Ever-Present Help

Our Ever-Present Help

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear....The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46;1-2, 11)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 46

Our hearts yearn for a life without trouble, but God does not guarantee that. What He does promise is that He will be our refuge and strength while we are experiencing trouble. When we learn to count on His promise, we will not be gripped by terror even in time of disaster.

Services we depend on—telephone, electricity, water, fire and police protection—may all fail. One resource remains untouched by catastrophe: God. Nothing can cut us off from Him.

The psalm-writer describes the worst: natural disasters on land and sea, international crisis of war and political upheavals. Even when the catastrophe is beyond human intervention, and we are surrounded by total chaos and devastation, God is there. His promise is not that He will come when we call on Him in desperation, but that He is already there even as the disaster strikes. And He is there, not as an onlooker nor even as a compassionate rescue-worker. He is there to be our personal and secure refuge and strength.

Insight: We don’t need to wait for disaster to strike before we count on God to be our ever-present help. He is our refuge today.

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

+DEV+ Z – Zion, Our Heavenly Home

Date: October 13, 2009 7:08 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Z – Zion, Our Heavenly Home


Z – Zion, Our Heavenly Home


“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come, and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 21-22

The last two chapters of the Bible describe life in Zion, our heavenly home. What we read quickens our desire to be there. We need to disentangle ourselves from the best this world offers and try to imagine being forever in the presence of our great God; the absence of death, sorrow, and mourning. God will wipe all tears from our eyes. Sickness, pain, sin, and the anguish of regret will be banished forever.

In our heavenly home we will be made whole and perfected so that we can worship our Savior with undivided hearts. Our love will be made complete, and our joy will be in pleasing Him with our willing service, doing whatever He asks of us.

Heaven’s gates are open today. The invitation is still being offered. But the door of salvation will not always be open, for “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

Are you ready to be welcomed into your forever home in Zion?

Insight: Can you echo the request, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus”

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+DEV+ Y – Years with Christ

Date: October 13, 2009 1:08 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Y – Years with Christ

Y – Years with Christ

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Scripture Focus: 2 Peter 3:1-13

While Jesus prepared His disciples for His death and departure, He also prepared all His followers to be ready for His return. It is a blessed hope that we all have. Jesus also warned, though, that we must live in a state of readiness “because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Matthew 24:44).

When some in the First Century wondered why God seemed so slow to deliver His promise, Peter counseled then with the words in today’s key verse.

Throughout the centuries since Jesus ascended to Heaven believers have prayed for His return. We do not know God’s timing, but we live in eager anticipation of eternal life in His presence. What will it be like? We cannot know all the good that lies ahead for us.

Instead of speculating on what we will look like and what we will do, our part is to live in such a way that we will not be ashamed at His coming. He will call us to Himself, and so shall we be forever with our Savior.

Insight: Ask the Lord to keep you faithful in serving Him while you wait for His coming—perhaps today!

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Sunday, October 11, 2009

+DEV+ X - eXaltation in God

Date: October 11, 2009 9:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ X - eXaltation in God

X - eXaltation in God

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
Scripture Focus: Luke 15:1-10

If you want to engrave on your heart one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible, consider our key verse for today. Then reflect on the setting in which God gave His promise.

You may remember that Zephaniah was one of the last prophets in Judah before Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. His audience must have been very discouraged and even terrorized to hear they were about to be taken as captives to Babylon. But even though God was disciplining His children, He still loved them. He was still their God and He would be with them even in exile. He was mighty to save them and would bring them back home again. He was still rejoicing over them.

“Exalt” means to raise in rank or elevate by praise and estimation. Amazingly God has done both for you and me. He has exalted us in position to His right hand, and when Christ appears for us we will actually be with Him in glory.

In light of what God has done for us, how should we be living today?

Insight: Is it hard to conceive of the Lord rejoicing and singing over you? If He is so happy with you, let Him fill your heart with song as you cooperate with His work in you.

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Thursday, October 8, 2009

+DEV+ W – Workmanship of God

Date: October 8, 2009 10:43 PM
Topic: +DEV+ W – Workmanship of God

W – Workmanship of God

“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:1-10

“What a beautiful desk!” Is the reaction of many guests when they see the hand made desk in my dad’s house.

The inlaid light and dark oak. He took the wood from a trip to our Missouri home, hoping my dad could build a nice table around it.

Always a perfectionist, dad searched stores, hotel and office lobbies, and project books for ideas. Several paper templates, a cardboard mock-up, and practice on scrap wood preceded his final work with oak. The intricate legs were fashioned from blocks on his lathe. Many hours of rubbing, sanding, polishing, and varnishing added finishing touches. It was his “magnum opus” wood project. We could weep thinking of his love for us.

God in love is patiently and persistently working on us, with an ultimate goal of perfection in mind. His plan has your name on it, and it includes the specific ways you can serve Him as He works in you to make you a model of His handiwork.

Insight: “Lord, what I am today is not the best Your grace can do in me. I am currently under Your construction. Make me responsive to what You want to do in me.”

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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

+DEV+ V – Victory in Christ

Date: October 7, 2009 9:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ V – Victory in Christ

V – Victory in Christ

“Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 1:18-23

Me? Apologize for my bad attitude toward a business associate who had made my life miserable for the past year? Impossible! Never! He’s the one who should apologize to me.

But then, who was holding the grudge? Who had an unforgiving spirit? Whose thought life was consumed with this problem person? My attitude was not hurting him—only myself. I was the loser.

As I fought an inner struggle between what I knew I should do and what I wanted to do, I was reminded of Paul’s words, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

I knew that the same power that raised Christ from the dead was in me as a Christian (Ephesians 1:20). God could help me forgive, refocus my thoughts and change my attitude. And He did!

The kingdom of God is not merely a matter of platitudes but of power. I’m not limited to just doing what comes naturally. By relying on God’s mighty power, I can do what comes supernaturally.

Insight: Rely on God’s power. Whatever your struggle today, believe that God can give you victory. Claim it! Act on it!

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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

+DEV+ U – Union with Christ

Date: October 6, 2009 10:21 PM
Topic: +DEV+ U – Union with Christ

U – Union with Christ

“He who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.” (1 Corinthians 6:17)
Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:6-7

One of the best things I ever happened onto was my journals. I keep in them my Bible study insights, sermon and Sunday School notes, and most important to me, my prayer requests.

The prayer section has two columns: one for the date and the request and the other for the date and the answer. Whenever I begin thinking, I guess my prayers don’t count for much, I review the pages.

It always causes me to praise God for all His past mercy and kindness in hearing my prayers and acting on them. Often His answers are direct and specific; other times He seems to say “no” or “not now.” Looking back on these latter requests, I find myself sometimes thanking God that in His wisdom and mercy He doesn’t grant me all my petitions.

One privilege of being in union with Christ is the freedom of fellowship with Him in prayer.

How is your prayer life? Are you satisfied with it? Frustrated? Discouraged? Maybe a little notebook would help you. Begin to keep a record of your prayer life with God. Any color notebook will do!

Insight: Begin today to explore more deeply into the privileges of your union with Christ.

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Monday, October 5, 2009

+DEV+ T - Translation

Date: October 5, 2009 10:21 PM
Topic: +DEV+ T - Translation

T - Translation

"When he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." (1 John 3:2-3)
Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

What do Enoch and Elijah have in common? They were "translated" in physical bodies from earth to heaven without dying in the process.

Believers live between two translation events. We have been translated spiritually from Satan's kingdom into God's. "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" (Colossians 1:13-14).

We shall also one day be translated physically from earth to heaven. "We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Whether by rapture or by resurrection, our mortality will be translated into immortality as death is "swallowed up in victory" (vs. 54).
What are we to do in the interim? Paul answers in the same passage, "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (vs. 58).

Insight: Ask the Lord to make you steadfast in your desire to please Him in all your ways today, abounding in your loving service to Him.

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

+DEV+ S – Sealed by the Holy Spirit

Date: October 4, 2009 9:35 PM
Topic: +DEV+ S – Sealed by the Holy Spirit

S – Sealed by the Holy Spirit

“Having believed, you were marked in with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit, guaranteeing our inheritance.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 1:3-14

Registered mail has always been impressive to me. I became keenly aware of this protective postal service while working part-time at Jarecki’s Jewelers during my high school days.

I Pity the people in the line behind him as he set on the post office counter a large canvas bag filled with parcels of diamonds, gold, and silver. Each package seemed to receive countless red rubber stamps sealing every seam of its brown wrapping paper before it was assigned a unique number and was logged into a separate record. Adding extra insurance required more rubber stamps and another form in triplicate. It wasn’t uncommon to hear groans behind him as he also asked for a return receipt on each item. The only ones authorized to open those packages were the sender and the receiver.

Believers in Christ are like registered letters sent from God to Himself. The Holy Spirit is the seal. Only God (who is both Sender and Receiver) can open the seal, and He has promised not to do so until we are safely in His presence.

Insight: Praise God for His promised protection of the new life that He has placed within you.

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Thursday, October 1, 2009

+DEV+ R – Redemption through Christ

Date: October 1, 2009 9:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+ R – Redemption through Christ

R – Redemption through Christ

“You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, the lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 9:11-14

Who did the first killing in the Bible? Most say “Cain,” but actually he was the third to do so. First was God, who killed an animal to provide skin garments for Adam and Eve after their sins (and probably to provide sacrifices—Genesis 3:21). Second was Abel, who offered an animal sacrifice to God, while Cain’s substitution of a vegetable offering was rejected. Third was Cain, who killed his brother.

Adam and Eve’s first two children exemplify two ways to approach our holy God—His way and our way. God has made it clear that sinful humans can only approach Him with a blood sacrifice on their behalf. Everyone who has ever lived since has followed either Abel or Cain. To be independent and trust in our own goodness to win God’s acceptance is to be like Cain. Be assured that God will reject any “Plan B.”

To trust in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as our substitute merits God’s favor, for this is the plan of redemption He has appointed.

Insight: What or whom are you trusting for your eternal salvation?

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