DAILY DEVOTIONALS: 1.2.21

Grace for Families in the New Year By: Sarah Phillips For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. - Genesis2:24 NIV Part of my job includes receiving letters from readers about family issues. Something that struck me this past year was how many Christian families suffer - truly suffer. Some struggle from financial woes,others from the behavior of rebellious teenagers, and some from painful relational problems within their marriages. While I can't offer quick fixes in this small devotional entry, I want to reflect on some scriptures here that will hopefully offer you some encouragement if you are among those facing a difficult familysituation. "The man said, ‘The woman you put here with me--she gave me some fruit from the tree,and I ate it." - Genesis 3:7-12. First, if you're facing a broken situation or relationship, remember you're not alone. With the fall of man came the fall of family life. We can see this in Adam's dysfunctional words as he blames Godand Eve for his own sinful decision to eat the forbidden fruit. You may compare your family to others and feel like a failure - like everyone else has this family thing figured out. But truthfully, we are all sinners who marry sinners and give birth to sinners. While this truth doesn't excuse a person's hurtful, sinful behavior (God himself is grieved by such behavior), it helps ground me a littlemore in reality when I find myself playing the comparison game or building up unrealistic expectations of others. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord." - Ephesians 5:8 Second, we're not doomed to this sinful state forever. Becoming Christian doesn't necessarily make family life easier, but it does make healing possible. It is through the sanctifying grace of Jesus Christthat not only can we be transformed as individuals, but our relationships can also be transformed, successfully reflecting the Trinitarian love of God to each other and the world. This is God's desire for every Christian family, not just a privileged few.For as many disheartening letters as I receive from distraught spouses and parents, I receive encouraging letters and articles from those who have found true transformation and healing in Christ. If you are a believer, know that you have profound spiritualsupport to overcome your family trials. "Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Havenothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." - Ephesians 5:8-11 Third, transformation requires humility, help and work on our part. This may seem like I am stating the obvious, but sometimes it's helpful to me when a loved one reminds me of basic truths. Just as wedidn't instantly become perfect upon our acceptance of Christ, neither will our families. Each day we have choices - choices to choose Christ and accept his grace or to turn our backs. Occasionally we have breakthroughs - giant leaps forward in sanctity - but most of the Christian life consists of small, everyday decisions to seek God and live in his truth. Sometimes we need help from fellow believers to live successfully as children of the light - even Christ, who needed no help, graciously received help from Simon in carrying his cross (Matthew27:32). I encourage you to plug into a local support group or check out some of the resources at the end of this devotional if your family is hitting particularly dark days. "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." - Matthew 26:42 ----------------------------------------------------------- God Is for Us Romans 8:31-34 Throughout life, there will be times when our sins and failures lead us to conclude that God is disappointed or angry with us. How can He still love me after what I've done? If I'm really forgiven, why do I still feel so guilty? At such times, we need to fix oureyes on the truth of Scripture and ask the questions Paul posed in Romans 8. If God is for us, who is against us (v. 31)? Our heavenly Father proved His loyalty to us when He delivered His own Son over to death in order to save us. Without Christ's atoning death on our behalf, we would face eternal separation from God. ---------------------------------------------------------- Wonderat the Word “Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.” (Psalm119:129) Josiah was eight years old when he became king of Judah. His grandfather was Manassah and his father Amon, both evil kings. While it seemed Josiah would follow the same path, he didn’t. “He did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in theways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left” (2 Chronicles 34:2). What made such a difference? As the text above testifies, Josiah found wonder in God’s Word. When Josiah was a young man (age 26), a godly leader read to him the law (torah), which engaged his soul. And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are writtenin this book. (2 Chronicles 34:31) Such was the case of the psalmist. The earlier portions of Psalm 119 declare the good that he had done, but now his soul was motivated. He longed (v. 131) and cried for direction and help from the Lord: “Look thou upon me, and...Order my steps in thy word....Deliverme from the oppression of man....Make thy face to shine upon thy servant” (vv. 132-135). These unselfish prayers were each coupled with a promise to obey. With his heart and correct behavior involved, the psalmist wept for those who “keep not thy law” (v. 136). When the hearts of God’s people break because of sin, revival comes (2Chronicles 7:14). HMM III -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot by Laura MacCorkle Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James1:2 During the holidays, I have used my oven quite a bit. Because it is electric, it automatically has a mind of its own. It heats up very quickly and will char whatever is baking much faster than the time required for completion. That means I have to adjustthe times for any recipe that I'm attempting to follow. So, as you can imagine, for the home cook this is extremely frustrating. It means I must constantly be monitoring whatever is inside the oven. Putting on the potholder gloves. Opening up the door. Pullingout the rack. Checking the top of whatever's baking to make sure it's not burnt to a crisp. Closing up the oven. Waiting a few minutes. Putting back on the gloves. Opening up the door again. Covering with foil to protect as needed. Waiting some more. And then testing with a toothpick near the center to check for doneness, while hoping that the bottom isn't blackened and ultra crispy. Ugh. What … a … pain! One of the recipes I made was for some bar cookies called "brandied cranberry-apricot bars." Dried fruit, brown sugar, vanilla, butter, pecans … what's not to like? The instructions called to bake the crust first (flour, sugar, butter). And of course, myoven-baked it much faster than the 20 minutes ("or until golden") that was required. It was actually more like "or until darkest brown" by that point. Still undeterred, I pulled it out and then poured in the filling (fruit, eggs, pecans, vanilla and more flour and sugar). Next, I baked it for another 35 or so minutes. All the while, though, I was worriedthat the already partially-baked crust would be blackened by the time the cookies were done. I couldn't see it (since it was on the bottom), but I kept thinking maybe I should take out the pan before the time was up (Was my oven baking at warp speed or not? How annoying! And what to do?). Eventually, I decided to let the cookies stay the course. And thankfully, they weren't scorched beyond recognition. But they were done. Despite the small culinary victory, situations like this always frustrate me. Why? Because the heat is on! And I need it in order to complete what I'm baking. But, it also forces me to make adjustmentswhile it's doing its thing. And that isn't something I'm clamoring to do. --------------------------------------------------------- Why Do People Follow Jesus? John6:22-71 When Jesus walked this earth, a vast multitude followed Him. They came for all sorts of reasons—some noble, some selfish. The same is true today. It’s important that we understand what motivates people to come to Christ, because not all who seek Him are reallyHis followers. In fact, we each need to analyze our own walk with the Lord: What do we want from Him? How committed are we to being His disciples? Many of the people who followed Jesus did so because they had urgent needs that He alone could meet. Everywhere He went, the sick and demon-possessed were brought to Him—this is one of the ways that God draws us to Himself. Those who can solve all their ownproblems never need a Savior. Other folks came for sensationalism. They wanted to see the signs and miracles and feel a thrill of excitement. Today some people come to church or conferences to get pumped up, but mountaintop experiences are always followed by valleys. When hardships or challengescome, such people are quick to abandon the Lord. But Jesus’ disciples followed Him because they genuinely believed He was the Messiah, the very Son of God (Matt.16:16). Their commitment went beyond emotions or needs. They wanted to know Christ and walk closely with Him. Are you more interested in what Jesus can do for you than in just being with Him? Do you find it hard to stay committed without an emotional experience to sustain you? Our physical and emotional needs can draw us to the Lord, but they should never be the foundationfor our walk with Him. -------------------------------------------------------- True Education “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep theway of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” (Genesis 18:19) This is a very important verse comprising the first direct reference in the Bible to what we today would call education, and it is given in connection with God’s approving testimony concerning Abraham. Note that nothing is said concerning degrees or diplomas,the sciences or humanities, school buildings or textbooks. It does tell us that God’s highest priority in the training of the young is that they learn to “keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment.” Such instruction is the responsibility of the home—not of the government or some educational association.It is to be given in the context of God’s promises and plans (thus in the context of divine revelation) and is to be framed in terms of “commands.” This is also the teaching of the New Testament: “Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians6:4). The Bible never refers to “education,” but there are many references to teaching, learning, and instruction. There are no references to teaching under the sponsorship of the government, however. As far as biblical precepts and examples are concerned, teachingthe young is strictly a function of the home and the church (this could no doubt include several homes and churches cooperating in the provision of advanced or specialized instruction). Most importantly, all instruction, in every subject, should be governedby biblical criteria, for “all Scripture...is profitable...for instruction....That the man of God may be perfect [i.e., ‘fully prepared’]” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)for the work God wants him to do. HMM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our True Identity Ephesians1:3-8 When I hear a believer announce, “I’m just a sinner,” I feel like saying, “That’s what you used to be.” A lot of folks cling to a view of themselves as a patched-up, slightly-better-than-before version of their old self. The Bible contradicts that opinion: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come” (2Cor. 5:17). In fact, according to Scripture, we’re dramatically different once we are complete in Christ. The question is whether people will trust in what they feel or believe what God says about them. His Word calls us saints (Rom.1:7), disciples (Matt.28:19), and fellow heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom.8:17). If your opinion is that you are “just a sinner,” then you cannot fully experience and enjoy your identity in Christ. Believing what God says about our new self is a choice. Satan certainly conspires to convince believers that God’s Word doesn’t apply to them. He knows that people held captive by spiritual poverty back away from opportunities to share the gospel and servethe Lord’s kingdom. It’s much easier to spiritually bankrupt someone who already thinks of him- or herself as “just a sinner” than it is to conquer a disciple who knows God is his loving Father. Our true identity is defined not by our past actions but by the Savior’s. Jesus purchased our lives with His blood and brought us into relationship with God the Father, who adopted us as beloved children. We have every reason to hold our heads high, stand firm,and courageously proclaim the gospel. ----------------------------------------------------------- Keepingand Avoiding “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositionsof science falsely so called.” (1Timothy 6:20) Note that there are contained here both positive and negative charges. Timothy, Paul’s son in the faith, is instructed to keep certain things and avoid others. The word “keep” is a military word that might better be translated “guard.” The word “avoid” impliesmore than merely refraining from contact. It has to do, instead, with actively and deliberately turning away from something. Timothy is to guard that which has been committed into his care—by inference, something quite valuable—the complete gospel of Jesus Christ. “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That goodthing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost” (2Timothy 1:13-14). Paul knew, however, that in order to guard the truth, Timothy must actively avoid the false, and lists three specific potential pitfalls. The first is profane babbling, i.e., any of those conversations and arguments that are of a worldly, ungodly, unclean nature.Next, he is to avoid vain, empty, hollow arguments. Elsewhere, Paul teaches “shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness” (2Timothy 2:16). Lastly, he is to avoid the opposing arguments of false science, or knowledge. Human wisdom found to be contrary to the wisdom of God may be called knowledge by some, but if so, it is “falsely so called.” Even “some professing [Christians] have erred concerningthe faith” (1Timothy 6:21). Paul closes with the benediction “Grace be with thee.” May we all enjoy God’s grace as we attempt to keep the true, avoid the false, and discern the difference. JDM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- God and Treadmills By Ryan Duncan May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. - 2Thessalonians 3:5 Ever since I moved to Richmond I’ve acquired a taste for working out. There’s just something addicting about going to the gym after a long day at the office and pounding a treadmill until you feel the moistureon your forehead. If I don’t get my usual workouts, I tend to go stir crazy. That’s why I can’t stand January. After every New Year’s celebration, like clockwork, the gyms become crowded with people who have resolved to become healthier. Because of the crowds, it becomes harder to get equipment, find parking spaces, or do any of my usual exercises. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m glad people are trying to get healthier and I encourage anyonewho wants to start working out to give it a try, but I still get frustrated because I know that within a month most of these people will be gone. Exercise requires a lot of commitment and perseverance, and while a lot of people have resolved to live better,when the hard part comes they give up. You could say the same thing applies to faith. I cannot tell you how many times God has revealed himself in my life through his grace, his power, or even his sense of humor. But despite all these moments, it’s still so easy for me to doubt, to get angry with God and wonder if he has a plan, orif he’s even there at all. The book of James is useful in moments like this, and even offers some encouragement for when we’re tempted to doubt. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because youknow that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, andit will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable inall he does.” – James 1:2-8 Spiritual workouts are no different from our physical ones. If you want to run a marathon, you first have to run a mile, and if you want to become a tool for Christ, you have to trust him first. So don’tbe afraid of trials and challenges, but instead embrace them as opportunities to mature in your faith. It won’t be easy, and odds are you’ll probably have to endure some difficult and painful experiences, but in the end you’ll look back and know you’re strongerbecause of it. -------------------------------------------------- Judgmentfrom the Word “I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.” (Psalm119:121) The Hebrew word mishpat is one of the eight terms used in Psalm 119 to identify the Word of God. The psalmist used mishpat in the opening of this stanza (Psalm 119:121-128) to declare obedience to God’s “judgments”—especially regarding those who oppress the Lord’speople. Sometimes the Lord seems to delay action against those who rebel against truth. The prophet Habakkuk lived during such a time: O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!...for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth nevergo forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. (Habakkuk 1:2-4) During such times, we need “surety” (Psalm 119:122) from God to strengthen our minds. Paul warned Timothy of “perilous times” (2Timothy 3:1) ahead but also reminded him of God’s pledge: “They shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was” (2Timothy 3:9). After pleading his case, the psalmist stated: “It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law” (Psalm 119:126). He expressed his lovefor the commandments—exceeding his desire for wealth—and concluded: “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm119:128). May our hearts be as resolute and as strong amid our opposition. Make it so, Lord Jesus. HMM III -------------------------------------------------- How to Experience Christ's Peace John14:27-31 "My peace I give to you” (John14:27). Jesus spoke these amazing words just hours before His crucifixion. His peace isn’t dependent upon external circumstances, but rather, it transcends them. Although He gives His peace to every believer as a gift, our experience of it is related toour faith in the following truths: • God is in control of everything. Without this assurance, the world is a scary place. • He loves me and will see me through every circumstance, no matter how difficult or painful it may be. • To have Christ’s peace, I must surrender my life to Him. When I hold onto my ways and plans, I’ll experience turmoil. • I have a limited perspective and understanding of my circumstances and God’s purposes for allowing them. His goals for me are greater than my immediate comfort. • The Lord promises to work all things out for my good. He is continually working to transform my character into Christ’s image. • I must live in sync with God, walking in the Spirit and promptly confessing and repenting of sin. • Scripture is my foundation for peace. It increases my trust in the Lord’s goodness, assures me that He keeps His promises, and reminds me of His sovereignty over every situation. • Sadly, many Christians live their whole lives without consistently experiencing this incomprehensible peace. Perhaps faith and submission are the most challenging issues. But only as we surrender control of our lives to Christ and trust in His plans for us will we discover tranquil rest for our souls ---------------------------------------------------------- TheTrinity in Ephesians “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith,one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians4:4-6) Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus is surely one of the most profoundly doctrinal—yet intensely practical—books of the Bible, and it is not surprising that the doctrine of the triune God breaks into his message so frequently. For example, note Ephesians 2:18: “For through [Christ] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” More often, however, it appears not in a succinct formula like this but rather in interconnected references to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, always implying that each is deity, but never that they are three different “gods.” Paul prayed that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him” (Ephesians1:17). He also prayed “unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,...That he would grant you,...to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith” (Ephesians3:14, 16-17). Thus, the believer is “filled with all the fulness of God” (v. 19). We are exhorted to “grieve not the holy Spirit of God,...even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians4:30, 32). And “be filled with the Spirit;...Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians5:18, 20). There are others, but note especially our text, speaking of our unity in Him and His triunity in us. “There is...one Spirit...One Lord,...One God and Father of all, who is above all [i.e., the Father], and through all [the Son], and in you all [the Spirit].” All this is a magnificent mystery, but a wonderful reality! HMM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Want vs. Need by Laura MacCorkle Did you get what you wanted for Christmas today? Or did you get what you needed? What we want and what we need do not often go hand in hand. I should know. There are things that I have wanted in my life for a long time now, that apparently the Lord has not seen to be necessities. Atleast not yet. I know he knows what is best for me, but it is still hard to wait. And it is difficult not to look longingly at what others have received and wonder why I, too, cannot be the recipient of such things inmy life. This kind of struggle is not new to any of us. And Hannah, who we read about in the first chapter of 1 Samuel, is a great example of how to live when what you want is not yet something God says you need. For years Hannah had wanted to become a mother. To bear a child. To give her husband, Elkanah, a son—just like his other wife, Peninnah. Being barren was considered a disgrace for a woman in those times, so Hannah most likely felt ashamed and alone and perhaps like a societal outcast. Instead of turning away, though, Hannah took her sorrowand her request for what she wanted to the Lord. We don't know for sure how long she waited (perhaps years)—and we don't know the exact purposes of God's timing in her life—but we can still learn a great deal from Hannah's example … She was persistent and continually sought the Lord. She did not give up and stop asking the Lord for what she wanted. Like clockwork, Hannah kept bringing her requestto God, year after year at the temple in Shiloh (v. 7). No doubt her want continued to drive her to the Father and most likely deepened her relationship with him. She was blessed with a lifeline. I am quick to forget that the beauty in the midst of Hannah's pain is that Elkanah loved her very dearly (if not more than Peninnah).I am sure this buoyed Hannah to make it through the years when she may have wondered if God would ever answer her prayer for a child. God was gracious in giving her a loving husband (v. 5, 8). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When the Fog Settles In by Sarah Phillips For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastnessand by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 One of my favorite scenes in children's literature can be found in one of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, The Horse and His Boy. It occurs well into the story, when the main character -- an orphaned boy named Shasta - has endured many battles and adventures with his talking horse companion by his side. Now he arrives at a part inthe journey where he must travel alone in order to warn a neighboring kingdom of impending attack. As he travels in the wilderness, fog settles in. As the fog thickens into opaque clouds, Shasta suddenly senses another presence walking beside him. Heavy breathing, large paws...a lion is within inches of him and his common horse. Paralyzed with terror,the boy rides on for quite some time, awaiting his tragic end. Finally, the wait becomes too agonizing, and he cries out to the presence, demanding to know who it is and why he's there. What follows is a beautiful conversation between Shasta and King Aslan- who has been anxious to speak with him for some time. But it doesn't end there. As Shasta reaches Archenland, he is able to complete his mission, and the reader sighs in relief. But when he looks back at the path he traveled, he is stunned to see what thefog concealed - a narrow and treacherous mountain pass with deadly cliffs on one side. Only then does it become clear to Shasta and the reader that Aslan's presence and encouraging words quite literally saved Shasta's life. I may be young, but I know this journey. I know what it's like to look down a winding path that seems to stretch endlessly into murkiness. I know what it's like to feel alone, afraid, and confused and youprobably do too. You question if you'll have the endurance to see the trial through, to make it to your destination. We obviously don't have a Narnian lion to converse with and walk beside us when life gets tough (wouldn't that be nice?). But God does walk with us and speak to us in the real world, even when the roadfeels lonely and frightening. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6 The Christmas rush is here. There are plans to make, gifts to buy, and parties to attend. Sometimes these activities leave us exhausted and cranky—instead of peace and joy, we may feel inner churning because there’s too much to do. Or perhaps this time of theyear brings nothing but sad memories and loneliness. Unrealistic expectations and conflicts with loved ones often leave us depressed and discouraged. How can Jesus be our Prince of Peace when our expectations and traditions fight against the tranquility we desire? To understand why Jesus was given this title, we must first understand what it means. First of all, God’s Son did not come to do away with allconflicts—not yet, anyway. One day He will return to earth and rule as King in an environment of external harmony, but that was not the purpose of His first coming. So while we’re on earth, we’ll have trouble (John16:33). When Christ left heaven to become a human baby, His goal was to bring us peace with God by reconciling us to the Father. His death on the cross paid our sin debt in full, and our relationship with God is restored. Now He offers us divine peace—an inner serenitythat fills our hearts and minds no matter what is going on in our circumstances. Is your life characterized by a quiet assurance that guards your heart and mind all day long (Phil.4:6-7), or have stressful circumstances left you feeling depressed or agitated? Try setting aside time each day to fix your eyes upon Jesus. Then let Him heal your heart and calm your spirit. VISIT: PROPHECY WATCHER WEEKLY NEWS: HTTP://PROPHECY-WATCHER-WEEKLY-NEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM