The First Words Spoken To Man

The Book of Genesis Day10 Ge 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Remember, chapter one of Genesis is an overview of creation. Chapter two gives the specifics of creation as related to man. When we read here of God creating male and female, Adam and Eve are meant and the details of their creation are given in chapter two. Here we read of the first charge given to man and wife, “Be fruitful and multiply: Fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over every living thing that moves on earth.” This command or charge is called a blessing! Procreation is a blessing! The psalmist affirms this when he writes in Ps 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Children are a blessing! And the first words spoken to a married couple on this earth were, “Be fruitful and multiply!” Have children! Be blessed! What happened? When did God’s children decide that having children was a curse and not a blessing? Most recently the population alarmists seem to have something to do with it. Their predictions of gloom and doom caused by overpopulation make headlines and strike fear into all who will listen to them. They continue to tell us that the earth is filled with people and we must slow down our rate of reproducing. But the truth is, as of this writing, the population of the world is at 7.3 billion people. That amount of people would fit shoulder to shoulder in Los Angeles. Want a little more room? If we were populated as densely as Manhattan, we would all fit into New Zealand. More room? If we were populated as densely as the state of New Jersey, we would all fit into Russia. The point is, even though we been at it since the birth of Cain, we still haven’t filled the earth. In fairness to the alarmists, we have not done a very good job of taking care of the people we have. But that is not an excuse for ignoring this first of all of God’s commands, and His first pronouncement of a blessing! Reflection: If you could pick any place in the world to live, where would it be? What’s the most crowded situation you have ever been in? If you were in charge, how would you change the way people are cared for in this world? The matter of marriage is brought up in Mal. 2:15, How do these words speak to you? But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Pray: Father, thank You for the blessing of children. Help us to see them through your eyes of love rather than the eyes of fear. Amen

Created In His Image

The Book of Genesis Day 9 Ge 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." The first thing we see in this passage are the pronouns “Us” and “Our.” It leads me to ask, “who is God talking to here?” The obvious answer is the Son and the Holy Spirit….the Trinity. But rather than zero in on the question of “who was God talking to,” let’s zoom in on what God was talking about. He was talking about creating man in His image, according to His likeness. Does that mean that we will all have the physical characteristics of God? Not! Jesus informs us in Jn 4:24, that God is spirit, and spirits have no physical characteristics, therefore the image or likeness of God must be a spiritual likeness. This ”likeness,” is one of the things that separates us from the rest of creation. The word “image,” in the Hebrew means “a resemblance or representative figure.” So, our “spiritual” (read that unseen qualities) were meant to resemble those of God! Things like compassion, empathy, generosity, honor, humility, integrity, kindness, love, and free will to name a few. In the beginning, these qualities were unstained by sin! So God placed man, (who was to be a “representative figure,” over His creation, and things were humming along fine, until the exercise of free will allowed sin into the mix. These spiritual qualities became flawed, and then acted out in the flesh brought about what was spoken of in Jas 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. It’s been a big mess ever since! But God promised Adam and his descendants that one day He would send a Redeemer to mankind. Someone who would be in the business of restoring man to His original sinless condition. That Day will come perfectly when Jesus returns. In the meantime, through baptism , the indwelling Holy Spirit, and enduring faith, we have a promise of forgiveness of our sins, and a renewed determination to serve as stewards of God’s creation in accordance with His spiritual likeness. Jesus is our Savior and Lord, and our trust in His lordship is evidences as we respond obediently to His Word, and when we fall short, (and we will) He is always there forgiving and urging us to try again! Reflect: Have you ever been told you look like someone else? What unseen qualities have you inherited from your parents? What unseen qualities have you inherited from God? Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Pray: Father, forgive me for all the times I represent you in a flawed way. Help me to daily yield to Your Holy Spirit by responding obediently to Your Word, that I may more accurately reflect You in my world today. Holy Dopplegangers

The Bringing Forth of Animals.

The Book of Genesis Day 8 Ge 1:24 Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind"; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. “Let the earth bring forth…..” Where have we heard that before? Sounds almost evolutionary doesn’t it? Rest assured, it’s not. Cattle and creeping things don’t evolve in one 24 hour day, and that parameter was established on the fourth day of creation. This phrase, “bring forth,” appears three separate times in these early verses of Genesis, and on each occasion we are talking about three separate Hebrew words. The first “bringing forth” is that of vegetation and the Hebrew term means “to sprout.” The next “bringing forth,” is found in verse 30. “Let the waters bring forth,” and the Hebrew word used here is “wriggle.” Let the waters wriggle with an abundance of living creatures. This carries with it the connotation of instantaneous creation of creatures abounding in the water. The third “bringing forth,” is that of the living creatures, and the Hebrew word is “to bring out.” God literally drew the animals out of the ground! The earth literally brought them forth in accordance with the Master Potter’s design. In Gen 2:19 we can read of this same concept as God “brought” the animals and birds to Adam to be named. Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. What a Sculptor! All the beautiful varieties of animals made by Gods design and given life. All built with the things needed to get this far in our world today! They had built in adaptability to the changing conditions on this earth that time would bring. Some were meant to be phased out, but all were made to fulfill His divine purpose and design. All of them, created with a wisdom that ought to strike awe in every one of us….believer or not! (Is it any wonder that in many cultures, these creations are worshiped? Even here in America there have been attempts to give them human status!) It seems that the more we find out about our animal friends, the more we should bow down and praise, not the creature, but their Creator! Upon completion of His creative work God “saw that it was good.” When we look at these animals, we ought to be hit with the realization that our God is good! Reflection: What’s your “must see” exhibit at the zoo? Why? Did you ever own a pet? What was your pet like? Name some animals specifically mentioned in the Bible. Can they teach us anything about God? About us? (Hint: Lions, sheep, sparrows, etc) Pray: Father, Your creation is awesome! Your wisdom too much for me to fathom! Help me to enjoy animals and care for them, but guard me from the trap of worshiping the creature rather than the Creator.

Filling Up the Parameters

The Book of Genesis Day 7 Ge 1:20 Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens." 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day. Moving right along in creation, we are up to day five. It’s interesting to note that on the first three days, God worked on the containers or we might call them parameters for His creation. The next three days were spent on filling those containers or parameters. On day one, the parameters of light and darkness were established. On day two, it was sky and water, and on day three it was land. Beginning then, with day four, we see Him filling them in the order that he created them. Sun, moon, and stars were made for the parameters of light and darkness. On this day, (day five) the seas are filled with living creatures, and the skies are filled with birds. And of course, on day six, animals and man are created to fill the dry land. Great sea creatures were created on day five. Yes, creation not only leaves room for large creatures in the sea and on the land, but it demands acknowledgment of their existence! Every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded was created on this day, and every winged bird, according to its kind, (read that chromosomes) was created. And God saw that it was good, and He blessed them saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the sea and let birds multiply on the earth. “ Although so called “enlightened” man seems to have a problem with obeying this command, the fish and the birds have no problem obeying it at all. Observe any nature show on TV and you will see evidence that these creatures began obeying this command of God’s on day five and have been at it ever since. This pleases God as He sees His creation teeming with activity within His parameters. But one has to wonder about modern man’s attempts to alter the creative order “according to their kind” as we delve into genetic engineering of all sorts. God pronounced His creation “good.” Are we so crass as to think we can create life forms that are better than His. Dare we step outside His parameters? Seems foolish to me. Reflect: Are you a person of order, or a “messy.” What is your favorite tip for organization? Do you have concerns about genetic engineering? How do you deal with those concerns? Pray: Father, thank You for being a God of order. Thank you for giving us boundaries. Forgive us when we go beyond those boundaries and protect us when we stray, not only in science, but in our own behaviors as well.

The Proper Use of the Zodiac

The Book of Genesis Day 6 Ge 1:14 Then God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 "and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day. The firmament, (the sky) was created on day one, now God installs His lighting effects. They are stunning to say the least. Sunrises, sunsets, northern lights, constellations, eclipses, and the Milky Way just to name a few! But these lights are not just for decorative purposes! God said, “Let them be for signs and seasons and for days and years!” Now we can say with certainty that the 24 hour day begins. Years and seasons, as we know them, are set in motion on this fourth day of Creation. But what about these “signs?” A sign is very useful in giving direction. The stars have been guiding sea and land travelers throughout all generations helping them to stay on course. Signs are also used for advertising. One such advertising star that God put in the sky on this day would appear at just the right time in history to lead the wise men to Bethlehem to worship His only begotten Son! (Kind of mind boggling isn’t it?) Then there are the signs of the Zodiac. Like the stories told by the famous “Burma Shave” signs that dotted American highways in the 50’s and 60’s, the signs of the Zodiac unfold God’s redemptive story for mankind in the stars! The late D. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Ministries produced a fascinating series of pamphlets on the signs of the Zodiac. These signs are all you need to know to present the gospel of Jesus Christ. One can easily imagine Adam. Noah, and others using these signs to present the gospel to their offspring without the aid of writings. Of course Satan has come along and perverted the use of these signs into what we now call horoscopes, and you can understand why God considers them an abomination! Horoscopes have taken the stars which were meant to be all about Jesus and turned them into something that is all about us! But the original intent of the Zodiac was to portray the glory of His redemption plan in the skies! From Virgo, representing the Virgin Mary, to Leo the Lion, representing the Lion of Judah (Jesus Christ) it’s all there in the stars! Finally there is the sign and promise that God gave Abraham. “Look at the stars Abraham. This is how numerous your offspring (physical and spiritual) will be. And here’s the good news, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are numbered among those stars. Look up! God has created a star just for you! Embrace it! Rejoice in it! Tell your children about the stars! God has a purpose for each one of them just as He has a purpose for you! Reflection: Recount some of the displays you have seen in the heavens. What do you make of these verses in Isaiah? Isa 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you. 14 Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before! Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful lighting displays you have provided for us. Let us learn to use them wisely for Your glory and not our own.

We're All Gardeners

The Book of Genesis Day 6 Ge 1:11 Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day. Still on the third day of creation and God begins the science of biology. Vegetation, including grass, herbs, and fruit trees are brought forth from the earth. They yield according to their kind, each variety having their DNA wrapped up in their specific number of chromosomes. It was God who set them in their families, and note that He didn’t simply speak them into existence as full fledged plants, rather He said, “Let the earth bring forth it’s vegetation. If you have ever planted grass from seed, or a garden for herbs, or trees from seed, you know the time element involved. It takes time for the earth to bring forth these things. Now, look at God’s reaction when the seedlings emerge. He saw that it was good! Isn’t that what every gardener, every landscaper feels when those little green shoots first appear? “It is good. ” I think since we are made in the image of God, that there’s a little gardener in each of us. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to go and cast the seeds of the gospel to the world. What joy we experience, when we see those seeds sprout into living, fruit producing, souls! It is indeed, “good.” So, day three comes to an end. At this point let me just say that there is a debate about “literal 24 hour days” in the creation account. Personally I believe that the 24 hour day as we know it, did not come into play until day four. That’s when God hung his temporary time pieces in the sky , (the sun, moon, and stars) I think allowing the earth to bring forth the vegetation is a confirmation of that. Grass and fruit trees don’t sprout up in one day! Day three took time! How much time? As much time as God wanted it to. With Him a day is like a thousand years and scientists who scramble to determine the age of the earth would do well to remember that! Maybe spending a little more time in the garden would help us appreciate that! For reflection: What is your favorite flower or garden plant? How do you feel when seeds you have planted begin to sprout? Produce fruit? Have you ever seen gospel seeds come to life and produce fruit in others? Yourself? Pray: Father, help us to abundantly sow your love and Your Word into the lives of people around us today, confident of Your life producing results

The Act of Naming Things

The Book of Genesis Day 4 Ge 1:9 Then God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear"; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. We’re into day 3 of creation and God is still dividing and separating and giving form to the mass He began with. On this day He gathers the waters below the heavens into one place and allowed the dry land to appear. God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas. There is significance in the phrase “God called!” In the Semitic world the act of naming things is evidence of lordship. So we see and understand that God has lordship over all creation. If you read the Psalms you will see that the Psalmist very often ascribes all control of natural phenomena to God. God’s control, and the deity of Christ is made even more evident as Jesus stands up in the boat in the Sea of Galilee and exercises lordship over the stormy sea! God indeed is Lord of all! Yet, by His grace He also gave man lordship over some of His creation. In Gen 2:19 we read of Adam being given the responsibility of calling or naming each living creature. This is evidence of man’s lordship over animals. When God presented Eve to Adam, it was Adam who called her woman and man’s lordship over woman was assumed. But let’s be cautious here. Even though lordship is indicated here and scripture tells us that wives are to submit to the lordship of their husbands, lordship is not to be confused with dictatorship! Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. Yes, God called or named, therefore God lords, but in that lordship, we see His perfect stewardship. Take in the fragile beauty of His creation, and how He sustains and cares for it faithfully! We ought to consider that same kind of stewardship as we carry out our responsibility of lordship on all that He has given to our charge. Whether its plants or animals, wife or children, our aim should be good care and by His aid and example we shall attain it. For reflection: If you have been blessed with children, how did you come up with their names? What are the names of pets you have owned? Have you ever named your car? Do you think naming your pet or car affected your care for that item or pet? Pray: Lord thank You for the awesome responsibility of lordship. Help us to be good stewards of all that you have places in our care.

God Will Make A Way

The Book of Genesis Day3 Ge 1:6-8, “ Then God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day. This is an interesting scenario. On the first day, God divided light from darkness. On day two we read that He divided the waters from the waters. He caused firmament or sky to exist in the midst of or between these “waters.” It is easy to picture the water below the sky, just look at a map of the earth and you can see the abundance of water, but it’s a little bit more difficult to picture waters above the sky, yet that is the picture painted for us here in Genesis. This pre-flood band of moisture over the earth would create a kind of “greenhouse” effect that may account for the longevity of human life before the flood. This umbrella of water over the earth was the source of much of the water that flooded the earth in the days of Noah as we read in Ge 7:11, “ In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. With this amount of water violently poured out above and below the earth, it’s easy to see the reality of this great flood that destroyed all living things and how Noah and his family were able to escape it in the ark. Having poured out those waters in judgment, God made a promise to Noah and all mankind. He said He would never do it again! By the way, this was not the only time God parted the waters. We shall read about another time near the end of the Book of Genesis when the Egyptians were chasing the Israelites and had them trapped by the Red Sea. God parted the waters and they were able to escape. Perhaps this was just His way of reassuring His people that the same God who had the power to part the waters at creation was alongside them now as they began their exodus. 1. Have you ever been in a situation where it seems like there was no way out? 2. Has God ever parted the waters for you? Has He helped you out of a desperate situation? 3. How might 1Co 10:13 help you the next time you are facing a trial? No temptation (trial) has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (trialed) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation (trial) will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Pray: God, it is reassuring to know that you have the power to deliver us from being overwhelmed. Deliver those who need Your help today. I think specifically of _______________

Let There Be Light

The Book of Genesis Day 2 Genesis 1:1-5, “ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Try to fathom eternity. In our finite minds, it is impossible. These first three words of Genesis put a limit on time as we know it, they put a mark on the timeline for us, a place to start. To start what? To start to fathom God’s story of love toward us by His creation of the heavens and the earth! In the beginning, (at this starting point) the earth was without form and void. This is still another concept difficult to grasp. Look around. What do you see? Erase it if you can. Close your eyes, shut off your imagination because darkness was on the face of the deep. Obscurity over the waters. Darkness clung to the unformed mass of water and earth, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters…..waiting, waiting for the Word to create! I cannot help but think of our own condition as sinners separated from God. The darkness of sin clinging to our void and empty hearts. The Holy Spirit hovering, yearning to begin His redemptive, creative work in us! Then God said, “Let there be light, ” and there was light, and God saw the light that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness. God said, “let there be light on this earth,” and there was light. God says, “let there be light in this soul,” and there is light, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Eph 2:8,9) He divided the light from the darkness just as Jesus will divide the sheep and the goats on the Last Day (Mt 25:31-46) On this first day of creation, God pronounced light as good, He will pronounce it as good on the Last Day as well, therefore you and I should desire to be found in the light and the light of the world is Jesus! 1. Can you recall a time when you were surrounded by complete darkness? 2. What did that feel like? 3. What kind of emotions do you associate with light. 4. When and how did the light of salvation come to you? Pray: Lord Jesus thank You for the gift of faith. Thank You for bringing light to my soul. Amen

The Book of Beginnings

The Book of Genesis Day 1 Genesis 1:1 “In the Beginning God” The name “Genesis” comes from a Greek word meaning “beginning.” It is the book of the beginning of many things: The world, man, human sin, civilization, the nations, and Israel! It is a real life history of individual people and it offers us a view of history from a spiritual side. It is history as connected to God. (No wonder they call it history, it is His story! The book of Genesis was not meant to be a scientific document, yet it is science as connected to God. Archaeologists continue to dig and verify much of the scientific accuracy of the technical information presented in its pages. In Genesis it is made clear that all things were designed and created by God and continue to operate within the boundaries of His purpose. Although the human race departed from God’s original plan, God has lovingly provided a way for men to be reconciled to Him and His plan. The Book was authored by Moses probably around 1450-1410 B.C. Undoubtedly Moses had both oral and written records which he used under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to write about the events before his life. 2Pe 1:21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. More than half of human history is covered in the fifty chapters of Genesis. The Book is foundational to all of Scripture, for it tells of our special relationship with God, our falling away from God, and God’s plan for restoring fellowship with Him! No wonder it is the subject of much attack and ridicule. The humanistic theory of evolution is nothing but an attempt to undermine the veracity of this book and thereby the rest of Scripture. But Jesus will have no part in this. Listen to what He says about the writings of Moses in Joh 5:46 "For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 "But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?" Some Food For Thought Or Discussion 1. What do you know about your beginning? 2. What are some of your earliest childhood memories? 3. What do you know about your beginning with God? 4. What are some of your earliest memories as a child of God? Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving me a beginning on this earth, and for giving me a beginning in heaven through faith in Jesus Christ. Help me to cherish my own beginnings and to share them with others. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

A New Beginning

Today, I begin my retirement from radio broadcasting. 40 years of broadcasting with 25 of those being in Christian radio. I have been privileged in those 25 years to write, and share a devotional thought on the airwaves during my air shift. I have gone verse by verse through many books of the Bible and the Lord has used my time in the Word to help grow my faith, and I hope the faith of others. So what do I do now? For starters, I will be fasting and praying for the Lord's direction. This is what Ezra did as he sought direction for himself and his family. We read about it in Ezr 8:21 "Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions." Retirement is like that river Ahava. It brings many questions to my mind? Should I continue this blog? Should I put all these past devotionals into the form of a book? Should I seek preaching and speaking engagements? As "spiritual" as these questions seem, I have learned they are really of the flesh, and the only way to solve the dilemma of "next steps" is to fast, pray, and WAIT on the Lord. I would also appreciate your prayers for me during this period and hope that you will continue to check in on my blog site. I can't promise a daily devotional, but I can promise that I will post as the Lord leads and provides. Still amazed by His grace, Duane

Putting Skin On the People of the Bible

307 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 4:19-22, “Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick. 21 Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. (2 Tim 4:19-22) What I like about these salutations is they put skin on the people of the Bible. These are real people involved in real ministry in the church of Jesus Christ. They are no different than those people you worship with on Sunday who have a heart for plugging in their respective gifts to the work of promulgating the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are your Sunday School teachers, your VBS volunteers, your elders, your missionaries, your groundskeepers, and of course the list could go on and on. You and everyone else knows them by name because they are involved in the work of the congregation! They all have unique stories to tell about their involvement. Prisca and Aquila led a small group Bible study in their home in Corinth. They also were the couple who helped straighten out some of the wrong ideas Apollos had about the faith. Onesiphorus, the redeemed runaway slave who diligently sought Paul out in order to minister to him while he was imprisoned in Rome. Erastus a government official involved in the work of the church, Trophimus, accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey and his Greek background created a riot in Jerusalem that resulted in the arrest of Paul! (Oh the stories these saints could tell!) The members of the underground church are also given mention namely Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren! None of these people were motivated by the fact that they would be well known in Christian circles. It just happened. None of us should be in this for personal fame, glory, or riches! We are in it by God's grace! We love and serve Him because He first loved us, if that somehow makes us memorable here on earth so be it, but how wonderful would it be to here on that Final Day, the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Well done My good and faithful servant!” Beloved, let these words be a challenge to you today to plug your gifts into your local congregation and see where that takes you. See where that takes the mission of the church! See what stories will be told. Do all you can to follow the leading of the Spirit so you don't become a nameless face in the pew!

Jesus Savior Pilot Me

306 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 4:17,18) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (2 Ti 4:17,18) Paul is speaking of his first trial in Rome. As he stood on trial the Lord stood right alongside him, the Holy Spirit giving him the very words to speak just as promised in Scripture! (Luke 12:11,12) All the believers had abandoned Paul but every Gentile in that courtroom, heard the full gospel of Jesus Christ presented by Paul. And inexplicably he was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, (the lion being a figure of speech for kingly power and authority.) Paul then confidently asserts that the Lord will indeed deliver him from every evil work and preserve him for His heavenly kingdom! The word “deliver” here means “current” as in a flow. It's a bit awkward to say it this way, but Paul was “currented” from the mouth of the lion, and the Lord will “current” him from every evil work. You have heard it said, “let go and let God,” well here it is. This is the secret, (if you want to call it that) to living a Spirit filled life. It's taking your hands off the steering wheel and allowing Jesus Savior to pilot you, it's “Jesus take the wheel,” if you will. This is a constant struggle for believers, because our flesh likes the idea of being in control, but Paul resisted the temptation to paddle out of that courtroom on his own and allowed Jesus to safely guide him through the rapids. And just as sure as he made it through the turmoil in the courtroom, Paul was confident that he could ride that stream all the way to glory! So how do you and I tap into that stream? How do we get to that point of trust to ride out God's plan for us to bring us to the end of our journey? I think the most important thing we can do, is keep our eyes on the prize. Keep the end, the glory of God's kingdom in sight! There will be rocks and rapids and hazards along the way, but keep trusting Jesus. He will lift you over the hazards and steer you safely around and through whatever life may bring your way. For He has said that in our journey we will have tribulation, but take heart for He has overcome all that the river of life may throw our way. Stay in the boat! Stay in the palm of His hand for He also has said in John 10:28 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” Lord, help me to trust and let go, confident that You will get me to my final destination in the best possible way!

A Mighty Fortress

304 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 4:17,18) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (2 Ti 4:17,18) Paul is speaking of his first trial in Rome where he was greatly opposed by Alexander the coppersmith. Everyone had abandoned Paul because it was dangerous to be associated with him and his message of Christ alone for salvation. Try to get the picture. A courtroom where life and death is at stake and you are the defendant with absolutely no one in your corner. The prosecutor and Alexander probably felt pretty smug! Snuff out Paul and this Christianity thing will be over once and for all right? But Paul had a defense attorney by his side and He would not be stopped! And I am reminded of the words of Luther's classic Hymn: A Mighty Fortress! A mighty Fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing Our helper HE amid the flood, Of mortal ills prevailing For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe His craft and pow'r are great, And armed with cruel hate. On earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing. Were not the right man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be” Christ Jesus, it is He! Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same, and He must win the battle And tho' the world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us. We will not fear for God has willed, His truth to triumph through us The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him His rage we can endure For lo his doom is sure one little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly pow'rs No thanks to them abideth The Spirit and the gifts are ours, thro' Him who with us sideth Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still His kingdom is forever. On Earth is not his equal. Are you up against it today? Do you feel like you are the last one standing. Is the great enemy pressing in on all sides, hounding you, squeezing you? Accusing you? Take heart from this passage in Timothy. Let the words of this hymn fill your heart! Sing it loud and clear knowing that the right man is standing at your side, then stand!

God Will Not Abandon You

304 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 4:17,18) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (2 Ti 4:17,18) Though everyone else had abandoned Paul at his first trial the Lord stood with him and strengthened him. Beloved, this portion of Timothy is truly one of the most comforting in all of Scripture. Paul is facing a martyrs death at this trial and the Lord literally fulfilled promises of help for him as needed. What is your need today? What trial are you facing? You like Paul, can count on the Lord standing with you and strengthening you in your hour of need. The Lord showing up at Paul's trial is concrete proof of texts like these: Joh 14:18 "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” In Heb 13:5, we find this assurance: “For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." In Isa 49:15, we read: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.” In Ps 27:10, “ When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me.” Ps 46:1 reminds us that “ God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” And for those times we struggle for the right words to say, our Holy Attorney, the Holy Spirit, even supplies what is needed for the hour as we read in Lu 12:11,12, “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." May these words be a source of encouragement for you today for your present circumstances, and may the Holy Spirit call them to mind when and however you may need them. God will not abandon you in your hour of need! He who began that good work in you will be faithful to complete it!

This Guy Had It In For Christians

303 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 4:14-16, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. 16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. (2 Tim 4:14-16) Paul has asked Timothy to come to him, but warns him of one of the dangerous men he may face when he comes to Rome. We don't know much about this Alexander, except that he was a coppersmith who evidently had it in for Christians. He is the type we even see today, who go to great lengths to silence the Christian witness in the public square. The problem for Paul and other Christians is Alexander and his ilk had the ear of the governing authorities, and he evidently was a persuasive speaker who presented his case well to secular authorities who at the time were seeking to blame Christians for burning Rome. Remember, this was a time of intense persecution of the church. Nero had done such things as dressing Christians in wild animal skins and then allowing vicious dogs to hunt them to death! Still others were wrapped in robes of pitch and set on fire to illuminate Nero's gardens! To promote Christianity at this time in Rome was punishable by death! No wonder Paul was left alone at his first trial! We all must leave this world, but to leave in such a savage manner would not be my first choice! So Paul asks that the abandonment of others in the face of such persecution not be held against them! The late Frances Schaefer reminds us in his writings that Rome was very tolerant of all religions. Being a follower of Christ was not the problem, it was the Christian refusal to worship the emperor as they kept insisting to the death, that Jesus is the only way to salvation. One disturbing aspect of this portion of Scripture, is Paul seems to be asking the Lord to repay Alexander for the damage he had done to the spread of the gospel. Had Paul forgotten his own story of persecution and murder? No he hasn't. According to Adam Clark's commentary on this passage the sense of the phrase “may the Lord repay” is more accurately translated “the Lord will repay.” Do you see the difference. It is not written as a curse against Alexander but rather a warning for him and all others who resist the gospel, unless they repent, they will one day face the reward that God has in store for all evildoer's who die without Christ! VENGEANCE IS MINE SAYS THE LORD, I WILL REPAY!

Bringing Comfort To Those Who Need It

301 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 4:9-13, “ Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica--Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come--and the books, especially the parchments. (2 Tim 4:9-13) The body of the letter to Timothy is finished and now Paul wraps it up with items of personal interest. How do these items play out in light of 2 Tim 3:16,17? How are they profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, and equipping the man of God? Let's chew on that a little today. Remember, Paul had just stated that the end is near for him. His martyrdom is close at hand, but it sure doesn't look like he is letting this certainty keep him from his ministry! The only hint of such concern is the plea to Timothy to come to him quickly! He asks Timothy to bring three things to him....books, a jacket, and Mark! All three will serve as a source of comfort for Paul in his last days! The jacket is to help warm Paul for the coming winter, but will he even be alive when winter comes? What an optimist! Or maybe we should say, what a believer! For Paul knows the truth of Ps 139:16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” And so he lives out his days with no concern for the Lord's departure date for him. He asks Mark to come along with Timothy because he would be useful in a role of ministering to Paul's needs while in prison. This also speaks of a comforting role to Paul. Finally he asks for his books, especially the parchments, (books were like paper scrolls, and parchments were made out of the skins of animals and therefore more durable. This request is like Paul asking Timothy to bring his personal paperback and hard cover books to him. These books and parchments are likely the Scriptures, which are a great source of comfort. Even as Paul has written previously in Ro 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Yes, this passage in 2 Timothy speaks of the comfort we all need in our own hours of trial. Comfort that comes through physical needs met, fellowship needs met, and spiritual needs met. May we seek ways to provide such comfort to others as their Day approaches.