Today's Daily Devotional

[Bugsy]

December 1, 2008

Jesus—Keynote of God’s Plan
READ | Luke 2:6-11

Jesus’ genealogy may not seem like exciting reading but the context of the His lineage is important (Matt. 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38). The Bible delineates His family tree to reveal God’s handiwork throughout history. Everything He had done from Eden to Bethlehem to Golgotha and beyond was planned.

In the garden of Eden, disobedience ushered sin into the world, corrupting mankind’s nature. So God provided immediate as well as long-term solutions. He shed an animal’s blood so that its skin might cover Adam and Eve’s nakedness. In addition, He set into motion events that would culminate in His Son becoming the sacrificial Lamb of God.

As part of His plan, the heavenly Father promised to bless the human race through Abraham’s descendants (Gen. 26:4), a people whom He set apart to serve Him. Despite periods of enslavement, wandering, and exile, the Israelites grew into a prominent community with a radical belief in one God.

Later, the Macedonian Empire’s mandatory language (Greek) gave far-flung peoples a common tongue. In addition, Jews long separated from their homeland once again had access to Scripture, thanks to translation efforts. In another development, the Romans built 50,000 miles of highway, facilitating the gospel’s distribution throughout the world.

The timing of Jesus’ birth was no accident. His ancestors’ lives were woven into the redemption plan that culminated in Christ’s triumph over death. God used both good and bad events to create the perfect environment for maximum impact.

[Bugsy]

December 2, 2008

An Adoption Story
READ | Galatians 4:4-7

Adoption. The very word will cause an orphan’s heart to swell with hope—the hope of belonging, sharing a common name, and receiving love. No wonder Paul used such an engaging metaphor to illustrate the importance of Jesus’ birth. The world was then and is still filled with people desperate for the intimacy of Father and family.

New Testament writers used a lot of imagery about kinship. For instance, they wrote about sons, heirs, and brothers and sisters of Christ (Matt. 12:50; Gal. 4:7). The words remind readers that those who have received Jesus as Savior are set apart. No longer are believers “sons of disobedience” or “children of wrath,” but rather, they have been given a new name: children of God (Eph. 2:2-3; 1 John 3:1). And with that distinction come special privileges, such as the right to call upon the Father.

God loves every person ever created, but like any parent, He offers His children “family-only” benefits. He responds to their prayers (Luke 18:1-8). He provides for their needs (Matt. 6:31-33). He holds a protective hand over them (Prov. 18:10). In a word, He is perfect. And this amazing Father desires to build a personal relationship with each one who is willing to be part of His family.

An orphanage is frequently a place of little hope, since only a few kids receive adoption offers. Not so with God. His family is open to all. The process is simple—no forms to fill out and no waiting period. Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, and choose to surrender your life to His will. Welcome to the family!

[Bugsy]

December 3, 2008

When God Is Silent
READ | John 11:1-6

When Lazarus was dying, his sisters urgently called for Jesus. Imagine how their grief must have compounded when He didn’t instantly respond to their request. God’s silence is difficult to accept. We want Him to leap into action when we call, particularly if we are hurting or afraid. But since He promises to meet our needs, we can be sure that a silence from heaven has purpose.

Silence grabs our attention. The disciples knew that Jesus could heal, so they must have wondered why He delayed instead of rushing to His friend’s bedside. But the Lord wanted them to witness something even greater: His power over death. They had been confused by His statements about conquering death, and they needed to understand that He could fulfill His own resurrection prophecies (Mark 9:31-32). The miracle at Lazarus’ tomb was part of their preparation.

Silence teaches us to trust. Mary and Martha sent word of Lazarus’ illness because they anticipated that the Lord would heal him. But would their faith waver if that expectation was not met? Martha answered the question by stating, “I believe that you are the Christ” (John 11:21-27 NIV). The Lord rewarded the women’s trust with a stunning miracle: their brother’s return to life.

At times, the only thing we can hear when we pray is our own breathing. That can be frustrating and frightening. But Scripture says God is always with us, and His silence will not last forever (Job 23:8-10; Heb. 13:5). Cling to those promises as you seek the purpose behind His silence.

[Bugsy]

December 4, 2008

Persevering Through Silence
READ | Job 23:16-17

Yesterday we noted that God always has a purpose for being silent. I learned this lesson—and its corollary—in college.

One day during my senior year, I prepared to pray over a situation that would impact my future. But as I got on my knees, I felt as if God was suddenly gone. For three days and nights, His presence seemed miles away. The fourth evening, some friends gathered to intercede on my behalf, but to no avail. Nearly defeated, I was headed back to my room when I saw my buddy Don’s light. I climbed through his open window (the dorms were locked), and we prayed until dawn. Still nothing.

I beseeched the Father all week. Then, at last, He dramatically intervened in my life to clearly dictate my next steps. The corollary is this: When God is silent, keep on praying!

Far too many times, I have heard people say they quit praying about a need because there was no answer. Matthew 17:20 says that faith the size of a mustard seed is able to move mountains—then imagine how tiny our trust must be when we give up on the Lord! Believers cannot treat prayers like quarters fed into a vending machine, which gives an instant response. Talking to God is a long-term investment in the intimate friendship we have with Him.

Though God may be silent for a time, He never ceases working on our behalf. When the time is right, He provides an outcome that aligns with His perfect plan. Giving up before the Lord responds to your call is a grave mistake. So pray on, friends. Pray on!

[Bugsy]

December 5, 2008

Brokenness: The Protest
READ | Jonah 1

The children’s story about Jonah and the whale presents the prophet in a rather rosy light: After three days in the fish’s belly, he relents and goes merrily on to Nineveh. End of story.

The Bible narrative has the same components (storm, big fish, repentant Ninevites) but a totally different context. From the moment Jonah chose to flee till the end of the book, his heart was in rebellion against God.

The inhabitants of Nineveh were Assyrians, a people known for their aggression and cruelty. Since they were the sworn enemies of Israel, Jonah had good reason to despise them. However, God loved the Ninevites and desired their repentance. The challenging task of ministering to them carried an additional purpose: breaking Jonah’s unloving spirit— an attitude so strong that he preferred to die rather than see the enemy saved (Jonah 4:3).

God longed to mold the prophet’s character to reflect His own—He wanted a willing, loving servant, but Jonah resisted at every turn. Pride and hatred drove him ever deeper into rebellion. Note that while he agreed to go to Nineveh, he didn’t repent (Jonah 2:9). The Lord wasn’t fooled; He knew Jonah’s heart remained hard. So as the Ninevites rejoiced over deliverance, their minister stewed in his bitterness. Emotional and mental anguish were high prices to pay for resistance.

What keeps you from serving the Lord fully? You probably already know the area of your life He is trying to break. The process is painful, but it’s done for your good and His glory. Give in to Him.

[Bugsy]

December 8, 2008

A Prayer Burden
READ | Nehemiah 2:1-8

Christians use the word burden in an unusual way. Instead of referring to a physical load, believers speak of a spiritual weight placed on their heart. In essence, “I have a burden for her” means “I feel an intense urge to pray for her.”

God makes a believer’s spirit heavy when He wants his or her attention focused on a certain matter. For example, He motivated an exiled Israelite, Nehemiah, to intercede for the Jewish remnant left vulnerable by Jerusalem’s crumbling walls. The Lord already knew the Israelites’ troubles, so He certainly didn’t need this one man’s prayers. The burden was for Nehemiah’s good. Allowing God to use him as a conduit to help others boosted his faith. Nehemiah tapped into a reservoir of compassion while on his knees. So great was his love for his countrymen that he swallowed his fear and revealed the need to the Persian king.

Calling us to bear each other’s burdens is one way the Lord strengthens His church. Human nature is such that we feel connected with those we have helped. In a similar way, an invisible thread ties us to the people for whom we pray, even though they may never hear of our intercession. God knits these strands together so that many believers make up one whole, which He calls “the body of Christ” (Rom. 12:5).

Our heavenly Father is looking for people willing to be burdened for their brothers and sisters in the Lord. I challenge you: make yourself available to intercede on behalf of someone else. Blessing the body of Christ is an awesome privilege.

[Bugsy]

December 10, 2008

A Revolutionary Announcement
READ | Acts 2:38-47

“God raised [Jesus] up again,” declared Peter in his first sermon (Acts 2:24). Imagine what a revolutionary statement that was. The assembled crowd knew of the Lord and the miracles He’d performed. Perhaps some had even joined in shouting, “Crucify Him!” (Matt. 27:22). Yet here was one of Jesus’ followers, claiming that the Christ could not be held down by death’s power.

The disciples’ early accounts of the Lord’s resurrection were treated as idle tales told by desperate men. But Pentecost was a new day. The crowd witnessed something historic as each person heard the gospel in his or her own language (Acts 2:11-12). God visited mankind in a way He’d never done before.

The revolution sparked by the Holy Spirit that day spread across the world and into the modern era, transforming cultures as well as individuals. Revival began in 3,000 hearts smitten with remorse at the news of the Messiah’s death. Those new believers underwent baptism—a public “statement” that Jesus was the Savior, who died for their sins, rose again, ascended into heaven, and took His place at God’s right hand. The new believers’ conversion also caused change within their communities, as they lived out the gospel message of compassion and love.

The revolution continues. God sees to it that all people who are open to the gospel will receive it in a language they can understand. Are you a changed person because you have heard that Jesus is alive? If not, now is the time to let this truth transform you.

[Bugsy]

December 16, 2008

God's Way to Give
READ | 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Our heavenly Father knows what our income is and how He would like us to spend it. He also desires that we demonstrate certain heart attitudes in our giving. These include faith, compassion, and generosity.

It takes faith to give before our own needs are met. The Macedonians at Philippi were experiencing deep poverty, but they still longed to contribute. Their behavior revealed a deep trust in the Lord’s provision.

Compassion is also vital. This heart attitude cares about others and wants to bless them. The Philippian church saw Paul’s situation and longed to help (Phil. 4:16). The Lord is pleased when we love one another and share from what we have. The Macedonian believers were also generous. Though in great need themselves, they begged for the privilege of contributing to the collection for the Jerusalem church.

Consider how greatly we have benefited from the generosity of our heavenly Father. He provided His Son Jesus to take our sins upon Himself and die in our place. He has adopted us into His family, made us co-heirs with Christ, and prepared for us a permanent home in heaven with Him. And in this life, His Holy Spirit provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). As we make our Christmas plans, let’s be generous towards others, just as God has been to us.

As we study biblical principles about how to handle money, God’s Holy Spirit will help us put them into practice. Obedience to the Word will bring spiritual blessing (Luke 6:38).

[Bugsy]

December 17, 2008

Consequences of Unforgiveness
READ | Hebrews 12:14-15

Scripture stresses the importance of pardoning those who have offended us. While it may feel natural to pull away from hurtful people, refusing to forgive has consequences far worse than the pain of being wronged. Unforgiveness . . .

• Harms family interactions. Have you ever tried to maintain a growing relationship with an individual who’s rooted in bitterness? You can’t do it, because that person is fixated on his unhealthy feelings about someone else. Moreover, it’s hard to spend time with anyone consumed by bitterness, because such people simply cease being likable.

• Hinders prayer life. Unforgiveness is sin, and unconfessed sin creates “static” in our relationship with God. So we must forgive others before prayer or worship (Matt. 5:23-24).

• Damages one’s personal witness. The highlight of your testimony is salvation, which centers around the truth that the Lord has forgiven all your sins. How can you stress the importance of this if your listener can’t see even a hint of forgiveness in your own life?

• Thwarts spiritual growth. God will not bless sinful actions. And so, if you are living a life mired in unforgiveness, you cannot expect Him to shower you with His blessings. By persisting in disobedience, you disrupt intimate fellowship with the Lord and put yourself in a dangerous, weak position.

Is there anyone you need to forgive today? Don’t let another night pass without granting that forgiveness. There is more at stake here than you may have realized.

[Bugsy]

December 18

And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand pluckt out of the fire?
Zechariah 3:1-2

Here, we see Joshua standing before Jesus with Satan ready to resist, or accuse, him. According to Revelation 12:10, one of Satan’s main occupations is accusing believers. In fact, the word devil actually means “slanderer.”

When Satan talks to you about God, he lies. He tries to get you to think that God is some kind of cosmic killjoy who wants you to be miserable. He whispers in your ear that God is mad at you, disappointed in you, through with you. But when he talks to God about you, he speaks truth. “Look at Jon Courson,” he says. “He’s supposed to be Your child. But did You hear what he said? Do You know what he thought? Did You see what he did?”

As Jesus answers the accuser, He doesn’t liken Joshua to a mighty redwood or a majestic oak. No, He says, “See this little twig? I plucked him out of the fire - just like I chose insignificant Jerusalem to be My capital city.”

Our security and significance don’t lie in who we are, gang, but in Whose we are. Ephesians 1:4 declares that before the foundation of the world, God elected us and adopted us into His family. Before we did anything or were anything, God ordained that we would be part of His Kingdom. Therefore, we don’t have to convince ourselves or others that we’re something we’re not.

[Bugsy]

December 21, 2008

When Life Seems Out of Control
READ | Romans 8:28-30

We all have experienced seasons when life just seems to spin out of control. Sometimes people don’t cooperate with us and become an obstacle to our goals. At other times, we are squeezed by overcommitment. Perhaps an illness interrupts our plans or an unexpected situation throws us off balance. None of these things take God by surprise. Our all-knowing heavenly Father will use the events of life to shape us internally and externally (Ps. 147:5).

Let me give you an analogy to show how the Father works. Imagine a chess game in which one contestant is a master and the other is an amateur. The champion chess player wants to teach the other person how to play. But he never forces the beginner to move a particular piece. Instead, he allows the amateur to make his own decisions and then responds accordingly.

The inexperienced player knows only some simple strategies and lacks the experience to see several moves ahead. He makes many mistakes along the way. The champion understands the game so well that he can anticipate the result of every move. In this way, he is able to guide the game to the conclusion he has chosen.

In our case, the Father desires to transform us into the image of His Son Jesus. He knows we are beginners who will make some right choices and some poor ones. But He is the master with the knowledge and ability to work all things together for our good. Because of this, we need not be discouraged. The Lord is always at work for our benefit.

[Bugsy]

December 22, 2008

Immanuel – God Is With Us
READ | Matthew 1:18-25

Names have great significance in the Bible. Jesus was called Messiah in Hebrew, which is translated as Christ in Greek. The terms both pointed to Him as an anointed One who would become King. Immanuel was another important name He was given. It means “God with us” (Matt. 1:23).

To understand the difference it makes to have God with us, consider how this blessing affected three biblical leaders. First of all, the Lord’s presence was the reason Moses repeatedly approached Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelite slaves—God’s promise enabled him to overcome his fear (Ex. 3:12).

Second, after Moses’ death, Joshua was appointed to take Israel into the Promised Land. Imagine what it meant to this new leader to realize that the Father was always near. As commander, Joshua would face many challenges, including travel, combat, and rebellion. He could be a courageous leader because he knew that the Lord would never leave him.

Third, as a young shepherd boy and later as king, David knew the Lord’s presence well (1 Sam17:37; 2 Sam. 7:18). In Psalm 23, he wrote that in his darkest times, he would not fear evil because God was with him.

Our Father has pledged to be with all those whom He has redeemed (Isa. 43:1-2). If you have received Jesus as your personal Savior, then His Holy Spirit dwells within you. No matter what happens in your life, God remains with you to strengthen, guide, and comfort.

[Bugsy]

December 23, 2008

Immanuel – Christ in You
READ | John 14:16-20

When Jesus Christ was born, God in human flesh dwelt among mankind. The long-awaited Messiah had come into the world. Immanuel was here.

The news was given first to the shepherds, who hurried to see this God-man for themselves. From there, they spread the word that a Savior has been born (Luke 2:20). What a momentous day! God had sent His Son into the world to live among the people.

For 30 years, Jesus lived in obscurity—till the Father’s appointed time for Him to begin His work. Then for three years, He ministered among Jews and Gentiles, teaching and preaching to whoever would listen. In the end, His message and His person were rejected; He was crucified on a cross and buried in a tomb. It appeared that Immanuel was gone.

However, the resurrection proved that was wrong. And then on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was given to all believers (Acts 2:1, 4) just as Jesus had promised. The Lord’s Spirit would now live within them forever, guiding them into all truth and leading them in the way they were to go. The promise was not just for the disciples but for every person who chooses to trust in Jesus.

If you’ve acknowledged that you are a sinner and accepted Christ’s payment for the penalty you owe, the Spirit now lives in you. Through Him, you have an intimate connection with God. Take time to dwell on the divine mystery of Christ in you. Let the knowledge of His constant presence transform loneliness into comfort, fear into faith, and weakness into strength.

[Bugsy]

December 24, 2008

Divine Joy
READ | John 15:5-11

In John 15, Jesus described our relationship with Him as branches connected to the true vine. In a vineyard, grapes are produced when the plant’s sap runs through its branches. As Christ’s life-giving Spirit flows through us, spiritual fruit will develop. This includes divine joy (Gal. 5:22-23).

To experience this deep spiritual contentment, we must stay closely connected with the Lord. Jesus often slipped away so He and the Father could have intimate communion (Mark 1:35). He was able to endure much because of His fellowship with God and the joy He knew was to come (Heb. 12:2). In a similar way, the apostle Paul overflowed with joy even when he suffered (2 Cor. 7:4). He described a Christian’s connection with God this way: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20 NIV).

Joy will increase when we follow Paul’s example and fix our attention upon Jesus rather than upon ourselves or our circumstances The more we abide in Him, the greater our spiritual happiness will be. Our initial reaction to hardship may be discouragement or overwhelming pain. But if we focus on Him and commune with His Spirit, our sense of peace will return. Remember, the Lord promised that His joy would be in us fully when we rest in Him.

What a powerful witness we’ll have when the Lord’s joy flows in and through us. It’s not an earthly happiness but a divine contentment that the Holy Spirit produces in us. Let spiritual joy permeate all you do and say.

[Bugsy]

A suppliment to Today’s Daily Devotional. I normally don't do this one is enough in my opinion however on the eve of when we celebrate the birth of Christ this additional devotional from Pastor Jon Courson of Applegate Christian Fellowship struck me as worthy to share with all of you, I am certain that its message will speak directly to someone who will benefit from this message.

May God bless & watch over your families and our soldiers in harms way, I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas...

December 24, 2008

He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. AS an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him. Deuteronomy 32:10-12

Eagles can be found on every continent of the world except Antarctica. And the eagle is not only the symbol of America, but was, in czarist days, the symbol of Russia. In Bible times, it was the symbol of the Roman Empire.

The African eagle, with which the children of Israel would have been familiar, makes its home in the Middle East and has a wingspan of up to ten feet.

Once a year, the female eagle lays an egg in a nest high over a bluff or ravine, inaccessible to predators. For the six weeks following its hatching, the eaglet has it made in the shade. he can see lots of things from his vantage point. He's fed hourly by his mother. And he grows fat and plump.

By week five, he has grown quite large. And then something begins to happen. Unbeknownst to him, his mother designed the nest in such a way that sticks point inward. So as he gets fatter, the sticks begin to poke him. And no doubt Ernie Eaglet wonders why his parents didn't make a more comfortable nest--never realizing that its design was all part of the plan to get him to do something he never would have done otherwise: to fly.

The same thing can happen to you and me. We're comfy. We're cozy. We're chubby. But all of a sudden, something begins to happen that agitates us, that pokes at us. "My boss shouldn't treat me this way, " we squawk. "My friend shouldn't ignore me that way, " we screech.

Wait a minute. It's all part of a divine design, a grand plan. Therefore, wise is the man or woman who doesn't blame the sticks, but realizes they're part of the Father's plan.

At about this time, Mom returns to the nest one day and, with her five-foot wings, stirs it and bumps it. And Ernie is thrown out, causing him to fall hundreds of feet toward the ravine below. Feathers fly. Ernie squawks. The ground gets closer, the rocks bigger--when Mama swoops underneath Ernie and carries him on her back to the nest once again.

Whew! Ernie thinks, That was close! I hope Mom learned a lesson about being clumsy. But a few days later, Mama stirs the nest once again, she swoops underneath him at seemingly the last minute, returning him to the nest at last.

The same process is repeated over and over again. But somewhere after the sixth or seventh time, Ernie catches air. No longer sore at his mother, he soars with her. And he can't believe it. He didn't have any idea that he could fly--until he was dumped out of the nest.

"What are You doing, God?" we cry. "If I'm Your inheritance, if You keep me as the apple of Your eye, then why am I headed for the rock?" But right before we crash--maybe only a moment or so before we're crushed--He swoops in, bears us on His back, and returns us to the nest. Then, days later, He stirs the nest and begins the process all over again.

You see, God loves you and me too much to allow us to settle into the comfort of mediocrity. So He makes our nest uncomfortable as He gets us ready to do something new. He's not going to let us settle for a perch on a cliff when He knows we could soar in the heavenlies.