A WORLD OF BUGS

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 3:20-24

VERSE FOR TODAY:Therefore, the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken (Genesis 3:23, New Long Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "For the Beauty of the Earth"

When my children were reluctantly preparing for a move from San Francisco to another part of the country, they tried to prepare my young grandson for the culture shock.

"Will they have a science museum?" "No"

"A Japanese tea garden?" "No"

"A Golden Gate Bridge?"    "No

"Well, what will they have there?" "Bugs."

"Just bugs?" "Just bugs!"

We're not in the garden of Eden any more. Our world is full of bugs, literally and figuratively. But it isn't full of just bugs.

In spite of the consequences of the sins of our ancestors, it is still our Father's world.

"Marred?" "Yes." It certainly is not what He intended it to be. We have brought "bugs" into it. It is an imperfect world full of imperfect people whom God continues to love. The consequences of sin bring hardship, but God does not desert us completely no more than He deserted Adam. The amazing thing is that He came to live among us and die for us in our world of bugs.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, we thank You for the world You made for us. Forgive us for marring it with our sins, especially our greed. Above all, we thank You for dwelling with us in our imperfect world and helping us to make the best of it. Thank You Jesus in whom we pray. Amen.

A PRAYER HOUSE FOR EVERYBODY

SCRIPTURE: Mark 11:12-19

VERSE FOR TODAY: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples (Isaiah 56:7, Revised Standard Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord"

It is rare that we encounter The anger of Jesus in the Scripture. However, Mark and the other gospel writers record His fiery action against the money changers in the temple. He accused the temple keepers of turning the temple into a house of thieves; He insisted that it was to be a house of prayer for all peoes and nations

The temple was the dwelling place of God, as our bodies today are temple of God's holy presence. Christ was arguing that the temple was to be a place of prayer, as we are to be people of prayer. Yes, we can pray in a temple; we can pray in a church building; we can pray in a garden; we can pray at work; we can pray in the classroom. No one can stop us from praying, for it can be done in total secret as we pray to a God who sees us in secret.

Christ was advocating also that the temple was to be a place for all peoples and nations. The holy presence of God was not for the Jew only. God's presence today and forever is for Jew and Gentileor male and female,for black and brown, for poor and rich,for old and young, if they want His presence. Living on this side of the cross, we know that Christ Jesus came to and for all people everywhere.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways. Cause us to be unfailing input devotion to You, O God. Open our hearts to all people everywhere. May our prayers to You be constant. Bless our service in Jesus name. Amen.

Do Not Forget

"Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: 'I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.'"

Exodus 15:1-2

THAT A SONG OF PRAISE! The entire chapter lf Exodus 15 is a glorious praise song to the Lord after He opened a path through the Red sea. You can imagine the Israelites amazement when they saw the water parted like giant glass skyscrapers. Little wonder they sang on for twentt-one verses in music and melody.

But a few verses later, their joy turned to sour. Their song gave out. After three days of traveling in the desert without finding water, they grumbled, saying, "What are we to drink?" The songs faded all too quickly when they ran into trouble. The irony is, they grumbled about water! Didn't they remember God's miracle with water? They had just watched Him part a whole sea of it.

Our own songs of praise fade all all too quickly when we forget how God protects and provides for us. We need to take the advice God gave the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:9, "Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not for get the things your eyes have seen."

THE NEXT TIME YOU'RE TEMPTED to grumble or complain, think lf yiur favorite praise song and then sing it. It will be God's way of helping yiu not to forget His protection and provision in your life. Lord forgive me for having such a short memory of all the marvelous ways You're protected and provided for me. I thank You for all that You're done in the past and all You'll do in the future. I'm grateful to You. 

A SHOUT OF PRAISE

SCRIPTURE: Mark 11:1-11

VERSE FOR TODAY: Blessed be he who enters in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord (Psalm128:26, Revised Standard Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Hallelu, Hallelu Hallelu, Hallelujah!"

Now we come to Jerusalem, the site of climatic act in the drama of Christ. This is the act the climaxes in the death and victory of our Lord and Savior. He entered into the city, and the crowds gave him "the royal treatment " However, they were totally unaware that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem to die.

Jesus entered into th ecity of Jerusalem on a donkey. We might not think such an entrance fit for a king. The President of the United States recently came to our city; he rode through the streets in a big black limousine. The Popecame to our city; he was driven through the streets in a big white limousine. The Queen of England rides through the street of London during official events in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage reminiscent of the famous Cinderella story. But Jesus came into the holy city humbly, in a manner that would not even befit you and me as we travel to worship in our best clothing.

The crowd's praised Him for who He was. He was coming to them as the great physicians, the Messiah, the King of kings, the Lord of lords. He was the Christ, the Don of the living God

 They loved Him; they adored Him; they praised Him.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear God, Creator of Heaven and earth, we bow before You as our  King, seeking always to fulfill Your will in our lives. May we praise You this day by living for You. In Jesus name, Amen.

PRAISE HIM PRAISE HIM!

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 9:1-13

VERSE FOR TODAY: Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion; declare among the people's His deeds (Psalm 9:11, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FIR TODAY: "Praise Him! Praise Him!"

Praise is an expression not only of our appreciation, but of our understanding of the worth of the person being praised. Therefore it is imperative that praise be genuine and not hollow. In many years of working with children, I have learned to look for the things they are doing well, so that when I give praise they will recognize their worth. I don't want to look into the eyes of a child and see a lack of trust because I have given superficial praise. Hollow praise is detrimental, but genuine praise is valued.

Our praise to God must show those around us that we recognize His worth. It is hollow to praise God on Sunday, but live in such a way that our friends and co-workers never see our faith. A part of genuine praise is with sing to others of God's love and grace. When we do this often, our own vision of the greatness of God expands and our faith deepens.

Psalm 9 is one of Thanksgiving by David for God's  justice,  probably written after a victory over the Philistines, the heathen enemies that often troubled Israel. It affirms that God never ignores our cries for help it urged us to appreciate His worth and praise Him before men.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, we praise You for Your power, grace, and love. May our praise to You abound not only in formal worship and prayer, but also in our witnessing to others. Thank You for Your Word and the many examples it provides to aid us along the path of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

SAVE THROUGH GRACE

SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:6-11

VERSE FOR TODAY: We believe that we are save through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are (Acts15:11, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord"

Imagine you are a member of an organization in your community. You believe in the Organization's and you have met all of the requirements for membership

 But problems begin to arise with other members. Some insist you must meet additional requirements. They do not want to fellowship with you in social situations or the Organization's rituals, because they think you are inferior. That is essentially what was happening to the Antioch Gentile Christian's.

Some Jewish Christians, retaining the legalistic principles of the Mosaic law refused to fellowship with the Gentile Christians. These Gentile were perceived as lesser Christian's" Representatives of the Antioch Church were sent to meet with the apostles and sliders in Jerusalem. They deliberated the matter, and Peter spoke out clearly in defense of Christian freedom and grace. He had witnessed the conversion of Cornelius and God's acceptance of the Gentile on the basis of the gospel alone.

Let us remember that we are all saved through grace in the same way, and then practice unity in faith, liberty in opinions, and love in all things.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Father, for Your saving grace. Forgive us when we develop attitudes that are unbecoming to Your children. Help us to be understanding of others and give us a flexibility that will allow for a diversity of opinions in the fellowship of believers. In JESUS' name, Amen

THE GREAT BLESSING

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 19:18-25

VERSE FOR TODAY: In that day Israel will be the third party with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth (Isaiah 19:24, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Make. Me a Blessing"

Israel lay between Egypt and invaded Assyria. They had been captives of Egypt and invaded by Assyria. Now Isaiah was prophesying that Egypt and Assyria, two warring nations, would Unite with Israel as the third party, and be a blessing in the midst of the earth. Even more puzzling to the Israelites, this union would be based on their worshiping together the God of Israel. According to Matthew Henry, noted eighteenth century scholar, the fulfillment of this prophecy likely occurred with the conversion of Egypt to Christianity, probably through the preaching of Mark.

The significant element in this prophecy is that Gentiles and Jews will worship together, and all will be blessed by the Lord of the three nation, Israel was the privileged one because this great blessing came through Jesus of Nazareth. Unfortunately, the majority of the Jew made the disasteous mistake of never believing the Jesus was the Messiah But God kept His promise. The church began in Jerusalem with Jews and open its doors to Gentiles. For almost two thousand years, it's has been a blessing in the midst of the earth.

Today, Christian continue the mission of keeping this blessing alive.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Father, throughout the ages You have remained steadfast, caring for Your people in prosperity and adversity. Thank You for Your love and care. Help us to be more committed to our.Christian responsiblity. In Jesus name. Amen.

THE GREAT DELIVERANCE

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43:10-21

VERSE FOR TODAY: See, I am doing a new thing! Now it spring up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Out of My Bondage"

One of the notable threads of thought running throughout the Old Testament is that Jehovah, the God of Israel, will one day become God of all nations. As the prophets detail the history of the Hebrew nation, they weave for us a tapestry of the life of Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection, and the spread of Christianity throughout the world.

Isaiah, in this Scripture, speaks God's pride of doing something new. For the Israelites this prophesied a return from Babylonian captivity, an event as magnificent as the exodus from Egypt. God would provide water in the desert, meet their physical needs and conduct them safety home. In return He asked only for their faith and praise and obedience.

For us, this Scripture depicts God making a way for Gentiles in the scope of His master plan. We were running as wolf animals in the desert of sin when God said this my Son to pull us from the wasteland. Then He opened up the rivers and streams and invited us to drink as his chosen people. If we choose partake,. He will conduct us safely home. In return He asks only for our faith and praise and obedience. Are we ready to give what He asks?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Father, for being the God of all nations and providing theway for all people to be part of Your divine kingdom. Thank You for sending Your Sin to Dave us from the wasteland of sin. Make us a grateful people. In Jesus name, Amen

JESUS GLORIFIED

SCRIPTURE: Mark 9:2-13

VERSE FOR TODAY: Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!" (Mark 9:7, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"

The events recorded in today's Scripture occurred about a week after Peter's confession near Caesarea Philippi. Peter James, and John, stilled shattered by Jesus' prophecy of His suffering and death, now saw His glory.

The transfiguration confirmed Jesus" decision to face the cross. Being both human and divine, Jesus struggled with the decision He had made. The meeting with Moses, the great law-giver of Israel, and Elijah, the great prophet, said to Jesus, "You are the fulfillment of the law and the prophets," Here was His assurance. Then came the voice of God giving the final, climactic confirmation.

From the apostless' perspective, this event gave them the fortitude to face the future. During Old Testament times, the presence of God was sometimes accompanied by a cloud. To the Jewish minds of the apostles, the descent of the cloud confirmed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Anointed One.

The transfiguration is shrouded in mystery, but it message is clear. Perhaps we, like the apostles, should bow in reverence and hold it precious in our hearts to strenghten us when our faith falters.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, we are astonished by the many ways You have presented Christ to us. When our faith falters, we have only to look to Your Word for Strength and reassurance. Help us in those times to turn our eyes upon Jesus and see Him in all His glory. In His name we pray,  Amen.

TAKE UP YOUR. CROSS

SCRIPTURE: Mark 8:34-9:1

VERSE FOR TODAY: And He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Mark8:34, New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: Take Up Thy Cross and Follow Me"

Throughout history men and women have risen to challenge of a high calling proffered by a great leader. Abraham Lincoln called upon the people of the North and South to "bond up the nation's wounds." Shortly after the beginning of World War II, Winston Churchill told the people of England, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil,tears, and sweat."

We admire a great leader who never asks his followers to go where he himself is not willing to go or do what he idnot prepared to do. When Jesus the greatest of all leaders, ask us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him,He does not promise an easy life; but we know Hehas experienced every temptation we face and remained sinless.

As Christians, do we practice self-denial and cross-bearing? Do our daily careers and earthly pleasures prevent us from visiting the sick and lonely, providing food, shelter, and clothing for the needy,and counseling those with problem? If we are to serve God, we must serve humanity. By losing our lives in service we save them for eternity. Jesus never promisedcrosd,-bearer an easy life, but He did promise us eternal glory.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Father for the example we have in Your Don, Jesus Christ. Thank You that He experienced temptation and yet remained sinless. Help us to deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow His example in our lives. Save us in glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

LISTEN TO GOD'S VOICE

SCRIPTURE: Mark 8:27-33

VERSE FOR TODAY: But when he had turned out and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter saying,  Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men (Mark 8:33).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today"

The area of Caesarea Philippi was once a center of Baal worship, and later a center of worship for the Greek god pan. Still later, a marble temple was built there in honor of Caesar of Augustus. There Peter said to Jesus, "Thou Art the Christ."

Our world Christ comes from Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah, which means Anointed. For centuries the Jewish people dreamed of a king who would destroy their enemies, gather scattered Jews to the homeland, and about an eternal age of peace. Now the Anointed One had come!

In response to Peter's declaration, Jesus said He must suffer, be rejected and killed. That was horrifying to the to the disciples. Jesus was their Messiah! Impetuous Peter began to protest that such a fate would never come to the Christ. Then Jesus, though he loved Peter deeply rebuked him as a tempter.

There is lesson here for all of us. Sometimes those who love us most try to save us pain by advising us to abandon a course we know to be right. Like Jesus, we must be able to resist those voices and listen to God's voice in our lives.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Our Father, thank You for Jesus and His example. May we listen to Your voice in our lives. Help us to evaluate all that we do in light of Your Word, even if it brings pain. Then help us to exemplify that same principle as we advise others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

STRENGHTHED IN THE INNER MAN

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 3:14-21

VERSE FOR TODAY: You however, are controlled not by the sinful nature not by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ (Roman 8:9, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " Higher Ground"

This Scripture challanges us to higher and loftier dimension in the Christian life. We are to be moved from mere profession to genuine Christian commitment. We are further challenged to experience some of the deeper truths of Christianity and to share in its vast riches. God has provided the means to achieve these worthy goals.

He will strengthen us with power through His Spirit. Our lives are to be energized and motivated. He wants us to move from inertia to active Christian involvement. His Spirit dwelling in us will bring this about if we submissive to the divine will.

Christ is to dwell in our hearts through faith. Christ dwelling in us is at the center of our being, so that He exerts His influence upon our thoughts, word, and actions. When Christ is in control of our lives, they will be lived as He directs our lived will be to His glory.

We are established in love, our lives show stability, steadfastness, and perseverance. Love for God and our fellowman will move us to consistent Christian living and service.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times when we have failed and disappointed You. Help us to be submissive to Your will for our lives. May our goal always be to bring glory and honor to Your name. In JESUS' name, Amen.

JESUS-----A MIGHTY PROPHET

SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:13-27

VERSE FIR TODAY: After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared tothem over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Christ Arose"

The entire ministry of Jesus Christ was Characterized by power. At the beginning and closing of His ministry, His might and power are emphasized. "He taught them as one having authority" (Matthew 7:29). He "was a prophet mighty deed and word before God and all the people" (Luke 24:19). By His word He stilled the tempest, cast out demons, and restored life to the widow's son of Bain, to Jairus' daughter, and to Lazarus who had been dead for four days.

His deeds were powerful. Here is a classic summary statement: "The blind see, lame walk, the lepers are cleaned, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and to the poor the gospel is preached" (Luke 7:22). The ultimate deed of power was His ressurection. The grave clothes, the massive stone, the Roman guard, and death itself could not keep Jesus in the tomb. He arose! What a manifestation of power! The apostle Paul wrote of the mighty power that God exerted when He raised Christ from the dead, (Ephesians 1:19, 20). The resuurection is a glorious demonstration of power and victory.

Prophet is a title for the Messiah. Jesus' mighty words and deeds are God's confirmation of  Him.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your indescribable gift in Christ Jesus. Thank You for His ministry. his death, burial and resurrection. Thank You for the eternal life that is ours in Him. In Jesus name, Amen.

MY GRACE iS SUFFICIENT

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

VERSE FOR TODAY: My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, New Intetnational Version).

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

The verse for today is superb for teaching the power and sufficiency of God's grace. Second Corinthians 12:2-4 seems to mean that Paul himself was taken up to Paradise, whether he heard innexpressible things. Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, some physical weakness or disease, to keep him from being conceited. His thrice-offered prayer that this thorn be removed was not granted, but he was promised, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my stremgth is made perfect in weakness." In order to see how God's grace furnished power for Paul's life, read 2 Corinthians 11:22-29. Paul life was a mighty witness to the energizing and sustaining power of God's grace.

We need this power in our lives today, and it is available to us. We need this power to mobilize, energize, and sustain us in the service of Christian living. This power is neede to make our lives better examples of Christ. We need the power to face the many disappointments,frustrationns, and heartaches in life. This power will make us overcomes.

The secret for having this power is to get rid of pride in our own ability and rely solely upon God. May this power be ours.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear God help us to do our best,but to put our counfidence in Your ability rather than our own. Give us the grace to be completely reliant upon You. Make us effective Christian's. In JESUS' name Amen.

BE VICTORIOUS

SCRIPTURE: Luke 10: 16-24

VERSE FOR TODAY: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (John 4:4, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus"

Jesus Christ calls us to active duty, and He gives us assurance of success and victory.

Luke 10:1-16 record that Jesus sent seventy disciples to teach and to do miracles as He had been doing. They were successful in many skrmishes with the enemy. Today's Scripture days they were happy that demons submitted to them in JESUS' name. For this they received a mild rebuked from Jesus. The real reason for rejoicing was that "your name are written in Heaven.

The allusion to Satan's falling from Heaven may mean that Satan was soundly defeated by the work of seventy; or it may be a part of JESUS' warning against pride. Satan fell from Heaven centuries ago because his pride led him to rebel against God. JESUS' followers must not let that happen to them, though their success in future conflicts was assured. Jesus gave them authority "over all the power of the enemy."

Christian's today are to be victorious. In Christ there is an inexhaustible source of power. He has equipped us so that we can confront and defeat the enemy. He has not called us to suffer defeat, but to have victory.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, may we be actively involved in the service of Christ. Help us to stand for truth and righteousness. Give us strength and determination not to retreat before the enemy. In JESUS' name, Amen.

GOD CHOSE WEAK AND FOOLISH THINGS

SCRIPTURE:1 Corinthians 1:26-31

VEERSE FOR TODAY: For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " My Faith has found a Resting Place"

The gospel, God's power unto salvation, is for everyone who believes: for the Jew 

and for the Greek. The message of good news is that Christ dierdf for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

When the apostle Paul proclaimed the gospel in Corinth, his hearers were Jew and Gentiles. To some Jews the gospel a stumbling block, and to some Greeks the message foolishness. Why these responses to the message? The Jewish people thought of their diliverer as a temporal king. He would sit on David's throne. There was no place in their thinking for a crucified king. Such a thought was repulsive. Do the Need stumbled.

To the Greeks the gospel message was foolishness. They thought it was ridiculous to believe that by one man's death and resurrection we can be saved.Hiw can anyone be saved through another person's death? So the Greeks considered the message to be foolishness.

"God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe," The message is still God's power for the Jew for the Greek.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace, which have made possible our salvation.Thank You for the power of the gospel, available to all who will believe. In Jesus' name Amen

JESUS' S POWER OVER DEATH

SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:35-43

VERSE FOR TODAY: Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Low in the Grave He Lay"

Man's extremity is God oppurtunity. This truth is vividly illustrated in the account of Jairus. Jairus had a position of respect and authority. He was one of the leader of the synagogue and the community. He was highly respected among people.

When his daughter became critically ill, he did not allow his status to be a barrier in seeking help of Jesus of Nazareth Jairus presented his plea to Jesus, and Jesus consented to go with him, so that he might heal his daughter.

Then some men came with very distressing news: "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher any more?" Jesus was not stopped by that message. He said to Jairus, Don't be afraid; just believe."

When they arrived at the home, Jesus took the parents of the child and three of His disciples into the room of the deceases child. These were to be the only witnesses of the daughter's return to life. Jesus took the daughter's hand and spoke the words that a parentxoyld use when awaking a child from a night's sleep, "Talitha, cumi," meaning, "Girlie get up." Life was restored. Jesus demonstrate His power over death.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, may our faith sustain us in the crucial periods of life. When we experience frustration and disappointment, pain and loss, may our faith in Your care for us be a sustaining power. In Jesus' name, Amen.

JESUS EXERCISES POWER OVER DISEASES

SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:32-34

VERSE FOR TODAY: Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know (Acts 2:22, New Intetnational Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "The Great Physicians"

This woman's healing is a powerful testimony to the divine power of Jesus Christ. The facts in her case are very persuasive. She had suffered from hermorrhages for twelves years. She had gone to many physicians seeking a cure for her illness, but no one was able to help her. She has spent all that she had, and her condition grew worse. What an unfortunate dilemma!

Mark's narrative tells us that she heard about Jesus. She possessed the faith that if she could get to Jesus and could touch His garments, she would be healed. Her faith was rewarded. She was able to work her way through the crowd that was surrounding Jesus until she stood directly behind Him. When she touched His clothes, her bleeding stopped. She could feel difference. She knew she was well.

But this was not  the end of the matter. Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" The woman fell at Jesus feet and in great fear told Him the truth. He said to her "Your faith has made you well.Go in peace and be free from your trouble," The healing was complete. What a testimony to the divine power of Jesus!

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Father, You have given us many evidences that Jesus of Nazareth is Your Son. May we fully l convince of His divine power and lordship. May He truly be Lord of our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD

SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:22-36

VERSE FOR TODAY: Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear (Acts 2:33, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY "Crown Him With Many Crowns"

Many men and women have taken on roles of leadership in this world. Those have operated from different motives, led through different tactics, and succeeded at different levels. By the world's  standards one of the most successful leaders was Julius Caesar. With relatively little, he was able to accomplish a tremendous amount. Many of his countrymen even placed him among the gods. However, as today's date reminds us he was just a man. He fell victim to the plot of a group of jealous politician, and reign ended.

Jesus, on the hand, did not have the same kind of earthly victories that Caesar did. He didn't conquer the known world of His time. But when He fell victim to the plot of a group of jealous politicians, His reign didn't end. He triumphed over death; and because of His death and resurrection,  His reign continues to grow even now as He sits at the right hand of God

Many forces in this world compete for our attention. Doesn't it make sense to line up with one whose power and authority go far beyond the boundaries of this life and prepare us for eternity? What rulers need to be removed from your life do that the true king lay sit alone in the throne?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Lord, forgive us when we allow other influences to weaken our loyalty to You. May we be completely committed to Your rule in our lives now, so that we may reign with You for eternity. Amen.

THE FINAL WORD

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:16-20

VERSE FOR TODAY: Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" Matthew 28:18, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "A Charge to Keep I Have"

Sometimes the last words spoken by a person before he or she dies can be very important. There are challenging statements such as, "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country." However, there are also those who realize too late that the things they have based their lives on have been meaningless.

The final words that Matthew records from Jesus are important for many reasons. First, they are important for what they are responding to: both to worship and to doubt. What can possibly be appropriate for both of those? Jesus's words are. Also, His last words are important because they represent the culmination of all that He said and did during His time on earth. He spoke consistently about who He is and what He was sent to do, and now He made clear that both has reached their completed form.

Perhaps most importantly for us, His last words important because they give purpose to the lives of people throughout all time since that day. We have a task to accomplish for Him, and He has the authority to assign it to us. Do you recognize His authority? Have you accepted His mission?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Our Reigning King, we yield all of ourselves fully to you, knowing that You have authority over every aspect of our lives and our world. Help us to bring others to the same commitment to Your will. Amen

SURFACE OR SIGNIFICANCE

SCRIPTURE: Mark 2:23-3:6

VERSE FOR TODAY: "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:24, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Search Me O God"

I grew up in a rural area in borderline Appalachia, so it's not surprising that I am offended when TV portrays country people as foolish because they are unsophisticated My disgust for that practice is motivated, not by my fear that people will think I am that way, but my realization that the makers of those TV shows have missed the point. They have looked at surface actions and not the true significance of a way of life.

That perspective is the opposite of the one with which I  was brought up, and it's the opposite of the one Jesus wants His followers to have. He was frustrated by the fact that the religious leaders of His time would get so caught up in what constituted work and when it could be done that they forgot to do anything that was really important. They even tried to stop those who were doing important things, including Jesus.

If we are honest with ourselves, we may realize that there have been times in our lives when we have focused more on unimportant details of how something was done than on the true character of what was being done.Christ calls us to examine those times from His perspective, not our own.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Gather, You look at things for their true purpose without any of this world's confusing distractions. Help me to do the same. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR YOU

SCRIPTURE: John 17:1-1

VERSE FOR TODAY: "For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me" (John 17:8, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "My Jesus, I Love Thee"

The work of ambassadors is to build relatioships between the ones who send them and those to whom they are sent. An ambassador's success is measured in the quality of the relationship built and in the length of time the relationship continues. Jesus was God's ambassador to this world, sent to build relationship between God and man, and made possible an eternal relationship. He prayed that the relationship would continue, despite those who would try to disrupt it.

We also are God's ambassadors to this world. Would our evaluation of the completion of our task here be the same as Christ's Have we pointed each person we've met to the One who gave us our mission?

Today take your job as an ambassador seriously, aw Jesus did. Think of at least one person you know who us missing out on a relationship with God, and do what you can to start building that relationship.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear God, Your Son completely sacrificed Himself so that we might have a relationship with You. Let us be so moved by gratitude that we sacrifice ourselves so that others may know You. Amen.

SENTENCED TO LIFE

SCRIPTURE: John 5:19-29

VERSE FOR TODAY: "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believe him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " I'll  Live for Him who died for Me"

The story is told of a militar leader and preacher who became friends during a time when their country was ruled by an anti-Christian government. Eventually the military leader was ordered to execute all those who would not forsaked their  Christian beliefs. He went to his friend and begged him to simply say that no longer believed. His frustration grew as the preacher continued to refuse. Finally he shouted, "Don't you realize that I have your life and death in my hands?"

The preacher answered quietly, "No; you may have power to sentence me to death, but you are asking me to give up the only one with the power to grant me life."

Our world is full of people who claim the right to judge others and to tell them how to live. That judgmental spirit is present inside and outside the church. Jesus is the one who has truly been given the authority to judge, but His emphasis is not on condemnation; it is on the promise of life in Him. In the same way, God wants our focus to be on proclaiming life, not death. People you will encounter today are facing death and hopelessness. What can you do to proclaim the giver of the most abundant life imaginable?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Lord what a marvelous thing it us that, in spite of all we have done to deserve death, You seek to bring us life! Help us to glory in that life and to take it to others. Amen.

DRINKING AT THE SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 17:5-10

VERSE FOR TODAY: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him (Jeremiah 17:7, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Springs of Living Water"

Just about all of us have a tendency toward being conservative in some ways. We have a measure of comfort in things as they have always been. "It may not be do great, but I know this place. I know how to do these things. I know what to expect." People who live in a house that is about to fall down are often slow to accept the opportunity to live in a place that is sound and clean and safe. We may not want to try next old, or new machines. "These computers! I could never use one of them."

It's bad enough to miss out on the opportunities if life for better health and higher productibility, but it is far worse to allow in sin and to starve spiritually. A hard head and a hard heart trust the dirt and the death and won't drink the clean water. Dr.David Grubbs once knew a Zimbabwean who kept drinking from a filthy pond because "well water doesn't have any flavor."

But happy is the one who trust in the Lord! Our strength is renewed, our lives are strong, and we produce fruit that blesses a lot of other people. If that's new to you, try it. You'll like it very much

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Lord, for Your readiness to open our eyes so we cançc see the old for what it is and the new for  the possibilities there. When it comes to New things You bring, help us be accepting. Amen.

CREDIT TO WHOM CREDIT IS DUE

SCRIPTURE: Acts 14:8-18

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 within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughput all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20, 21, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "To God Be the Glory!"

Another miracle. This time it was Paul who found a man in need of healing cripple from birth. This man, weak physically but strong in faith, obeyed when Paul told to get up.

The crowd was amazed! Who were these men? They must be god's! Blindly they began all out worship.

You'd have to admit, humanly speaking, the attention would be great. One minute you're a nobody and the next minute you're a God. People are adoring you,  bringing you gifts, even sacrificing to you.

When God uses you in a special way, how easy it would' be to let that go to your head. "Yes, I must be a special person sent from God." How quickly How guickly we can deluded into thinking that we are special! How easily we can lose sight of who the great physician really is.

The roar of the fan club did not tantalize Paul and Barnabas.

They pointed the people to God and gave credit to Him.

We need to do the same. If we follow Jesus Christ, we will get attention (good otherwise). We may witness and even participating in exciting situations. Are we willing to say, "He must increase but I must decrease"?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Almigty Father, may there be less of me and more of You in all I say and all I do. To You alone belong glory and praise. Amen.

ARE YOU SICK

SCRIPTURE: Mark 2:13-22

VERSE FOR TODAY: ON hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "My Faith Has Found a Resting Place"

A friend of mine once told me about a project that he had been preparing at work. He was just about to take it to present to the board of directors, and he could hardly wait to hear their response. When I saw him again after the meeting, he was a very different person. The board had voted down his proposal with only minimal consideration. I asked him if he tried to convince them, but he said, "How could I? They just didn't get it."

It can certainly be said that many people who were alive during Jesus's time on earth "just didn't get it." But I am impressed by the fact that Jesus didn't give up on them or on sinner of other types. He went out of His way to make His message and purpose clear. Some people realized their need for Him and others didn't, but He offered salvation to all.

Is there anyone in your life that you've written off as hopeless? Maybe you even feel that way about yourself. Read today's  verse again, and this time put your name and the name of the "hopeless" person you know in place of the word sinners. Does that make clearer why Jesus came? Does it make clearer the message we should give others?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Our Father, thank You for caring so much for us, even while we were sinners, that You sent Your Son to the world with the purpose of calling us to You. Help us to live our lives in thankfulness, making the same call to those around us. Amen.

FINALLY HOME

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 22:1-7

VERSE FOR TODAY: "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed us he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book' (Revevation 22:7, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " When We All Get Heaven'

It was a long, hard journey. There were patches of sunlight along the way, but much of the road was dark. There were pitfalls, and soon there were bruises and scars. Almost crippled now the traveler trudged on. And with the last faltering step he crossed the threshold and uttered words on whispered joy: "Home. . .home

 . . .I'm finally home!"

Joy flooded over his bruised body, bringing healing and overwhelming peace. All of the struggles, all of the pain had vanished in the joy of the moment. He was finally home.

Do you sometimes feel like this weary traveler? The goal of Heaven is before us, but the way becomes cloudy. Sometimes we get so confused that we even wonder if we're  on the right path. That's when we need to reach up and take the hand of our Savior, because He will lead us home.

No more pain! No more suffering! No more death! No more night! When we get to our heavenly home, our joy will be unspeakable. The praise will never end. Healing will take place, and the wounds will be no more.

Jesus, who was wounded for our sins, will stand before us and welcome us home. Then we can shout in joyful praise, "Home! I'm finally home!"

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Jesus, we can hardly wait to see Your face.plesse, help us not to keep this promise of Joy to ourselves,but to share it boldly. Thank You for Your gift of Salvation and hope of eternity with You. Maranatha, Lord Jesus! Amen.

RIGHT MAKES MIGHT

SCRIPTURE: Mark 2:1-12

VERSE FOR TODAY: His divine power had given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (2Peter 1:3, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord"

When I was a child, my friend and I used to play king on the Mountain. One person would start as the "King" on top of some object. Then the others would launch attacks to try to overcome the "King" and take his place. I loved the game You see, I was the largest child of my age, and it was very difficult for anyone to move me from the spot when I didn't want to be moved

 The game involved no strategy; it was sImply a matter of "Might makes right." Since I had the power, I could do whatever I chose.

Jesus worked in the opposite way. It was the rightness of everything He did that gave His actions their power. Others questioned His authority, His motives, and His source, but He provided them with miraculous goodness that they couldn't deny or argue against. Even His strongest critics were quieted by the unaltering kindness.

As God's people, we have at our disposal Christ's power and and His incredible mercy. Are both evident in the way you live? What can you do today that will establish Christ's power working in you through the goodness of your action?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Lord, You make possible my salvation through both Your power and Your goodness. Help me to demonstrate both in my life so that others will see them and come through me to know You and Your salvation. Amen.

HEAVENLY COMMUNICATION

SCRIPTURE: James 5:13-18

VERSE FOR TODAY: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, do that we May receive mercy find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrew 4:16, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "I Must Tell Jesus"

If you keep a prayer journal, look at your requests. Now review the answers. This may have you shaking your head in wonder and praise. God truly amazes.

God actually listens to us! The Creator of the universe allows us to come before His throne, and heard us as we pour out the desires of our hearts! And not only does He hear He--cares.

Is your prayer for physical healing? Tell Him. He cares. Is your prayer for problem at work or with family? Tell Him. He cares. Does your heart bleed for the unsaved? Tell Him. His heart is bleeding also. Do you want to walk closer to Him? Tell Him. He wants that too. Do you just want to say, "Thanks for a lovely day? Say it. It's one of His gift to you.

Prayer---it's joyful. It can be painful. It can be thrilling. It can be hard work. Prayer brings results. It makes us grow. It intensifies our joy. It frees our sorrow. Prayer is effective. Prayer is essential.

As we spend more time with God, we discover what His perfect will is. That, in turn, helps to mold our will. When we seek what God wants and believe He can and will accomplish it, or amazement will  never ever cease.

Praise God for the gift of prayer!

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Father, we are privileged beyond words. You allow us to come boldly before Your throne and listen to us. This is truly wonderful. May we, in turn, listen to You. Thank You! Amen.

WE HAVE A JOB TO DO

SCRIPTURE: Mark 16:14-20

VERSE FOR TODAY: He said to them, "Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: " We've a Story to Tell to the Nation"

The leader laid out the task at hand, it was the most serious responsibility these men had undertaken in their lives, and the world depended on them. To make matters worse, their leader was going away, and they had no date as to when he would return. Were they up to it?

The optimist possibly nodded their heads having no real concept of the difficulties. The pessimists probably thought, "There's no way! Who's going to believe us? The alarmists may have cried out, "Wait, You can't leave us like this!"

The leader, however, was fully aware of the nature of the mission as well as the abilities of his men. Could they do it by themselves? Absolutely not. But He was not leaving them alone not really. And His confidence was sure.

So He blessed them and gave them special sign to accompany their message and confirm it truth. And. . .they did it!

They went out boldly and introduced the world to Jesus.

Because of them, we too can know this same Jesus who loves, heals, forgives, cleanses, and empowers. The message the disciples heard reaches across to me to. Christian's in 1998 and compels us. We have a job to do. Are we up to the task? We are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with us.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Our Father are honored and at times overwhelmed that You would trust us with the mission of Your gospel. Please forgive us, for we have not always been faithful. We ask for Your divine help to reach a world that is dying to know You. On Jesus' name, Amen.

A MIRACLE OF LIFE

SCRIPTURE: Acts 9:32-42

VERSE FOR TODAY: I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die (John 11:25, New International Version).

HYMN FOR TODAY: Because He Lives"

"Mom, should we throw this away?" My son handed me a pot full of dirt and the remains of a one lovely plant.

"Yeah, I guess so." I took the pot and examined it as I walked to the trash. Then my eye caught a hint of green. Hm-m-m-m, could it be possible? I watered it and set it in the light; our family watched in amazement as the plant slowly came to life.

If God can bring life to lifeless plants, how much more can He restore human bodies! Jesus' power flowed through Peter to heal the crippled man and restore life to Dorcas.

If Jesus can restore crippled bodies and bring life back to the lifeless, surely He can restores hearts that are crippled and bring life to lifeless souls! Just as my plant was at death's door, people all around us are at death's door; but their plight is more much more serious, for eternity is at stake.

The miracle Jesus can and will perform are beyond our comprehension. The transformation He can make in humanity is simply amazing. It gives us a taste of what transformation will be like when we get to heaven.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Do you believe it? Will you share it ?

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Dear Jesus, the fact that You would love us enough to come to earth and die for us is a miracle beyond our comprehension. And yet there is so much more! May our lives todaybe an offering of Thanksgiving to You. Amen