THE CROSS EXAM DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVES

December 8, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Suffer all, and conquer all. - John Wesley (1703-1791)

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

Recently, while driving in Shreveport, I passed a business that immediately caught my attention. I was so taken in by the message on its sign that it caused me to get out a sheet of paper at the next red light and write down the information I had just digested.

It read, "The Peace of Mind Center". Underneath the title was a listing of some of the things this establishment offered: Music, Books, Massage, and Aroma Therapy.

As I contemplated the name of the business, I couldn't help but think, "I need to go there. If they can do their thing and give me peace of mind, then I need to visit this place often."

Well, I decided not to stop. Instead, I realized that I already visit a place several times a week that claims to do the same thing -- The Church. Isn't the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ the Peace of Mind Center? Isn't it here that we listen to music to encourage us, read books to teach us about the Prince of Peace, fellowship with friends to massage our hearts, and inhale the sweet aroma of the Holy Spirit of God?

A sure way to test this theory would be to change our sign. Why don't we paint over where it says "First Baptist Church" and replace it with "The Peace of Mind Center"? Would the label be accurate? Do we think of ourselves in such a way? Would our community folks read the new title and say, "You've got to be kidding" or "Right on target"?

The reason I bring this up is because this unusual business in Shreveport is saying through their sign that if you come in their doors you can leave with peace. They believe they are providing products and services that will give a person enjoyment and hope on a planet full of war and turmoil.

Christians, do we believe the same thing about our church? Are we doing all we can to convince people that the message we are proclaiming and the songs we are singing are life changing? Are our lives convincing evidence of the effectiveness of the Lord Jesus to give peace?

This time of year, peace is one of the major themes. You'll find it illuminated on people's front yards. This word will appear on many of the Christmas cards you will receive. Most of our carols contain the concept of peace. Yet, for many people this is an idea that is understood but not experienced. Even many professing Christians live their daily lives with an noticeable void.

One of my favorite scripture passages on the subject of peace is Philippians 4:8-9. Here, Paul gives us a formula for peace. He writes, "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

In these words he is advising Christians to concentrate on good things and place their focus on thoughts that are encouraging rather than deflating. He is saying they need to look at what God is doing instead of pondering the wickedness of men. Also, he teaches that they need to put the Christian life "into practice" and the result will be God's peace.

The reason we sometimes experience a lack of peace in our lives and our churches is because we don't apply what we profess to believe and don't expect to experience what God says He can do.

In Matthew 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Just as in Paul's words, we see a common truth in the Lord's statement -- Peace is a choice I must make. When Jesus says "do not" twice in this verse, he is telling us that fear and faith are really up to us.

If I were to have stopped and perused the contents of "The Peace of Mind Center" without trying anything they had, then I would have left unchanged. If I attend church on Sunday and hear the words, sing the songs, and participate in all that is expected, yet make no personal application and commitment, then I will leave without peace.

Peace is available. Choose Jesus.

Seeking Peace,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

December 9, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: There are many people who think that Sunday is a sponge to wipe out all the sins of the week. - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

Your Children Released From Captivity

"Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy weeping from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they [your children] shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border." - Jeremiah 31:16-17

Jesus has redeemed us from the curse. Many of us have been well taught about that redemption where sin, sickness and poverty in our own lives are concerned. But we often fail to realize that redemption has power over the destruction the devil tries to bring on our children's lives as well.

Deuteronomy 28 states the curse of the law in verses 16-68. Notice what that curse says about children. "Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long: and there shall be no might in thine hand" (verse 32).

"Thou shall beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity" (verse 41).

Many Christian parents are still suffering needlessly under that curse. Their children are being taken captive by drugs, alcohol and perversions. But it doesn't have to be that way! Since Jesus broke the curse of the law, these parents have the authority in the Name of Jesus to order Satan out of their children's lives.

Don't let the devil run roughshod over your children! When you see the first warning signs of rebellion in them, confess the promises of God over them and refuse to give the devil any room to operate.

Remember, the children don't understand the unseen forces that are coming against them. So it's your responsibility to stand against those forces on their behalf. Exercise that responsibility. Then take every opportunity to minister love to them.

God knows how to deliver your children. Do your part and trust Him to do His. He will bring them back from the land of the enemy!

SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 60:1-5

Gloria Copeland
From "Faith to Faith: A Daily Guide to Victory"
http://kcm.org

December 10, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: To say of an act done, "My conscience is quite clear", sounds smug and satisfactory. It does not by any means follow that the speaker's conscience ought to be clear. It may simply show that it is sadly unenlightened. - G. E. Reindorp

My version of the "23rd Lament"

Life Without God

The LORD is NOT my shepherd
In spite of all that I have I am never satisfied
I search in vain for green pastures,
...in vain for still waters,
trying to fill the emptiness in my soul.
I walk the path of personal achievement, climb the ladder of success;
but I fear the shadow of death for I am alone.
You ask about God?
His rod and His staff, they terrify me;
I'm on my own against my enemies.
My head is full of uncertainties and fears;
my cup has run dry.
I've chased after goodness and love all of my life, and never found them.
Some day I will die...and who knows what comes after that?

And then there's life with God according to the 23rd Psalm:

Life With God

The LORD is my shepherd
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake;
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org

December 11, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: They have an amazing proliferation of TV channels now: The all-cartoon channel, the 24-hour-science fiction channel. Of course, to make room for these they got rid of the Literacy Channel and the What's Left of Civilization Channel. - Dennis Miller

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Indestructible Truth"
Luke 21:33

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The crews assigned to the recovery effort after the September 11th attack on the Pentagon had an awful job to do. Working in 120-degree heat, they were making their way through the wreckage left behind when terrorists flew Flight 757 into the Pentagon. They didn't find any survivors. They did find a mass of concrete and metal debris; the metal too hot to touch. But USA Today reported that they did find a sign of hope as they looked into that black chasm inside. On a second floor, right next to where the jet sheared off a section of the building, was an undisturbed stool. And on it was a thick, open book - a Bible. It wasn't burned. Neither was anything around it or on the two floors above it. The leader of the recovery team was quoted as saying, "I'm not as religious as some, but that would have me thinking. I just can't explain it."

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Indestructible Truth."

I was moved when I read that - because the Bible has been for me, and for millions of people, the one thing that has survived every fire in our life. Everything else may be taken away, but God's words are still true, always surviving life's fires. Jesus said it in Luke 21:33, our word for today from the Word of God - "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away."

If you want to anchor your life to truth that will never let you down, the Bible is that anchor. It's the only book God ever wrote. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." It's authored by God, and it's life-changing!

The Bible doesn't just claim to be God's own words - the evidence for that claim is overwhelming. The Bible was written by 40 different authors over 2,000 years in three different languages! Imagine the changing ideas of truth over that span. And yet the Bible has a unified message - same God, same concept of sin, same concept of forgiveness, of heaven, of morality. Now, imagine getting forty different people from the same city and the same generation together right now in one room and asking them to write their ideas on those subjects. You'd be lucky to get two of them to agree! But the Bible, written over so many years with such author and cultural diversity, reads like it had one author. It did - God.

Every time the archeologists have dug up something described in the Bible, it has proven the Bible to be true - even if the Bible was the only book that talked about it. And hundreds of Biblical prophecies, most of them 200 to 2,000 years in advance, have been fulfilled to the finest detail. No Biblical prophecy has ever been wrong. That's God, folks.

But for most of us, what matters most is that this book has proven to be God's words in our own lives, over and over again. His promises are true, His warnings are right, His directions work. The Bible is the rock that never moves, the compass that's never wrong, the life preserver that never sinks. And though it is an anvil that has been hammered against for centuries, the hammers are gone, the anvil remains.

And right now, as so much in your life may be burning down, go to this Book, trust this Book, stake everything on this Book. These are God's words, and you'll make it if you hang onto them with everything you've got. Jeremiah 23:29 says it so well - "'Is not My word like fire,' declares the Lord, 'and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?'"

(News source: USA Today, Sept. 14, 2001. "Pentagon Searchers Encounter Grisly Scenes" by Andrea Stone)

Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft

December 12, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: You remain young as long as you can still learn, can accept new conventions, and can stand contradictions. - Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"When Time Is Running Out"
Genesis 16:1

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A friend of mine recently attended a semi-pro football game between his team, the Arkansas team, and the overwhelming favorites, the Tennessee team. Actually, the Tennessee team was already playoff-bound. But much to everyone's surprise, the halftime score was Arkansas 55, Tennessee 21. At the end of the third quarter it was still Arkansas 55, Tennessee 21. An upset in the making! Not so fast. Final score - Tennessee 56, Arkansas 55 - a victory won with a touchdown in the last seconds of the game. Another one of those surprising outcomes.

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "When Time Is Running Out."

Any fan who left after the third quarter of that game, sure that he knew the outcome, would have been shocked to learn how it finally turned out. Sometimes in sports it looks as if there's just not enough time left to come back and win - but it happens. Actually, not just in sports. That fourth quarter, final seconds victory thing is often the modus operandi of God.

Now, you may be in a situation right now where it looks as if a happy ending is impossible - time is running out, and there just isn't enough time to turn it around. Well, enough time for humans to turn it around, that is. When it comes to the ways of God, Yogi Berra suddenly becomes a theologian when he says, "It ain't over 'till it's over."

But when we conclude that there's not enough time left for our prayers to be answered, we tend to do what Abraham did many years ago - we panic ... and mess things up royally. In Genesis 15:4, God tells Abram, as he was known then, "A son coming from your own body will be your heir." Now, that's a miracle considering that Abraham and Sarah were well beyond childbearing age.

Then, in our word for today, Genesis 16, beginning with verse 1, we find that "Sarah ... had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, 'The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.'" And because they can't wait for God to do it in His way and in His time, Abram makes this tragic mistake. Hagar gives birth to Ishmael. Thirteen years later, "The Lord did for Sarah what He had promised - of course. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age." (Genesis 21:1-2) And so, Isaac was born.

Well, tragically, the results of Abraham's panic and Abraham's impatience gave birth to a conflict that continues 4,000 years later between the children of Ishmael and the children of Isaac. And we're all still feeling the affects of it. The moral for you and me is clear - wait for God to do it His way. Don't panic, don't bail out, don't take the controls because you think time is running out! What it could take humans years to do, God can do in minutes. And He is preparing an answer for you right now - one that will be right for everyone and without regrets. But often, He is the God of the eleventh hour, demonstrating His power and faithfulness in ways that will take us farther into His love than we've ever been before.

So, don't leave the game early because it looks like there's no chance ... you may miss an amazing victory!

Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft

December 13, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: EVERY task, however simple, sets the soul that does it free; Every deed of love and mercy, done to man is done to Me. - Henry Van Dyke

This is another word study based on Scripture...

LOVE is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

HATE is impatient and unkind. Hate is fueled by envy, loves to boast and is full of pride. It is rude, self-seeking, easily angered and keeps a detailed record of wrongs. Hate does not delight in the truth but rejoices in evil. It always attacks, always despairs, always gives up, always fades away. Hate never succeeds.

As you read these words, which category best describes you? I'm sure all of us would say that sometimes it's love and sometimes it's hate...after all, which one of us can say we're never envious or never rude? But God shows His love for us even when we don't deserve it (Romans 5:8 & 1 John 4:10) and calls us to do the same (1 John 4:11 & 21). Sanctification is a life-long process: sometimes 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. We just need to keep moving forward, trusting in God for forgiveness when we fail (1 John 1:9) and forgiving others when they fail us (Matthew 6:12), and in this God's love will be made complete in us (1 John 4:12 & 17).

Another way this verse can be read is:

GOD is patient, God is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. God is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God never fails.

As you are transformed by the Spirit into God's likeness (1 Corinthians 3:18)...as you begin to look more and more like God...people will be able to substitute your name for the word "LOVE" in 1st Corinthians 13:4-8. And these are the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 & 25)

I've found this to be true in the spiritual world just as much as the natural world: The more time you spend with somebody the more you begin to look like and act like him or her. Do you want to look more like God? Spend time with Him in fellowship, communion and prayer. Stay in His word. Devote time to getting to know Him; and you will reflect His glory.

Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org

December 14, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Divine Providence means the arrangement of all our life, not only of its bright side, but also of its dark. It may mean sickness as well as health; death as well as life; loss as well as gain; peril as well as safety; shipwreck by sea and accident by land; murrain to our flocks; sickness in our homes. - Anthony W. Thorold

The Secret of Contentment

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:11-13

The secret of contentment! Wouldn't it be great if we could say with Paul "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances!"?? But how? What's the secret?

Well, to be honest, Paul doesn't exactly say what the secret is in the above passage. All we can get out of him is that:

It's not about money and how much "stuff" he has
It's not about how much what kind of food he eats
It's not based on his circumstances or current situations

All Paul tells us is: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Okay...that's cool, but how does that help me when the bills are past due and I'm eating Ramen Noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner? How does that help me when I can't even afford to buy "cheap jeans" to replace the pairs with holes in them? How does that help me if I have physical limitations which handicap me? I'm sure you've got other situations in life that rob you of your contentment...a car that doesn't run, medical bills piling up, a closet full of clothes that don't fit, etc.

We all know discontentment, but what's the secret of being content? I believe it can be found in Psalm 37, verse 4: "Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart."

This verse is often misquoted by people who think that if they have enough faith God will give them whatever they want. Wouldn't that be cool? Man, my life would be so much better if I had a brand new 2002 Chevy Camaro to drive instead of my 1995 Chrysler Town and Country van! Do you think if I pray hard enough and have enough faith that God will give me the Camaro? ---I'm NOT counting on it!

Let's talk about this idea of "delighting ourselves in the LORD." I looked up the word "delight" in a Thesauras and found the following synonyms: pleasure, enjoy, happiness, revel, savor, bask, satisfy

So I could just as easily say: "take pleasure in the LORD" or "enjoy the LORD" or "rejoice in the LORD" (I think I've heard that one before) or "revel in the LORD" or "savor the LORD" or "bask in the LORD" or "be satisfied in the LORD".

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart"...so what can I expect Him to give me? Well let's think about it. If I delight myself in wine, my heart's desire will be for MORE wine. If I delight myself in potato chips, my heart's desire will be for MORE potato chips. If I delight myself in sex, my heart's desire will be for MORE sex. If I delight myself in money, my heart's desire will be for MORE money...and so on and so forth.

So doesn't it follow that if I delight myself in the LORD, if I find my pleasure in Him, if I enjoy being with Him more than anything else, if I revel in His presence and savor every moment with Him, if I love to bask in His presence and if I find that I'm satisfied with Him...that my heart's desire would be to have MORE of Him? And if I want more of God, don't you think that He'll gladly comply? This is what God has wanted for us from the beginning of time: that we walk in relationship with Him! And if our supreme satisfaction is in being in relationship with Him, then the petty things of life won't be able to rob us of our joy, our satisfaction, our pleasure or our contentment.

The Psalmist wrote: "Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." (Psalm 84:10) That's someone who is content with having God be his God. That's someone who finds her ultimate satisfaction in fellowshipping with her creator. That's the secret of contentment as best as I can figure it out.

The hard part is living this out day to day and not believing the billboards and commercials that tell me "your life isn't complete without brand x" or whatever else they're trying to sell me. Those guys don't know where true joy, true satisfaction, true peace of mind and true contentment come from. And if you've ever chased after these things like I have, you've probably already figured out that more money is fine, but it won't solve all your problems...potato chips are yummy, but they won't take away your sadness...wine can make me forget my problems, but they'll be back with a vengeance when I wake up the next morning!

We know that God is the source of all good things...even as we're constantly tempted to believe that other things will bring us happiness. The key is to stick with God...not to leave Him for anyone or anything else.

Psalm 37 also says: "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." (verse 3) I think that's David's way of saying "The grass might look greener on the other side of the fence, but stay here---dwell in the land---and you'll have the absolute BEST." Stick with God, delight yourself in Him, and nothing will be able to take away your contentment.

Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org

December 15, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: He (God) wants us, on the one hand, to tremble before Him because of our emptiness, yet on the other hand, to proceed courageously in His might. He requires us to bear Him witness fearlessly, to suffer pain and shame for Him valiantly, accept loss of all things with courage, and to rely on the Lord's love, wisdom power and faithfulness with confidence." - Watchman Nee

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

At my house, we are getting ready for Christmas. The tree is beautifully decorated in white lights, burgundy balls, glistening ribbons, and angels everywhere else. Thankfully, we are 95% finished with Christmas shopping. In addition, we have our holiday schedule all figured out -- whose house?, what time?, what gifts to bring?, etc.

Even yesterday, I went to one of our senior adult ladies' homes and borrowed some Christmas movies to watch with our family -- "Holiday Inn" and "Miracle on 34th Street". Our boys love it when we gather as a family and watch a movie together. We have made it sort of a tradition to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" each Christmas season.

My travels have recently placed me at three different nursing homes. In a similar fashion to our house, there are lights blinking, trees decorated, seasonal music playing, and all the other things you would associate with celebrating Christmas.

Yet, down these halls are a significant number of sad people. Many of these will never shop for a gift again. Some can't even voice the words to "Silent Night". Worst of all, there is a sizable group that will not even see family during this joyous season. They feel neglected, abandoned, and all alone.

I am 36-years-old. In the history of both sides of my extended family, we have never had a person admitted to a nursing home. Therefore, I would have little reason to ever visit such a facility. Through my experience in the ministry, I have had to visit many such homes and have been afforded the opportunity to do both music and preaching services in several locations.

As I write this, I realize that many of you, especially those of you who are younger, have spent little or no time visiting people in nursing homes. Your response may be, "Well, I don't know anyone." To this I reply, "So What?"

Ministry isn't contingent upon having a personal knowledge of people before you do it. Instead, it is about meeting the needs of people irregardless of what you know about them.

In Matthew 25:34-36, Jesus writes, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." When asked when these events took place, Jesus replies in verse 40, "...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Thus, personal knowledge of need is all I have to know.

In James 1:27, we are given this challenge, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Let me challenge you to do something between now and Christmas Day. Go to a store and buy something that would brighten the day of a nursing home resident. Pick out a nursing home of your choice and ask the Administrator or Director of Nursing if there is an especially lonely or needy resident that you might visit with and give a gift to. Spend some time with this person. Listen to their stories. Give them your gift and tell them that although you don't know them, Jesus does and He loves them. After they open your gift, tell them what the Lord has done for you by giving you the gift of Jesus.

The result may only be a 20 minute visit with someone you'll never see again or it might turn into a relationship that will enhance your life for years to come.

Serving Him,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

December 16, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Howbeit your faith seeth but the black side of Providence, yet it hath a better side, and God shall let you see it. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God; hence I infer that losses, disappointments, ill tongues, loss of friends, houses or country, are God's workmen, set on work to work out good to you, out of everything that befalleth you. When the Lord's blessed will bloweth cross your desires, it is best, in humility, to strike sail to Him, and to be willing to be led any way our Lord pleaseth.
- SAMUEL RUTHERFORD

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"United We Stand"
Philippians 1:27

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Well, it was a sight many of us never expected to see in our lifetime. Here were the members of Congress, Republican and Democrat, standing together, singing "God Bless America." What a moment! Of course, it took the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11 to bring them together like that. We saw similar scenes of the leaders of both parties emerging from White House meetings with the President, speaking almost as one voice; the combined Senate and House responding in total unity to the President's address to Congress. An unprecedented bipartisanship left most of us totally amazed. Suddenly, it seemed as if our leaders had discovered an identity that transcended Republican or Democrat. Suddenly, we were all just Americans.

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "United We Stand."

The followers of Jesus Christ have much to learn from what happened among America's national leaders after the terrorist attacks. Indeed, as a nation - as the Church of Jesus Christ - "united we stand." I know you remember the rest - "divided we fall."

America's leaders were united by a common enemy who takes lives indiscriminately. We have such an enemy - the "thief" who Jesus says "comes to steal, to kill, and destroy" (John 10:10) - Satan himself. America's leaders were united by the recognition that suddenly they had a war to win. The followers of Jesus are faced with no less a challenge - to win a war against our enemy and save the lives he is determined to take with him to hell.

The common enemy and the war to win caused people in leadership to suddenly realize that they had an identity higher than the partisan labels that usually defined them - they had a transcendent identity called "American." How then can we who know Christ - whose cause has stakes that are eternal - how can we continue to be divided by our denominational and theological labels? We, of all people, have a transcendent identity - we're Christians! We've been to the same cross and the same empty tomb to have our sins forgiven ... we worship the same Jesus ... we'll be together in the same heaven. How can we allow ourselves to be divided? Yes, we must be uncompromising with God's Word. But we must recognize a spiritual brother or sister and stand with them, not against them.

Philippians 1:27, our word for today from the Word of God, challenges us to "conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." What kind of living brings credit to the Good News about Jesus? "Stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel." Honestly now, does that describe how God's people are working in your area? Even in your own church or ministry? If not, why not? Have we allowed our distinctives, our denomination, our pride, our competitiveness, to keep us from joining hands to rescue the dying people all around us? That's unworthy of the Gospel!

Let's not waste any more bullets shooting at our own army. Let's remember that turf doesn't matter when people are dying ... that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. The enemy is too powerful, the hour is too late, the stakes are too high for us to continue to work in our own separate worlds. United, the army of Christ is unstoppable. Divided, we're helping our enemy. United we stand!

Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft

December 17, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Let us give ourselves to God without any reserve, and let us fear nothing. He will love us, and we shall love Him. His love, increasing every day, will take the place of everything else to us. He will fill our whole hearts; He will deprive us only of those things that make us unhappy. He will cause us to do in general, what we have been doing already, but which we have done in an unsatisfactory manner; whereas, hereafter, we shall do them well, because they will be done for His sake. Even the smallest actions of a simple and common life will be turned to consolation and recompense. We shall meet the approach of death in peace; it will be changed for us into the beginning of the immortal life. - Francois de la Mothe Fenelon

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Your Internal Guidance System"
Proverbs 11:3

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It happened during the Gulf War, and we've seen it in the war in Afghanistan. It's those amazing high-tech weapons that hit their target with pinpoint accuracy. There are, as they say, occasional "targeting errors," but, for the most part, those weapons go right to their intended target - weapons like Cruise missiles and what they call "smart bombs." I still remember a correspondent in Baghdad, during the Gulf War, who described this Tomahawk missile roaring in over the city, pausing, and then turn left and then straight down into a military facility. Its tracking system apparently determined that it was slightly off course, corrected it, and went to the target. Amazing!

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Your Internal Guidance System."

The secret of hitting the target is, of course, an internal guidance system - for a missile and for you and me. And the Bible clearly describes what that guidance system should be for those of us who belong to Jesus Christ.

One place it's described is in Proverbs 11, beginning in verse 3, our word for today from the Word of God. The Lord says, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity ... the righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness."

So, your integrity is supposed to be the guidance system in you that always determines where you'll go and how you do things. When you make up your mind that you're always going to do what is honest, what is right, what has integrity, then you'll be making a "straight way" for yourself. In other words, you won't be one way one time and another way another time. You won't live by one set of principles with one group and another with another group. You'll always be the same in all your dealings, no matter where, no matter with whom, and no matter what it costs. You're always fair, you always tell the truth, you do what you said you'd do.

When integrity is your internal guidance system, you've actually pre-made a thousand decisions that will come up along the way. It simplifies decision-making, because doing what's right will usually rule out most of your other options. The motto of any person, any business, any ministry that's committed to integrity is: "Always take the high road." Paul actually modeled that for us in 2 Corinthians 8 when he was assigned to deliver a large offering to needy believers in Jerusalem. He said, "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men." That's interesting, "Taking pains to do what is right" - that's the kind of integrity that God blesses mightily. Frankly, sometimes doing what's right is a pain - but it is so worth it.

So, as you're facing the choices ahead of you right now, remember that it is the "integrity of the upright" that "guides them" - that makes a "straight way for them." If you follow your culture, the way other people do things, or your emotions, you will go off course and miss where you're supposed to be. But the man or woman who makes integrity their deciding factor will always end up hitting the target.

Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft

December 18, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: The enemy of that grand central habit of interior patience is haste: haste of thought, haste of judgment, haste of manner, haste of speech. Even natural powers of every kind become true strength, when they work submissively and harmoniously under the direction of Divine light and the movement of Divine grace; and this disciplined subjection at every point under the dominion of Christ our Lord, ruling us by His grace, makes the soul the serene organ of the Holy Spirit, for the animating, controlling, and guiding of our souls.
- William Bernard Ullathorne

Morning Marching Orders

Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk for I lift up my soul unto Thee. - Psalm 143:8

In today's modern, rushing world, many of us have all we can do to get out of bed in the morning and get to work on time. Often our schedule appears to preclude the possibility of morning devotions. Yet under the old dispensation of the law it was the duty of the priestly tribe of the Levites to rise at dawn and give thanks and praise the Lord (1 Chronicles 23:30). We are not under the dispensation of the law, but as New Testament priests (1 Peter 2:5,9) we too should begin the day with God. If we do, we will have a keen sense of His presence with us throughout the busy hours that follow.

This great truth was obviously known by David. One of the most enjoyable verses to come from his pen is Psalm 143:8, "Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee." In this morning prayer David made two requests: to hear the lovingkindness of God in the morning, and to know the way in which he should walk throughout the day. These two requests bear a definite relationship.

David wanted the lovingkindness of God to engage his thoughts and affections early in the morning. If other thoughts get into our hearts in the morning, we may not be able to burn them away throughout the day. Prayer and praise, reading and meditation will influence our minds for hours throughout the day. Lovingkindness is a favorite theme of David. Simply, lovingkindness is love that shows kindness. By deeds and words it is God living through us to a hurting world. That's the kind of life David wanted to live. The Lord's lovingkindness is our all-sufficient source of joy. Such joy can be sought elsewhere but found only here. It is the divine joy that sweetens every bitter experience of life and makes even those that are sweet, sweeter still. It binds every wound and is the balm for every hurt. It is little wonder that David sought such an experience early in the morning. With that kind of start, what must the rest of the day be like?

The old expression is here very applicable, "Well begun; half done." David began his day well by seeking the Lord and His lovingkindness. Half the battle of a successful day was already won. He continued to ask the Lord to show him the way he should walk throughout the day. Frequently the path we determine to be logical for our daily walk is not the path designed by God. We must keep the same close touch with Him hour after hour that we began with Him in the morning.

Speaking of his mountain-climbing experience, nineteenth century preacher George Barrell Cheever commented on this verse: "The whole valley is surrounded by ranges of regal crags, but the mountain, apparently absolutely inaccessible, is the last point which you would turn for an outlet. A side gorge that sweeps up to the glaciers and snowy pyramids flashing upon you in the opposite direction is the route that you suppose your guide is going to take. So convinced was I that the path must go in that direction that I took a shortcut, which I conceived would bring me again into the mule path at a point under the glaciers; but after scaling precipices and getting lost in a wood of firs in the valley, I was glad to rejoin my friend with the guide and to clamber on in pure ignorance and wonder."

We are tempted to walk our own way when we have no other resource. But as Christians we have a higher resource than our mind. We have the resource of the lovingkindness of God, which can be ours every morning if we but seek it. We should never attempt to walk alone throughout the day and to chart our own course when we have the ability to tap the resources of heaven in the morning and receive our marching orders for the day, marching orders that are always designed to lead to victory. How foolish it is to neglect to seek the Lord in the morning and have to walk without Him the rest of the day.

Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
www.backtothebible.org
Copyright �2001 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc.
All rights reserved.

December 19, 2001

QUOTE FOR THE DAY: Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love. - Erich Fromm

Coming Home for Christmas

For college students counting down the days, for military around the world, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is probably one Christmas song that goes right to the heart. If you ever want to be home, it's Christmas.

This longing for home runs deep in the human heart - and ultimately it's a longing for the Person who gave us our life in the first place. Speaking of Jesus, the Bible says we were "created by Him and for Him." (Colossians 1:16) Our whole life, we've been looking for a home where our heart would feel loved and safe and complete - and no more relationship, no accomplishment, no religion has ever filled that hole in our heart.

Maybe this Christmas would be your time to finally come home - to the One you were made by, the One you were made for. Jesus literally died to remove the sin that makes a relationship with God impossible. And now, in this season - His season - He is coming where you are, inviting you to experience His love for yourself.

By Ron Hutchcraft
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft

December 20, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Those who want to be Christians in earnest and who profess the gospel with hand and mouth should sign their names and meet alone in a house somewhere to pray, to read, to baptize, to receive the sacrament, and to do other Christian works. - Martin Luther

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Changing Hands"
Luke 1:26

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Our good friends were visiting us with their precious, 3-year-old daughter Tanya. Now, she has captivating dark eyes, a winsome smile, a high-energy personality - and a mind of her own. Her Dad was crossing a very busy street with his daughter and he said, "Now hold Daddy's hand." She apparently didn't like that idea. She looked up at him with those big eyes and said, "That's OK, Daddy. I'll hold my own hand." Not a good idea.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Changing Hands."

Our Heavenly Father looks at the road ahead and He knows exactly where we should go and when we should go. He reaches our direction and He says, "Hold Daddy's hand." Maybe you've got a mind of your own, an independent spirit. And you respond, "That's OK, Daddy. I'll hold my own hand." Not a good idea.

Tucked away in the drama of the first Christmas is a better idea. Our word for today from the Word of God begins in Luke 1:26 - "In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. The virgin's name was Mary ... The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.'"

Now, God comes to Mary and He says, in essence, "Take My hand - I'm leading you into something amazing." Now, if Mary had insisted on holding her own hand, she would never have gone. God is leading her into a situation where she will suddenly be mysteriously pregnant. And who's going to believe that God is doing this? She has a lot to lose if she takes God's hand and goes where He wants to take her. She will probably lose her reputation as the "nice girl of Nazareth." She stands to lose the man she loves when he hears she is expecting and he knows he's not the father. The wedding she has dreamed of will probably never happen. And since, in the Jewish culture of that day, they stoned women for sexual sin, obedience could even cost Mary her life.

But listen to her response to God's plan. "I am the Lord's servant." Those five words change everything. Now, if Mary's identity is "I'm Joseph's girl," there's no way she's going to do what God wants. If her image as the "nice girl of Nazareth" is her identity, she won't do this. But Mary bases her identity on one thing and one thing alone. With open hands, open arms, face looking up, she declares, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as You have said." And because of that surrendered spirit and surrendered future, Mary carries God's only Son in her body, nurses the Son of God, teaches the Son of God.

See, God's most special assignments are for those who will let go of their own hand - who will grab God's hand and say, "Lord, I'll go where You want me to go." In fact, there's a hymn that says that. "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord / O'er mountain or plain or sea / I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord / I'll be what You want me to be." As we approach this Christmas, look at what God gave because He loves you so much - He sacrificed His only Son. That removes any doubt of whether or not you can trust Him with the things that matter most to you. Anyone who loved you enough to die for you will never do you wrong.

This Christmas season, take your Father's hand and with child-like faith, tell Him, "Lord, take me wherever You want me to go." Open arms, open hands, face looking up - say those five words that open you up to God's best - "I am the Lord's servant."

Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft

December 21, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: The whole history is incomprehensible without Jesus. - Ernest Renan

If Jesus Had Never Come

If I hd not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
- John 15:22

The Christmas classic movie, "It's A Wonderful Life", is a very familiar "What if" story. The likeable George Bailey discovers what Bedford Falls would have become if he had never been born and poured his life into making it a better place.

The oldest "What if" scenario is found in Genesis, chapter six, where we learn what the world would have become had God not intervened. But the most personal "What if" scenario is discovered by a few moments of quiet reflection: What if Jesus had never come? Answer this question by remembering what your life was like before you met Christ. Were you lonely? Angry? Fearful? Discouraged? Perhaps outwardly things were fine, but inwardly you lacked an understanding of the purpose of life. Every good thing about our lives came with Christ; every bad thing would be multiplied in intensity had He never come.

The good news of the Gospel is that Christ did come! Every Christian has a challenge this season: do not take for granted something that will never be taken away. Many are watching who, though they know Christ came, don't know the difference He can make.

Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point For God

December 22, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "And Jesus cried out again...and yielded up His Spirit" (Matthew 27:50). At the beginning and end of His life, Jesus' cries resulted in life for us. - David Jeremiah

The Cry Of Life

And she brought forth her firstborn Son. - Luke 2:7

Life, and especially history, are full of all kinds of cries. There have been cries of anguish and joy, cries of victory and defeat. And yet there is probably no cry that is as touching, as tender, and as timely as the fragile first cry of a newborn babe.

If you are a parent, you know the delirious joy--indeed, relief--that came when your own babies shattered the delivery room air with their first cry. Why does a child's cry, something that normally brings concern to a parent, produce joy when it is the first heard? Because it's a sign of life. The tension in the delivery room waiting on that first cry is not unlike the tension in all of creation that first Christmas Eve. When the cold silence of a Bethlehem night was broken by Jesus' first cry, it meant more than just life. It meant eternal life--spiritual life! No longer would mankind live in fear of death. Life itself had been born in Bethlehem.

History's most famous cry was that of a tiny Babe, born in a manger. Celebrate that cry of life this Christmas season. Even today, it echoes in your heart if you know Jesus Christ as Savior.

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:1-7

By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point For God

December 23, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Even when the membership in the monasteries increased, the Celtic Christians, wanting to maintain greater intimacy among their members, continued to build more numerous and smaller church dwellings rather than larger structures for worship.- Edward Sellner, Wisdom of the Celtic Saints

Go With Haste

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- Luke 2:8

Christmas is the season of twinkling lights, shiny tinsel, and cheery holiday bells. Yet within the brightness of Christmas a dark paradox looms: Christmas is not the best, but worst time of year for many people. Suicides increase, loneliness is heightened, and broken families feel the pain of separation. People reason that the other eleven months of the year aren't necessarily supposed to be filled with joy--but Christmas is.

Loneliness, financial limitations, ill health...many things can quench the holiday spark. If you fear the feelings that come your way at Christmas, you're not alone. Another group of "forgotten" people heard a special message from the angels that first Christmas: "Fear not!" (Luke 2:10). The angels announced the One who would dispel all fear forever--Jesus Christ. The shepherds went "with haste" (Luke 2:16). They didn't let fear stop them from meeting the Messiah.

Just as the shepherds cast aside their fears and immediately went to find Jesus, you can do the same thing this Christmas. Jesus is just waiting to be found.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:8-20

By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point For God

December 24, 2001 - Christmas Eve

QUOTE OF THE DAY: An original poem written by Whitney L:

THE PROMISE

There's a story of the time
When the rainbow came to be
Many days and many nights
It kept raining steadily

Then the heavens slowed their dams
A loving Promise was then made
With a symbol of His Word
Thus the colours seen today

But we are the lucky ones
Even in this world of crime
For we can know a greater Gift
If we only take the time

His sign is but a simple cross
Yet this symbol stands for more
Let's not forget the real, true meaning
Of this season we adore.

�2001 WLL

No Little People

I am the light of the world. - John 8:12

In 1989, a wealthy New York hotel operator was convicted on 33 counts of income take evasion and massive tax fraud. At age 69, she was fined more than $7 million and spent four years in prison. She will go down in history for what she told a hotel housekeeper: "Only the little people pay taxes."

Most Christians think of themselves as "little people". And if statistics are correct, most of us will indeed never become wealthy or alter the course of world history. The problem is, many of us use the world's definition of people instead of God's. We may be little people to the world, but God wants to use us to accomplish great things. A teenaged couple, engaged to be married in 4 B.C. in Nazareth, would definitely have been "little people" in the world's eyes. But in God's eyes they were a faithful young couple who found favor in His sight. So much favor, in fact, that He asked them to raise His own Son, Jesus.

Christmas reminds us that God will use the littlest in the world to accomplish the greatest in His kingdom. And He is still looking to use faithful, available people just like you!

Recommended Reading: John 1:1-8

By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point For God

December 25, 2001 - Christmas Day!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: God walked down the stairs of heaven with a Baby in His arms. - Phil Scherer

When Birth Becomes Blessing

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. - Luke 2:19

History is made when committed people are doggedly determined never to give up on their passion. The splitting of the atom, the harnessing of electricity, the first airplane flight--no one knew where those visions would lead, but they all changed the world.

Another event, infinitely more world-changing, started in a similar way. The birth of Jesus was preceded by only a brief description from the angel Gabriel to Mary about her coming Son. By the time Jesus ascended into heaven, Mary was probably shocked at how little understanding she originally had when Jesus was born (Acts 1:14). It may be that God wants to birth something in your heart that He tells you very little about. Perhaps a ministry, a relationship, or a vocation. Sometimes we have to take the little God tells us and, like Mary, ponder it in our hearts until birth becomes blessing.

If God wants to birth something in your life this next year, don't let a lack of details deter you. Sometimes God's biggest blessings begin in the most unconventional way!

But imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promise. - Hebrews 6:12

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 11

By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point For God

December 26, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me. - Hudson Taylor

Rebounding From Rejection

Acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:6

Have you ever been filled with excitement about a new idea or dream? "Finally," you think, "this is it. It's brilliant!" You share the news with someone and they respond like you've just told them the date and time: "Uh, yeah, Rick, that's an interesting idea. Gotta run to a meeting. Try to have the Walton project ready by noon, will you?"

Everyone has felt rejected by someone--an employer, a spouse, a parent, a friend. Just think how Mary and Joseph must have felt when they were turned away from every inn in Bethlehem. Think how badly Joseph must have wanted the innkeepers to hears his story: "But you don't understand--my wife is about to give birth to the Messiah!" Can you imagine carrying the personification of Good News for the world and being rejected by the very people who needed to hear it most?

The next time you feel rejected, think of Mary and Joseph. Then remember: God always directs the steps of those who trust in Him.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:31-31

By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point For God

December 27, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: The simple shepherds heard the voice of an angel and found their Lamb. - Fulton J. Sheen

Shepherd Of The Shepherds

I am the good shepherd. - John 10:11

When Jacob and his family moved to Egypt to escape the famine in Canaan, a curious thing happened. Joseph instructed his family to make sure Pharaoh understood they were shepherds. Why? "For every good shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians" (Genesis 46:34). As a result of their low-class status, they were shuffled off to a corner of Egypt where they were able to maintain their Hebrew heritage for 400 years.

You may think being looked down upon is the worst, but it isn't. Take the shepherds outside Bethlehem. Their status hadn't been elevated much since their forefather Jacob. They were still considered the dregs of society. But wasn't it just like God to choose the shepherds to receive the angelic announcement that the Son of God was born? And to further identify with those world rejects, Jesus chose their vocation to describe Himself: "I am the good Shepherd".

Feeling like a modern-day shepherd? Here's an angel-like announcement for you: Jesus was a shepherd, too, and would love to spend time with you this Christmas.

Recommended reading: Psalm 23

By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point For God

December 28, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: The cross always stands near the manger. - Amy Carmichael

Reminded For A Reason

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. - Revelation 5:12

You're right--they get overused, could even be considered trite. But the "Jesus is the reason for the season" bumper stickers keep showing up year after year. If He is the reason for the season, there must be a reason why we need to be reminded every year.

First, you're probably exhausted. Midway between the Christmas Day/New Year's Eve marathon we run every year, you're not sure you can make it to New Year's Day--the day you are officially allowed to gasp, "It's over!" Second, you probably spent more than you intended. You've got to live the next few weeks in dread of the credit card bills arriving. Finally, you're already planning your first New Year's resolution: "Next year, we're going to do Christmas different!" That's why we keep reminding ourselves every year that "Jesus is the reason for the season." It's challenging to remember that a baby was born in a Bethlehem stable for one reason alone: to seek and to save the lost.

If you need to do Christmas different next year, just make it an extension of the 364 days preceding it--days in which you've reminded yourself that He's the reason for everything.

Recommended reading: John 1:29-34

By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point For God

December 29, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: I am a man of one Book. - John Wesley

The Answer Book

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. - Psalm 119:105

"Never before has the world been so desperately asking for answers to crucial questions and never before has the world been so frantically committed to the idea that no answers are possible," wrote Ayn Rand, a late novelist.

Fortunately, God has not left us without answers to life's crucial questions.

Are you in need of some answers for the New Year? Are you unsure of what to do with a rebellious child? Do you need help managing your money? Are you experiencing conflict in a relationship? Are you questioning your purpose in life? God's Word will provide direction for any situation you face.

Although you don't know what 2002 may hold, you do know who holds the answers to all your questions. All you must do is open God's Answer Book, and you'll find problems solved, anxieties eased, and fears dispelled. Make a commitment to the Lord to get into His Word daily this New Year. As you spend time reading and studying Scripture, God will direct your steps throughout this year and the years to come.

Recommended reading: Luke 8:4-15

By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point For God

December 30, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Let any man turn to God in earnest, let him begin to exercise himself unto godliness, let him seek to develop his powers of spiritual receptivity by trust and obedience and humility, and the results will exceed anything he may have hoped in his leaner and weaker days. - A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God [1948]

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

I am very thankful that over the years I have not delved into many of the vices and habits this world provides. I am happy to say I have never been drunk, done any kind of drugs, or even been arrested. Other than being overly zealous with a fork on a regular basis, I have been blessed not to be bound by much of what this world offers.

In the area of hobbies and pastimes, I don't garden, fish, hunt, or do woodworking. I piddle a bit at golf two or three times a year. Otherwise, the church and my family take up most of my time.

However, there has been one area of worldly focus that has kept my attention for nearly 30 years -- following and supporting the New Orleans Saints football team. I realize that some of you are thinking, "poor guy". Others are responding, "what a glutton for punishment". Nonetheless, this is a time consuming hobby that I enjoy.

My Dad, who was a crippled man, couldn't do "manly" things outdoors. So, he taught me an appreciation for football. Every Saturday and Sunday, from August through January, was consumed with about 6 hours of football games. Since we lived in New Orleans, the Saints became my team.

When I was in about the fourth grade, my parents allowed me to redo my bedroom. I had NFL curtains, blankets, pillowcases, a Saints lamp, a Saints beanbag chair, a Saints bank and a pennant for each of the 28 teams on my wall. My bedroom was a shrine to professional football.

For several years, my Dad took me annually to the New Orleans-Atlanta game (Yes, we missed church, but attended the other 51 weeks of the year). Since he grew up in Georgia, this became our special time for enjoying our favorite game. When he died in 1992, my passion for the Saints continued.

Last night, my team was on "Monday Night Football" against the St. Louis Rams. I was so excited to see the team that I have followed for three decades in the spotlight. They are currently in the playoff chase and a victory here would really help their chances for playing in the postseason.

I had been anticipating this game for weeks. In fact, all day yesterday I was counting down the hours till the eight o'clock kickoff.

By now, you know that the Saints lost. Not only did they lose, but they looked bad in the process. They were penalized for over 100 yards, and made other dumb mistakes that hurt their cause. At one point, the fans were throwing bottles onto the field.

I was deflated, disappointed, aggravated, etc. It was as if the Grinch had stolen Christmas. Well, it wasn't really that bad.

After spending 30 years following a team that has lost a whole lot more than they have won, I have learned an important lesson: temporal, worldly things are okay for me to enjoy, but they don't deserve my devotion. They can occupy my time for a little while, but they must not control my heart.

Strangely enough, I have been a Saints fan a little longer than I have been a Christian. Yet, as I compare the two, there is no contest. JESUS HAS NEVER BEEN A DISAPPOINTMENT. HE HAS NEVER LET ME DOWN. HE HAS BEEN FAITHFUL, LOVING, RIGHTEOUS, GRACIOUS, AND MERCIFUL TO ME SINCE THE DAY I BOWED MY KNEE AND CALLED HIM "LORD AND SAVIOR".

This is why the apostle Paul said in Acts 18:28, "in him we live and move and have our being". He had plunged his life into other things before Jesus changed his heart and after having surrendered to the master, he knew there was no where else to go.

Frankly, everything else but Jesus will bring you a taste of dissatisfaction. It will grow stale, burst your bubble, or leave you lacking joy.

To quote the song made famous by George Beverly Shea, "I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold. I'd rather be His than have riches untold. I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands. I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand. Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway. I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today."

Exalting Jesus,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

December 31, 2001

QUOTE OF THE DAY: The last and highest result of prayer is not the securing of this or that gift, the avoiding of this or that danger. The last and highest result of prayer is the knowledge of God -- the knowledge which is eternal life -- and by that knowledge, the transformation of human character, and of the world. - George John Blewett

Serious Mathematics

Perhaps you've considered some of this before. But will you ponder the magnitude of this again, along with its implications for your daily life, decisions, and attitude? I must. This is no fairy tale.

Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them? An expert in dealing with military supplies has calculated that Moses and the people would have consumed about 1500 tons of food each day. Did you know that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains, one mile long each, would be required?!

If they needed firewood to cook the food, this would take 4000 tons of wood and a few more mile-long freight trains, just for one day's wood. And this - for forty years, each day.

And, oh yes! They would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink (and wash a few dishes?) -- it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day. Just to supply enough water, an 1800 mile long freight train, with tank cars, would be needed EACH DAY!

They had to get across the Red Sea. If they were double file on a narrow path, the line would be 800 miles long and it would require 35 days and nights to cross. Thus, there must have been a three-mile wide space in the Red Sea so that they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night.

Each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles. think of it! They needed this much property -- just for a nightly camping.

Do you think that Moses had all the answers figured out before he left Egypt?

Some things MEN CAN'T PLAN, and MEN CAN'T DO. But, you see, Moses believed in God. YAHWEH. The CREATOR and ONE TRUE GOD.

And now, for you and me............... Do you suppose YOU may just have a God BIG ENOUGH for whatever YOUR problems may be? If you believe in the same God Moses did, and obey Him as Moses desired to, there is no difference in the Supply Father has for you, and that which He had for Moses and His People. ALL things are possible, for him who believes. "The Kingdom suffers violence." The things GOD wants to do in your life and through your life are under siege by the enemy. DON'T GIVE IT TO HIM! KNOW that GOD is able, even in the darkest of circumstances and the most painful of trials. The Kingdom suffers violence, but YOU need not fall under satan's spell of unbelief and carnal perspectives. Listen for His Voice -- and then hold on to what God is Promising, without fear, without doubt, without hesitation or complaint. Persevere. THIS is the victory that overcomes the world - even our Faith! Will you BELIEVE and TRUST and BE TOTALLY LOYAL (all definitions of Faith) to the God of Moses, the God of Abraham, the God of Elijah, the Father and Life of Jesus Christ? Walking on water, raising the dead, feeding a million people with no known food - THESE ARE NOT PROBLEMS for OUR GOD??!! Do you believe this? Do you REALLY live as if you believe in THIS God, in total confidence, trust, intimate genuine two-way relationship... and unwavering loyalty? It is your privilege to do so, if you will...............

Mike Peters

December 31, 2001

A New Year's Message from Jonathan

What a wild year 2001 has been! While many people choose to dwell on the terrible things that happened this past year, such as the September 11 terrorist attacks and the alleged recession they say our country is in (I choose to not participate in the recession, and I hope you choose not to as well), I can look back and see all the great things God has done in my life this past year.

But, while this is a time to reflect on the past, it is also a good time to look forward. 2002 NEEDS to be THE year where we turn our hearts toward God and decide once and for all to serve Him and Him alone. We don't do this by simply "going to church" once or twice a week. We do this by BEING the church every day of the week! We need to pray, open our Bibles and learn to listen to the leading of the Lord - and then obey what Jesus would have us to do.

They say on TV and in many churches that we, as a people and as a church, are in revival. They say that the attacks of September 11th have brought our nation back to God. If this is truly the case, where are the sweeping changes in our nation that accompanied revivals of the past? If this nation was truly repenting of its ways and turning their hearts towards God, things would be drastically different than they are right now! Harry Potter would have been a flop! Television stations would have to remove most of their shows and replace them with decent entertainment. The music played on the radio would have changed into something more decent to be heard. More important, the 'politically correct' way of thinking and speaking in this nation would certainly have been removed this past Christmas season. More than ever, I heard "holiday" used in place of "Christmas" all in hopes someone will not be offended. THIS ISN'T REVIVAL! This isn't a nation turning back to God. This is a nation wishing that today and everyday... was September 10th.

If we REALLY want to see change in our nation, our schools, our churches, our families, our neighborhoods, our government, and our leaders, the change MUST begin with us! Let's look at 2 Chronicles 7 starting in verse 13:

(This is the Lord God speaking)

'I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place as my house of sacrifice. If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, if I command the locust to devour the land, and if I send a pestilence among my people, then if my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I also will hear from the heavens and will forgive their sins and heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open and my ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.'

(taken from the 'American translation')

We have seen the destructions of 'no rain' (pseudo-revival with a people generally believing in God (or a 'god') but denying His power). The 'locust' has devoured the land, and there have been weather disasters, a hurting economy, and violence in the land. We have seen 'pestilence' as we watched airplanes full of people crash into skyscrapers killing thousands at a time and the fear of bio-terrorism such as Anthrax. Now our call is to pray and seek the face of God. We need to return to the Word of God!

It starts with us! I choose this day to make a fresh commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ! If this starts anywhere, let it be with me. I hope each and every one of you will join me this year and make a fresh commitment to BEING the church of Jesus Christ. Let's not just live for ourselves. Let's work together and live for Jesus and serve others around us as we see needs in other people that we can meet.

Let's return to the family as being the cornerstone of our nation. The Lord says in His word that "where two or three are gathered, there I am also." The last time I checked, a husband and wife made two, and when children come along, that makes three... or more. Let's make our families strong, and let's raise our children in the Lord.

To help you along, we will continue to try to find the devotions best suited to to help you do just this! And, I will be adding more options to read the Bible through in a year. We have been doing this chronologically and also a mixture of Old Testament/New Testament every day. For 2002, we will repeat these options and also add the ability to read the Bible through from a "historical" perspective, where you can read the books of the Bible as they occured in the Hebrew and Greek traditions (the order in which they were written). For example, the Old Testament books in the Hebrew Bible do not occur in the same order as they do in our English Bible. The New Testament books are arranged according to their date of writing as well.

In this coming year, I hope you will take the opportunity to read the Bible, pray, BE the church, strengthen your families, and fellowship with your brothers and sisters in the Lord.

As always, thank you for your prayers. We never ask for money, but we do NEED your prayers for Cross Exam to continue. May each and every one of you have a safe and BLESSED New Year! :o)

Jonathan

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