October, 2007 Devotions
Matthew 25:32
Judgment of Nations
Key Verse: “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats,” Matthew 25:32.
It is fascinating to watch a cutting horse separate a cow from the herd. The cutting horse will shadow the cow’s every move to keep it separated from the other cows. The cow cannot outmaneuver a good cutting horse.
There are an estimated eight billion people in the world. Less than two billion of the population claim to be Christian. A majority of those who claim to be Christian are members of heretical religions. Only a small portion of the world’s population knows Jesus as Savior. Much of the world’s population live in nations that have little tolerance for religious liberty. In dictatorial nations, Christians are often persecuted for their faith. The desire of many godless governments is to eliminate Christians from their populations.
The godless nations of the world will not escape the wrath of God. God will separate them as a cutting horse separates a diseased cow from the herd. The same nations that have declared that God does not exist will face Him in judgment. These nations will not escape divine judgment.
God blesses nations that seek Him and will judge nations that forsake Him.
Just A Thought: There will be no atheists at the judgment.
Marc Shultz
Romans 15:6-11
Lifting Gentile Praise
Key Verse: “And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name,” Romans 15:9.
A young lad asked to talk to the pastor after Sunday School. His appearance was disheveled, and it was apparent that he was from a poor family. The youngster wanted to know whether the Lord would save him. The pastor took a piece of paper and wrote the verse John 3:16 and asked him to read it. The pastor then erased the word whosoever and wrote the lad’s name in its place. This helped him realize God loved him, and the lad accepted Jesus as Savior.
There was a great spiritual awakening among the Gentiles upon hearing the gospel. Many accepted Jesus as Savior, were baptized and became faithful church members. They glorified God because He had saved their soul. The Gentiles were not ashamed to show their zeal for God.
Salvation will come to everyone who calls upon Jesus in repentance and faith. God does not care about their nationality, social position or wealth. God’s plan of salvation is the same for every person. God will not refuse to save any person who genuinely accepts Jesus as Savior. Those who accept Jesus as Savior should be zealous in sharing the gospel message with the lost. Believers should not lose the zeal they experienced as a newly converted children of God.
Just A Thought: Every child of God should continually give thanks to God for salvation.
Marc Shultz
Ezekiel 37:24, 25
They Shall Dwell in the Land
Key Verse: “And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children’s children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever,” Ezekiel 37:25.
One of the largest clubs in
God gave the title deed to the Promised Land to the children of
There is a coming day when God’s chosen people
Just A Thought: Every child of God can look forward to dwelling in the place God is preparing for him (John 14:1-3).
Marc Shultz
Zechariah 2:8, 9
The Apple of His Eye
Key Verse: “For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye,” Zechariah 2:8.
A young man nervously asked his beloved’s father for her hand in marriage. His daughter was his only child and he was totally devoted to her. Once he was assured that the young man loved his daughter, and his intentions were honorable, he gave his consent to the marriage. He had only one warning to his future son-in-law. If he ever mistreated his daughter, there would be a high price to pay.
The Israelites are God’s chosen people. He has blessed them beyond measure. The land He gave them to occupy was prosperous. He gave them power over every enemy they faced. There was not a need God did not meet. It is impossible to deny the love of God for His chosen people.
Every child of God is the apple of His eye. He has saved them through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (Eph. 2:8, 9). God’s care for His children is great (1 Peter 5:7). He has promised to supply all their needs (Phil. 4:19), He never leaves or forsakes His own (Heb. 13:5). God’s discipline is a proof of His love for His children (Heb. 12:6). Children of God are special in His eyes. God wants the best for them.
Just A Thought: You are the apple of God’s eyes. Is He the apple of your eyes?
Marc Shultz
Joel 3:20, 21
When the Lord Dwells in
Key
Verse:
“For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in
As
a child Buddy dreamed of living in the house at the end of
The Lord wants to reign in the hearts of men today. As He will bring peace to
Just A Thought: You do not have to wait any longer for the Lord to reign in your life.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 60:18, 19
The End of Violence
Key Verse: “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise,” Isaiah 60:18.
The Civil War ended when General Lee surrendered to General Grant at
No sooner than one war ends, it seems another begins. World War I was considered the war to end all wars. World War II was fought only a few years later. Just five years after the end of World War II, the Korean War was fought. The Vietnam War quickly followed the Korean War. With all the violence and loss of life, wars continue to be fought.
The violence of the world will not end by building more prisons or fighting more wars. The violence of the world will not end by exploding an atomic bomb but will end with the perfect rule of God. The reign of God will accomplish what leaders, dictators and governments throughout history have been unable to do; that is bring peace to the world. With God in control, there will be no need of war.
Just A Thought: One way to bring an end to violence in this present world is to win people to the Lord. When people’s hearts are changed by divine grace they have no need of violence.
Marc Shultz
Psalm 86: 9, 10
All Nations Shall Worship Him
Key Verse: “All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name,” Psalm 86:9.
In
the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had perfect fellowship with God. Once they ate
the forbidden fruit and became sinners, that perfect fellowship was lost. They
were alienated from God because of their sin nature. Not only did Adam and Eve
take on the sin nature, they brought sin into God’s perfect creation. From that
time, the world began to change for the worse. God was still available to
mankind, but most chose not to obey Him. The world was so evil in the days of
Noah that God decided to destroy the world by flood. After the flood, the world
continued down its evil path. The cities of
God allowed the people of
There is coming a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord (Phil. 2:10). That day will come when the Lord reigns over the world in perfect righteousness.
Just A Thought: The worship of God begins in the hearts of individuals who know Him.
Marc Shultz
2 Corinthians 4:17
Our Light Affliction
Key Verse: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” 2 Corinthians 4:17.
The weather is hot on the first day of high school football drills. The first and last drill of every practice is for the players to run up and down the stadium bleacher steps ten times. When the players finish this drill, they are out of breath and their leg muscles are hurting. Each time they complete the drill, they hurt a little less. The drill is designed to put the players into playing shape for the season. By seasons end, they will be glad they completed the drills.
Whatever afflictions Christians endure seem to be great at the time. With the passing of time these afflictions will be put into proper perspective. These afflictions are pale in comparison to the persecution Christ faced on the earth. Millions of Christians have been martyred throughout history because of their faith. Our light affliction helps us to grow spiritually. Paul’s thorn in the flesh helped him realize the sufficiency of divine grace. Afflictions can only affect us in this life. There will be no suffering, sorrow or anguish in Heaven.
Christians should not view their affliction only in the present suffering but in the light of eternity. Not only does God know about our afflictions, He will help us face them. The glory of Heaven will be greater than our afflictions on the earth. Our present suffering will pale in comparison to the bliss of Heaven.
Just A Thought: Our affliction is never as great as we think.
Marc Shultz
Deuteronomy 33:27
God Is Our Refuge
Key Verse: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them,” Deuteronomy 33:27.
A hospital patient was enduring painful tests. She was filled with anxiety not knowing what was wrong with her. She dreaded the doctors or nurses entering her room for fear of another test or bad news about her health. Instead of staying in her hospital bed around the clock, she would take her Bible and go to the hospital chapel. In the peace of the chapel she prayed for courage and strength and read her Bible. The chapel became her refuge during a difficult time.
God is our refuge during times of uncertainty. Joseph found solace in what his brothers meant for evil God used for good (Gen. 44:4). Joshua was told to be strong and of good courage when placed into the position of leadership (Joshua 1:9). Stephen found the courage to pray for mercy for his executioners (Acts 7:60). Paul and Silas did not fear their fate while in a Philippian jail but worshiped God in their cell (Acts 16:25). Christians have nothing to fear because God is in control of all things.
Believers are always under God’s protective arms. No enemy can harm those whom God protects. There is no circumstance that God is powerless against. God has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7). Do not fear anything because God is in control of everything.
Just A Thought: The peace of God is available at all times.
Marc Shultz
Psalm 90:2
The Eternal God
Key Verse: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God,” Psalm 90:2.
It was granny’s birthday, and the grandchildren were attempting to figure out how old she was so they could put the appropriate number of candles on the birthday cake. One granddaughter spoke up and said it should be easy to determine how old she is, just figure out how old the hills are. Everybody says she is older than the hills.
There is one older than the hills; He is God, the Creator of the hills. It is impossible to place an age on God because He predates time. God has existed from eternity past. God could not be the Creator of the universe if He did not exist before the universe. It is difficult for the human mind to grasp the fact that God has always existed. We have to accept that fact by faith.
Not only has God existed from eternity past, He exists today. Many people look at world conditions and wonder whether there is a God. Evil does not exist because of God but because of man’s sinful nature. God is still alive, working His plan in the universe. As children of God, we must submit to God’s plan.
God will continue to exist throughout all eternity. At the appointed time, this world will cease to exist as we know it. God will judge the lost at the Great White Throne Judgment. The redeemed will live with God for all eternity.
Just A Thought: God created time but is not limited by time.
Marc Shultz
Hebrews 1:10-12
He Is Eternally the Same
Key Verse: “And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail,” Hebrews 1:12.
Billie’s husband left to fight in World War II the day their honeymoon ended. They had known each other since the second grade and were anxious to begin their life together. She did not see him again until three years later when the war ended. They seemed like strangers to each other. The war had changed Richard. He was not the same man she had married. Love conquered all, and they were married almost sixty years.
The passage of time changes people and circumstances. Go to a class reunion and see how age has changed your former classmates. They do not look the same or act the same as when you attended class together. Did the person voted most likely to succeed really succeed? Did the student everyone thought would never amount to anything become the president of a large company?
People may change, but God remains the same. His love and mercy remains constant throughout all time. Though His children disappoint Him, His love remains with them. God’s mercy is always available to all who seek it. God does not change because He is perfect and does not need to change. God’s consistent nature helps us through uncertain times. He hears us when we call upon Him.
Just A Thought: God will not turn a deaf ear to our cries of sorrow and repentance. He deals with us in His perfect will.
Marc Shultz
Amos 9:8, 9
Key Verse: “Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lord,” Amos 9:8.
A tornado ravaged a small country town leveling most of the stores in the town. A local pastor was in his office when the storm hit. He immediately went to the high school to check on his son. The pastor found him unharmed. He then went to his wife’s place of employment. She also was unharmed. They then went to their house to see if it were damaged. Other than a downed tree in the front yard and a couple of broken windows, the house did not seem damaged. The family gave thanks to God for His protection.
Nothing can equal the wrath or the grace of God. God abhors sin and brings judgment upon unrepentant sinners. Nations that defy God also face His wrath. The judgment of God is fierce and complete. No nation can stand against God and survive. While God’s wrath is against the sinful people and nations, He will not destroy the house of Jacob from the earth. God will show mercy to His chosen people.
Each person determines whether he will receive the mercy or wrath of God. Divine wrath is reserved for those who do not follow God. God’s mercy will be given to those who follow Him. God’s desire is to offer mercy to everyone.
Just A Thought: God will not hesitate to show His wrath to those who deserve it.
Marc Shultz
Deuteronomy 8:2, 3
Reasons Behind Suffering
Key Verse: “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live,” Deuteronomy 8:3.
You awaken in the middle of the night wanting a drink of water. Instead of turning on the lights and disturbing everyone else in the house, you stumble in the darkness toward the kitchen. You stub your toe on a half-opened door you did not see in the darkness. Why is your toe throbbing in pain? Is it because you were thirsty in the middle of the night? Was it because you walked in a dark house? These were contributing factors, but the only reason your toe is throbbing in pain is because you stubbed it on the door.
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness forty years before entering the land of promise. The people of Israel wandered in the wilderness because they did not have enough faith that God would give them the Promised Land. God did not forsake them in the wilderness, but taught them faith. He sent manna from Heaven to feed their hungry bellies and provided water from a rock to quench their thirst. If not for God, they would have perished in the wilderness. They suffered because of their lack of faith. God blessed them because of His faithfulness.
Just A Thought: God is not the author of evil but of good.
Marc Shultz
Romans 8:28
God Works in Our World
Key Verse: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28.
Michael was diagnosed with appendicitis and needed surgery. For a third grader this was a terrifying experience. There was a lot of pain involved with the surgery. Being put to sleep for the surgery was scary. Despite the negative aspects of the surgery, there was a positive to the surgery. After the recovery period, Michael’s good health was restored.
Every event in life is not a pleasant one. God can use all events, whether we perceive them as pleasant or not, for our good. The time the children of Israel spent under Egyptian servitude made them a strong people and prepared them for the wilderness journey. The time they spent as servants was not pleasant, but God used it to further His will. God is always working His perfect will, no matter what the circumstances are.
Life is filled with both positive and negative experiences. All these events fit together to achieve God’s purpose. The best thing that can happen in a person’s life is for him to achieve God’s purpose. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of immoral conduct. God allowed Joseph to endure these negatives circumstances to place him in a position of authority in Egypt. What Joseph’s brothers meant for evil God used for good (Gen. 50:20). In both good times and bad God is working to accomplish His will.
Just A Thought: Do not worry over things that God is still working through.
Marc Shultz
Galatians 2:16
Faith in Christ Justifies
Key Verse: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified,” Galatians 2:16.
The President of the United States has the power to grant pardons to convicted criminals. These individuals have been found guilty of crimes. When the presidential pardon is issued they are no longer considered guilty of the crime for which they were found guilty. In the eyes of the judicial system, it is as though they never committed the crime.
All mankind is guilty of sin. The penalty of sin is death or separation from God. The justice of God demands the penalty of sin be paid. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who offered His life on the cross to take away the sin of the world. Jesus is without sin and was not under the penalty of death. The Son of God who knew no sin was made sin for us that we may be made righteous through Him (2 Cor. 5:21). Only faith in Jesus Christ justifies sinners in the sight of God the Father. Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ removes the guilt of sin. Even though believers are guilty of the Savior’s death, they are rendered innocent because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures.
Just A Thought: Faith accomplishes what works cannot do. It makes peace with God.
Marc Shultz
Galatians 3:11-13
Not Justified by the Law
Key Verse: “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith,” Galatians 3:11.
Those who believe in works for salvation have trouble explaining the repentant thief on the cross. He was executed for breaking the law. He did not spend his life doing good works. Shortly before dying the repentant thief pleads for divine mercy. Jesus assured the thief that he would have a home in paradise (Luke 23:43).
There is a legal term called the preponderance of the evidence. A person’s guilt or innocence is determined by which side has slightly more evidence. Those who believe in works for salvation can have no assurance of having an eternal home in Heaven. Their only hope is that God will judge them worthy of Heaven by the preponderance of faith in Christ. Salvation must be by grace and faith in Jesus. If it is of grace, it is not of works, and if it is of works it is not by faith (Rom. 11:6). If salvation is by works, we boast in ourselves and not in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8, 9). If salvation is by works, the death of Jesus Christ is of none effect.
Since we are saved by grace and not by works, what is the purpose of the Law? The Law defines the need for grace. Sinners need salvation. Sin is the transgression of God’s Law. The Law reveals our guilt before God.
Just A Thought: Salvation depends on what Christ did for us, not what we do for Him.
Marc Shultz
1 John 5:10-12
How To Have Life
Key Verse: “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life,” 1 John 5:12.
Billionaire John D. Rockefeller once said he would give his entire fortune for one day of peace. All the money and material possessions he accumulated did not bring him happiness. Howard Hughes died a recluse. His fortune did not bring him a high quality of life. Money did not change Sam Walton. One of his greatest joys was driving a rusted out pick-up truck.
Bookstore shelves are filled with books detailing how to have a high quality of life. These books outline physical and psychological steps to create a better life. What most of these books do not take into account is the instructions of God’s Word. It is impossible to enjoy a high quality of life by ignoring spiritual instruction.
Jesus came to earth so we could enjoy the abundant life (John 10:10). The abundant life begins with salvation. Everyone who confesses Jesus as Savior in repentance and faith will have eternal life in Heaven. The abundant life is dedicated to obeying God. God blesses those who obey Him. The abundant life is committed to worshiping God. Evidence of the abundant life is love and forgiveness. Christians are to love their neighbors as themselves and forgive others as God has forgiven them. The abundant life knows the peace of God that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7). The abundant life enjoys joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8).
Just A Thought: The quality of life is not found in money, power or things but in God.
Marc Shultz
Zechariah 14:8, 9
The King of the Earth
Key Verse: “And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one,” Zechariah 14:9.
The President of the United States is said to be the leader of the free world. The population of the United States is over three hundred million people. The population of the earth is estimated to be over six billion people, so the president actually only presides over a small percentage of the world’s population.
There is coming a day when one person will reign over all the earth. He will not come from the population of the earth but from Heaven. He will rule by a power greater than the atomic bomb. His rule will be sovereign over every corner of the earth. He will rule according to the perfect Law of God and not the fallible law of men. He will assume power by His position as Creator. His name is Jesus.
The Lord desires to rule in the hearts of men. It is better to obey God than men (Acts 5:29). God leads in the paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3). Man must choose whether he will submit to the Lord’s leadership. It is impossible to serve both God and mammon (Matt. 6:24). He will either serve God by choice or the flesh by default. The Lord wishes to rule over every aspect of life. God wants to rule over the Christian’s actions, thoughts and words. Christians must submit every part of life to the Lord.
Just A Thought: Jesus wants to be both Savior and Lord over your life.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 44:9, 10
Profitable for Nothing
Key Verse: “Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing,” Isaiah 44:10.
A pastor traveling in the Far East visited a site of a statue of Buddha. He paid a fee and toured the inside of the statue. He saw nothing of substance inside the statue. Many followers of Buddha came and left sacrifices to Buddha. These sacrifices were meaningless because Buddha had no power to receive the sacrifices. The only value to the statue to Buddha was as a tourist site.
A graven image has no more power than a car chassis without an engine. A graven image cannot create the universe and hang the world on nothing. God did. A graven image cannot divide the Red Sea so the children of Israel could cross over on dry ground. God did. A graven image cannot send manna from Heaven and provide water from a rock. God did. A graven image cannot feed a multitude with five loaves of bread and two fishes. God did. A graven image cannot provide tribute money from the throat of a fish. God did. A graven image cannot allow a man to walk on water. God did. A graven image cannot bring life back from the dead. God did.
Man should not worship powerless idols but the all- powerful God. Graven images cannot save a person from hell. God wants everyone to live eternally in Heaven. Graven images cannot provide peace and joy to worshipers. Only the true God can bring peace and joy to believers.
Just A Thought: Idols are worthless. God is priceless.
Marc Shultz
Psalm 46:10
Be Still and Know
Key Verse: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth,” Psalm 46:10.
My classmate was nicknamed Jabber Jaws for a reason. She loved to talk. This kept her in trouble with the teacher. The dismissal bell had rung and the teacher was attempting to give us a homework assignment before we left class. As usual, Jabber Jaws was talking when she should have been listening and did not understand the assignment. The teacher told her she was only going to give the assignment one more time. If she wanted to get it correctly she would have to be quiet and listen.
We cannot see God with our eyes, but the evidence of God is clear. If we do not see the evidence of God, it is because we are not looking for Him. God is evident in the universe He created. He is evident in the bald eagle that soars high in the sky and in the beetle that crawls on the ground. God is evident in the complex power of the atom and in the gentle blowing breeze. God is evident in the roaring river rapids and in the gentle flowing brook.
Christians should schedule a quiet time each day to look for God. Quiet time can be spent in prayer seeking the will of God. Quiet time can be spent contemplating the blessings of God. Quiet time can be spent in Bible study. Quiet time can be spent just thinking about God.
Just A Thought: Do not be too busy to see the evidence God around us.
Marc Shultz
Romans 1: 16, 17
The Just Live by Faith
Just A Thought: “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:17.
Rome was the center of the political world. The city was more concerned with exercising power than seeking God. Rome was not considered a city ready to hear the gospel. Paul had a burden for the souls of the Roman citizens. He was evidence of how God cannot only save people but also change lives. Paul wrote to the Romans by inspiration of God. It was God’s message to the church at Rome. The Roman Christians were in the eye of the storm. It was not convenient for them to share their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It would require extraordinary faith for the Roman Christians to serve the Lord.
Paul stated he was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Saul of Tarsus, Paul was a Pharisee. He considered himself a religious man, but he was not a spiritual man. He was an enemy of Christians. He held the coats of those who stoned Stephen to death for preaching the gospel. The man who was once an enemy of the gospel now defended the faith. He preached the whole council of God’s Word.
Children of God are to live by faith. We do not know what shall happen, but God does. Christians should share their faith without fear. Paul’s life was proof of what faith in God can accomplish.
Just A Thought: Faith is trusting God who knows all things.
Marc Shultz
Psalm 78:38, 39
Our Forgiving God
Key Verse: “But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath,” Psalm 78:38.
Irene sat across from the young man who caused the automobile accident that took her only child’s life. He pled guilty to drunk driving and part of his probationary sentence was to visit Irene on her daughter’s birthday. With tears in his eyes, he asked for forgiveness for his actions. Irene did not hesitate to forgive him. When he asked why she so readily forgave him Irene explained it was the Christian thing to do.
The Christian’s pattern for forgiveness comes from God. God forgives everyone who repents of sin. There is no sin God is unable to forgive. God forgives because of His love for humanity. God loves everyone and will forgive every sinner who confesses his sin. It is God’s nature to forgive because of His compassion. He is willing to turn away His anger toward all who repent of sin. God would rather forgive than show His wrath. Divine forgiveness is available to all who seek it.
The Christian response to the divine example of forgiveness is to forgive others as God has forgiven them. Christians are to show forgiveness to everyone. Christian forgiveness is a proof of love for God and others. Christians are to forgive every indiscretion. Christians are to forgive instead of act in anger. There is no reason for Christians not to forgive others.
Just A Thought: Should Christians ask God to forgive them if they refuse to forgive others?
Marc Shultz
Philippians 1:12-18
The God of Circumstance
Key Verse: “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel,” Philippians 1:12.
Many of the issues that President John F. Kennedy campaigned for during the 1960 presidential election were stalled in congress after he assumed office. The president did not have enough political leverage to get them passed into law. Everything changed on November 22, 1963. After the assassination of President Kennedy many of the proposals were passed into law in his memory.
The apostle Paul suffered many injustices during his ministry. He was ridiculed and scorned for his faithful preaching of the gospel. He was imprisoned on several occasions because he would not quit preaching Jesus and Him crucified. He suffered many beatings for his faithful service to the Lord. None of the things Paul suffered came close to discouraging his faithfulness to the Lord. The apostle did not seek pity because of his persecution. His desire that whatever things he suffered to further the work of spreading of the gospel.
The presence of difficult circumstances in life does not mean that God is absent from life. God is working His perfect plan even in the face of difficulty. The time the children of Israel were enslaved in Egypt allowed them to become a strong and courageous people. David’s battle with a lion and bear as a youth gave him the courage to fight Goliath. God is at work in every circumstance, whether we perceive them as positive or negative.
Just A Thought: It is more important for things to work out for God’s good than our own good.
Marc Shultz
Lamentations 3:31, 32
The God of Compassion
Key Verse: “But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies,” Lamentations 3:32.
The Good Samaritan showed great compassion while traveling the Jericho Road. A man had fallen among thieves and lay on the side of the road injured and dying. Both a priest and Levite saw the man as they traveled the Jericho Road but did not stop to help him. Though a stranger, the good Samaritan stopped to render aid. He bandaged the wounds and paid for a room so the injured man could rest while healing from his injuries.
God is our example of compassion. The Israelites rebelled against God. God brought corrective judgment upon the Israelites but did not forsake them. He brought them through the time of judgment and brought blessings upon them. God constrained His anger and protected His chosen people. Without divine compassion, the Israelites would have never seen the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The evidences of God’s compassion are clear. God so loved the world that He allowed His only begotten Son to die on the cross so all who believed on Him would have eternal life (John 3:16). He has promised to meet our needs according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). He will forgive everyone who repents of sin (1 John 1:9). God will use all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). God will hear our prayers in times of distress (Psalm 102:1). Christians are to show the same compassion God has shown toward them.
Just A Thought: Compassion is shown through the tenderness of sympathy.
Marc Shultz
1 Samuel 2:1, 2
Joy Despite Circumstances
Key Verse: “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation,” 1 Samuel 2:1.
The clerk at the airline ticket counter informed a passenger his flight would be delayed. He replied. “That’s okay.” The clerk expected him to complain and asked him why he had reacted in a positive way. He reasoned that either there was a problem with the plane or the weather. Either way he did not want to fly under those conditions. He found something good in a negative situation.
Hannah was barren and desperately wanted a child. She did not blame God for her condition but prayed He would bless her with a son and promised to dedicate him to the service of God. God blessed Hannah with a son, and she kept her promise. When Samuel was weaned, she took him to the Temple to be raised in the house of God. Hannah had no regrets in keeping her promise to God. Her heart was filled with joy that her son would serve the Lord.
It does not require much effort to be happy in the good times. The Christian finds joy even in the bad times. Joy is not the absence of sorrow. Joy is the positive attitude that encompasses all situations, good or bad. Paul said he found contentment in whatever situation he faced (Phil. 4:11). Joy is a predetermined response to life’s situations.
Just A Thought: Do not wait for joy to come but discover it in all situations.
Marc Shultz
Psalm 46:1-5
A Very Present Help
Key Verse: “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early,” Psalm 46:5.
The call went out over the police band radio, “officer needs assistance.” Every police officer who was not involved in a life or death situation should immediately respond to the distress call. It is comforting to an officer in distress to hear the sirens of his fellow officers coming to his aid.
Our God is a very present help in the time of distress. He is always attentive to our prayers for help. He can be called on twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. God will never ignore our pleas for help because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). He will not remove Himself from us in the times of our sorrow. God will help those who call upon Him. His help will come in His time. God’s help may not come in the way we expect. God did not remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh, but revealed His sufficient grace to endure the pain of the thorn. God’s help brings comfort in the midst of suffering. God does not hesitate to help those in distress. Jesus immediately came to Simon Peter’s aid when he was drowning in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus did not immediately respond to the call to come and heal Lazarus but came after his friend had died. Jesus performed a miracle in raising His friend from the dead. The Lord did His will in His time.
Just A Thought: Jesus will provide the needed help at the appropriate time.
Marc Shultz
Philippians 2:14-16
Do All Without Murmuring
Key Verse: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings,” Philippians 2:14.
As a child I loved to watch dad mow the lawn. I would beg him to allow me to push the lawnmower. He refused because it was too dangerous for someone my age. When I got old enough to safely push the lawnmower, it became my chore to mow the lawn. By that time, I no longer considered it fun but difficult work. I would complain all the time I was pushing the lawnmower. If I had quit fretting over having to mow the lawn, the chore would have been less laborious.
Attitude determines how much effort we put into any endeavor. The alarm clock sounds early on Sunday morning. It is time to get out of bed and begin getting ready for church. Do you say, “I have to go to church” or “I get to go to church?” The latter should be our attitude. The Bible states the Lord loves the cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7). Those who give cheerfully have a greater reward than those who do not. David stated he was glad to be asked to go to the house of the Lord (Psalm 122:1). He was elated at the prospect of going to the house of the Lord.
What is your attitude toward serving the Lord? If you view it as a chore rather than a privilege, you rob yourself of a blessing. You determine how much joy you receive from serving the Lord.
Just A Thought: You will put more effort in serving the Lord if you enjoy it.
Marc Shultz
Philippians 4:10-14
The Secret of Contentment
Key Verse: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,” Philippians 4:11.
The apostle Paul began life as Saul of Tarsus. He was a follower of the sect of the Pharisees and considered himself a religious man. Many people hated Saul because he persecuted Christians. He enjoyed notoriety and power. Saul enjoyed many fleshly advantages in life. That all changed one day on the road to Damascus.
After Saul’s conversion to Christ, many things in his life changed. His named was changed from Saul to Paul. He no longer persecuted Christians but was a Christian. He preached the gospel he once ridiculed. He was imprisoned for his faith as he had once imprisoned others for their faith. Because he wa