Daily Devotional 7-9-21

God’s Hand in Your Life

It is a delightful and profitable occupation to mark the hand of God in the lives of ancient saints and to observe His goodness in delivering them, His mercy in pardoning them, and His faithfulness in keeping His covenant with them. But would it not be even more interesting and profitable for us to observe the hand of God in our own lives? Should we not look upon our own history as being at least as full of God, as full of His goodness and of His truth, as much a proof of His faithfulness and veracity as the lives of any of the saints who have gone before?

We do our Lord an injustice when we suppose that He performed all His mighty acts and showed Himself strong for those in the early time but does not perform wonders or lay bare His arm for the saints who are now upon the earth. Let us review our own lives. Surely in these we may discover some happy incidents, refreshing to ourselves and glorifying to our God. Have you had no deliverances? Have you passed through no rivers, supported by the divine presence? Have you walked through no fires unharmed? Have you had no manifestations? Have you had no choice favors? The God who gave Solomon the desire of his heart, has He never listened to you and answered your requests? That God of lavish bounty of whom David sang, “who satisfies you with good,”1 has He never filled you up to overflowing? Have you never been made to lie down in green pastures? Have you never been led by the still waters?

Surely the goodness of God has been the same to us as to the saints of old. Let us, then, weave His mercies into a song. Let us take the pure gold of thankfulness and the jewels of praise and make them into another crown for the head of Jesus. Let our souls produce music as sweet and as exhilarating as came from David’s harp while we praise the Lord whose mercy endures forever.

1) Psalm 103:5

From: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/7/9/1/

Daily Devotional 7-8-21

The Third Beatitude: The Meek are not Pushovers

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Those who are comforted by the gospel have been adopted by the Father, thus they inherit the earth.

They stand before the Father, all humanity, the earthly creation, even the entire universe, as sons and daughters of God. It is that dignified standing that makes them “meek.” Thus, they are not pushovers. They walk with dignity, head held high, over the face of the earth. They own it; they are its lawful inheritors. Circumstances don’t determine their standing nor their dignity. The earth and its future is already theirs, regardless of every possible negative against them in the present. They don’t need to recur to violence of any type to claim what already belongs to them. They can turn the other cheek. They can go that second mile. In quietness and confidence is their strength (Isa 30:15). That courage, that trustful confidence, that reserve is meekness.

The nuance for this definition of “meekness” comes from the Greek term used here, praus. It denotes a blend of gentle reserve and strength, a nuance not immediately available from the English term “meek.”But Jesus’ use of praus in this beatitude, combined with the assurance of the earth as the inheritance of those blessed by God’s makarios, leaves no doubt as to the strength of its meaning. The meek have the dignity of lawful heirs, they are children of God, and inherit that which is his. They inherit the earth because they are children of God, not because they are meek. But their standing as God’s children gives them meekness. They stand tall and proud, yet they exercise reserve because they will not cheapen their standing as God’s children. But they are not pushovers.

The nuance for this definition of “meekness” comes from the Greek term used here, praus. It denotes a blend of gentle reserve and strength, a nuance not immediately available from the English term “meek.”

It is within that meaning that we understand the identity of Moses as “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Num 12:3). Notwithstanding his stammering and the need for his brother as his interlocutor, he stood up to Pharaoh as God’s spokesperson on behalf of his enslaved brothers and sisters. Pharaoh’s wrath could not push him over. Neither could the wrath of God’s own people. Yet, when pushed to his limit, he recurred to violence, and struck the rock to claim what was already his. That’s when he lost his meekness.

But the meekness lost by Moses, and all other men and women, was regained by Christ.

First, let’s focus on Jesus’ in the desert.

“If you are the Son of God,” was the gauntlet thrice thrown before Jesus by the seemingly powerful and commanding presence of Satan in the wilderness. In today’s terms, the weakened man was being bullied to the extreme. His threat was clear: “Unless you exercise your presumed power as God’s Son, unless you depart from your dignity and reserve, unless you powerfully act on your behalf, you are nothing, and you will have proved it by your inaction. If you ever are to be anything on this world, you must disclaim your Sonship status. You are nothing but one more needy, greedy, power hungry, sinful human being.”

Jesus’ response was swift, but it didn’t emerge from his miracle-working power. Instead, it came from his meekness; from his dignified reserve, nourished by his Father’s word. “Man shall live… by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Do not put the Lord your God to the test. Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matt 4:4,7,10). These are not the words of a pushover. These are the words of a mighty man, great in meekness.

Fast forward to Jesus before the highest religious and civil authorities. Questioned by Annas, he responds that he has spoken openly, and not in secret. Thus, he does not need to answer. They’ve had their answer for three years. Such a response comes from one in authority, confident in his position. But his answer earns him a slap in the face – which has been repeated throughout history to many of his disciples. His hands, though, remain at his side. I wonder if he felt that electrical impulse shooting down the arm and twitching the hand to respond in kind. The law allowed it: “tooth for tooth…blow for blow” (Exodus 21:25). But he stood proud, dignified, elegant, and reserved. Meek, yet no pushover.

Then on to Pilate. Even he recognized the meekness of the king before him: “Are you a king?” he asked. Yet Jesus would not be pushed into a political one upmanship. Rather, he elevated the content of the dialogue, and with elegant reserve stated his identity. “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37). The purpose? To take all the sinful kingdoms of the earth – rulers, subjects, and all – unto himself, take their place in life, death, and resurrection. His meekness held him to his purpose under Pilate’s pressure to define himself in political terms.

And then he stood up to the cross, literally. He didn’t back away from it. To do otherwise would have been cowardice. Meek: dignified, reserved, courageous. The only one rightful heir of the kingdom of God, inherits from us, our cross, and descends into the kingdom of the damned. But again, meekness is defined under extreme provocation. “Likewise the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, he saved others. He cannot save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God. Let him deliver him now, if he will have him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God” (Matt 27:41-43). And yet, he proved his Sonship by remaining meek, and inheriting the earth for us, according to the purpose the Father’s will, “to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the beloved” (Eph 1:6).

The only one rightful heir of the kingdom of God, inherits from us, our cross, and descends into the kingdom of the damned.

Blessed are the meek, for they are not pushovers; they will inherit the earth.

From: https://www.1517.org/articles/the-third-beatitude-the-meek-are-not-pushovers

ASTOUNDING ANSWERS to PRAYER in SUDAN

Under Jihad and Sharia

When Frontline Fellowship began to minister in Sudan over 26 years ago, the situation was most severe. Sudan, then the largest country in Africa, was in the grip of the longest war in African history, under a radical Jihadist dictatorship, which enforced Islamic Sharia law on all.

Genocidal Scorched Earth

No missionaries were allowed, the government of Sudan were waging a genocidal scorched earth campaign against the Christians of Southern Sudan and in the Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan.

Serving the Suffering

Yet, by God’s grace, we succeeded in smuggling in hundreds of thousands of Bibles and Christian books, we helped to establish over 100 Primary schools and a high school, a number of Bible Colleges and Medical clinics and provide them with thousands of Christian textbooks.

Freedom for South Sudan

On 9 July 2011, South Sudan was recognised as an independent state and its secession from Sudan internationally recognised.

Reversal of Fortunes

Two years ago, Sudan’s dictator, Omar Al-Bashir, after almost 30 years in power, was overthrown and put on trial for corruption, oppression and murder. Sudan also pledged to hand over Al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face trial on war crimes and genocide charges. This was the first time in the modern history of the Arab world that an architect of a coup went on trial.

Dramatic Developments

In the last two years, a series of astounding developments have been announced. A Declaration for Freedom of Religion was signed by the Transitional Government. A Religious Affairs minister was appointed to ensure Freedom of Religion. The Apostasy Law under which many Muslims who converted to Christianity had been executed, was scrapped. Public flogging was abolished. A process aimed at restoring democratic civilian rule was begun. Restrictions on NGO’s were lifted by the government. Laws abusing women have been scrapped. For the first time in 30 years, publishers in Sudan have been promised Freedom of the Press.

Peace Accord Agreement

The government of Sudan has signed Declarations of Peace with rebel groups, including the SPLA-N in the Nuba and with the government of South Sudan.

Hopeful Answers to Prayers for Peace and Freedom with Justice

Although we have been praying for peace and freedom with justice, these astounding developments have exceeded the hopes and prayers of many of us. It has also enabled our Mission teams to deliver hundreds of thousands of Bibles and Christian books to hundreds of schools and churches throughout the remote Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan, an island of Christianity in a sea of Islam.

A New Era of Opportunity

Churches are being rebuilt; schools are being established. Boreholes are being dug, farms are being cultivated, crops harvested. Christians in Sudan are daring to hope for a new era of unprecedented opportunities to fulfil the Great Commission in what has been, for centuries, a strictly Islamic state.

A Call for Ongoing Prayer

Please continue to pray for the Christians in Sudan and for our ongoing mission projects in the Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan.“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have Faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Learn More of this Incredible Country

For the background to this colossal conflict, see Sudan in Crisis at a Crossroads . To understand the incredible courage and resilience of the Nuba Christians, see the film: Missions to the Nuba Mountains of Sudan (also available in German and French). To understand Sudan’s history, read Faith Under Fire in Sudan.

Daily Devotional 7-7-21

Caught Up In God’s Epic

Everyone loves a story. Stories grab our attention and draw us in. Some stories don’t satisfy – perhaps because there’s no conclusion, or injustice and evil succeed. Great epics, such as Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings stir our imagination and touch our inner longings for a better world. We don’t want epics like this to end: we become involved with the characters and the plot. But they do end, and we have to come back to earth.

Significantly, in a world that is crying out for identity, there’s a very real interest in the ‘story’ of family forebears, or culture.

The Bible has been described as the greatest story ever told. But it is an epic with a difference – it is set in the context of real events that point to a future.

Consider the opening lines of The Letter to the Ephesians. In one long sentence, from verses 3 through 14, we glimpse God’s awe-inspiring epic – his plan and purpose to draw us into it.

The themes of God’s love and grace are palpable. God is the subject of almost every main verb – for example: It is he who has blessed us… ’; He has freely bestowed upon us his grace (1:6); He has made known his will and purpose which he set forth in Christ… to unite all things’ (1:9f); He accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will (1:11). The God of the Bible is a big life-giving, warm-hearted, loving God – so different from the cold, impersonal force of Star Wars, and the ruthless rule of human dictatorships.

A costly love. In verses 5 through 8 we learn of what that love cost God: He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.

In our western world today there’s a complex mix of victimhood that says others are at fault, while I’m OK. Any sense of personal failure is rejected, as is also the need to forgive. The truth is that in turning away from our creator God and our need for his forgiveness, we also fail one another.

King David, when confronted with his adultery with Bathsheba and Uriah’s murder, wrote in his prayer of confession, Against you only Lord have I sinned (Psalm 51:4) David understood that his real guilt lay in breaking the first commandment: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your soul.

Our real failure is in not loving God. And because God requires that all his just requirements are met, the supreme sentence is to be carried out on all who have failed the test. That said, God has offered and has provided a way forward: someone who is without sin, could stand in our place. Only Jesus Christ, God’s Son could do this for us.

It is because God’s nature is to love and to give life that he pursued the costly path required. As we read in John 3:16, God so loved the world that he gave his One and Only Son so that whoever believes in him, should not perish but have life everlasting.

The tragedy. Many churches have not grasped the real significance of this. They insist that Christianity is about love – loving your neighbour, caring about the injustices of the world – but they do not have a vocabulary of a love for God. They don’t have a ministry or a liturgy that calls for repentance and for the forgiveness of sins by God.

God’s plan is to build a vibrant, new community of forgiven people. Eleven times we read the phrase, in Christ or in him. And in verses 9 & 10 we learn that God’s ultimate plan is to bring everything and everyone under the rule of Christ.

Assurance? Having believed, you were marked in him (in Christ) with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit, guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession— to the praise of his glory.

The New Testament reveals that the Spirit is a Person, having his own identity. On the night Jesus was arrested, he told his disciples he would not leave them bereft. He would send them a Comforter who, as we learn from John 16, is another Person in the Godhead.

God seals us as his own by putting his Spirit within us. Long before he had promised his people that he would personally live with them (Jeremiah 31:31ff). Ephesians tells us that the presence of God’s Spirit in our lives is a down-payment on our future inheritance.

What should my answer be when one day I am asked why I should be given entrance into God’s presence? I will ask that the Register of names, the Book of Life be checked. And when that great Register is opened, the presence of the Holy Spirit within me assures me that my name will be found there – listed as an adopted son of the Father, signed in by Jesus Christ, embossed with the great seal of the Holy Spirit of God.

It is with humble, heart-felt thankfulness for the humility of our great and wonderful, all-glorious and loving God, that I look forward to that day with joy, because he has honored me with a part in his epic story.

A prayer. Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, so that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love for one another and to you; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

From: https://anglicanconnection.com/caught-up-in-gods-epic/

Daily Devotional 7-6-21

Comprehending God’s Goodness

As a child, the first prayer I ever learned was a simple table grace. It went like this: “God is great, God is good. And we thank Him for this food.” At the time, I did not realize that a single biblical word captured the twin ideas of God’s greatness and His goodness. The single word is holy.

The earliest traceable form of the Semitic root of the word holy, reaching to a Canaanite source, carried the meaning “to divide.” Anything that was holy was divided or separated from all other things. This meaning pointed to the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary, the common and uncommon, the average and the great.

In religious terms, the word holy divides God from all other things to put Him in a category that is sui generis (in a class by Himself). The Holy One is the One who possesses the supreme perfection of being. He transcends or is divided from all things creaturely. He is the most majestic, most exalted, most awe-provoking being. Since He is both marvelous and wonderful in His very essence, the creature—when contemplating the Holy God—responds in marvel and wonder because of His greatness. 

Coram Deo

Take time in prayer today to thank God specifically for His goodness to you.

Passages for Further Study

Psalm 31:19

Psalm 86:10

Psalm 92:5

From: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/comprehending-gods-goodness/

Views from an Evangelist

Can man change the course of the world? Can he move the thoughts, ideas and products of his age in a new direction that directly the existing direction of the world?

At first glance you would say no. In God’s design you are born into a world that already is moving in a particular direction based on the guiding governmental, ecclesiastical, educational and business philosophy of the day. You almost by default are swept up into the existing system and begin to live in light of it; even if your life begins an extreme circumstances, let’s say you are born into a religious niche, you remain part of the system.

However, the Scriptures teach you reap what you sow; this is one of man’s greatest problems – trying to reap where he did not sow- so he doesn’t always understand the cause and effect. But Rev. George Whitefield and even Rev. John Wesley apparently did. They both sowed so much that reaping was inevitable. In Rev. Whitefield’s case he was perhaps the great singular evangelist ever; preaching 18,000 sermons and so much in the American Colonies that he was more well known when he died in 1770 than future first President George Washington. Contemporary author Tommy Kidd wrote a book entitled “George Whitefield: Americas Spiritual Founding Father“.

Meanwhile Rev. Wesley preached so much in the UK that eventually the Methodist Church was birthed. He set out to form “Holy Clubs’ or discipleship groups throughout because he perceived the members of the Church of England needed to be discipled. He organized the initial Holy Club in Oxford in 1729 with his brother Charles and of which Rev. George Whitefield became a member but Wesley’s goal was to form these clubs throughout the land and he did it. Many volumes have been written but suffice it to say it appears to be an agreed upon truth that he and were the primary Whitefield contributors to the 18th Century revival.

It is written too that what spared England from the rebellion that France was experiencing during the same time was the preaching of Whitefield and Wesley and his Methodist preachers.

The point is they changed the course of the world. Did they set out to do that? Not in a way an historian might view political changes but yes in the way the Kingdom of God works. They believed that faith comes by hearing and that men need to be discipled. They laborer strenuously on both fronts and left a Christian legacy that influenced the world for 200 years.

So yes, it is possible to change the course of the world. Is that what you want to do? Or perhaps the better question is are you willing to labor so strenuously that the course of the world will be changed? That’s the question in our day: are we prepared and willing to labor to the degree necessary to change the course of the world? I.E to see the Kingdom of our God advanced into all the world? Because if we will labor that degree we will see it altered.

Daily Devotional 7-5-21

Respecting God’s Judgment

One of the most poignant episodes of the judgment of God occurred in the Old Testament case of Eli. Eli was a judge and priest over Israel. He was, for the most part, a godly man. But his sons were wicked and profaned the house of God. Eli rebuked them but did not fully restrain them. God revealed to Samuel that He would judge the house of Eli:

“Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.” (1 Sam. 3:11–13)

When Eli persisted in asking Samuel what God had said, Samuel finally told him. When Eli heard the words, he said: “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him” (v. 18).

What seemed good to God was to punish the house of Eli. Eli recognized the Word of God when he heard it because he understood the character of Him whose word it was. A God before whom we need to have no fear is not God but an idol made by our own hands.

Coram Deo

Eli said: “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” Can you make this affirmation from the depths of your heart in difficult times as well as good times?

Passages for Further Study

1 Samuel 3:10

1 Samuel 3:18

Psalm 115:4

From: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/respecting-gods-judgment/

MLB Outreach Weekly Report June 25th &26th

On June 25 and 26th, Cincinnati Red’s fans applauded the proclamation of the gospel. And they welcomed the distribution of 400 gospel tracts.

This is what David Doerman reported from preaching over June 25th and 26th:

1 Thessalonians 5:11

We proclaim the gospel frequently in Cincinnati. Most people ignore us. A few point to heaven as they show us their middle finger. And a few people encourage us every time we are out.

But what occurred in this video was different: we have never seen applause for the gospel. May God get all the glory.

We don’t do gospel proclamation to encourage the saints. We do it to make disciples. But if other Christians are encouraged and built up, we will rejoice in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5 teaches us that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. And as children of the light we are called to walk in the light. So let us encourage one another.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

You can see more of what David and his team at Evangelize Cincinnati are doing by visiting: https://evangelizecincinnati.com/

Daily Devotional 7-2-21

Fear Not

Blessed is the fact that Christians can rejoice even in the deepest distress; although trouble may surround them, they still sing; and like many birds, they sing best in their cages. The waves may roll over them, but their souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God’s countenance; they have a buoyancy about them that keeps their head always above the water and helps them to sing amid the tempest, “God is with me still.”

To whom shall the glory be given? Oh, to Jesus-it is all by Jesus. Trouble does not necessarily bring consolation with it to the believer, but the presence of the Son of God with him in the fiery furnace fills his heart with joy. He is sick and suffering, but Jesus visits him and makes his bed for him. He is dying, and the cold, chilly waters of Jordan are gathering about him up to the neck, but Jesus puts His arms around him and cries, “Fear not, beloved; to die is to be blessed; the waters of death have their fountainhead in heaven; they are not bitter-they are sweet as honey, for they flow from the throne of God.”

As the departing saint wades through the stream, and the billows gather around him, and heart and flesh fail him, the same voice sounds in his ears: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”1 As he nears the borders of the infinite unknown and is almost frightened to enter the realm of shades, Jesus says, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”2 Thus strengthened and consoled, the believer is not afraid to die; no, he is even willing to depart, for since he has seen Jesus as the morning star, he longs to gaze upon Him as the sun in his strength. Truly, the presence of Jesus is all the heaven we desire. He is at once

The glory of our brightest days;

The comfort of our nights.

1) Isaiah 41:10

2) Luke 12:32

From: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/latest/?gclid=CjwKCAjwnK36BRBVEiwAsMT8WCR8UteIwaWlAyP4o9ZIuAWio8l7qmAM1nDcB3pFiYr-jOUNkgMsShoC68IQAvD_BwE

Daily Devotional 7-1-21

If God is for Us

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31)

These words wrap themselves around us each day. No matter what happens in our personal lives, homes, community, and society, God is on our side. We can wage war against ourselves, fight with family and friends, or walk out of step with what the world demands from us, but God is still on our side. More than that, he strengthens us against sin, the world, and Satan by the working of his Spirit within us.

It’s often easy to identify who around us has power and influence over our thoughts and actions. But, the one who has true strength and the will to change us for our benefit is the one who is always with us, defending us from the harm that sin and death inflict upon us.

The one who has power and authority over all things in heaven, on earth, and beneath earth promises us, “I am with you always.” False prophets, persecutors, those who speak against us, who want to strip us of our faith in Christ Jesus, may pin us down with their barrage of insults, curses, jokes, and condemnations, but we have no reason to fear them.

Each attack that targets us is repelled with the shield of faith in Christ Jesus, who defeated them all on the cross. Therefore, whom do we have to fear? Jesus is our strength and salvation. He serves us so that we wait on him to act for us, encouraged and emboldened to stand fast against any threat or attack.

So whenever we face struggle and affliction for our faith in Christ, we are assured by God that there is a way to face it all. The Psalmist confesses it. God’s word calls us to face struggle and affliction with the one who stands in front of us, beside us, and behind us. His Word, Jesus, is our light and salvation, our mighty fortress, and defender against every threat and peril. Jesus, God and Savior, turns back the attacks meant to destroy us. Jesus fought the battle against sin and death for us. He won the war against Satan and his demonic host by his resurrection from the dead for our justification. The cross of Christ casts its shadow over time and space like a flag of victory planted on a hill overlooking the battlefield so that everyone who passes by can see that the battle is over. The victory is won. Jesus is risen.

We stand with Jesus on the field of victory, bathed in the shadow of his cross. With Jesus, troubles and sorrows, problems and worries, heartbreak and mourning are gathered up like left-over crumbs from a feast marking the celebration of victory over the enemy’s forces. Jesus gave his life for it all, and as a consequence, we are strengthened and need not be afraid of our enemies – sin, death, and Satan – anymore. He strengthens us through his promises and will not let us down. He will take us through every trial and affliction.

With Jesus, even when it appears we are about to be defeated by our sinful selfishness, or by this evil world, or by Satan, he sends us preachers to remind us that he is always with us and, therefore, who can be against us?

Jesus has already won the victory over sin, death, and Satan for us at Calvary. He strengthens us and turns us to him through his Spirit and promises for the help we need. He gives us the courage we need to not be afraid. This courage comes from the presence of our God and Savior. He goes in front, beside, and behind us as our defender and guide—Jesus, who is for us a mighty warrior and good shepherd. Our God and Savior are for us in the way of forgiveness, new life, and eternal salvation. Therefore, if Jesus is for us, nobody can stand who is against us.

From: https://www.1517.org/articles/if-god-is-for-us