+DEV+ Holy Are You Father

Date: December 31, 2013 12:39 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Holy Are You Father

Holy Are You Father

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:3)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 111:1-9

Someone has suggested that the key to worship is acknowledging the holiness of God. I think Jesus would have agreed with that. He taught His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" (Matthew 6:9). And that is not the little boy's rendition which says, "Our Father in heaven, Harold be your name"!

The young child's misunderstanding brings a smile, but do we really understand what Jesus was teaching? "Hallowed" means to treat as holy. If we truly appreciated God's holiness, would we be as casual as we often are in prayer, worship, or Bible study? Paul speaks in Romans of those who knew God yet neither glorified (hallowed) Him as God nor gave thanks to Him (1:21).

On the other hand, Isaiah acknowledged both God's holiness and his own sinfulness when confronted by the holy God (see Isaiah 6). When he did so, he was cleansed of his sin. We too have the privilege of knowing the holy God as our Father, basking in His holiness and giving thanks for His forgiveness that washes us clean.

Insight: Lord, we want to echo in our words and actions the message of the angels; “Holy, Holy, Holy” Are You!


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+DEV+ Examples in Holiness

Date: December 29, 2013 10:33 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Examples in Holiness

Examples in Holiness

"Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you-majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (Exodus 15:11)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 15:11-18

To understand what holiness is, notice how the word is used in the Bible. In the Old Testament it is used only in relation to God or what He has sanctified (made holy). It refers to something being different and set apart from other things. In this sense God is holy because He is unlike mankind (Hosea 11:9).

The temple also was holy because it was different from other buildings, set apart for the worship of God. The Sabbath day was holy, again set apart from the other days of the week. The entire Jewish nation was holy because God chose them out of all others to belong to Himself and be His people, different and set apart from the others.

When we think of holiness, we probably think of purity. This association is fitting, especially as the whole Bible unfolds, leading up to the embodiment of holiness in the birth and life of Jesus Christ. No clearer picture of holiness could be given. All of the Old Testament's foreshadows of holiness came to be in our majestic, awesome, wonder-working Savior.

Insight:  "Lord, help us learn to appreciate your holiness and share it in our daily lives."


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+DEV+ Holiness Is Not An Option

Date: December 26, 2013 10:26 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Holiness Is Not An Option

Holiness Is Not An Option

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)

Scripture Focus: Hebrews12:14-24

A few years ago when I was in the market for a new car, I learned that in new-car sales there is the basic price and then there is the price with all the options. I'm not sure how car manufacturers determine what is "basic" and what is "optional," but the difference sure changes the cost!

Christians sometimes use "basic" and "optional" as categories for behavior. "Kindness, devotion, patience"... basic Christian principles. But something like "holiness" is usually placed in the optional category and treated as such.

The Bible, however, allows for no such division. Personal holiness is not an option. For "without holiness, no one will see the Lord" (vs. 14). While we know that Christ's holiness is imputed to us (1 Corinthians 1:30), the author of Hebrews also tells us to make every effort to be holy. Paul notes that we're chosen to be "conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Romans 8:29). It is God at work in us to make us like Christ. And He requires our wholehearted effort.

Insight: Lord, help me be cooperative in all that you have planned for me.


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+DEV+ Christians Are Radicals

Date: December 25, 2013 11:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Christians Are Radicals

Christians Are Radicals

"You were taught... to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22, 24)

Scripture Focus: Ephesians 4:17-32

Christians are radically different people. To the very center of my being, I am a new person, radically changed from the person I was before I knew Jesus Christ. The Bible describes just how drastically different I am. It's almost like the "before-and-after" ads for weight-loss that you've seen in magazines or newspapers.

I once was dead but now am alive (Ephesians 2:5). I used to be the picture of darkness but now am light (Ephesians 5:8). Formerly I was under the dominion of darkness but now am part of the kingdom of God's Son (Colossians 1:13). Originally a child of the devil, now I am child of God (1 John 3:10).

I am a new creation in Christ, created to be like Him, bearing the family likeness. Yet I bear it in an imperfect body, what the Bible sometimes calls "the flesh." So while I am radically new, I am not totally new. The flesh-prone to sin-fights me every step of the way. But thanks be to God, He has made provision for my victory through Jesus and His Spirit at work in me.

Insight:  "Father, help me daily to walk by the Spirit so that I might live to please You."


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+DEV+ Waiting for God

Date: December 22, 2013 11:48 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Waiting for God

Waiting for God    

“Simeon . . . was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. . . . Anna . . .never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:25, 36-37).

Scripture Focus:Luke 2:25-38

Scholars feel Simeon may have been a Hasidim, a Jewish minority known for their worship of God and for keeping His Law with a pure heart. Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would live to see the Lord's Christ.

This man walked closely with God.  The Holy Spirit was upon him and spoke to him. After a lifetime of waiting, Simeon was led by the Spirit one day to the temple. When he saw the couple holding an infant, he knew his moment had come.  Taking Jesus, King of Glory, into his aged arms, he praised with an overflowing heart, “My eyes have seen your salvation!”

Anna the prophetess joined them to give thanks for Jesus. For many decades after her husband's death she had devoted herself to praying, fasting, and worshiping God day and night in the temple.

Many believers live in anticipation of the second coming of the Messiah. When He comes, will He find an Anna and a Simeon among us laboring in prayer, consumed by the wonder of the wait?

Insight: Ask the Lord to lift your eyes from the everyday things that absorb your attention. Let Him stir up within you a passion for Jesus' return.


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+DEV+ God So Loved

Date: December 19, 2013 9:42 PM
Topic: +DEV+  God So Loved

God So Loved    

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Scripture Focus:John 3:16-21

When Immanuel came down from heaven, divinely conceived in the womb of a young virgin, no mere infant's cry came forth. His birthing wail shook the foundations of the universe like a mighty war cry that filled every hellish demon with terror. Love Incarnate had come to wrest the keys of death from Satan and open wide the doors of paradise for all who would believe.

Love was made manifest in the form of this newborn Babe who had come from the Father filled with grace and truth. This Immanuel had turned away from the glories of heaven to be cradled in the straw of a wretched animal stall because God had judged human souls to be precious.

As this humble beginning unfolded in Bethlehem, some shepherds nearby were given a glimpse of the cosmic significance of Immanuel's birth. An angel of the Lord appeared to them in radiant glory and countless heavenly hosts appeared, exalting God.  The shepherds quickly found the Babe of Bethlehem and praised God for the things they had seen and heard.

Insight: Love came down from heaven one holy night in the form of a Babe who has won our hearts.


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+DEV+ Is There Room for Jesus

Date: December 19, 2013 12:32 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Is There Room for Jesus

Is There Room for Jesus    

“She gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).

Scripture Focus:Luke 2:1-7

Today's verse haunts me. God knocks at the inns of our hearts, and the response too often is the same, “Sorry, there's no room for You here.”

A young man told me, “I’ll get serious about God when I'm older. I'm too young now. I want to party!” Then terminal cancer struck in his 21st year, and he tearfully opened the door for the Savior.

Jesus knocked at the inn of an executive, but he was too busy providing an affluent lifestyle for his family. “Come back later when I have more time,” he told Him. “I'm too stressed out now!”

Jesus knocked at the inn of a young philosopher, but he found the Gospel too exclusive of other ideologies. He answered, “Sorry, I've invited too many others into my inn. There isn't any room for You.”

Jesus knocked at the inn of a Christian worker, but he sadly closed the door, saying, “Sorry, but I'm so burned out I can't take in one more person.”

Too young...too busy. . . too crowded . . .too burned out. How do you respond when Jesus knocks at your door?

Insight: Will you put a “Vacancy” sign on the door of your inn so that you can welcome Jesus?


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+DEV+ The King Comes as Man

Date: December 17, 2013 10:47 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The King Comes as Man

The King Comes as Man

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss you servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation." (Luke 2:29-30)

Scripture Focus: Luke 2:1-20

Some years ago while at a social gathering, I was talking to a senior civil servant. He had heard that I was a pastor, so he asked me why. I said that I believed that the God who loves each one of us had come to earth as a helpless baby and shared our human life, showed us what He was like and had even died on the cross to take the blame for our sins so that we could live with Him forever. He looked into my eyes, and said, "That is the most beautiful thing I ever heard." In his eyes I saw afresh the wonder of God becoming man in Jesus.

I recently read Eric Metaxas' compelling biography of Dietrich Bonheoffer, the great German martyr and theologian killed by the Gestapo in 1945. One striking line of Bonhoeffer's is, "No priest, no theologian stood at the cradle in Bethlehem. And yet all Christian theology has its origin in the wonder of all wonders that God became man. Alongside the brilliance of the Holy Night there burns the fire of the unfathomable mystery of Christian theology."

Insight: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John1:14). He is not a distant lawgiver. He is Emmanuel, God with us!


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+DEV+ Good News Of Great Joy

Date: December 16, 2013 9:40 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Good News Of Great Joy

Good News Of Great Joy

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love...I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." (John 15:9, 11)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 52:7-11; 55:6-13

Our Christian joy is no mindless grin-in-all-circumstances joy. It is a settled, glad conviction that all will be well in God's time.

In London they know that the sovereign is in residence when the royal standard is flying over Buckingham Palace. The King is always in residence in us (John 14:27), so joy is the flag that shows that this is so. We may have cause to be sad, but Jesus' promise guarantees that deep within we will always have the King's joy.

The Christmas story is joy. The announcement by the angel of John's birth is "He will be a joy and delight to you and many will rejoice at his birth." When Elizabeth met Mary, she said, "The baby in my womb leaped for joy." Mary's song proclaimed, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." The angel announced to the shepherds, "I bring you good news of great joy."

This is the time of year when we can naturally, humbly share our joy with those around us, ever grateful for our King who came as the Baby of Bethlehem.

Insight: Amidst all our problems, let's worship the King in joy, knowing He has destroyed everything that is against us, by His cross and resurrection.


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+DEV+ Message of Worship

Date: December 15, 2013 8:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Message of Worship

Message of Worship

"All the angels fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever."  (Revelation 7:11-12)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 2:1-12

Mystery surrounds the Magi who came from the East looking for the one who had been born king of the Jews. We don't know exactly where they came from or how they came to look for Him. However, these facts we know: they saw God's sign, the star, and followed it; they brought gifts of honor; and when they found this Child-King, they fell down and worshiped Him.

They were wise men, indeed. Without the historic blessings of Israel, God's chosen people, they had not seen His glory. Yet they recognized Him the very moment they reached Mary and Joseph's house, and they worshiped Him with reverence. Today we worship false gods, people, things, ourselves, but rarely do we fall down before Jesus in humility as these men did. True worship is uninhibited adoration. It is pure surrender and love together.

The angels are already worshiping the Lamb who is now on the throne, and our day will come. Our time here, though, is a good dress rehearsal, so when we worship, let's do it with full hearts of love and surrendered spirits.

Insight: Jesus is on the throne. God the Father is looking for us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).



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+DEV+ Keep Our Focus

Date: December 12, 2013 11:07 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Keep Our Focus

Keep Our Focus

 "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Scripture Focus: Luke 2:36-38;  Hebrews 12:1-2

Anna was a widow who had spent her life in the temple worshiping God. But why, at age 84, did she briefly enter the pages of history? Because, in that time, great respect was placed on the elderly, and when they spoke people listened. Her moment had come to speak, and because of her age she would be heard. Though her physical eyes were likely dimming, Anna's spiritual eyes were insightful. She had spent her life prayerfully watching for the Messiah, and now, as she saw Simeon holding the Christ-child in his arms, she recognized Him as the Promised One. Immediately, she began joyfully telling everyone that she had seen the Savior. Those who had also been watching listened to her.

Anna had kept her focus clear. As she grew older, it became sharper. We are told to fix our eyes on Jesus, too. It's easy to let our eyes wander, but that's when we find ourselves struggling with sin and confusion. Jesus understands. He wants to be the focal point of our lives, and He's the only one who can help us.

Insight: We like to keep the baby Jesus in the manger, but He's in heaven now, seated by the Father. Let's keep our eyes on Him.


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+DEV+ Message of Revelation

Date: December 10, 2013 11:24 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Message of Revelation

Message of Revelation

"Sovereign Lord... my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."  (Luke 2:29-32)

Scripture Focus: Luke 2:21-35

Jesus was only a month old when Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple in Jerusalem for the required ceremony. Walking up the grand steps of that magnificent building must have been overwhelming for these new parents. After all, it would have felt like just yesterday since His birth in the stable and the shepherds' stories of angels. Their hearts must have still been filled with wonder.

As they headed into the temple, a godly old man named Simeon approached, took their baby into his arms and began praising God for Him. How could he possibly have known this little one, held close to His mother's breast, was the Messiah? Only because the Holy Spirit had revealed it.

God delights in shedding light on dark places. Simeon's prophecy that Jesus would be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" and that "the thoughts of many would be revealed through this child" (vs. 32, 35) would come true, for Jesus was the complete revelation of God. Through Him all things, all truth would be opened up and made clear.

Insight: Through his life and teachings Jesus revealed much about the mystery of God. The final chapter will be written when He comes the second time.


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+DEV+ Saint Mike

Date: December 9, 2013 10:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Saint Mike

Saint Mike

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

I doubt if many people would understand if I introduced myself saying, "Hi! My name is Mike; I'm a saint." I may not tell other people that, but I need to tell myself, "I am a saint. I am holy. Because I am a child of God, I share His nature."

Such reminders motivate me to live out the life God has called me to. And I need all the encouragement I can get! God doesn't call me to become a saint because of my righteous living. Rather, He makes me a saint and then tells me to live like one.

Have you ever shared the good news of Jesus with these words: "I'm no different from you. I'm a sinner, too, but I have Christ as my Savior, and He's forgiven me"? How can a forgiven sinner ever hope to live a holy life? There is one way: through the righteousness of Jesus, lived out here on earth and given to us.

I'm not sinless, that's for sure. But when I trusted Jesus as my Savior, He made me a new person, a saint. He clothed me with His goodness so that I can live out what He has already made me to be.

Insight:  "Lord, teach me again and again of the good news of what you have done for me. Thank you for my salvation."


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+DEV+ Who Are You?

Date: December 8, 2013 11:17 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Who Are You?

Who Are You?

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 1:13-25

Who am I? Who are you? You ask. I could answer that question a number of ways, besides simply telling you my name. I used to describe myself, spiritually, as a "sinner saved by grace." But the Bible answers my question quite differently: Scripture calls me a saint. Can you imagine that? Me, a saint? No one who knew me would ever guess that.

The word "saint" means one who is holy. It appears to be a favorite Bible term for Christians. Believers are called "saints" over 50 times in the New Testament while the word "Christian" appears only three times.

Paul addressed the Christians at Philippi with these words: "To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi..." (1:1). How could all those people be saints? Think of it this way: Positionally, we are holy "in Christ;" experientially, we are to become more holy in our daily walk. Paul was calling his friends what God had called them to be.
Holiness is more than merely positional. It is real in me right now. God is at work in me! I am a partaker in His good and holy nature.

Insight:  "Father, Help Me Know The Truth Of Your Word About Me, Though My Own Experiences May Not Show It."


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+DEV+ Message of Glory

Date: December 6, 2013 9:48 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Message of Glory

Message of Glory

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."  (Revelation 4:11)

Scripture Focus: Luke 2:8-20; John 17:24

The night was black, the hillside filled with sleeping sheep and watchful shepherds. Suddenly, an angel appeared to them with his message of good news and joy. Then the heavens opened and a whole angel chorus exclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:13-14)! These same messengers had just come from the presence of God where their duty was to praise Him. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty! The whole earth is filled with his glory" (Isaiah 6:3)! Now their mission was to announce to us, "He is full of glory!"

Israel had seen God's glory as He opened the Red Sea, led them with a pillar of cloud and fire, settled over Sinai and dwelt in the Holy of Holies first in the tabernacle and later in the temple. But once, because of their rebellion and sin, His glory had been removed (Ezekiel 10). Now it was going to live among them. The shepherds would see it in the form of a babe in a manger. Through the Word, we see it, too, on Christmas Eve and always.

Insight: The babe in the manger doesn't seem heavy or awesome at first glance. Look again. He is now our glorified Lord Jesus, at the right hand of the Father.


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+DEV+ Message of Exuberant Joy

Date: December 5, 2013 10:11 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Message of Exuberant Joy

Message of Exuberant Joy

"'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents" (LUKE 15:6-7)

Scripture Focus: Luke 2:1-12

When my friend first brought his new puppy home, they all fell in love it. He was so cute, but containing his exuberance was nearly impossible! I can still see my friend, having a talk with the dog, saying, "Real dogs don't bound, Pepper. So no more bounding!” Then off the little guy would bound.

In Luke's account of Jesus' birth, we read the angel's message to the shepherds, "I bring you good news of great joy." This word "joy" could be translated "exuberant joy," and is the picture of young lambs bounding in complete stress-free happiness, like the puppy, Pepper.

If we look even closer, we find more. The Greek word for "joy" is chara, which comes from rejoice - chairo. And chairo is related to charis, the Greek words we translate as "grace." So joy is directly related to grace! Amazing. Perhaps this heavenly messenger was giving a double message, "I've good news for fallen humans. Tonight God sent His Son as a message of His grace towards you - so be exuberant and boundless in joy!"

Insight: Jesus told about a lost sheep and the shepherd's joy when it was found (Luke 15:1-7). That's how He feels when we turn to Him.


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+DEV+ Message of Obedience

Date: December 4, 2013 10:44 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Message of Obedience

Message of Obedience

"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."  (1 SAMUEL 15:22)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 1:18-2:23

Joseph, hand chosen by God to be the earthly father for Jesus, is an example of one who learned early to listen and obey. We read in the Gospel account that four times he was given a direct message from God, and each time he obeyed, fulfilling specific prophecies about the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14; Hosea 11:1).

Disobedience has been an issue for humankind since the Garden of Eden. Through willful defiance of God's directives, sin entered creation, and we have fought its hold on us ever since. Joseph understood the severity of choosing to disobey God, and he would not dare to risk it. As Joseph submitted his own will to the Lord, the promised Savior made His entrance into our world.

Obedience is always a test of our love, trust, and willingness to surrender "our rights." Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching (John 14:3a). Since perfect obedience would never be attained by any of us, our King has stood in our place, surrendering His rights, trusting His Father's great redemption plan, and proving His limitless love for us.

Insight: Joseph obeyed his heavenly Father who gave us our savior in a manger. Jesus obeyed his heavenly Father and became our savior on the cross.


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+DEV+ Message of Mercy

Date: December 3, 2013 11:49 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Message of Mercy

Message of Mercy

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant His mercy extends to those who fear Him."  (Luke 1:46, 50)

Scripture Focus: Luke 1:39-56; Ephesians 2:1-10

Mary was still newly pregnant when she left Nazareth to stay with her elderly cousin, Elizabeth, who was now well along in her pregnancy with John. As Mary walked through the door, the message of the Messiah's arrival reached through Elizabeth's womb, touching the ears of her unborn child, and he leaped inside her. In response, Mary sang the Spirit-written song we call The Magnificat.

One line is a message to all of us who recognize the depth of our sin: "His mercy extends to those who fear him." This was a lesson Elizabeth, her husband Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph were all learning. Fear of God is healthy, and obedience mandatory, but even our obedience doesn't remove the heaviness of our guilt. It will still crush us, except for God's mercy.

How amazing that God's love, through Jesus, would lift the burden of our sin and carry it for us, alleviating its terrible consequences. May our hearts also soar at the message of the Messiah's arrival just as the baby leapt in Elizabeth's womb!

Insight: Jesus is the evidence of God's mercy. "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy." (Titus 3:5)


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+DEV+ Message of Honor

Date: December 3, 2013 12:11 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Message of Honor

Message of Honor

"You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus”. ”I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said."  (LUKE 1:30-31, 38)

Scripture Focus: Luke 1:26-38;  22:39-44

Mary was a young, poor girl from Nazareth in Galilee, and Gabriel was sent to her with this message: "Don't be afraid, for you have found favor with God" (vs. 30). Though Mary was very young, she understood Gabriel had come from the presence of God Almighty, and his message, overwhelming as it was, needed to be accepted and obeyed. In doing so, she brought honor to herself and more importantly to God. It would not be an easy burden for her, being the mother of our Lord. From the beginning there would be misunderstandings and talk, but she still chose God's will over hers.

We should remember from Mary's life that God never works in isolation, even when it seems that it is only our life that is affected. In His hands the threads that may appear to be tangled will be woven together with perfect purpose and meaning for us and others. That is just His way. Because of a heart that honored God, Mary was chosen to help affect the course of world history. Oh, that our hearts might be so pure!

Insight: One day, in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus would choose the Father's will over his own, bringing honor to god and redemption to all humankind.



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+DEV+ Our Humble King

Date: December 1, 2013 9:39 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Our Humble King

Our Humble King

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, taking the very nature of a servant humbled himself and became obedient to death -  even death on a cross!"  (Philippians 2:5-8)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 18:1-14;

Galilee is a beautiful sea and is surrounded with biblical history. There and in nearby towns Jesus chose fishermen to follow Him, taught parables, performed miracles, walked on water, and calmed a violent storm. But it was also an area that was looked down on by many Jews.

Isaiah prophesied that God would "honor Galilee of the Gentiles" (9:1). To devout Jews this didn't make sense. The people of Galilee were considered poor, uneducated, and unclean. Why, then, would God honor Galilee and not Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship?

God did not need fanfare to redeem us. Choosing for the Savior to arrive in the lowliness of Bethlehem's leftover accommodations showed that. Could there have been a more humble way for Mary's miracle baby to arrive? When God sent His Son, we saw the full scope of His love through Jesus' humility. Only true humility would empty Himself of all that was rightfully His, wash His disciples' feet, hang on the cross for the sin of a thief next to Him. And only true meekness would do that for you and me.

Insight: Jesus, our humble king, would be born in a most humble way, live in a most humble place, and die on a most humble cross.



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+DEV+ Love One Another

Date: November 27, 2013 12:01 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Love One Another

Love One Another

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples..." (John 13:34)

Scripture Focus: John 13:34-35

Gardeners love worms. Worms tunnel through the ground, aerating the soil and making nutrients available to roots. These blind, slimy creatures work in the garden every day, seven days a week and draw no salary. Without them the gardener would have more work to do and added expense.

And how do they perform this valuable service? They eat dirt.

In the church we all have an important job. It is to "love one another" (John 13:35). We may have different roles as pastors, teachers, helpers, evangelists and such, but they are not the job itself. Nobody in the church has a more important job than anyone else because we all have the same job: loving one another.

When we forget this, we develop a "spectator factor." The many sit around watching the few. What would a garden be like if most of the earthworms lazed around watching two or three worms aerate the soil? Our important job in the church is to love one another. And that's a lot better than eating dirt.

Insight: Don't just show up at church. Give some thought and preparation to how you will love others when you get there.



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+DEV+ Not All Weeds Are Ugly

Date: November 26, 2013 2:43 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Not All Weeds Are Ugly

Not All Weeds Are Ugly

"Land that...produces a crop...receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned." (Hebrews 6:7-8)

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 24:30-34

Gardeners define a weed as simply "any plant I don't want." Not all weeds are ugly or full of thorns. I know several weeds that are quite beautiful. Some people intentionally grow plants that others regard as nuisances. It all comes down to which plants you want in your garden and which plants you don't want.

When it comes to our spiritual life, we usually think of what we want. We want our life to be meaningful and useful. We want to live forever in heaven one day. And it is good to want these things. But we should also consider what we do not want. We don't want to harbor secret sins. Yet if we never examine ourselves to see if we really don't want them, it could be that we actually do. We may be trying to hide them in a corner of our heart somewhere.

However, just like weeds, things that we try to hide from the Master will crowd out the spiritual growth in our lives. Take a look around and see what you really do not want in the garden of your heart. Jesus is there ready to remove it.

Insight: Just as weeds block the growth of desirable plants, sin blocks the spiritual growth of a christian. It’s best to pull it out right away.



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+DEV+ Embrace Jesus & His Wisdom

Date: November 24, 2013 9:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Embrace Jesus & His Wisdom

Embrace Jesus & His Wisdom

"She (wisdom) is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed." (Proverbs 3:18)

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:13-18

"Tree Hugger" is a modern term with political implications. Some like it and some don't. But did you know that the original tree hugger was one of the writers of the Bible? Solomon likened wisdom to a tree of life and guaranteed our success in life if we would "hug" or take hold of her.

When Solomon used the term "tree of life," he was making a poetic reference to the tree of life that stood in the Garden of Eden. That tree was part of God's plan for mankind and for the world. It would have been great wisdom if Adam had followed His plan. Certainly, the term "tree hugger" would have different connotations today!

But Solomon made it clear that wisdom is still available to us. God still has a plan to bless His people. If we will focus on Him and hold on to wisdom, He guarantees success. Solomon had not yet seen the fulfillment of God's plan in Jesus Christ, but we have. We can embrace Jesus Christ today. Focusing on Him is holding on to wisdom, something more precious than rubies (vs. 15).

Insight: Embrace things and they slip away from you. Embrace Jesus and join with all things in his embrace.



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+DEV+ Be A Better Tool

Date: November 22, 2013 4:17 AM
Topic: +DEV+   Be A Better Tool

 Be A Better Tool

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:18-20

I was talking to another gardener one day and spied a pair of lopping shears in the back of his truck. I knew those shears were the most expensive on the market, so I asked him why he'd spent that much on a tool. A cheaper pair would cut a branch just as well. But he challenged me to give them a try. What a difference they made! After that I bought the best, and often most expensive tools I could find.

We are the tools Jesus uses to build His kingdom. What a humbling thought. And the wonder of it is that no matter what caliber of tool we may seem to be, Christ uses us all and fine-tunes us for His purposes. Do you feel inadequate in your ministry? God has promised to provide everything we need to serve Him. He takes us into His hand just as we are, and there we become instrumental for Him.

If you needed tools to do your earthly job, you would ask your boss and co-workers how to get them. Why not ask your Boss and co-workers in the kingdom of God how you can be a better tool in the Master's hand?

Insight: For ease and productivity, a craftsman prepares his tools before he starts his work. Let God prepare you for his work.


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+DEV+ Getting Back Into Balance

Date: November 20, 2013 10:17 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Getting Back Into Balance

Getting Back Into Balance

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:6-7)

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

My friend told me once “When I have a problem with a plant, I take a cutting to a nursery for advice. Usually, I find out that my problem is either too much or not enough water, fertilizer, shade, sun or whatever else the plant may need. Getting the plant back into balance solves the problem.”

Ever notice how love can be out of balance in this world? That's because sin taints even the beautiful things like love. If we have too little of it, we become negligent and uncaring. Too much love may yield jealousy, possessiveness and a controlling spirit. But unlike plants, love is not easy to re-balance. We need a whole new kind of love.

In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul writes about a different kind of love that can never be given in too little or too much volume. It is heavenly love, “Agape" in Greek. Simply put, it means to love others the way Christ loves us. Such a thing is possible when we rely on the Holy Spirit to direct our feelings and actions. Then we can love others as He does, with a love that is never out of balance.

Insight: God is love; therefore, there can never be anything more important than loving like Him. Study His love and put it into practice today.



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+DEV+ Getting To The Roots

Date: November 19, 2013 9:01 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Getting To The Roots

Getting To The Roots

"Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit." (Matthew 7:17-18)

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:4-9

Many fruit trees are susceptible to root rot. Usually, by the time you know the tree is sick, it's too late. The damage has been done at the root and is just now showing above ground. There's no treatment. You just have to remove the tree, literally getting to the root of the problem.

Christians cannot act like Christians unless they think like Christians. In Philippians 4 Paul pleads with two women to "agree with each other in the Lord." The two had a history of working in God's service, but somewhere along the way they had a falling out, and now their ministry was off course. How sobering to be named in the Bible for your disagreeable attitudes! They were neither thinking nor acting like Christians.

So how should a Christian think? "If anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (vs.8). What is more excellent and praiseworthy than Jesus Himself? If we really think on Him, we can't help but act like Him. And the good news of the Gospel will go right to the root of our sin problem.

Insight: Good actions begin with good thinking. Develop the habit of thinking like Jesus and you will enjoy the habit of acting like Him.


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+DEV+ Seasons Are Inescapable

Date: November 18, 2013 9:28 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Seasons Are Inescapable

Seasons Are Inescapable

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

Pansies love cold weather, but they wilt in the summer sun. Marigolds love the heat but die in the cold. There's nothing to do but uproot the plants when they're out of season. Seasons are inescapable. Its best to work with them rather than against them.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 is a famous Bible passage that lists many of the seasons of life. It was made familiar in a popular song years ago. But the song did not reveal what the writer of these verses was getting at. It is in verse 14: "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him."

This sentiment does not appeal to our modern culture. We would rather revere ourselves. But there is more to life than we can understand, much less control. Just as we cannot escape the seasons that govern the lives of plants, we cannot escape the fact that we were created for God's glory. Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, we thrive best when we glorify Him.

Insight: Next time you visit a garden, revere the one who rules over the seasons of life. He makes it all possible.





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+DEV+ The Tree Of Life

Date: November 17, 2013 10:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Tree Of Life

The Tree Of Life

"...On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." (Revelation 22:2)

Scripture Focus: Revelation 22:1-5

A few years ago a wildfire crossed my friends property and burned several old oak trees to the ground. It was sad to see the smoldering roots of trees that had been there since the 1800s. But in the successive spring, new trees appeared out of the ashes. The fire had released the generative force of buried acorns.

There once was a tree that grew in the Garden of Eden called "The Tree of Life." We never got to eat its fruit because of sin's curse. Somehow it disappeared from this world. But in the book of Revelation, we read of a new tree of life that will grow someday in a place called "The New Jerusalem."

All of life and history are moving toward that day. There will be difficult times before it arrives. Our lives will know the sorrows that come from our sin-corrupted world. But after all of that, Christ's followers will eat from the tree of life in a place where, "No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God... will be there in the city, and his servants will serve him" (Revelation 22:3).

Insight: Jesus saves us so that we "may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city"  (Revelation 22:14).




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+DEV+ Gethsemane

Date: November 14, 2013 8:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Gethsemane

Gethsemane

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray." (Matthew 26:36)

Scripture Focus: John 18:1-6

Matthew 26 is the great turning point in the ministry of Jesus. "His hour" had come. He had commanded sickness to cease, demons to flee and storms to be calm. His life had been uniquely victorious. Now the needy crowds would go to the wayside as He fixed His eyes on the cross, soon being "delivered into the hands of sinful men [to] be crucified..." (Luke 24:7).

He chose to prepare Himself in the garden of Gethsemane. In this garden of sorrow, He faced the greatest challenge that anyone has ever faced. The sinless Son of God would give His life for sinners. He knew that He would conquer death, but the cross still lay in front of Him.

Although the Christian life is full of celebration and victory, sometimes we find ourselves in our own garden of sorrow. Even the promise of heaven does not make it go away. But what Jesus accomplished does banish our sorrow. He faced it all by saying, "may your will be done." Let's do likewise. Becoming like Him in sorrow means we will rise like Him in victory.

Insight: It's not easy to say "may your will be done" during times of sorrow, but those are the times when we really mean it.




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+DEV+ Jesus Sees You

Date: November 13, 2013 10:09 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Jesus Sees You

Jesus Sees You

"Jesus answered, 'I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Phillip called you.' Then Nathanael declared, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.'" (John 1:48-49)

Scripture Focus: John 1:43-51

"I don't need to go to church. I see God in my garden." Have you ever heard that excuse? People use it a lot. What they mean is that they have enjoyed some solitude and have mistaken their surroundings for God.

The truth is that you can't see God in a garden: He's not a plant. Yes, He made everything in the garden, but He is not one of the things He made. These people have got the point of solitude exactly backwards. You don't see God in a garden; He sees you. Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as solitude. Even when you get away from other people, you are still not alone.

This is what Nathanael discovered in today's verse. He thought he had been alone, under a fig tree, running his own life. But there was someone watching him, waiting to change his life in a radical way.

Have you missed the point of solitude? Jesus sees you and waits to change your life. In this time of solitude, realize that He sees you and is calling you. Will you recognize your King and follow Him as Nathanael did?

Insight: Solitude is a good thing, but it's not everything. It's just another way that we can encounter the one who is our all in all.



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+DEV+ Let Your Light Shine

Date: November 13, 2013 12:18 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Let Your Light Shine

Let Your Light Shine

"...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Scripture Focus: Acts 12:24

Bulbous plants, like irises and daffodils, propagate by sprouting baby bulbs off of a mature bulb. For a while those babies can grow right next to the mother plant and thrive. But if there are too many, the new bulbs remain tiny and produce smaller and fewer blooms.

Isn't this the perfect illustration of Christians who spend too much time by themselves or with other Christians? We become less effective at spreading the Gospel and even find time to bicker with each other.

The wise gardener separates bulbs every year to insure big, beautiful blooms. There are always plenty of baby bulbs left over to share with neighbors and friends.

The Bible and church history are full of examples of God separating His people for their good and His glory. He sends missionaries away from home and allows persecution to spread us out. But we don't have to wait for Him to move us to a distant country. Right where we are, we can develop intentional, healthy relationships with people who are outside of the Way.

Insight: Someone you know needs to see the beauty of Jesus Christ today. Show his beauty by planting your testimony where they can see it.



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+DEV+ Who Has Good Roots

Date: November 11, 2013 10:45 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Who Has Good Roots

Who Has Good Roots

"The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time." (Matthew 13:20-21)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 13:3-23

The hakea bush grows quick, thick and tall. It looks like a good plant for a hedge. But a strong wind will knock it over because the root system is very poor. The part of the plant that you can't see determines its real character.

When it comes to our character, do we concentrate on growing the parts that will impress others? Just like in the plant world, the part of us that can't be seen determines our real character. It is the place where we put down our spiritual roots. If we ignore it, we are just like the hakea bush because of our weak roots.

  Jesus tells us that the one who has good roots is "...the man who hears the word and understands it" (Matthew 13:23). It takes time to consider if you have really heard and understood the Word of God. It takes a wholehearted effort to daily read God's Word. Take the time to think and meditate on what you learn and how it applies to your life. Then you will find that when difficulties arise, you will remain standing in faith and rooted in Jesus.

Insight: No tree can be strong without strong roots. Put your roots down deep in God's promises, and they will hold you up.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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+DEV+ Trust In Christ Alone

Date: November 10, 2013 11:57 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Trust In Christ Alone

Trust In Christ Alone

"Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." (Proverbs 11:28)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 49:12-15

Wealth seems like something to trust. Have you ever felt worry or peace just from looking at the balance in your bank account? We see the flashy excesses of the wealthy and the misery of the poor and conclude: "wealth is better." So we strive and work and long for riches.

While we're busy worrying, some of this world's wealth is coming from an effortless process in a tiny organism. The process is photosynthesis, and the organism is the leaf. Without leaves doing their simple job, there would be no food, no life, and no riches. Trillions of leaves provide the means to grow all the food, fiber, and materials we need. They simply present themselves to the sun.

Every day we make the choice of what or in whom we will trust. Proverbs 11:28 makes it clear that if we trust in wealth, we are guaranteed to fall. Although we know this, it is difficult to resist and turn to Christ alone. But Jesus shines His righteousness toward us so we can thrive. All we must do is present ourselves to the Son.

Insight: Jesus is the one, true Son of God. in Him is life, and that life is the light of men. (see John 1:4)



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ Pray Continually

Date: November 7, 2013 7:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Pray Continually

Pray Continually

"But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." (Psalm 55:16-17)

Scripture Focus: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Every gardener spends a lot of time on his knees. When I first started my career as a gardener, I did not recognize or appreciate this marvelous opportunity. The work is hard and long, and the weather often does not cooperate. On your knees half the day, your attitude can deteriorate quickly.

But one day I realized how much time I was spending on my knees pulling weeds, fixing sprinklers, etc. It hit me: what a perfect time to pray! From then on I determined to pray whenever I was on my knees. It has made a difference in my attitude.

Jesus looked for times to pray and made use of them. Sometimes He got up early (Mark 1:35) or prayed all night (Luke 6:12). The Bible records numerous times of day when He prayed. We can find time, too, if we plan for it. You may be able to pray while working. If you're a brain surgeon or scientist, you may need to find another time. But we all have mental downtime, like when we're commuting or folding clothes, when we can spend quality time with our Master.

Insight: The apostle Paul told us to pray without ceasing. You can't do that without starting. Find your mental downtime and fill it with prayer.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are still in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ I Have Chosen You

Date: November 6, 2013 11:20 PM
Topic: +DEV+  I Have Chosen You

I Have Chosen You

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:16)

Scripture Focus: John 15:9-16

Nurserymen often talk about how a plant "likes" being planted in sun or shade. But you never hear them talk about where a plant chooses to be planted. That's because plants don't choose. They grow where they are planted. That's what makes them a "plant."

But Jesus chooses those who will become His followers. "I have chosen you out of the world" (John 15:19), Jesus says. The entire process of salvation is due to Him choosing us, not because of anything we have done. This is a great mystery. We don't know how it works, but we see that it works in our changed hearts. I know that if God had waited for me to choose Him, He would still be waiting.

How reassuring this is when we follow His command to bear fruit (that's His way of telling us to do as He did and how our lives then reflect His goodness). We need not feel the weight of responsibility so heavily if we remember that He chose us and appointed us to do it. As we study and respond to His good and perfect Word, He will give us what we ask in His name.

Insight:  "So Neither He Who Plants Nor He Who Waters Is Anything, But Only God, Who Makes Things Grow." (1 Corinthians 3:7)




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ Keep Planting Those Seeds

Date: November 5, 2013 10:53 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Keep Planting Those Seeds

Keep Planting Those Seeds

"Then Jesus asked, 'What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed...'" (Luke 13:18-19)

Scripture Focus: Luke 13:10-19

In Southern California plants struggle for existence. The heat and frequent droughts make it hard for them to flourish. But one plant that has no problems growing here is mustard. It thrives in the very conditions that kill other plants. If you pull it out of your garden, it will return next year. The wind and the birds will plant those tiny seeds all over for you.

When Jesus made the statement quoted above, it was after a religious leader tried to stop Him from spreading the kingdom of God. But Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. The mustard seed grows from a tiny seed into a huge plant. No one can eradicate it because the seeds are so productive. Likewise, the kingdom of God cannot be stopped because just a little bit of it is so powerful. Jesus kept planting seeds, and look what has happened!

Many today would like to stop the spread of the Gospel. They work hard to discredit Jesus and His followers. But the Gospel keeps going forward as we keep spreading those tiny seeds.

Insight: Nothing can stop the spread of Christ's kingdom. It thrives even in impossible situations. Keep planting those seeds!




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ Thy Will Be Done

Date: November 4, 2013 10:03 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Thy Will Be Done

Thy Will Be Done

"He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored." (Proverbs 27:18)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13

Fig trees are amazing. They are hardy and bear an enormous crop. But gardeners who plant a fig tree don't expect the tree to serve them. They serve the needs of the tree in order to enjoy the fruit later.

In times of prayer, have you ever acted like a gardener who expects the plant to serve him? We ask for this and that and sit back, waiting for the abundant harvest of our "labor." But look at the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6. There are only five verses. Two are about God and His kingdom; two are about how we should behave. Only one verse is a straightforward request: "Give us today our daily bread." And that is not asking for much.

God has told us that we can bring all our needs before Him with assurance that He will meet them. But our overall approach to prayer should be like the gardener in the verse quoted from Proverbs above. We should look after our Master, asking more about how we can serve Him than how He can serve us. Through our humble submission to Him, His blessings abound.

Insight: What prayer can we pray and always receive a "yes"? God always says "yes" when we pray, "Thy will be done."




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ The Time Is Short

Date: November 4, 2013 12:34 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The Time Is Short

The Time Is Short

"He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?' 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered. He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'" (Matthew 20:6-7)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 20:1-7

When you grow a lot of stone fruits, you are up against the clock when it's harvest time. If you don't pick those apricots, peaches, plums, etc. the squirrels and birds will. And the rest will rot on the ground. You don't need to wait for a sign from heaven to start picking. That sign has already been given - it’s harvest time.

Some people wait for a sign from heaven before they start their ministry or being active in the kingdom of God. Like the landowner in the Scripture quoted above, God is asking them, "Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?"

They think that God should call them and show them a sign to tell them what to do for Him. But that sign has already been given. The Bible tells us clearly that we are to go and tell others about Jesus Christ. In this day of instant communication, the resources are available to share His story with one or many, across the street or around the world. Plus we have the Holy Spirit to direct us.

Start today. It’s harvest time!

Insight: The time is short. You only have today to do today's work. Jesus is saying, "You also go and work in My vineyard."




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ New Life In Jesus

Date: October 31, 2013 9:34 PM
Topic: +DEV+  New Life In Jesus

New Life In Jesus

"For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations." (Isaiah 61:11)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 61:10-11

Spring is aptly named because new life seems to "spring" right out of the ground. A spring of water flows from a hole in the earth bringing life to all that lies downstream. So, in the season of spring, seeds shoot stems out of the ground, plants burst with new leaves, and new life flows into the world.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, "... the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow." He is marveling at the sight of life coming out of non-life. We could talk a long time about that phenomenon. We sit on a blue planet bursting with life at the edge of a dark universe. What a miracle!

But the point of today's Scripture is that God, beyond His astounding act of bringing life out of non-life, does even more. He makes righteousness and praise spring up in us. Jesus clothes His followers in righteousness, and we live to the praise of His glory. It's not a humdrum existence of mere religious habit. Rather, we have new life through Him. We are God's garden of spiritual life, and it just springs up!

Insight: Abide in Christ and marvel at the miracle of spiritual life that springs up in you. He is the gardener of your soul.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series Or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ The Treasure Of Jesus

Date: October 30, 2013 9:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Treasure Of Jesus

The Treasure Of Jesus

"The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold..."(Psalm 19:9-10)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 19:7-10

An old story tells of a man who had a barren orchard. A traveler came by and offered to buy it. "I've heard there's gold around here," said the traveler. The man refused and, when the traveler was gone, began digging for gold. He dug and dug but never found any. Disgusted and tired, the man sat down and cursed the orchard.

Just then the traveler returned. The man gladly sold the orchard to him and left. The following year the man returned to find his former property producing more fruit than ever. The traveler thanked him for finding the gold. "When did I do that?" the man asked.

"When you were digging," said the traveler. "You aerated the soil and broke up the old roots to make room for new ones. Now the orchard produces fruit that I will trade for gold."

When we look outside of God's purpose for us, we miss the "gold" that's in our own backyard. Seeking Him will bring us a return beyond anything we ever dreamed possible. No greater riches could you or I ever find than the treasure of knowing Jesus.

Insight:  "But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven... for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:20-21)




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series Or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

DEV+ Remade Of God

Date: October 29, 2013 10:46 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Remade Of God

Remade Of God

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..."(Ephesians 2:8)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 1:1-3

The coast redwood tree can grow beyond 350 feet. It takes a tremendous amount of water to keep such a tree alive. The rainfall in its habitat can reach 122 inches per year. Still, it needs even more rain to survive the summer. So the coast redwood has a special trick. It makes its own rain. With its great height and girth, the tree collects moisture from the dense fog that often envelopes it. The moisture drips down to the forest floor, supplying a steady source of water for the tree.

Many people in this world grow to be beautiful and virtuous. But we all fall short of achieving the sinless life we crave. We need the grace that comes down from above like fog on the redwood. We cannot match God's righteousness no matter how hard we try. Yet in His grace He nourishes us by His Holy Spirit, knowing "how we are formed" and remembering "that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14). And we don't just grow a little taller as the redwood does. Through the divine workings of our Savior, He makes us into a whole new "tree."

Insight: Do you expect to earn God's approval through self-improvement and will power? Give it up! Receive His grace and let Him remake you.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
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Or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ For He Cares For You

Date: October 28, 2013 10:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+  For He Cares For You

For He Cares For You

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Scripture Focus: Luke 12:1-12

I was pulling weeds from a bank of flowers when my neighbor walked by. "If I was doing that, I could die," he said, "because I'm allergic to bees." His comment prompted me to look around and notice a thousand bees working alongside me. But I had nothing to fear. I'm not allergic.

In the Bible we are told both to fear and not to fear God. Luke 12:5 says, "Fear him [God] who... has the power to throw you into hell." But in verse 7 Jesus says, "Don't be afraid [of God]; you are worth [much to Him]." How do we sort this out?

We are all sinners. Because of His perfect justice, God must condemn sin. But for those who are in Christ, there is no need to fear God. You might say we are no longer "allergic" to Him. We can work right alongside of Him and not be harmed.

Yet we still have a healthy fear of dishonoring our holy, awesome God. We are safe because Christ "is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

Insight: Live in Him, work in Him, rest in Him. Jesus is our antidote to sin's curse and our passport into the glorious presence of God.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
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If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series Or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ Sinless Son Of God

Date: October 27, 2013 10:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Sinless Son Of God

Sinless Son Of God

"Ahab said to Elijah, So you have found me, my enemy!” “I have found you, he answered, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD." (1 Kings 21:20)

Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 21:1-29

King Ahab was used to getting what he wanted and his devious advisers found ways to meet his selfish desires. But one day Ahab met a man of honor, and it simply bewildered him.

Naboth, the honorable man, owned a vineyard that stood where the king wanted to grow a vegetable garden. But Naboth refused to sell because the vineyard was Naboth's family inheritance. That's when those advisers came in. They had Naboth murdered so Ahab could steal his land.

It's hard to believe that this injustice would take place over a garden. Gardens are places of peace, provision and beauty. But sin doesn't care where it rears its ugly head. In this world even wonderful things can become tools of evil.

That's why we must look to Jesus, “The author and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2). Looking at the sinless Son of God, we have a standard to judge all things by. He teaches us to be wary of the sin that so easily entangles. Thankfully, we have the assurance that someday He will make all things new.

Insight: Sin can appear in unexpected places and do unspeakable damage. But it can't touch the sinless Son of God. Dwell in him today.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series Or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ Remain In The Vine

Date: October 24, 2013 11:44 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Remain In The Vine

Remain In The Vine

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (John 15:4)

Scripture Focus: John 15:9-11

When you look up a plant in a gardening book, you will see a reference to the geographical zone where that plant grows best. Some plants can grow elsewhere, but that takes extra care. It's often not even worth the bother to grow a plant outside of its zone.

Christians have only one zone where they can grow, and it's not a geographic area. Rather, it is the zone of trust and dependence on Christ. It's what Jesus called abiding in Him. Unlike plants, Christians will not grow outside their zone no matter how hard they try. In quietness and trust, the prophet Isaiah tells us, is our strength (vs. 30:15).

Our salvation depends upon what Christ has done for us and in us. Our fruitfulness, the ability to be like Him and bless others as He did, depends on where we are abiding today. That's why we need a daily check-up about the zone we're in.

Where are you abiding today? Are you trusting in your will-power or determination to make you like Jesus? You can try that. Or you can get in the right zone... and grow!

Insight: A plant that grows outside its zone is still a plant, but a plant that grows in its zone is productive. Get in the right zone!




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series
Or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets