DEVOTION WED 12-01- 2010

WEDNESDY, DECEMBER 1ST, 2010

“A TIME FOR WAR, A TIME FOR PEACE”

BY

DR. ED YOUNG

I thought I was a pacifist at one point in my life, but I know now that I am not. There is a time to stand for what is right and what is of God, even if others oppose it. The nation of Israel faced war early in her history when God commanded the Israelites to enter the promised land of Canaan and drive out its inhabitants. (I think some of God's chosen people may have been surprised to find out that the land had inhabitants!)

They were commanded to fight in order to receive what God had already stated would be theirs, and they were instructed that the "clearing" of their land would not be accomplished in a single battle. "I will not drive them out before you in a single year…I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land." (Exodus 23:29-30)

Peace, too, is a great enterprise, and Solomon noted there was a time for it, as well. Peacemakers are not always heralded in the way victorious warriors are, but they are just as significant. They are quietly behind the scenes, working and praying for God's truth and His justice to prevail. There is a time for war and a time for peace…a time for warriors and a time for peacemakers.

MEMORY VERSE

There is an appointed time for everything…a time for war and a time for peace.

DEVOTION TUES 11-30-2010

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, 2010

“WHEN TO STAY SILENT”

BY

GREG LAURIE

"Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."—Matthew 7:6

Years ago, we went snorkeling in Hawaii with one of the local guys who knew the water really well. We were cruising along when we came to a net, and inside the net was a shark. The shark wasn't moving, so we all got really close to get a better look at it. Then our guide proceeded to pull out his knife and start cutting the net to let the shark out. All of a sudden, the shark came back to life. If people could have walked on water—better yet, run on water—we would have done it right there. The animal was turning on the very one who was saving him.

That is how some people are. You try to help them, and they turn on you. It the whole idea Jesus was speaking of when He said, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces" (Matthew 7:6).

Sometimes people don't want to hear what we have to say. If you are talking with someone about your faith, and they say, "You know what? Actually I really don't want to hear about Jesus Christ. Just go away," the natural inclination is to press on. But if someone doesn't appreciate the holy truths of God, then don't waste your breath. Go find someone who actually wants to hear it.

The Bible says that when Jesus was brought before King Herod, He did not say a word. Why? Because King Herod didn't want to hear the truth, and Jesus knew that.

There are some people who simply don't want to hear it. However, there are other people who do. So we need to pray for discernment to know one from the other.

Copyright © 2010 by Harvest Ministries

DEVOTION MON 11-29-2010

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH, 2010

“THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE”

BY

DR J ACK GRAHAM

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."

John 3:14-15

When the children of Israel were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, many were killed by poisonous snakes sent by God because of their rebellion. But in the midst of all of the death and agony, God proposed a solution. He told Moses to take a pole, put a brass serpent on that pole, and lift it up. He said everyone who looked at the brazen serpent upon that pole by faith would live. And so those who were bitten and looked in faith lived (Numbers 21).

That instance from the Old Testament is an amazing picture of what happened when Christ was lifted up on the cross. And today, everyone who looks and believes that Jesus' death atones for his or her sin will be saved and receive eternal life!

Jesus Christ was lifted up in shame before the world. But while the people of Moses' time only had glimpses of God's future plans to send His Messiah to die on the cross, we today are blessed to be able to look back at that remarkable act of love!

God sent Jesus to die on the cross and give you life with Him. So we should continue to look to him as God's gift of eternal life each day!

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE CROSS OF CHRIST AND THANK GOD FOR THE WONDERFUL GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE!

DEVOTION SAT 11-27-2010

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH, 2010

“LEFT OVERS”

BY

SKIP HEITZIG

One of the great joys of Thanksgiving is leftovers. For some reason, turkey and dressing taste just as good reheated as they do fresh out of the oven, maybe better. But I found a website that added up the calories from that delicious stuff, and the exercise necessary to burn it off. How much walking would you need to do for a turkey sandwich, some stuffing, some mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a piece of apple pie with ice cream? Over 13 miles! Add some gravy, and you're up to nearly 15 miles! I don't know about you, but I don't have the time to walk 15 miles after a meal!

But thinking about leftovers brings me back to what I was talking about last week, because we're right in the middle of the long Thanksgiving weekend. Thanksgiving is an indication of the heart. It shows that our lives are in balance—that our communication with the Lord is not all about our wants and our needs.

There are two levels of gratitude. Let's call them the lower level and the upper level. Unfortunately—and I admit I'm in this category—we kind of dwell in the lower level. That's where we see God's work in our lives as intermittent spurts of goodness. Some big blessing comes along and we say, "Thank you, Lord!" But living on that level of gratitude only shows that we are selfish, and that we miss the total perspective of God's goodness. We thank Him for the pleasurable things, because our view of goodness is comfort, rather than becoming like Jesus.

The upper level, the higher level, is consistently thanking God, in the good and the bad, believing that all things will work out for good to those who love Him (see Romans 8:28). I admit I have a long way to go on this one! I often complain instead of saying, "You're in control and I thank You, even though I don't understand it."

Corrie ten Boom was sent to a prison camp for hiding Jews from the Nazis. There, her sister said they should thank God for everything in their barracks. Corrie refused to give thanks for the fleas that infested their bedding, but later she found out that those fleas kept the guards from entering the barracks, enabling them to have daily prayer meetings. So she said, "Thank you, Lord, for the fleas!"

So while you're thanking the God "who satisfies your mouth with good things" (Psalm 103:5), remember that He's in control and He knows best. Let's bless the Lord in all things, because God is good all the time!

Copyright © 2010 by Connection Communications. All rights reserved.

DEVOTION FRI 11-26-2010

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

“THANKING GOD”

FROM

SENIOR LIVING

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. --Matthew 5:12

Are you ever like the child who at the end of the day kneels by his bedside and prays, "God, thank you for not letting Mom find the candy wrappers in my pocket. And I'm glad I was able to have all the chocolate I could eat at Johnny's house today. Oh, and I can't forget to thank you for not letting Dad miss the nails I took from his workbench. Amen…"?

This attitude can characterize us as Christians sometimes. In Matthew 5:12, the Lord challenges us to look toward our hope and reward in heaven. Instead of putting emphasis on material wealth, social status, or success, Christ tells us that genuine happiness, contentment, and prosperity begin first in the heart.

There are several ways we can say "thank you" to the Lord in a meaningful and sincere way. Thank Him for the difficulties in life that have caused you to recognize your spiritual needs, to mourn over sin, and to submit to His authority. Thank Him for the joys and sorrows that have encouraged you to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to have compassion and mercy on others, to be pure in heart and holy in your lifestyle, and to be a peacemaker. Thank Him for all the things that have helped you to develop a willingness to follow His plan for your well-being.

This is God's idea and plan for true thanksgiving.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would help you learn what being thankful is truly about. Ask Him to develop an attitude of gratitude in your heart 365 days a year. And pray that He would help you to realize that Thanksgiving is not just a day, but a way of life.

DEVOTION THURS 11-25-2010

THURSDAY, THANKSGIVING, NOVEMBER 25TH, 2010

“PROVING GOD IN FINANCES”

BY

ADRIAN ROGERS

Proving God in Finances

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10

You can say all you want about getting right with God, but if you don't get right with God in your finances, you are not right with God. The kind of repentance that does not reach the bank account, has never reached the heart.

In Malachi 3:7, God says, "Return unto me, and I will return unto you." And the people said, "Wherein shall we return?" God's answer in verse 8 reveals that they were to return in tithes and offerings.

The point of return is the point of departure. If you're going to come back to God and if you're going to renew your fellowship, you're going to have to begin with the tithe.

It's time to put the good book to the checkbook!

How are you doing in the area of your tithes and offerings to the Lord?

DEVOTION WED 11-24- 2010

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2010

“HOW TO FINISH WELL IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION”

BY

DR JACK GRAHAM

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30

It's sometimes funny when you meet people for the first time and then it comes up that you're a Christian. It's like all of a sudden you feel lumped in with every old televangelist and revival preacher on TV and you have to pronounce "God" with three syllables:

"GAWADAH!"

But in all seriousness, it's certainly true that when that moment comes that you tell non-believers what you believe, you may very well encounter push-back from them. In fact, the Scripture tells us that "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12).

So whenever you feel alienated from others because of your faith, remember Jesus' words on the cross, "It is finished." Jesus was rejected by the Jews and the Romans, and his closest friends abandoned him in his darkest hour. Yet, he boldly finished the work God the Father had for him.

So when persecution comes and you feel rejected because of your faith, remember the faithfulness of Jesus, the one who experienced the ultimate rejection. He is your true example of one who withstood the trials of persecution and finished well!

WHEN YOU ARE PERSECUTED FOR YOUR FAITH, REMEMBER JESUS' FAITHFULNESS AND FINISH WELL!

DEVOTION TUES 11-23-2010

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD, 2010

“REASONS TO BE THANKFUL”

BY

GREG LAURIE

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.—Psalm 107:1

It seems as though merchants really don't know what to do with Thanksgiving. They market Halloween and Christmas and make a lot of money off these holidays. But they don't really know what to do with Thanksgiving, which is really very spiritual in its origins. It was designated by President George Washington in 1789 as a national day for giving thanks to God.

In the midst of all our feasting, it is very easy to forget about the one we are celebrating. Sometimes we even forget to give thanks altogether. You might be thinking, Well, I don't have a lot to give thanks for. Maybe you are having financial troubles or health problems. Maybe there is conflict in your family. But we need to put things into perspective. As someone wrote,

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world. If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75 percent of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8 percent of the world's wealthy.

There is a lot to give thanks for. And the primary reason we were put on this earth as human beings is to glorify God and to give Him thanks.

Copyright © 2010 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved

DEVOTION MON 11-22- 2010

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND, 2010

“HOLY HABIT OR ROTE ROUTINE”

BY

Andrew Strickland

Worship Leader, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. And their worship of me amounts to nothing more than human laws learned by rote." Isaiah 29:13 (NLT)

People are creatures of habit. Routines and patterns can assist us in great ways. Creating healthy habits is a great way to stay in shape, eat right, and do many other things. Having a habit of spending time with your family is also a good thing.

But routine without heart is where it all goes wrong. Often times in worship, we can "do church" out of pure routine. We feel as though Sunday just isn't complete without getting church done. We can find ourselves almost zombie like during worship, thinking about going to our favorite local restaurant afterwards or which team is going to win the football game.

We must be cautious of this. While going to church is great, we need to make sure we aren't just honoring God with our lips but that our hearts are also close to His. How often do we find ourselves simply singing songs without contemplating the lyrics and what they truly mean? How often do we sing a song that says "I'm giving my all to you" when in reality we are only about six percent engaged in worship, and our mind is anywhere but at church?

Because the Bible says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Mathew 18:20), we can trust and know that on Sunday morning, when we gather together, Christ is among us. He is waiting for us to seek out His spirit and sing praise to His name. Don't waste any opportunity you have to worship our Creator!

DEVOTION SAT 11-20-2010

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2010

“A LIVING TESTIMONY”

BY

ADRIAN ROGERS

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

What is it about your life that you cannot explain apart from God? Do you know that's the only part of you that is believable?

Let me illustrate. If your neighbor can explain you, then you are just like him - only you're religious. Friend, your life as a religious person is not going to convince him of the power of God. But when he sees God supernaturally meeting your needs, then you're going to be believable.

How is your life radiating the light of our Lord in your neighborhood? Invite your neighbors over for a night of fellowship, and share with them the Good News of the divine birth of Jesus.

DEVOTION FRI 11-19-2010

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2010

“CHAIRTY BEGINS AT HOME”

BY

BEMI DYMET

1 John 3:17,18 How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

I remember a few years back preaching at my church. Had an alter call at the end - a man came up for prayer. He couldn't make his car payment and they were going to repossess his car.

So I prayed for him - but something ... Great, pray for him and send him on his way. The amount of money he needed was so small. Back then I was working in the IT industry - I had plenty to spare.

So I called him back and wrote him a check. Now - I don't normally talk about these things and the last thing I want you to think is that I'm some great guy. This giving didn't flow naturally - it took a real work of God to convict me.

Thing is - what I learned later is that not only was he blessed; it was such an incredible blessing for me. That's what blew me away. I'd written a check, he was blessed with a car payment, but God blessed me so much. I learned a powerful lesson that day. It's more blessed to give than to receive.

DEVOTION THUR 11-18-2010

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH, 2010

“MERCY, FORGIVENESS, ACCEPTANCE, PARDON, WELCOME!!”

BY

BAYLESS CONLEY

In Hebrews 12:22-24, we are given a powerful word on how the blood of Jesus speaks such better things than the blood of Abel. This is a great insight, so bear with me,

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

You can read the story of Abel and his brother, Cain, in Genesis 4. What we learn is that Cain became jealous of Abel, and as a result, Cain rose up against Abel in the field and killed him.

God said, "Cain, the blood of your brother, Abel, cries out to Me from the ground." What did the blood of Abel say? "Vengeance! Judgment!"

The blood of Jesus cries better things. The blood that soaked the cross and made it red, the blood that soaked the ground below the cross at that place called Calvary, the blood that today is in the heavenly Holy of Holies, that blood cries out day and night into the ears of God.

The blood of Jesus today does not cry out, "Vengeance! Judgment!" Instead, it cries out, "Mercy! Forgiveness! Acceptance! Pardon! Welcome!"

The question is: How will you respond? Hebrews 12:25 issues a stern warning,

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.

If you have yet to accept Jesus as your Savior, do so today.

DEVOTION WED 8-17-2010

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2010

“DISCERNING NOT CONDEMNING”

BY

GREG LAURIE

"Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church."

—Ephesians 4:15

It seems as though every nonbeliever knows Matthew 7:1: "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged." Generally, it goes something like this: The Christian approaches a compromising Christian or a nonbeliever and talks about his or her need for Christ. At some point, the Christian will say that a certain thing is a sin. The other person will respond, "Who are you to judge me? Doesn't the Bible itself say, ‘Judge not, lest you be judged'? "

So what does this verse mean? Is Jesus suggesting that we are never to speak truthfully to someone, even if what he or she is doing is wrong? Is that indeed judgmental? Does this mean that Christians are never to be critical or make an evaluation? What did Jesus mean when He said, "Judge not, that you be not judged"?

Some people believe that to be a real Christian, you must love and accept everyone. You must be tolerant of everything and never register an opinion. But is that what a Christian is? No, it isn't. That assumption actually contradicts what we read in other passages of the Bible.

People often say that Jesus was a great humanitarian, loving and caring and sharing. He was those things, but Jesus also was a revolutionary. Jesus confronted people. He had some choice words for the Pharisees, calling them vipers and hypocrites and dead men walking. When confrontation was necessary, Jesus would speak the truth to a person.

We must do the same, but we need to do so lovingly. As Ephesians 4:15 says, "Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church." That is what we do with those we love. We should be discerning, but not condemning.

DEVOTION TUES 11-16- 2010

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH, 2010

“SAYING NO”

FROM

PARENTING BY DESIGN

Matt. 7:9-11: "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!" (NIV).

Sometimes our kids ask for things that are not good for them. We say "no" out of love even though they may accuse us of being mean. We are able to handle their disappointment and anger because we see the bigger picture. Some parents, however, are so anxious to avoid conflict they say "yes" to things that are against their better judgment. They can't bear to let their kids down or they fear their kids' angry reaction.

Parenting provides a wonderful window into the Father's love for us. We may feel as if God is punishing us when He doesn't say "yes" to our prayer requests. But how many times have you prayed for something you later realized would not have been in your best interest? Without realizing it, we sometimes pray for "snakes," but God loves us enough to say "no."

Demonstrate your love by being strong enough to tell your kids "no."

DEVOTION MON 11-15-2010

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH, 2010

“STANDING FIRM WITH JESUS”

BY

DR CHARLES STANLEY

John 10:7-10

In our daily routine, it is easy to live with a worldly mindset. When our thoughts turn away from God, we can become dangerously self-dependent. In such situations, there is a spiritual battle ensuing, with high stakes. Victory demands more than floating through each day. This war requires our alert and purposeful reliance upon Christ.

First Peter 5:8 warns us, "Be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." The Enemy knows our nature and weaknesses. He whispers doubt and deception in order to accomplish his goal.

We know that the ultimate victory is God's, but Satan's traps still lead many astray. How can we avoid giving in to the temptation that leads away from God's best for our lives and causes devastation?

Jesus was tempted during His 40-day fast in the wilderness. Consider how He stood firm against the Enemy: He stayed connected to His Father and submitted to God's will. We can likewise surrender daily to the Father's way, dying to our own desires and plans. And notice that when our Lord encountered a temptation, He resisted Satan with Scripture. The best weapon for fighting falsehood is truth. And we can emulate Jesus, who knew He had authority over Satan and commanded him to flee.

Don't let the world lull you into managing life on your own. There's a battle raging, and you have an enemy whose goal is to take your eyes off Christ, to destroy your life, and to steal glory from God. Our King has the victory, but we must remain alert and connected to His truth.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

DEVOTION SAT 11-13-2010

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH, 2010

“ACCESS”

BY

BAYLESS CONLEY

In talking about the Holy of Holies…that second part of the tabernacle behind the veil where the presence of God dwelt under the old covenant…Hebrews 9:7 says,

But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance.

Only the high priest could go into this part of the tabernacle, into God's presence. And he could go only one time each year to offer the blood of an animal to cover the sins of the people.

But look with me at Hebrews 10:17-19,

Then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.

You have access into the very presence of God. In fact, Hebrews 4:16 says, Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

You do not have to go through a priest. You do not have to go through Pastor Bayless. You have immediate, constant access. In fact, God not only welcomes you, He desires you to come into His presence.

You know, my kids just barge into my office all the time. I can be in there having a meeting when the door just opens, "Hi, Dad! Got anything in your refrigerator?" They just come in like they belong there…and they do. I'm their father.

Your heavenly Father is the same way. He is not going to put you off and say, "You know what? You have to come through an angel. I'm sorry, but you cannot talk directly to Me."

Nope. You have direct access!

DEVOTION FRI 11-12-2010

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH, 2010

“DEFENSE”

BY

REBECCA BARLOW JORAN

But the LORD is my defence;

and my God is the rock of my refuge.

Psalm 94:22 kjv

FROM THE FATHER'S HEART

My child, do I need to open your eyes as I did to My servant long ago? In the heat of battling your habits and temptations, or when circumstances try your patience and faith, remember I am your defense. My angels do hand-to-hand combat at My command. You may not see them, but they surround you, day in and day out. Open your eyes of faith. The battle is Mine.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE

Like a veteran returning home from foreign wars, I see the scars of battle, those incurred when I fought apart from Your strength. But when I depend on You alone to man the front line for me, I'm a victor every time. Lord, thank You for being my defense. I'm glad You're on my side.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Like a shining star, He lights our path, even in the dark.

DEVOTION THURS 11-11-2010

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH, 2010

“ANGER”

BY

STEVE ARTERBURN

Better a patient man than a warrior. A man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32

Let's look at a few popular, but sad, bumper stickers:

My kid beat up your honor student.

Welcome to America, now learn English!

Keep honking, I'm reloading.

All men are idiots, and I married their King.

What do these bumper stickers have in common? The messages are dressed in humor but they're actually about anger. While some people struggle with anger, these people are flaunting it, celebrating it, and inviting you to join in.

This type of anger--aimed at hurting or ridiculing--is obviously wrong. Yet not all anger is wrong. Anger can also be an appropriate and good response.

If You're Not Outraged, You're Not Paying Attention is another bumper sticker I've seen. Injustice, cruelty, and greed should evoke anger because they contradict what the Bible teaches. William Wilberforce, sickened with anger over the slave trade in England, devoted himself to ending slavery there. If you don't ever feel anger, you need to worry about your heart.

"Anger is never without a Reason, but seldom with a good One."

- Ben Franklin (1706-1790)

DEVOTION WED 11-10- 2010

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH, 2010

“HIDING OUR SIN”

BY

STEPHEN DAVEY

Romans 8:1

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

In Dr. Richard Hoefler's book, Will Daylight Come, he tells the story of a young boy who was visiting his grandparents. Johnny had just been given his first slingshot and had taken it into the woods. Unable to hit anything because of his poor aim, he was still having the time of his life.

On his way home for lunch, he cut through the back yard and saw his grandmother's pet duck. He took aim and let a stone fly. This time—for the first time—his aim was on the mark. To his shock and dismay, the duck dropped immediately. It was dead!

Johnny panicked and in frightened desperation, hid the duck in the woodpile, but not in time to escape the curiosity of his sister, who was standing by the corner of the house. She saw the whole thing! With a look of shame and fear, he followed his sister inside for lunch. But Sally said nothing.

Getting up after lunch, their grandmother said, "Okay, Sally, let's clear the table and wash the dishes." Sally responded with a smile, "Oh, Grandma, Johnny said he wanted to help you in the kitchen today. Didn't you, Johnny?" Then she whispered in his ear, "Remember the duck."

Needless to say, Johnny ended up doing the dishes after lunch. Later in the evening, Grandpa asked the children if they would like to go fishing, but Grandma interjected, "I'm sorry, but Sally can't go. She has to stay here and help me get supper ready." Sally just smiled and replied, "That's all been taken care of. Johnny said he wanted to help today, didn't you, Johnny?" The look she gave him delivered that same threat, "Remember the duck."

This went on for several days, as Johnny did all the chores around the house, both his and Sally's, until he could stand it no longer. Trembling all over, he went to his grandmother and confessed everything.

To his surprise, Grandma took him up in her arms and said, "I know about the duck, Johnny. I was standing at the kitchen window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I was already willing to forgive you. I've been waiting for you to tell me about it. And—I would never have mentioned the duck again."

Imagine the look on Johnny's face when he heard his grandmother's words, "I already forgave you"!

What a powerful reminder to us of what our own Father has said to us in His Word: "There is now no condemnation for those who believe!" It's as if He reached down from heaven and lifted our sorrowing, fearful bodies into His arms, and reminded us that He saw all our sin take place and has already forgiven us.

This is a beautiful truth for a Christian. No matter what you've done or where you've been, God has already forgiven you—He simply waits for us to tell Him about it so our fellowship with Him can be fully restored.

My good friend put it wonderfully when he said, "God will not love you better when you become better." This, after all, is the marvel of God's forgiveness. He died on the cross not only for your past sins, but also for your present and future sins.

So quit hiding your "ducks" in the woodpile—bury them! God has already seen them... and He has forgiven you.

Prayer Point: Confess any hidden sin to God, knowing that He has already seen it, and pray for His forgiveness. Wash yourself in the reviving, overflowing stream of God's mercy.

DEVOTION TUES 11-09-2010

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2010

“FOCUS ON WHAT LASTS”

BY

GREG LAURIE

"And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are."—Matthew 6:28-29

We live in a culture that is obsessed with appearance. We will be so concerned about what we are going to wear. Is this in style? Does this look good? Do I look fat in this? And we have taken this obsession to the point of changing our bodies with plastic surgery, spending billions of dollars on it each year.

Yet Jesus said, "And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. . . . These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs" (Matthew 6:28-29, 32).

Flowers don't worry. Why should you? Even Solomon in his royal robes, surrounded by his lavish furniture encrusted in gold, was not as beautiful as a simple flower. The Bible is not saying we should not be attractive. But it is saying we should not be obsessed with our looks. Frankly, some people ought to think a little bit more about their looks. There is a place for that too. We can go too far either way.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good. But if that becomes more important to you than your spiritual life, if you spend all of your time on the outward and completely neglect the inward, then your life is out of balance.

One day, this body will be gone, but the soul will live forever. As Erma Bombeck once pointed out, "Sooner or later, dust wins." Our souls—the real you and the real me—will live on forever. So if this greater thing is in God's control, then we can leave the lesser things to Him as well.