April, 2008 Devotions

Tuesday, April 1

Honor the Aged

God's concern for the aged began early in Scripture and is expressed repeatedly throughout the Bible. The sixth commandment, "Honour thy father and thy mother" (Ex. 20:12), is a reflection of this concern. It also reflected the depth of His concern, because this is the first commandment with promise (Eph. 6:2).

Does the younger generation today honor and respect the elderly? Often they do not. But this is not a new thing. Though God included the elderly with the mighty man, the man of war, the judge, the prophet and the prudent (lsa. 3:2), we fmd that even then "the child shall behave himself proudly [rise up] against the ancient" (verse 5).

Often the elderly think of themselves as useless, a bother and over the hill. It is up to those who are younger to restore a sense of usefulness to the elderly. How? What qualities do the elderly have for which we should honor them?

They have wisdom. They have experience. We can learn from them by drawing on their wisdom and experience, letting it guide our lives. We can avoid many of the pitfalls they may have fallen into.

One way to honor the elderly is to spend time with them. They are often lonely, and an hour's visit from someone who cares can work wonders. You will fmd out that your visit has helped you more than it has helped them.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Romans 16:1, 2

Wednesday, April 2

Phebe-Woman of Honor

    KEY VERSE: ''That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also," Romans 16:2.

You could never accuse Paul of being a male chauvinist. ln fact, that attitude is not a biblical one. Godly women in the Bible were always held in high esteem. We see that in the life of Sarah, Deborah, Hannah and of course the godly woman described in Proverbs 31.

The New Testament is full of accounts of the acts of faithfulness by godly women. Most of us are familiar with Mary and Martha, two women dear to the Savior. There were others also, Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Salome, to mention a few. Christ honored and respected these women for their faithfulness to Him. Other New Testament women who are praised for the things they did were Mary (Rom. 16:6), Dorcas (Acts 9:36) and Lydia (Acts 16:14).

Paul never failed to mention the women who helped him in his ministry. (See Romans 16:3; Philippians 4:3 and 2 Timothy 1:5.)

What does all this tell us? It tells us there is a definite place for women in the Lord's work, and that we should honor and respect those women who fill this place.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Proverbs 31:10-31

Thursday, April 3

Portrait of a Virtuous Woman

    KEY VERSE: "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised," Proverbs 31 :30.

Nancy and her mother were talking about Nancy's engagement to be married to a young minister in their church.

Nancy exclaimed, "l hope I will be a good wife for him and make him a good home. I need your advice about how to do this."

Mother said, ''Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman, 'The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.' Now, let's make a list of things she does."

She does him good and not evil.

She works willingly with her hands.

She travels far to get the right food for her family.

She rises early to prepare breakfast for her family.

She is smart enough to buy a field for planting a vineyard.

She is not afraid to exercise to improve her strength.

She knows that the things she makes to sell are worth their price.

She works late into the night if she needs to.

She knows how to spin and weave.

She is generous to the poor and needy.

She makes warm winter clothing for her family.

"That's quite a list," Nancy commented. ''Not much room for boredom, is there? And a woman certainly could feel fulfilled if she followed the list!"

Mary McCalister

 

 

 

Acts 9:36-42

Friday, April 4

Dorcas-Full of Good Works

    KEY VERSE: "Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did," Acts 9:36.

What's in a name? Well, not much these days. Names are often chosen because they are family names, or they are on the most used list, like Kaitlin, Cameron or Mia. You might wonder what was in the mind of Dorcas' parents when they named her. She was named for the gazelle, which is certainly a beautiful animal.

Nothing is said about Dorcas being a woman of beauty, but what is said is important. She "was full of good works and alms deeds which she did." There is nothing better to be said of a woman than she is full of good works. Can this be said of you? Or are you too busy about your own affairs to reach out to those in need?

It appears that Dorcas was unmarried, but she did not bewail her condition or fret about being single. She took the one skill she had-being a seamstress-and used it to help others. ln doing that, she made a happy life for herself It was not just a pastime for her. She did it with all her heart, demonstrating the love of God to those who needed help.

It appears she did not have time for morning coffee and gossip sessions, but she was busy doing things for others. This is a great antidote for selfishness.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Philippians 1:27

Saturday, April 5

Life-styles of the Obedient

    KEY VERSE: "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel," Philippians 1:27.

This whole chapter contains God's instructions, through Paul, for the right kind of life-style---conversation-for the child of God. ln this first chapter and in other places in Philippians, Paul gives some special admonitions, encouraging his readers to live in such a way that he will be proud to hear of them. The life-styles of the obedient should contain the following steps:

These seven steps certainly are an outline of what our life-styles-conversations-should be in our daily lives. There is much more involved here than warming the pew for a couple of hours on Sunday, isn't there? Paul calls for complete dedication of our lives to the gospel and to our commission to carry it into all the world.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Titus 2:10-15

Sunday, April 6

Adorning the Doctrine of God

    KEY VERSE: "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works," Titus 2:14.

Do we ever compromise tonight, expecting to be able to confess tomorrow? Are we like the fellow visiting Las Vegas who called the preacher, wanting to know the hours of the Sunday service. The preacher was impressed. "Most people who come to Las Vegas don't do so to go to church."

"Oh, I'm not coming for the church. I'm coming for the gambling and parties and wild women. If I have half as much fun as I intend to, I'll need a church come Sunday morning."

ls that the intent of grace, to promote disobedience?

Hardly. lnstead, we adorn the grace of God by not stealing, by proving ourselves to be completely trustworthy, by denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, by living soberly, righteously and godly and by looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Spiritual growth comes only through the grace of God. ln His grace we accept His instructions and take them to heart. What is in it for us? We have the promise of peace, joy, satisfaction and abiding faith, plus the blessed hope of the return of Christ in all His glory.

We are destined for the service of God to be used, yea, even worn out in our lives of dedication to God.

Mary McCalister

 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13

Monday, April 7

Esteemed Leaders

    KEY VERSE: "And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves," 1 Thessalonians 5:13.

The dictionary definition of esteem is to ''have great regard for, to value highly, to respect." This defmition does not fit the life-styles of many people today. Not respecting their elders, teachers, parents or persons in authority seems to be a trait of much of the current generation.

To feel esteem for others, we must realize that no friend, no marriage, no person is perfect. Jesus came to build relationships with people. He came to take away enmity and strife. His command was "that ye love one another" (John 15:12). Then, He said that we would be His friends. With His help we can develop peace, love, tolerance and harmony which will develop even difficult situations into something beautiful. With His help, we can exhibit esteem for our leaders "for their work's sake."

It is related that, during the reign of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector, the English government ran out of silver for coinage. Cromwell sent his men to a cathedral to see if they could find any silver. They reported, "The only silver we can find is in the statues of the saints standing in the corners."

"Good," he replied, "we'll melt down the saints and put them into circulation!" It was Christ's desire that His followers be the kind of people who would encourage one another, build one another up, esteem their leaders, be patient with everyone and be kind to everyone.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Acts 14:21-23

Tuesday, April 8

Ordaining Elders

It is interesting to compare the procedure for ordaining elders as described in this passage with the procedures we follow today. Their procedure was simple. Paul and Barnabas visited the churches in Lystra, lconium, and Antioch, confirming them and exhorting them. Then they prayed, fasted and ordained elders in every church, commending them to the Lord.

Now a man announces he has been called to preach, usually spends time in seminary to improve his preaching and pastoring skills, then indicates he is ready to be a pastor. Some church calls him, he accepts the call, and the church he belongs to sends out a letter requesting the churches to send ordained help to sit on the presbytery. If the presbytery is satisfied with his responses to questioning, they recommend to the church that he be ordained.

Quite a bit of difference, isn't there? However, that does not mean our procedure is wrong. It has been developed over time and circumstances to fit our needs. As the early churches did not have the time to follow the steps we follow, we have the time to examine our pastors-to-be and look for the signs of maturity needed for the task they have stepped forward to do.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Matthew 9:37, 38

Wednesday, April 9

The Laborers Are Few

    KEY VERSE: "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest," Matthew 9:38.

To get the full gist of this passage, you must read verse 36 which precedes it. "But when he [Jesus] saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them ... as sheep having no shepherd." Now, take a look around you and what do you see? For instance, as you drive to church on Sunday morning, how many people do you see occupied with everything except going to church? Knowing they are "as sheep having no shepherd," does your heart go out to them in compassion? Jesus' compassion called on His followers to pray for more laborers.

We need to realize that, every day the unsaved person lives, he is one day closer to judgment. Our responsibility is to communicate about the Lord Jesus, to present the righteousness of God and to tell people we meet as often as we can that Jesus died for them, rose from the dead for them, and offers the only hope they have to be delivered from their sins. The Holy Spirit convicts them of their lost condition. It is up to us to spread the good news of the gospel.

How about your prayer life? Are you praying that the Lord of the harvest will send laborers into His field? If you are, watch out! The laborer He sends may be you!

Mary McCalister

 

 

1 Corinthians 3:9-11

Thursday, April 10

Laborers Together with God

    KEY VERSE: "For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building," 1 Corinthians 3:9.

A person struggled for years with the concept presented in this passage. He viewed God as a compassionate CEO and himself as a loyal sales representative. The person had his territory, and God was in His Heaven. Of course, he could contact God as often as he wanted. He felt God encouraged him and supported him, but he never really felt God went with him.

Then one day he read 2 Corinthians 6:1. "We then as workers together with him." This changed his attitude completely. lnstead of working for God and then reporting to Him, he realized he was working with Him.

Fellow workers? Colaborers? God and I working together? What a wonderful prospect that is! Not only are we laborers together with God, we work in His husbandry-His field-and we are a part of His building. The prophet lsaiah described us as "trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD" (lsa. 61:3).

Often our work for the Lord is not productive. How much better it is to be working with the Lord. Then we can enjoy the fruits of our labors.

Mary McCalister

 

 

1 Corinthians 9:7-14

Friday, April 11

The Preacher's Provisions

    KEY VERSE: "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel," 1 Corinthians 9:14.

What kind of legacy did your pastor receive when he surrendered to preach? Think about it.

Noah stood alone in a civilization of culture and progress. His contemporaries must have laughed at him, calling him an eccentric who was building a huge boat and looking for the world to end. Elijah stood alone among the priests of Baal. When he challenged the multitude, that fifth amendment crowd "answered him not a word" (1 Kings 18:21). Amos stood alone in the religiopolitical system of his day. He did not have a degree from the school of prophets. Jeremiah stood alone among the tranquilizers of his day who were preaching peace when there was no peace. Daniel spoke for God in the midst of a pagan empire, and it was worth a night in a den of lions for Daniel to pray and make supplication to his God. Peter and John ignored the threats of the religious and powerful, saying, ''We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Stephen, whose preaching caused the religious leaders to stone him, prayed, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60).

This is the heritage of the man God has given you as your pastor. His aim and desire is to do God's will. Do you not think he is worthy of full support? Paul's instruction was clear. "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:14).

    LIVING IT: Give your pastor the love, honor and support that are due him.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Hebrews 13:17

Saturday, April 12

Watching for Your Soul

    KEY VERSE: "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you," Hebrews 13:17.

What parent has not responded with "because I said so!" to a rebellious child who asked, "Why?" This is a common reaction to a fractious child who seeks to oppose the authority of the parent.

Often there is the same attitude toward those whom God has placed in charge of His kingdom, resulting in people refusing to obey the authority of those placed over them. The peace and harmony of many a church has been destroyed by those who refuse to "obey them that have the rule over you" (verse 17).

Children who learn to "obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right" (Eph. 6:1), are more apt to respect the authority of teachers, the police and the government.

The key word in this passage is submit. It is a common word to be found in God's instruction for the believer. Children are to submit to parents (Eph. 6:1), wives to husbands, husbands to wives (Eph. 5:22, 25), we are to submit to one another (Eph. 4:22), younger are to submit to the elder (1 Peter 5:5), and all are to submit to governmental authority (1 Peter 2:13).

Like the fractious child you may be asking, ''Why?'' The answer is because like the obedient child who accepts the authority of his parents, we should accept God's authority and live according to His precepts and commandments.

LIVING IT: Submit yourselves therefore to God (James 4:7).

Mary McCalister

 

 

Hebrews 13:7

Sunday, April 13

Follow Their Faith

    KEY VERSE: "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation," Hebrews 13:7.

What is the basis for this admonition? It is accountability. Accountability begins with remembering who brought you to the place where you are now. Parents, teachers, pastors, youth leaders and Sunday School teachers, all may well have had a part in bringing you here, in speaking to you the Word of God. Remember them and be thankful to them for what they have done for you.

But, when you remember, carry it a step further. As you remember their example and admonitions, follow their example of faith.

Accountability works in two dimensions, vertically and horizontally. The child of God is accountable to God (2 Cor. 5:10). And, we are accountable to those around us (Rom. 12:9-16). We are not islands of independence, living lives free of one another. We are made to relate, to blend into one another, to touch one another and to answer to one another.

Every congregation has a choice to be one of two things-a bag of marbles or a cluster of grapes. Marbles are single units that don't affect each other except in collision. On Sunday morning you can choose to go to church or sleep in. Who really cares if there are one hundred ninety-two or one hundred ninety-three marbles in a bag? ln grapes, however, the juices begin to mingle and there is no way out of becoming a part of the whole. Each is part of all, part of the fragrance, part of the juice and part of the stuff.

Mary McCalister

 

 

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Monday, April 14

Warnings to the Rich

    KEY VERSE: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy," 1 Timothy 6:17.

For most of us, this devotional passage does not seem to apply. For people whose checking accounts need repeated resuscitation, it is difficult to relate to one who is rich. lnstead, we might find our instruction in the earlier verses of this chapter-"godliness with contentment is great gain" (verse 6) and "having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (verse 8).

You may be surprised to learn that the Bible teaches a great deal about money. Most importantly, Proverbs teaches us that riches are soon gone-whoosh, and they are gone for good (Prov. 23:4, 5).

Paul instructed the rich not to be highminded-conceited. The rich Christian must always remember that he is rich because of God's blessings upon him. Then he said they are not to trust in riches, always remembering that money can buy medicine, but not health; a house but not a home; companionship, but not friends; entertainment, but not happiness; food but not an appetite; a bed but not sleep; the good life, but not eternal life.

Paul's instruction to the rich is to be generous. Jesus admonished "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Luke 12:34).

 

 

 

1 Timothy 6:20, 21

Tuesday, April 15

Keep the Faith!

    KEY VERSE: "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called," 1 Timothy 6:20.

Keeping that which has been committed to us-how is our keeping power? Not like this, I hope! There is a restaurant in Atlanta called Church of God Grill. They started out as a mission which sold chicken dinners on Sunday after church to help pay the bills. People liked the chicken, and they did such a good business that, eventually, they cut back on the church service. After a while they closed down the church altogether and kept on serving the chicken dinners, keeping only the church's name unchanged. Would you say they had lost sight of their commitment?

Paul felt a total commitment to the gospel (1 Tim. 1:11) and he wanted to pass on that commitment to Timothy who had been intrusted with the same gospel.

Would this be an easy commitment? No. Paul cautioned Timothy to be on the watch against "profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called" (1 Tim. 6:20). Paying attention to such distractions would be much like Sir Donald Malcolm Campbell, British car and boat racer and holder of several world speed records. While racing a fast boat on one of the lakes of Scotland, the boat exploded and sank. The only thing which ever surfaced was a toy stuffed animal, Campbell's good luck charm. Misplaced faith can be fatal.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Colossians 3:22-4:1

Wednesday, April 16

Christian Servants and Masters

KEY VERSE: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men," Colossians 3:23.

You have to ask yourself this question-in Paul's day did becoming a Christian change your position as slave or master? No, but it did change the behavior of slave and master. Paul exhorted servants to be obedient to their masters in a way that would be pleasing to God. Masters were to be just and equal in their dealings with their servants. Paul gives good reasons for this. Servants served the Lord, and their daily service was to reflect that. Masters were to recognize they had a Master in Heaven.

Now, of course, society has changed. We do not have slaves and masters, but we do have employers and employees. Some people might say, that this does not apply to them. However, it does no injustice to the Scripture to change "servants" to "employees" and "masters" to "employers." The same principles Paul used apply to us as they did to Paul's hearers.

Employees owe an honest day's work for a day's pay.

No room for slacking off or wasting time. Employers are to be fair and equal in all their dealings with their employees. No favoritism should be allowed.

Paul wrote almost the same words to the church at Ephesus, which strengthens the force of his admonition to the Colossians (Eph. 6:5-9). Peter gave an even stronger admonition, that we are to be subject to our masters, even if they do not treat us right (1 Peter 2:18). Well, that is a concept foreign to this day and time!

Mary McCalister

 

 

Philippians 4:11-13

Thursday, April 17

Learn To Be Content

    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.

There was a farmer who once grew dissatisfied with his farm. He griped about the lake on his property always needing to be stocked and managed. And those fat cows lumbered through his pasture. All the fencing and feeding-what a headache!

He called a realtor and made plans to list the farm.

Later the agent phoned, wanting approval for the advertisement she intended to place in the local paper. She read the ad to the farmer. It described a lovely farm in an ideal location-quiet and peaceful, contoured with rolling hills, carpeted with soft meadows, nourished by a fresh lake and blessed with well-bred livestock. Mter hearing the ad he said, "I've changed my mind. I'm not going to sell. I've been looking for a place like that all my life."

What about you? Are you content with what God has given you? What if God's only gift to you were His grace to save you. Would you be content?

True contentment makes us independent-independent of anything man might do, but completely dependent on God. If God did nothing more than save us from hell, could anyone complain? Since being given eternal life, dare we complain of an aching body? And being given heavenly riches, dare we bemoan earthly poverty? If you have eyes to read your Bible and the means to own one, He has already given you grace upon grace.

LIVING IT: Be content with what you have (Heb. 13:5).

Mary McCalister

 

 

Proverbs 3:13-18

Friday, April 18

Seek True Riches

    KEY VERSE: "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding," Proverbs 3:13.

If you were to make a list of heartfelt desires, happiness would be near the top. But wisdom? And understanding? Not many of us place a high priority on these. Wisdom is essential to possess true riches because wisdom is its source.

How does the wise man describe wisdom? He says it is worth far more than silver or gold. It is more precious than rubies. Rubies are not usually the gem of choice. Most of us prefer diamonds. But diamonds in their rough state are not attractive, while rubies are found in their beautiful state.

However, man's wisdom is not enough. It is limited, partial wisdom. T. S. Eliot pointed this out in "The Rock."

"All our knowledge brings us nearer to our ignorance, All our ignorance brings us nearer to death, But nearness to death no nearer to GOD. Where is the Life we have lost in living?"

True wisdom is the God-given ability to see life with objectivity and to handle life with stability. We can respond to whatever life gives us with calm confidence. We have a remarkable absence of fear or panic. We can dip into an unexpected valley or we can soar to the pinnacle of prosperity, and we can cope with both extremes. God has the whole world in His hands. Ask not, will His wisdom work? But instead ask, are we putting His wisdom to work?

Mary McCalister

 

 

Hebrews 13:5, 6

Saturday, April 19

Be Content!

C. H. Spurgeon said, "I've been in a lot of testimony meetings, and I've heard a lot of people share how they had sinned, and I've had a lot of people come to me to make confession of sin. But in all my life I've never had one person confess the sin of covetousness to me." Covetousness can wipe out contentment and make the Christian more unhappy about his life. Covetousness is one of the greatest sins. Contentment is one of God's greatest blessings.

What is contentment? It is, first of all, communion with God. It is important to realize that there is never a place where God is not present. The more we focus on Him, the less we will be concerned about material things. When you are near to God, you are overwhelmed with the riches that you have in Him, and earthly possessions simply will not matter.

Second, contentment is confidence in God. The writer of Hebrews reiterates the promise, "l will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (verse 5). When we have the Lord, we have it all. Loss of anything else can be no worse than a bad inconvenience that, surrendered to the Lord, will always be for our good. Material possessions are temporary anyway. We will lose them sooner or later, so do not lament their loss.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Matthew 6:24-33

Sunday, April 20

God or Mammon?

    KEY VERSE: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," Matthew 6:33.

An anguished cry of "Mom, I don't have anything to wear!" comes from a teenager with an overstuffed closet. Mom pushes through the rack of clothes, finally finding a dress about which she says, "Here. You haven't worn this in awhile." The teenager grumpily agrees, though she would have much rather made a trip to the mall.

There are places in the world where having nothing to wear might be a legitimate complaint, but certainly not in the life-style most of us enjoy.

What do you worry about? Living a long life? Food and drink? Clothes? Jesus admonished: "Take no thought for your life" (verse 25). Then He asks, "ls not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" (verse 25).

ln weighing His question, ask yourself, how much time do you spend buying food and cooking meals, or even choosing which restaurant to visit? How much time do you spend shopping for clothes? Way too much would probably be an honest answer.

The root of this lesson is, does God care more for His children than He does for the fowls of the air, the flowers and grass of the field? Of course He does!

He admonishes the worrier for his lack of faith, saying we should take no thought of what we eat or drink or wear. Does this mean we go hungry and naked? No, indeed. But we do need to get our priorities right. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God" (verse 33). God will take care of all our needs.

Mary McCalister

 

 

2 Timothy 1:15-18

Monday, April 21

Hinderers and Helpers

    KEY VERSE: "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain," 2 Timothy 1:16.

ln the foreword of a book entitled "Well-intentioned Dragons," this description is used: "those sincere, wellmeaning saints who drive pastors to distraction and sap the vitality from the church." Most of us hope this is not a description of us. It seems it did apply to Paul's hinderers, Phygellus and Hermogenes, because Paul said "all they which are in Asia be turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." We are not told how Paul remedied this situation, or if he did, but at least he recognized it and accepted it.

How much better it is to be an Onesiphorus! (verse 16). He was an elder in the church at Ephesus and certainly an example of true Christianity we could all emulate.

He was repeatedly kind in refreshing Paul, ministering to his needs in a way that was like a breath of fresh air.

He was not ashamed of Paul being a prisoner in chains. What if some believer we knew was imprisoned for preaching the gospel? How would we feel about him? Hopefully we would not be ashamed.

When he was in Rome, Onesiphorus spent time diligently looking for Paul until he found him. It is easy to imagine what a welcome sight he was to Paul!

How can we emulate Onesiphorus' example? By searching out people who need support and cheer and ministering to them. The opportunities are endless.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Acts 16:1-5

Tuesday, April 22

Timothy Joins the Mission Team

    KEY VERSES: "Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed ... him would Paul have to go forth with him," Acts 16:1,3.

When we compile Paul's biography of Timothy, it is easy to see why Paul loved and appreciated him so much. He commended Timothy for his "unfeigned faith," a faith exhibited by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). He was a student of Scripture, even in his youth (2 Tim. 3:15). What an encouragement this ought to be to us to bring our children up in the Scriptures. Deuteronomy 6:6, 7 declares, we should first hide the Word in our hearts, and then diligently teach our children "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Paul considered Timothy his child in the faith (1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2). Pastors often have this kind of experience with young people whom they have led to the Lord and spent time nurturing them and helping them mature in the faith.

Even though he was young, he was ordained as a minister of the gospel (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6,7). Paul chose him as a companion and fellow worker. He served Paul so faithfully that he became indispensable to Paul. Paul had no other companion who was as "like-minded" as Timothy, and who so faithfully listened to and put to use Paul's instruction.

LIVING IT: Always be prepared to be added as a helper in God's work.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Acts 5:40-42

Wednesday, April 23

Not Ashamed-Not Deterred!

    KEY VERSE: "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ," Acts 5:42.

A number of years ago a church in Oxnard, California hosted a youth rally in a most unusual way. When we arrived at the church, we found the front door padlocked and no lights on. Soon one of the members came and led us stealthily around the building to enter it from a back door.

No lights were turned on and the atmosphere was very solemn.

Our apprehension added as a uniformed officer stormed into the building and threatened us all with arrest. For what? For having an illegal meeting! After everyone had become convinced it was all real, the truth was revealed. All the people involved were members of the church, acting out a "what if" scenario.

I have never forgotten how I felt that day, and, for a long time, I expected something like that to happen. However, God has been with us and our freedom to worship has continued. But it could happen here! And, if it did, there would be no shame in standing as a true witness for the faith.

Even though their persecutors sought to shame the disciples, there was no shame in them enduring persecution for the Lord's sake. No doubt they felt honored to be shamed and despised as their Lord was (Heb. 12:2). Nor were they deterred from preaching for daily they were found in the Temple and every house preaching Jesus Christ.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Psalm 119:46

Thursday, April 24

Speak Without Fear!

    KEY VERSE: "I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed," Psalm 119:46.

When you mention Psalm 119, people usually say, "Oh, yes, that's the longest chapter in the Bible." Or, they may remember, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (verse 11). But I had never really read the verse which is the basis for this devotional. And I do not think I am the only one!

Down through the ages our Baptist forefathers have dared to proclaim the Word of God at the risk of endangering their reputations and even their lives. They exhibited the same resolve the psalmist did when he vowed to "speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed" (verse 46). ln the psalmist's day that would have been a dangerous thing to do, and it is true also in some parts of the world today.

What made the psalmist so bold? He said: "l trust in thy word" (verse 42); "l have hoped in thy judgments" (verse 43); "So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever" (verse 44); and "l will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved" (verse 47).

Here we have a picture of a person with a passion for God's Word. He is obsessed with it. He thinks about it constantly. The Word dominates his life and frees him to face life unafraid. God can give us the strength to speak out boldly for our faith if we ask Him.

Mary McCalister

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Friday, April 25

The Power of God

    KEY VERSE: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God," 1 Corinthians 1:18.

Call a man a fool, and he will retaliate. A person telling another he is foolish is an insult to his intelligence. Yet, Paul used this harsh term to demonstrate the power of God.

The preaching of the cross was foolishness both to the Jew and the Greek. The Jews could not believe that one who died on the cross could be their Messiah. They wholeheartedly accepted Deuteronomy 21:23 but could not, even with their familiarity with lsaiah 53, believe there was to be a suffering Messiah. The Greeks thought the preaching of the cross was too blunt and crude for their sophisticated minds.

It was foolishness to the world then and it still is.

Religion is popular today, but the preaching of the cross is not. Jesus, the Example and Teacher, may be popular Christianity (so-called) as a lovely philosophy, but not a crucified Savior.

To most church members the counterpart of Christ's death for our sin-our death with Him and resurrection to walk with Him in newness of life-is just as unpopular. Call upon the average congregation to live out Romans 6, with its "reckon," "yield," and "obey" and you will not hear many "amens."

LIVING IT: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (1 Cor. 1 :27).

Mary McCalister

 

 

2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Saturday, April 26

Always Triumphant

    KEY VERSE: "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place," 2 Corinthians 2:14.

Do you feel triumphant in your Christian life? If not, perhaps your focus is on yourself, not Christ. God can give you the triumph in all things if you put Him first in your life and trust Him to give you victory.

A missionary to China described his first experience in language school to the class. Then the teacher entered the room, and, without saying a word walked down every row of students and then out of the room. Then the teacher came back and asked the class, "Did you notice anything special about me?" One student responded, "l noticed that you had on a very lovely perfume."

The teacher responded, "That's right. It will be a long time before any of you will be able to speak Chinese well enough to share the gospel in China. But before that you can minister the sweet fragrance of Christ to these people by your lives. Your life-style will minister to them long before you are able to say one word to them."

What kind of influence do you have? Are you manifesting the savor-the fragrance, aroma-of His knowledge in every place you go? It is important that we smell like the followers of Christ. We are, to God, a sweet savor of Christ. He can be the fragrance of life for us and for others.

LIVING IT: If we are Christlike, we can minister to unbelievers even if we do not preach the gospel to them.

Mary McCalister

 

 

Romans 1:14-16

Sunday, April 27

Not Ashamed of the Gospel!

    KEY VERSE: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek," Romans 1:16.

Timidity is often our greatest hindrance to witnessing. We think, "No one will pay attention to what I say. No one will receive my message." We would never admit to being ashamed, but are we? After all, God's power accompanies the spreading of the gospel. It is not up to us to produce results. It is up to us to spread the Word of God.

Our witnessing includes our living as well. The story is told of a Chinese Christian who had suffered pain through many illnesses. Her brother, who had rejected the gospel persecuted his sister, tearing up her Bible and ridiculing her for her faith.

Then one day he called his family together and announced: "l have watched my sister for many years and wondered how she could endure all the suffering she has been through. Now I can see that she has been given sustaining power which could only come from a higher source. So I have decided there must be a God after all. I have read the Bible and realize that I am a sinner. So here and now I want to tell you that I have accepted Christ as my Savior, asked Him to forgive my sins and promised to follow Him." As a result of his announcement and her faithfulness, fifty-five relatives turned to God and professed their belief in Christ as Savior.

LIVING IT: Tell it out, but live it out as well.

Mary McCalister

 

 

2 Timothy 2:16-19

Monday, April 28

He Knows His Own

    KEY VERSE: "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity," 2 Timothy 2:19.

On a hillside outside Jerusalem, flocks of sheep mingle, nibbling blades of grass, while the shepherds catch up on the latest news from the city. But, as evening approaches, it is time to separate the flocks. Each shepherd has his own distinct voice and calls out to his sheep. The sheep raise their heads; move their ears to find the direction of their shepherd's call and move toward him. Remarkably, he does not take away one sheep that does not belong in his flock. He knows them each by name, and they know his voice.

Jesus declared Himself as the Good Shepherd, and His name is divinely appropriate. The fact that the Good Shepherd knows each sheep (believer) is comforting in a world where a person may only be distinguishable from others by a group of numbers. He knows His own in a personal way. He is a personal God. This is an eternal foundation upon which to build a living, growing relationship with Him.

But there is one hindrance to building that vital relationship-sin. David knew by experience that sin (iniquity) is a destroyer of relationships (Psalm 66:18). And, although no one can live a perfect life, it is imperative to our relationship with God that we go to Him in daily repentance.

Beverly Barnett

 

 

2 Timothy 2:20-26

Tuesday, April 29

The Servant of the Lord

    KEY VERSES: "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth," 2 Timothy 2:24, 25.

A servant's position is not a glamorous one. There are no bright lights and billboards that advertise jobs for servants. Maybe that is why Paul was teaching Timothy and us the qualifications and importance of this Godcalled position.

It is a humble role. Promotion only comes at death. But the earthly as well as the heavenly benefits greatly outweigh the small sacrifices made to promote Christ's kingdom.

Few people accept the servant role, but some do take it seriously, as though someone's life depended on them. And it does. The knowledge we gain in Bible study is not to be horded but it is shared with others. It is not a secret to be kept in a vault, but the Word of God and the freedom of the gospel is to be spread throughout the world. How can that be done without some willing servants of the Lord?

It seems that in this comfortable world that we are not willing to take up our towels, latch our sandals and walk to our neighbor's house to share the saving grace of Christ with them. America's unchurched and unconverted population is growing by the hour.

The role of a servant is not a nine to five job that one leaves when he drives away from the parking lot, but it is a twenty-four/seven privilege to be called as servants of Heaven. Let's not take it lightly.

Beverly Barnett

 

 

2 Corinthians 12:9, 10

Wednesday, April 30

Strong in Grace

    KEY VERSE: "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong," 2 Corinthians 12:10.

Paul wrote from past experiences. He had nothing to brag about but the strength he found in the grace and power of Christ. He counted it a pleasure and privilege to suffer.

Joni Ereckson Tada has used the strength of Christ to replace her weakness. For the glory of God, Joni has written best selling books, spoke in over forty-one different countries and all across America. She is an accomplished artist whose paintings are collected by many, and she is an advocate for the disabled. A full-length film about her amazing life has been translated into fifteen different languages. She recently moved into new facilities that will be the permanent home for Joni and Friends lnternational Disability Center. All these things have been accomplished by a quadriplegic woman in a wheelchair who learned early on to depend on God's strength. She has not quit, although she may have had discouraging times, she knows her weakness can bring glory to Christ.

A few years back, it was a privilege to hear her speak at a National Christian Counselor's Conference, and it was one of the most inspiring speeches of the conference. One day, no doubt, Joni will run to Christ, and fall at His feet in love and adoration and thank Him for His grace in her time of weakness.

    REFLECTION: Lord, help me to see my disabilities as an opportunity to depend on your grace and strength.

Beverly Barnett