Tuesday, December 31, 2013

+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!


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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Sunday, December 29, 2013

+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."


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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Thursday, December 26, 2013

+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.


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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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

+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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Sunday, December 22, 2013

+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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Thursday, December 19, 2013

+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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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

+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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Monday, December 16, 2013

+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.


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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Sunday, December 15, 2013

+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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Thursday, December 12, 2013

+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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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

+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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Monday, December 9, 2013

+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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Sunday, December 8, 2013

+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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Friday, December 6, 2013

+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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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

Thursday, December 5, 2013

+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.


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

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

+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.


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

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

+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)


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+ 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.



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

Sunday, December 1, 2013

+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.



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