Gifts of God -- Day 5

Read Romans 6:17-23

Context: Paul has been explaining how Christ brought life and put the sinful life to death, and the struggle we have as humans to avoid sin.

Text:

17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
19I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Of all the gifts God gives us, life is the most basic. He knew us before we were born, and he placed us in specific locations or situations throughout our lives -- even before we knew him. He gives us everything we need for life, and he watches over us while we are on this earth.

But he goes a step further and he gives everyone eternal life. Those who understand and accept his gifts will joyfully spend that eternity in Heaven with him. Those who don't...well, their eternity may seem ever so much longer.

Did you ever stop to think that your eternity has already started? Many of us dream of heaven and look forward to the time we will live forever, but we forget that we are already living now! True, this world isn't the perfect place that Heaven will be, but there is so much here to enjoy. God has created this world and every good and perfect thing in it.

As you enjoy the holiday and look forward to the new year, make sure you aren't so focused on tomorrow and the future that you forget about the gift of life God has provided for you today. I know it's a little cliche, but remember today is a gift -- that's why it's called the present!


I pray that you and your family will have a joyful, Christ-filled holiday. I plan to sleep in late every day...except on Christmas when the boys won't let me! I'm taking the week off, so devotions will start again on January 2. Merry Christmas!

Gifts of God - Day 4

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

Context: Paul is explaining God's purpose and how he has set Christ as ruler of all things.

Text:

1 In the past you were spiritually dead because of your sins and the things you did against God.2 Yes, in the past you lived the way the world lives, following the ruler of the evil powers that are above the earth. That same spirit is now working in those who refuse to obey God. 3 In the past all of us lived like them, trying to please our sinful selves and doing all the things our bodies and minds wanted. We should have suffered God's anger because we were sinful by nature. We were the same as all other people.
4 But God's mercy is great, and he loved us very much.5 Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God's grace.6 And he raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with him in the heavens. He did this for those in Christ Jesus7 so that for all future time he could show the very great riches of his grace by being kind to us in Christ Jesus.8 I mean that you have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.9 It was not the result of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it.10 God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing. (New Century Version)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

One of the greatest gifts God gives is grace. Paul talks about grace more than any other writer in the Bible -- probably because he was reminded daily of how much he needed it. As today's passage shows, even though we probably didn't persecute the church as much as Paul did, we are all guilty of living for ourselves. If we are honest, it doesn't take long for us to look at yesterday and realize how much we still need grace even though we have become Christians.

The Greek word used by Paul here is 'charis' (pronounced khar'-ece). Strong's definition says "of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues."

I guess I had always seen grace as simple forgiveness -- sort of like when someone steps hard on your toes and you forgive them even though it hurts. But look closely at this definition. Grace is huge! God influences us to turn to Christ, and then he uses grace to keep us, strengthen us, and help us implement what we have learned. His grace is much more than forgiveness. It is a continuous expression of his love for us, his desire to bring us closer to him.

We cannot attain this grace on our own. The only way we can obtain it is by accepting God's gift. The cool part of this is that God has a vast storeroom of beautifully wrapped gifts of grace. Every time we want one all we have to do is ask!

Gifts of God - Day 3

Read Ecclesiastes 5:15 - 20

Context: It is believed that this book was written by Solomon near the end of his life. Looking back over all of his attempts to 'tame' the world and find meaning in earthly things, he shares the wisdom that life is meaningless without God.

Text:

15 Naked a man comes from his mother's womb,
and as he comes, so he departs.
He takes nothing from his labor
that he can carry in his hand.
16 This too is a grievous evil:
As a man comes, so he departs,
and what does he gain,
since he toils for the wind?

17 All his days he eats in darkness,
with great frustration, affliction and anger.

18 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. 20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Do you ever see your job as a gift from God? Even if they like the work they do, most people see work as a burden, a chore, an additional stress on their lives. Unless you are born into a very wealthy family, you will most likely need to work in order to have a warm home and enough food to fill your stomach.

Because we see a direct correlation between the money we make from working and the amount of 'stuff' we can buy, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that we are personally responsible for attaining our possessions and wealth. Nothing could be farther from the truth!

From the sixth day of creation, God has given each man and woman their jobs. Adam (with the help of Eve) was to "rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." In addition, he was put "in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

In the same way, God has put you into a particular place in the world and he has given you work. That work may not be in a paying job at the moment, but he still has a job for you to do. And he will provide all that you need for life (just maybe not the life we covet...).

Today, take time to thank God for the jobs you have to do and for the possessions and provisions he has given you. Look for reasons to "enjoy them ... and be happy" in your work. This is another gift he hopes you will accept!

Gifts of God, Day 2

Read Joshua 1:5 - 10

Context: Joshua was given the role of leader to the Israelites after Moses' death. As he is still mourning the loss of Moses, God speaks directly to him about the upcoming task of crossing the Jordan into the Holy Land.

Text:

5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (NIV)

Taken from www.biblegateway.com

The Bible tells us that God's gifts are indescribable, good and perfect, irrevokable, and personal. But one of His most frequent gifts, his advice on life, is one we sometimes wish we'd never opened.

God has been giving his people advice since the beginning of creation. He's told us what to eat, what not to eat, how to worship, how to treat others, and how to grow into the person he created us to be. He's provided words that motivate, warn, and demonstrate his love. And, just so we don't forget, he's put a copy of his words right in our hands...in almost any language that is spoken.

Although we may not want his advice any more than a teenager wants the advice of a parent, we have to deal with the annoying fact that his advice is ALWAYS right! Once we have heard it, we are unable to return the gift and request one that is a 'better fit' -- despite the fact that we really don't want to follow, it we are now aware of the difference between right and wrong. His advice always pops up in our head at the most inconvenient times...just when we are about to give into a wonderful temptation.

Just think how wonderful next year would be if we all made a resolution to follow his advice no matter what! Ok, so maybe a year is pushing the envelope...how about if we just followed it for a day? God's advice can be a sharp, cutting sword and an all enveloping warm embrace. As you read you Bible this week, ask him what advice he is trying to give, and request his help in implementing it. You may be amazed at the results!

The Gifts of God -- Day 1

Read Micah 5:2-5a

Context: Micah was a prophet who lived at the same time as Isaiah. The theme of this book is judgment and deliverance by God.

Text:

2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans [a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins [b] are from of old,
from ancient times. [c] "
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor gives birth
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.

4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.

5 And he will be their peace. (NIV)

Footnotes:
Micah 5:2 Or rulers
Micah 5:2 Hebrew goings out
Micah 5:2 Or from days of eternity

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Just like we sometimes give hints to others about their Christmas gifts, God gave the Israelites hints about the greatest gift he would give. No matter how obscure the clues, the recipient of the gift understands what they meant when the gift is finally opened.

It is much easier for us, in hindsight, to comprehend the hints and understand how they were fulfilled by Jesus. But it's a fascinating puzzle to go back and find the clues, knowing that no man could have created such links between prophecy and reality.

In these four short verses, so much is told about the Christ who is to come:
- from Bethlehem
- tribe of Judah
- ruler of Israel
- one of ancient times (you can't get much more ancient that creation!)
- born of woman
- shepherd to his flock
- with the strength of the Lord
- bringer of peace

To those who doubt, these prophecies may seem weak or coincidental, but to believers they are a clear demonstration that God has a plan for the world. His plan will unfold in due time, and it will prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that he is in control and that he loves us.

Imagine how Mary and Joseph would have looked back at the prophecies...to see what had been fulfilled and to understand what was yet to come. We don't know if they had access to the holy scrolls or the training to do this, but the stories about the coming Christ were ingrained in Israel's history so they would have at least heard some of the prophecy.

In fulfillment of Micah's prophecy, God gave us the gifts of leadership, strength, and peace. Enjoy them!

Awaiting the Dawn

Read 2 Peter 1:19-21

Context: Continuation from yesterday when the text talked about Peter and others being eyewitnesses to the transfiguration.

Text:

19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

This passage really needs to be linked to the one from yesterday to show that the personal witness of Biblical things has to be linked to prophecies of scripture (word of prophets) for either to be valid. For instance, if someone today says that he is the Christ or that he has seen the Christ, we know it can't be true because scripture tells us that all will witness His second coming.

Peter does not use many word pictures in his writing, but in this passage his analogy to light and the dawn paint a clear picture. A light (the word used refers to a candle) can brighten up a dark place, but when the sun rises it eliminates the darkness so that all is bright. Now we have the scripture and faith to help brighten up the darkness (and the word Peter used here means 'squalid and dirty'), bringing some sin into the open. But when Jesus returns (the morning star), all will be revealed and he will get rid of the evil darkness forever!

In the meantime, we still need to hold up our candles to light the way.

God's Voice

Read 2 Peter 1:16-18

Context: Continuation

Text:

16We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever wondered what God's voice really sounds like? I know there are a lot of people who say "God told me to do this," but most of them never heard an audible voice. They have received internal nudges from the Spirit that led them to act in the way God directed.

God spoke in many ways in the Bible. Elijah heard his voice in the gentle whisper of the wind. Moses heard his voice on the mountainside and in the Tent of Meeting. Adam and Eve walked with him in the garden while he presented his creation, and he spoke to Samuel at night...perhaps in a dream. Other times God spoke, but most were only able to hear thunder, as when he spoke to Saul on that Damascus road. Often he passed his messages along with the help of angels and prophets.

But Peter, along with James and John, had the opportunity to hear the pride and love in God's voice as He proclaimed to the world that Jesus was his son. I wonder how often Peter played that day again in his head, awestruck at the presence of Elijah and Moses. He had heard wonderful stories about these two heroes of the faith, and now they were standing before him. And Jesus, transfigured before their very eyes so that his face shone like the sun and his clothes were as white as light. If Peter had had any doubts about Jesus' origins, this single moment would convince him the Jesus was, indeed, the Christ.

But one day we shall all hear his voice. Either one at a time when in Heaven on our own judgement days, or all together when Jesus returns triumphantly. More than anything, I pray that he says, "Well done," and "Welcome Home."

Final Advice?

Read 2 Peter 1:10-15

Context: Continuation from yesterday

Text:

10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Peter had a close relationship with Jesus -- he was one of the three members of the 'inner circle' who seemed to be with Jesus wherever he went (Peter, James, and John). He sat at Christ's feet, heard his message multiple times, and had the opportunity to ask some difficult questions. But none of the apostles were really ready when Jesus was arrested.

Peter knows that his time is short. 'Tradition' says that he was crucified upside down because he didn't feel he was worthy of a Christ-like death. Like Jesus, he is trying to share the most critical pieces of advice before he dies. He's not just repeating what has been said before, he's trying with a sense of desperation to make sure we really understand the most important things about our faith. The things we will learn from this book are his final words to those who weren't physically close to him.

I'm sure that, from Heaven, Peter is pleased that his advice lives on!

He Forgets, But I Can't

Read 2 Peter 1:5-9

Context: Continuation from yesterday, where Peter told us that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness.

Text:

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Do you ever forget that you have been cleansed from your sins? Satan will go out of his way to make you think it isn't true. Late at night, when you can't sleep, he'll whisper into your ear things like, "I can't believe you did THAT!" or, "Surely you are bad to the core, look at all you've done," or even, "How could he forgive you for THAT?"

When we ask for forgiveness with a humble, repentant heart, God has promised that he will forgive and forget...as far as the east is from the west. But he doesn't take our memory away. He doesn't want us to dwell, or even revel, in our misdeeds, but he does want us to remember what we are capable of and how far we'd fallen before we let him pick us up. After all, how can we live and learn if we never remember the life lessons?

He wants us to remember, but not to be haunted by the memory. Next time Satan wants you to wallow in your past, just thank him for reminding you how great God is!

God is Enough

We are home again. Sammi's headache hasn't gone away yet, but she's feeling better and is glad to be home. She's on a new medicine and we hope this one will work. Thanks for your prayers.

Today, read 2 Peter 1:1-4

Context: Despite the claim in 2 Peter 1:2, there is quite a bit of doubt that Peter actually wrote this book. Many claim that it was written by a scribe or that someone very close to Peter wrote about the things Peter would have said in a letter. While there isn't much evidence to support Peter's authorship, there was more evidence for this letter than many that were omitted from the Bible. The purpose of this letter was to alert believers to error and to stimulated them to spiritual growth.

Text:

1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

God has given us everything we need for life and godliness...how different would our lives be if we truly believed that statement?

Think about the time in history when this text was written. What do we have access to now, both possessions and Biblical references, that they didn't have then?

In the days of the early church, there was almost no written way to study God's word. There were Old Testament documents locked up in the temples, and there were probably a few copies of letters from Paul or the apostles being circulated. I bet we have more Bibles and biblical materials in each home than existed in all of Jerusalem or Rome. Yet many people were closer to God at that time than we are today.

And stuff...I'll be one of the first to admit that I like stuff...alot! But how much of my effort goes to obtaining and maintaining stuff instead of trying to get closer to God?

God gives us all we need...yet we always seem to want more than we have. More information before we feel qualified to witness to others, more time to pray or study His word, more money to buy stuff that didn't even exist 20 years ago, much less 2000 years ago. When will we realize that He is enough?

Dailies On Hold

I won't be posting any Faith Builder's Dailies this week...Sammi (our 15 year old daughter) is in the hospital with migraines. If you are in the Faith Builder's class, please read 2 Peter 1 to prepare for Sunday!

thanks,
Susan