AUTHORITY AUTHORED WITH LOVE

SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:21-34

VERSE FOR TODAY: This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases"' (Matthew 8:17, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "What Wondrous Love Is This"

Oh, good! A guest teacher! Perhaps the crowds hoped to hear something new and different.

They got it. This new teacher spoke with authoritative ring in His voice. The crowd's musings may have continued. Who is this guy? Isn't He the carpenter's son from Nazareth? How did He come to know so much?"

Jesus didn't speak with empty words. He spoke with authority and action. Then He showed them His  credentials, not in a piece of paper, but in miracles of love, mercy, and healing. God in the flesh was reaching out and touching mankind spirituality and physically, showing that He cares. Not only did He know firsthand what pain and sickness and death were, he also demonstrated that he had the power to overcome it.

Would He have your attention!? Would you wonder if someone with so much knowledge and power could care about someone like you and me? Then man who had healed from the evil spirit and Peter's mother- in- law could have no doubts.

We too need no doubt. The same Jesus knows us by name. He reaches out with power that we lack. What we need from to do is simply reach back.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for caring for us in such a visible ways. You are Lord over all, and yet You demonstrate Your power through Your loving and healing hands. May we turn to You and trust You for healing in our lives. You are truly wonderful. Amen.

A PERFECT PLAN FOR A PACKED DAY

SCRIPTURE Mark 1:35-45

VERSE FOR TODAY: Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man (Mark 1:41 New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Reach Out and Touch"

The word was out! There was a man who taught with authority and performed miracle. "Where is he? The newly form fan club clamoured for Jesus, but He knew what He had to do. First you pray. Jesus needed that time with the Father, but even His prayer time was interrupted. He had prioritized however and was able to focus on the mission at hand.

Still He kept His compassion. A leper was an outcast from society; and Jesus dared to stop, and listen, and touch.

What a busy day! How did He handle it? He had a perfect pattern that we can use. Pray; prioritize: proclaim God's truth; reach out to touch others with love of God.

Easy to say, hard to do? Sometimes it is. We start with good intentions, but the phone keeps ringing. The copier keeps jamming. A child is sick. A traffic jam makes us late. We sense that a co-worker is struggling. But we haven't got time. A child says, "Want to listen to my song?" "Sure" we reply, "but later. I'v got a lot to do now." 

If Jesus' had rushed inthe leper might never have been healed. But Her stopped, and reached out and touched, and a miracle took place. May we allow Him to guide us and allow Him to continue to work His wonders in the lives of His people today.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Lord Jesus You are our perfect example. Please help us to remember to spend time with You, to proclaim Your Word to others, and to take time to reach out to them in a personal way. May we be Your hands of love to a hurting world. Amen.

LORD OF ALL CREATION

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 64:1-7

VERSE FOR TODAY: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "How Great Thou Art"

"Where is God? Why does He allow wickness to exist? Why doesn't God do something?" Sound familiar?

The prophet asks question like these and thinks back to the time when God's presence was very real in the life of Israel. If God would only be more visible in his time, that would surely bring a swift end to the godlessness he saw on every hand. This idea is found in many of the Psalms, like 2:1: "Why do the nation conspire, and the people's plot in vain?" (Revised Standard Version).

Such thoughts aren't very strange to us. How often do we find ourselves saying," Why does God allow this to go on?" Or "Is God really in control?" We think that if God would show His power, that would produce more respect for Him and  more righteous society for mankind.

However, God has given us many signs of His presence (Romans 1:18-23). Nature speaks to us eloquently of His creative power; human history assures us of His moral authority. Evil does not, cannot, triumph. In our time we have witnessed the fall of Hitler and then of godless communism. God's timetable may not coincide with ours, but in the long term God's judgement of human affairs is very obvious. God is still on His throne; He is still Lord of history.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: YOU, O Lord, are God, sovereign of the universe and Lord of all human affairs. Help us that we never lose sight of Your majesty and power. When our faith wavers, open our eyes to Your glory, Amen.

GOD'S PERFECT AND MERCIFUL JUDGE

SCTIPTURE: Acts 10:34-43

VERSE FOR TODAY: He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42, Revised Standard Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Praise Him, Praise Him"

Judges may not look attractive. Their black robes and austere manners create fear in the hearts of many. Yet they represent law and order. Without them and what they represent, society would be in constant chaos. Nobody's life would be safe; injustice and crime would prevail.

We do not usually think of Jesus as judge; but He is our judge. Righteous people have nothing to fear from the law or those who enforce it; in fact, judges who enforce the law protect people who do what is right.

Of course, all humans break God's laws and are guilty in His sight. One of the prerogatives of a judge is to grant pardon to dismiss the charges brought against offenders. Peter alludes to this in our Scripture for today when he says, "Everyone who believe in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name" (Acts 10:43, New International Version). This is our hope. We do not claim that we are without guilt; we have confidence that the judge will extend forgiveness to us who believe.

God does not forgive grudgingly. He forgives completely, totally, forever. Our hope for salvation rests in the fullness of God's forgiveness.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: O Father, we rejoice in the knowledge of Your grace and in the magnitude of Your promises to us. May our lives praise Your holy name and glorify Your Son, who is our Redeemer. Amen.

HOLD FAST TO GOD'S PURPOSE

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 42:1-9

VERSE FOR TODAY: He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God ( Micah 6:8, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "I Would Be True"

Our text for today is one of several servant poems found in Isaiah. It speak of a servant whom God would send to the people under oppression, one who would bring justice to all the nations (v1). What a hope! What an ideal!

Christian's hold that justice will come when God's kingdom is accepted by mankind. Followers of Jesus can never give up this hope and never cease to work to relieve suffering and oppression. We are surrounded with need, and even a cup of cold water extended by the hand of love is a service to our Lord himself. Nor should we lose sight of the fact that, althought there is still much injustice, there is more justice in the world now than there was when the Bible was written. This is due mostly to the Influence of Jesus Christ through His people How grateful we should be that God sent His Son, who brought faith, hope, and love to us as we live in a world of too much injustice!

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, we who live in a world of evil and injustice thank You and praise You for the matchless gift of Jesus Christ, who lifts our eyes to a better way and bids us to follow Him into life eternal. Amen

THE GLORY OF GOD REVEALED TO US

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:1-11

VERSE FOR TODAY: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth: we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son From Father (John 1:14, Revised Standard Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "O Master Let Me Walk With Thee"

Who can read today's Scripture and not be reminded of the tenor aria from Handel's  great oratorio, The Messiah? "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all mankind shall see it for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it." What could this prophetic text really mean? The glory of the Lord traveled in Jesus? The same prophet Isaiah says of God's servant: "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him. . . He was despised and rejected by men" ( Isaiah 53:2,3, New Internationals Version). How was God's glory seen in life if one like Jesus Christ

Could it be that the glory of God has as much to do with love, kindness, and Service as it has to do with power and wealth and those things that humans often associate with glory? Does the Apostles Paul, toiling in Gentile cities to bring the Word of life to lost pagans, reflect God's glory more than Caesar does as he sits on a gilded throne? Does Mother Theresa or some Christian in your church reflect what God sees as glorious more than a tyrant in an exalted political office or a corporate executive who manages million of dollars and thousands of laborers? Could it be that we need a new definition of what really constitute glory?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear heavenly Father, how hard it is to live in this world and not be overcome by it distorted values! Help us to see more clearly the things that really matter and cherish these values more fully Amen.

JESUS: OUR PROPHET, PRIEST, AND KING

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 2

VERSE FOR TODAY: At the name of Jesus every knee should bow. . .. and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10,11, Revised Standard Version,).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "He Is Lord"

Today's Scripture is a Psalm, a Hebrew poem about God's anointed one. The Hebrew word for anointed is Messiah; the Greek word is Christ. In biblical times anointing with oil was a religious ceremony signifying that someone was chosen by God for an important office. We see examples in the Old Testament as this was done to designate and empower prophets, priest and kings

Psalm 2 is regarded as a messianic Psalm and is often cited as being fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:27; Acts 4:25-27; 13:33; Hebrew 1:5; 5:5; 2 2:17). No human prophet poured oil upon Jesus, the supreme prophet, priest, and king; but Peter affirmed, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and . . .he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" (Acts10:38, New Internation Al Versions) Jesus' ministry certified to the threefold office of His anointing. He is prophet and He speaks to us for God and unfold to us the future of humanity. He is priest adHe intercedes with the Father on our behalf. He is King of kings because God has given him "All authority in Heaven andon earth." We now before Him becuse He is truly our Lord.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: We look to Jesus as Lord of life, King of kings, source of love, and, and author of our salvation. Help us O God, to show by our lives the gratitude and devotion that we gladly offer to His glory. Amen.

THE GREAT INVITATION

SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:12-20

VERSE FOR TODAY: "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men"' (Mark 1:18, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " Since Jesus came into My Heart"

"Follow me," said Jesus to a few Galilea fisherman ad they were busy with their net. Believing that the great teacher could unlock mysteries of the meaning of life, they readily compliedand became His disciples. He taught them, He led them. Into experiences they had never thought possible, and He opened their eyes to they realities of the presence of God. Their lives would never be rather same.

How interesting it is that they great invitation, "Follow me," Hass never lost it power to attract men and woman to follow. Jesus! Today on every continent on this earth, thousands have heard and responded to this great invitation. His followers number into millions

Even more remarkable: His power to change the way that. People lives has also gone unchanged, despite passing of centuries. God's kingdom may not yet be universal and God's will may not be done "on earth as it is in heaven,"' but multitudes of men and woman the world over acknowledge God's sovereignty and strive to do His will. Have you ever paused to tihink how how barren and empty life would be if we had not faith in God it sense of the divine presence? Our great teacher assuures us that all who are His disciples are part of a vast eternal kingdom.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly, we thank You for coming into our lives through Jesus Christ,, whoo causes us to open ourp eye and realize that we can be part ,of Your kingdom, which in righteous and eternal. May this faith ever live in our hearts guide our footshep.

GOD'S GIFT OF A NEW DAY

SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:1-11

VERSE FOR TODAY: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory (Ephesians 3:20,21, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "God is good"

The long selince was broken. For centuries no prophetic voicehad penetrated the stillness, and the people of God longed for divine intervention to give them hope for a new and better tomorrow. Then John the Baptist came and announced that there would be a NEW DAY. A leader be sent by God to establish a new sovereignty the Kingdom of God. The future was filled with possibilities.

We too are part of God's new kingdom, and the future is filled with wonderful possibilities for us. Each new day offers new opportunities---opportunities for joy, for service, and for growth. The attitude we take makes the big difference in whether the day is filled with drudgery and boredom or whether it is a day loaded with fulfillment and achievement. 

Our life is God's precious gift to us.we can make it something beautiful.

When John the Baptist foretold beginning of Jesus' ministry, nobody who heard him dreamed of one would still the raging waters or touch the eye of the blind or make the lame to walk. God's fulfillment always exceed anything humans can hope for expect.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank you, Lord, for each ne day. I pray that You will openly eyes to see the opportunities for Service and for happiness that You have given me this day. Amen.

THE LORD COMFORT HIS PEOPLE

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 49:13-18

VERSE FOR TODAY: Shout for Joy, O heavens; O earth: burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones (Isaiah 49:14, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "God Will Take Care of You"

I walked in awe in ancient Babylon. Mud brick walls rose around me. Towers that must intimidated ancient visitors were now crumbling and broken. A dust storm swept in and I saw the ancient city as through the yellow dust of time.

I wondered how it must have felt to be one of God's chosen people in this powerful city during the days of the Jewish captivity it certainly must have seemed that God had abondoned His people. Not abandon her. Though Israel was now despised and defeated, the day would come when she would be great once again, for "those who hope me," God promised, "will not be diappointed" (Isaiah 49:23).

Hope is a tremendous force. Not long ago the eyes of the world were on Atlanta as athelete from all over the world assembled to complete. It was hope of winning a medal, hope of being the best and hope of breaking a record that kept them training for the day of competition.

God promised Israel, "I will not forget you! As you meet the challenge of this day, remember that God knows and remembers those He has chosen.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Eternal and ever present Father, sometimes we get discouraged when we do not succeed and when it seems tha righteous of this world are not prospering. Help us truly believe that those who hope in You will not be disappointed  Amen.

WHAT'S YOUR LEGACY

SCRIPTURE: Hebrew 11:8-16

VERSE FOR TODAY: These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having See them afar off, and were persuaded oof them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that day such things declared plainly that they seek a country (Hebrew 11:13,14).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "The God of Abraham"

In the spring of 1996, items the estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were actioned for thirty-four and a half million dolllars. The auction house indicated that the prices paid were much higher than they had estimated. People seemed ready to pay huge prices for this "touch of history."

The possessions of famous people take on special value because of the owner.

Abraham, with God's help, became a fairly wealthy man (Genesis 12:16), but his legacy was not his earthly possessions. It was his abiding faith he obeyed God and set out on a journey, not knowing where he was going. By Faith he lived in tents as a foreigners in a land that was his in promise.

He waited in faith for the birth of a promised son.

When Abramhan was first called by God in the land of It, the Lord told him he would be father of a great nation and that all peoples of the earth would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:2,3). What a great legacy to pass on the legacy of faith and trust in God. May we do live that we will pass our faith on as valuable inheritance to those who come after us.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Father, help us to wzlkby faith. Help us to trust You in the times when the future is unknown to us as well as in the times when we see clearly what our next steps should be. Thank You for all Your promises to the faithful. Help us to always be among the faithful. In the name of Your Don, we pray. Amen.

WHAT DOES GOD WANTS?

SCRIPTURE: LEVITICUS 19:1,2,9-18

VERSE FOR TODAY: Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy (Leviticus 19:2, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Be Thou My Vision"

Character Above All, a book of a few year ago, set it to evaluate the character of ten American presidents. The book tried to identify the moral essence of each man. Of one President, the book observe, "He couldn't stand to be alone, he needed constant companioship, attention and approval. He had insatiable appetites for work, women, food, and material possessions. They were all in the service of filling him up; of giving him a sense of validity or sense of self worth." What a tragic description of emptiness.

God has always been very concerned about character. He gave the law to Israel to guide it's people in the path of goodness.

Laws do not tend to be exciting reading and it is doubtful that many of them are underlined in our Bibles. But God's laws cover many aspects of life: respect for parents, prohibition of idolatry, instruction for sacrifice, provision for the poor and foreigner, honesty, consideration, kindness, justice, and obedience to God, to name just a few.

Overarching all the laws is character of God. The standard for our character is the holiness of God. We are to be holy because He is holy. We are to be separated to God and to reproduce His character in the details of our lives.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Lord, we seek to be like You. We most desire to be people of holiness, who are set apart to You and You only. May Your character be reflected in all that we do and say. Amen.

THE MODEL FOR PRAYER

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:7-13

VERSE FOR TODAY: When you pray, do not keep on babbling like the pagans,for they think they will be heard because of their words. Do not be like them, for your Father know what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:7,8, New International. Version).

I still remember the day my father took me to see Mr. Warther. Dad worked in bridge construction. One summer we pulled a trailer to Dover, Ohio, where he was working.

In a small building behind this house, Ernest Warther created scale carving of railroad engines. Carved from ebony, ivory, and sea shell she models were exact to the minutest detail.

A museum in Dover, Ohio, houses Mr. Warther's life's work. But a visit today is not the same as the one I remember when Mr. Warther himself shared with a young, wide-eyed boy the things his mind and carving knife had created.

I often wondered what it was like for the disciple to hear Jesus pray. Did they know how privileged they were to be listening to the Master? He urged them to avoid empty repetition and impressive words and gave them a model that emphasized praise, request, forgiveness, and diverance.

Just as Mr. Warther brought the past to life with his carving knife, Jesus brought prayer to life and life to prayer with His teaching. His model prayer is it intended for display. It is intended to inspire us to deeper understanding and greater mastery of the mystery of prayer.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Our Father,we want to grow in our practice and understanding of prayer. You already know our needs we need to grow in our practice and  understanding of prayer. You already know our needs, but we do need to know You. Teach us to pray as Your Son, Jesus. Prayed. Amen

GOD MAKES THINGS GROW

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 3:1-11

VERSE FOR TODAY: I have planted Apollo's watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase (1Corinthians 3:6,7).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "The Bond of Love"

When I was a child my family had a victory garden in our backyard. World War Ii seemed to be the backdrop for all we did. Having a garden was not only a way of providing good, it was a part of our contribution to our country.

We planted the garden carefully. Weeded it diligently, and sprayed it thoroughly. It was hard work, but I watched with anticipation as the plants and vegetable matured and harvest came. There was nothing like eating homegrown vegetable.

As I ate them I felt my first touch patriotism. I had done my part to help democracy triumph and it tasted good.

Paul daw the Christian's at Corinth as God's field. He had planted the seed of the gospel in the fertile soil ofm their lives. Apollos and others had done their part to bring the harvest. They "watered" the crop. But while each person was important to the harvest, it was God who was responsible for the growth that took place.

Christian's are permitted to be involve in what God HImself is doing in the world today. Only God can be praised and honored. We no matter our title or work in the kingdom, are merely His servants. God s the source of life and He alone must receive honor and praise.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Our Father, we are thankful that You allow us to plant and to water and to build and labor with you in this world. How us to recognize that You are the giver of life and growth and the victory. Help us always to build on our firm foundation, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

KEEP YOURSELVES IN GOD'S LOVE

SCRIPTURE: Jude 14-25

VERSE FOR TODAY: To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now forevermore! Amen (Jude 24,25, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "To God Be the Glory"

We live in a world of warnings. Signs on our highways warn us of steep hills, sharps curves, dangerous intersections, and un-usual circumstances. The medicines we buy have warning on their labels lest we use them improperly. Tools are accompanied by warning labels intended to keep us from injury. Parents are constantly giving warning to their children to keep them from harm.

Though they may sometimes seem restricting to usf, warnings are for our benefits. Jude's writing to the church is filled with warning and things to remember as we live our lives. He warn us to remember that Christ is coming again to judge all people. He warns us to be careful of what. We say, lest we be faults-finders, grumblers, and speakers of harsh words. He warn us not to be in by those who boast about themselves and flatter others to accomplish their evil desires.

Christian's are concentrate on prayer and on building up their own faith and that of others. They are to be merciful to others as they grow in awareness of God's mercy to them.

Our God is at work in our lives to keep us from falling and to enable us to enter His presence with great joy.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Father,. Keep us from the attitudes, the desires, and the selfishness of the wicked. Rather, let us be kept in Your love and mercy as You bring us to eternal life. Amen.

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

SCRIPTURE: Jude 1-13

VERSE FOR TODAY: Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the sainst (Jude 3, New International).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Who Is on the Lord  Side?"

At the Zoo in Columbus, Ohio, one can enter into the world of gorilla by means of virtual reality. Those who put on the neccessary equiptment can see reality from gorilla's point of view.

Jude lived before the days of electronic reality now called meta verse, NTF. But he did see the word from a special point of view.

Jude was aware that there were people even within the church who needed to be opposed. They used the grace of God as an excuse for immorality and denied the lordship of Christ.

They slandered those in authority and spoke about things they didn't understand. They were rebellious and greedy, more interested in their own profit than in the good of others.

Jude called on Christian's to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Think about what "contending for the faith" means in your life and in your community. Pray for God's strength and guidance as you walk daily with Him.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Gracious Father, sometimes we get discouraged when we realize that there are those who oppose You in the church as well as outside the church. We love You and we know that we are kept by Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to be faithful, true, and determined as we live out each day. Amen.

COME FOLLOW JESUS

SCRIPTURE: Luke 18:18-27

VERSE FOR TODAY: Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God" (Luke 18:27, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Footprint of Jesus"

A Statement in this story really shook the apostles. They had always thought that riches were a sign of God's favor and poverty was a sign of sinfulness. They apparently hadn't understood some of the things that Jesus had taught; and they apparently hadn't read the book of Job recently. But just about everyone thought just as they did. Some of us may think that way too.

Then Jesus said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! (Luke 18:24, New International Version). Rich men are likely to feel self-sufficient. They can buy what they want. Christian's are like "little children" (Luke 18:16,17). They are dependent. A poor man have an advantage. It is clear to him that he can't make it on his own, so he is ready to depend on the Lord.

"Who then can be saved?" the disciples asked. Jesus said nobody can by his own goodness. It is impossible. You will not do enough parent-honoring, murder-avoiding, and truth-telling to stand eye-to-eye with a perfect God. But with Him all things are possible, even the salvation of rich men, if they follow Jesus.

Salvation means trusting Jesus, not trusting yourself.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You for using Your Word, Father, to remind us that it is not what we do but whose we are that allows us to inherit eternal life. We confess that we are tempted to be our own guides. We thank you for providing Your Holy Spirit to help us resist that temptation.  Jesus is Lord! Amen.

NO MORE DEATH

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 21:1-4

VERSE FOR TODAY: He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" (Revelation 31:5, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "The Light of the World Is Jesus"

I don't really need to know a lot about Heaven, or to understand all of the pictures that John draws for us in the book of Revelation. I can understand enough of the first part of that book to hear the assurance that those who hold on to Jesus will be there, and I can read the last two chapters and be enthralled by the big picture.

Divine glory will light the whole place. None of the evil stuff that is done now under the cover of night will be there. 

We used to tell our sons that "nothing good happens out there after midnight." You can probably point out a few exceptions, but only a few, All of that "darkness" will be finished.

No more crying, no more pain, no more death! Wow! Jim won't have arthritis. Bob will have two legs. Mother will be able to see and to speak. Bill will be there; the fatal wreck will not have mattered. Herman will have a new heart. Betty will breathe without a struggle. Harriet will hear every word.

We have good days here. And our lives are a privilege, a gift from God. But we will not mourn too long for the saints who have "graduated" to the light.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: To have the chance to see Your marvelous creation, our Father, is enough for us to know of Your love and Your power, and enough to call us to worship. But the glimpse of Heaven that You inspired John to give us--that overwhelm us. We rest in the hope of "coming home" Amen.

WHAT A DAY! NO HARM, NO DESTRUCTION!

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 65:17-25

VERSE FOR TODAY: The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the loin will eat straw like the ox (Isaiah 65:25, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "O That Will Be Glory"

Have you ever tried to picture Heaven? John saw wonderful visions of thing to come.

In the book of Revelation he described the wonders in the best words he could find; but even with his book before us, we feel sure our picture of Heaven is far from complete. We know it will be much more than lush golf courses, beautiful sunsets and comfortable conversation 

But here and now also are a part of our present concern.

Can we have a little bit of Heaven on earth? Isaiah indicated that there could be some of that. In a day when God's people would really do things in God's ways, perennial enemies would get along. People would be safe on the streets. People who were more wealthy would help those who were poorer, not by government mandate, but because they would want to be a little bit like God. Lower stress and greater harmony would make someone who lived to be a hundred years old "just a kid." People would work for what they had; and they would leave others people's  things alone. They would be anxious to help, not to hurt.

That's the way it would be when people would love and obey God. That's the way it will be when the Spirit of King Jesus leads His church.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, we look forward to Heaven, with You and Your Don. That will be glory

 Just now, we ask that You will empower us to demonstrate a little bit of what that will be like. Amen.

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE OUGHT WE TO BE?

SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 3:11-18

VERSE FOR TODAY: So then, fear friends, since you are looking forward to this , make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him (2 Peter 3:-14, New International Version).

HYMNFOR TODAY: "Would You Live for Jesus?"

Our youth minister's almost four-,year old son was in the office the other day. Someone asked him a hard question. "is the preacher perfect?" He thought for a minute and said "No." Then he was asked, "Are you perfect?" He didn't think very long at all. "No," he said, ",Well,who is perfect?" the questioner asked. After just a few seconds the boy said, "Jeanie!" Jeannie is his next-door neighbor, who's a young great-grandfather and she shows a lot of love to little children.

If he had gotten his theology right he would have told us that no one is perfect except God the Father and Jesus,God's Son. But it was exciting to hear his estimation  of his Christian neighbor.

Christian can season as they age. They can "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." As they know Him better they can be more like Him. One of the most exciting things for a minister to watch is the growing up of the leaders an servants in the Church. "Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him." Now there's  a wonderful goal for life. If we don't quite make it, let's fall short by the smallest margin possible.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, gracious Father, that You have created us with that quality the children sing about possiblity. And thank You for sending those who trust in Your Don and the holy Spirit to help us bring about that possibility. Amen.

A PATIENT GOD

SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 3:1-10

VERSE FOR TODAY: The Lord is not slow on keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come repentance (2 Peter 3:9, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Take My Life and Let It Be"

Wouldn't it be simpler if God were to settle His issues right away? I have to admit that there are times when I have heard someone curse God, and threaten Him, that I have been tempted to pray, "God, would You please hit that guy?" If God would step in and eliminate murderers, rapists, and gangsters, this world would be a better place. They have it coming.Then I remember that Paul wrote to the Corinthians believers. "That is what some of you were. But you were washed,  you were sanctified" (1Corinthians 6:11, New International Version). Some thieves, homosexuals, drunkards and slanderers were changed by the spirit of God, and justified.

And I remember something else. If God had punished each of my sins immediately, I would be in a bad way. They may not have been the big black type; but they have "missed the mark." I am grateful for His patience.

It is good to know, too, that God doesn't want anyone to perish. He keeps giving time for His wayward children to turn to Him. Some all it "slow" But He calls it loving patience.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: "Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul, Thank you, Lord, for making me whole; Thank you, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free." Amen.

THE USER'S MANUAL

SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

VERSE FOR TODAY: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2Timothy 3:16).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Trust and Obey"

When you buy a new car, the makers of it give you a manual telling you how to use it. For example, your engine is designed to work with oil in the crankcase. Suppose you say, "This is my car. I'm going to run it any way I please, and I please to run it with oil." Soon the bearings are burned out, and you can't use the car at all.

God made you and me and all other people. He provided a manual telling us how we are designed to work. For example He said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Leviticus 19:18). Sometimes someones says, "I'm my own person. I'm going to do as I please, and I please to love myself best of all." What happens then? A child fights with his brothers. A man veatshis wife. A robber hold up a store. A Schoolboy shoots a teacher, Somebody hijack an airplane, orblows up a federal building. You've read about all these events. Your newspaper records them. Of course we have to have laws and police and jails to punish people who do such unloving things. It's costly and unpleasant.

What a wonderful world this would be if everybody woylddo what the Bible says! Let's do our part.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank the great Creator for the manual that tells us how to get along together and be happy. If you have disobeys the manual yesterday or today, ask God to forgive you. Promise to do better from now on. Ask God to help you understand the manual.

CAN WE FIGHT PEACEFULY?

SCRIPTURE: Roman 16:17-20

VERSE FOR TODAY: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Roman 12:18).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Onward Christian soldiers"

A few years ago some people where planning a new hymnbook. They thought of leaving out "Onward Christian Soldiers" because it was too warlike. Christian should be peaceful, they said. But many earnest Christians protested, and the song was included in the book.

We can see two sides to this question. Christian's ought to "fight the good fight" and "earnestly contend for the faith" (1Timothy 6:12; Jude 3). On the other hand, some people start fights about ideas that are "contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned." Christian's have learned the teaching of Jesus and His apostle. We do not want to fight against that, but we may have to fight for it

The teaching of Jesus and th eapostle is recorded in the Nrw Testament. We needto read ir carefully and often. We need to know it so well that we can recognize any teaching that is contrary to it. If we have to fight against such false teaching, wemustbecareful to fight fairly. We don't shout insults at the people who are teaching falsely. We just tell the truth, and point out where it written in the Bible. That's why we need to know the Bible very well.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank God for the teaching we know is right, the teaching of Jesus and the apostle. Promise to keep studying and learning more about it. Ask the Lord for wisdom to live peaceably when we can, and argue honestlywhen we must.

JESUS IS THE BEST

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 17:1-8

VERSE FOR TODAY: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him (Matthew 17:5).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "More About Jesus"

Jim and Jerry were pals in high school, and both of them enrolled in the community college. There they found a professor who thought he could improve Jesus' teaching. "Loving your neighbor is OK," the man said, "but loving your enemies doing good to them---that's nonsense. It will get you in trouble every time.

Jerry thought the teacher might be right; Jim said, "No way! Jesus is the best." 

God said something like that to Jesus' disciple long ago. Moses and Elijah were God's prophets, more dependable than any teacher on earth now. Simon Peter thought it would be great to build some shelters out there in the mountains, keep the prophets there and listen to their teaching along with Jesus' teaching.

God had another idea. He said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I  well pleased; hear ye him." Moses Elijah were gone. Only Jesus was left. He is the best.

Good Christian teachers can help us understand Jesus' teaching and follow it. But when any teacher disagress with Jesus, we know that one is wrong. Jesus is the best. You can count on that.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank God for sending His Son to teach us as well as to redeem us. Thank God for the Bible, where Jesus' teaching is preserved. Thank Him for Christian teachers who agree with Jesus and teach His Word truly. Promise to keep on learning from Jesus.

DON'T FIGHT AGAINST GOD

SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 2:1-10

VERSE FOR TODAY: The knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation (2Pheter2:9).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Only Trust Him"

"He's drowning!" A woman screamed it, clutching my arm and shaking me.

It was true. A boy in the deep end of the pool couldn't swim. He was out of sight when I reached him. When I pulled him to the surface he sputtered and coughed. Then he hit me with his first and yelled, "Let me go!"

He was so small that I managed to drag him ashore, but he kicked and screamed and fought me all the way. Later he explained. In his panic he thought I was trying to drown him.

The Lord is able to rescue the godly from troubles, but He does not drag us kicking and screaming to safety. If we choose to fight Him. He lets us go. He saved Noah's family, but everybody else in the world drowned. He saved Lot and His daughters from Sodom, but the people burned. And angels that rebelled lost Heaven forever.

God is our friend. His rules are not meant toharm us. They are designed to save us from troubles, to help us be happy in our life on earth, and happier still in Heaven. Let's not fight against God. Let's turn our lives over to Him and be happy.

PRAYER TBOUGHTS: Tell God we know we need help, and thank Him for helping us. Tell Him we really want to do right, and will keep on trying. Thank Him for the Bible, because it help us know what todotobe happy. Ask Him to keep on helping us every day.

A HOUSE FULL OF SAINTS

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:7-16

VERSE FOR TODAY: Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Higher Ground"

Mary Smith tailored beautiful drapes for the Sunday School classroom, and she was embarrassed by the praise heaped on her when the class met. "I'm not a saint," she protested uncomfortably. "I just like to do what I can for the Lord.' "Then you are a saint," the teacher said, "That name means you're dedicated to the Lord, not you're better than anybody else."

"Wow!" Mary grinned. "I'm a saint. Imagine my surprise." "This place is full of saints," the teacher went on. "Saint Bill knows all about the furnace. He missed his breakfast to come in early and make sure we'd have a warm place to meet after that storm yesterday. Right now nearly room in the house has a saint like me trying to help a bunch of saint like you become better a better saints. That's 'the perfecting of the ssints' All of us are becoming better than we were."

Mary's embarrassment was gone. "I'm glad some saint with a shovel cleared the way to the door," she quipped " sure," the teacher agreed, "and I appreciate the saint on the snow plow who cleared the parking lot."

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank God first for Jesus, who not only showed us how to live, but also grants forgiveness when we confess our failures. Then thank Him for the saint who wrote about Jesus in the Bible, and for the saint who help us understand it.

A BETTER WAY

SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 2:10-16

VERSE FOR TODAY: Depart from evil, and do good (Psalm 35:14).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " More Like the Master"

Thirty high school students crowded onto a city bus after school. At a downtown stop they transferred to other busses. They had great fun while they waited, running, shouting, pushing, wrestling, and often jostling other people as well as each other. They were so disorderly that police came to quiet them and clear the sidewalk.

Theron and Daren stood in the middle of the sidewalk and said no pigs were going to push them around. When the price pushed, they pushed right back. Sirens screamed and more police came. The scuffle was soon over. Twenty-eight students stood quietly, leaving the sidewalk open for the people walking by. Theron and Daren sat quietly in jail cell.

Today's Scripture tells about older people like Theron and Daren , people who intend to do as they please, regardless of the police, the law people around them, and even God himself. For money, fun, or just to show that they can, they do all kind of wrong things ranging from selfish rudeness to rubbery and murder. But sooner or later they "shall receive the reward of unrighteousness." It's better to do right.

PRAYER THOUGHTS Thank God for the Bible, parents, for friend , for teacher, for police, for all the people who help us do it right. Promise to think more about doing right than about having fun or having your own way. Promise to keep trying to do right.

WHEN OUR HEART ARE OPEN TO GOD

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:1-12

VERSE FOR TODAY: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death (2 Corinthians 7:10, New Internatiinal Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " Give Me Thy Heart"

A Former athlete told his friends head lung cancer. " It's my own fault," he said. "Plenty of people told me was mistreating my body by smoking, I'm going to act like Christian for the few years I have left." Such a humble spirit leads to a new kind of living.

Jesus encountered people who polished their appearance at the expense of genuine spirituality. The Pharisees looked good, but they were rotting from the inside out. Even His own disciples were concerned about having the chief seats in His kingdom. How refreshing it was to meet people like the Samaritan woman at the well or Zaccheus! Although their sins were evident, their spirit was humble and open to change.

Christ's beatitudes suggest the possiblity of change. Those who mourn over personal sin and pursue righteousness with a passion will receive the blessings of mercy and forgiveness. They will also demonstrate the grace of God has shown them in their dealing with others.

Today, assume a humble position toward God. Allow Him continually to transform you and prapare you for greater work of service.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Father, I come into Tour presence with a humble heart. Show me areas of my life that have not been fully surrendered to You. Help me me build genuine spiritual character from the inside out Amen.