TITLE: Like A Roaring Lion
DATE: February 28, 2019
TEXT: 1 Peter 5: 8-10 – ESV - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you
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Every once-in-a-while the news carries a story which makes Holy Scripture come alive. A few weeks ago there was such a story. Perhaps you saw the account which was carried in almost all papers, as well as on radio and on TV.

The story begins innocently enough with a man jogging alone on the West Ridge Trail in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space near Fort Collins, Colorado. That’s not the part which sounds like the Bible. What happened next is.

The unnamed jogger heard an unusual sound behind him on the trail. Having taken the Apostle Peter’s advice to be sober and watchful the man stopped and turned to see if he was in any kind of danger. He was.

At that moment an adolescent mountain lion, “attacked him, biting and clawing his face and wrist.

Yes, I know a mountain lion is not the same as a lion-lion… but in North America a mountain lion is the best we can do. In truth, if you are being attacked by either, the advice of Peter to resist him is solid and not easily refuted.

Resist him is what the Colorado jogger did.

Now most people would probably put their bets on the mountain lion coming out the victor in this confrontation.. But our jogger isn’t most people. He fought that mountain lion with anything he had. Our jogger used his hands, his feet, stuff he found along the trail. That jogger did everything he could to save his life.

 James 4:7 says,  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Well when this battle was over the mountain lion didn’t run away. He couldn’t run away because he was dead. The hiker had strangled him with his bare hands.

Now the truth is this: when we resist the devil, we are not going to kill him. He is a spirit and therefore beyond our ability to do him permanent damage

But that doesn’t mean we can’t emerge from such battles victorious. While believers may not always be totally, permanently and absolutely successful in their battles with Satan and their desire to turn down his temptations, the Holy Spirit enables us to do far more than we ever thought possible or we ever could have done on our own.

Indeed,  St. Paul talks about us being “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37. Peter agrees when he says  those who trust in the Lord will eventually find that the Trinity will: restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, it would seem that the odds are stacked against us when we oppose Satan. Indeed, that would be the case if it were not for the power of the Holy Spirit and the Divine redemption performed by our Savior. Grant that we may resist Satan and emerge victorious in our battles against darkness and grant that all victories are seen as battles won to glorify the Savior. In Jesus” Name I pray it. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written for Newser by Arden Dier on Feb 5. 2019.  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/270882/runner-prevails-in-man-vs-mountain-lion.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: A Christian’s Song
DATE: February 27, 2019
TEXT:  Acts 21: 22-26 – ESV -  A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
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Let’s get this right.
The two had been unjustly accused; they had been unfairly tried; they had been beaten illegally; they had been thrown into the darkest place of the jail and chained up so they wouldn’t get away. In response to all this mistreatment the Apostle and Assistant did what?
They sang a song of praise to the Savior. They sang a song of a Christian.

Let’s get this right.
The date is September 11. The place is: Tower 1 of the World Trade Center, just above where the terrorist plane hit. The scene is the smoke filled offices of Cantor Fitzgerald.
The future: None.

This building and those on this floor have been marked for death by terrorists. There is no hope. But then, through the smoke, a song was sung. It had no melody. The words did not rhyme.

But it was the song of a Christian.

Co-workers recognized the voice of Al Braca.

Normally, Al was a corporate bond trader. This day he was the Lord's singer. With death minutes away, Al made a phone call to his family. He couldn't get through. He left a message with an MCI operator: "Tell them that I love them." It took a month to deliver that part of Al's song.

In hurried e-mails, in final cell phone contacts, others on the floor told of the rest. They spoke of how Al was praying with 50 of his co-workers; how he was sharing the love of Jesus, and how they could be saved.

Al's son, Christopher, best described that song when he said: "The last thing my dad did involved the two things most important to him--God and his family."

Al sang a song of praise to his Savior. He sang a song of a Christian.

Those events all took place a good many years ago. Since then many people have come and gone, lived and died. And the Christians have kept singing their songs of praise. Although the singer might not be able to carry a tune, the song of his life is as pleasing to the Lord and the court of heaven as it is dissonant and disturbing to the earthly dictator.

And what does the Christian’s song sound like? It sounds like this: Lord, thank You for the mercy shown to me a sinner.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I rejoice in all my Savior has done to free and forgive me. Now may the song of praise I sing be clear and easily understood by those who still are lost. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: Man Saves Dog
DATE: February 26, 2019
TEXT: Hebrews 4:16  - ESV - 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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Everybody has seen the Lassie movies where Timmy (or whomever) says, “Lassie, the house is on fire, get the Fire Department.

We stand in awe as Lassie not only notifies the Firemen, he also shows them a shortcut to the burning home, makes sandwiches and pours everyone a glass of champagne to celebrate the rescue.

Of course, that is the movies. Things don’t always work out that way, do they?

I remember, years ago the story of a man who ventured into a burning home to rescue his dog. In my commentary, I said, “No man would be foolish enough to exchange his life for that of a lowly animal. My premise was it didn’t make sense for the Son of God to offer up His life to save lowly, sinful humanity.

Folks, there have been times when I have been chastised for writing the wrong thing, but that day was something special. I got letters from everywhere telling me:

1. I was nuts
2. I was a dirty cat lover
3. I didn’t understand that dogs were better than people.
4. They would also go in that house and do  the same thing.

Well, folks, I’ve learned my lesson.

That’s why :I’m not going to tell you about how, a few weeks ago,  a faulty space heater set a home in Maine on fire. I’m not going to tell you how one of the residents of the home, 40-year-old Sam Crawford made sure everybody was out, moved some logging equipment to a safe location and then told everyone he was going back inside to find his dog.

I won’t tell you how Sam did go in, and I’m certainly not going to share that he never came out alive. By the time the firefighters arrived the home was completely swallowed up by the flames.

You see, if I told you all those things, like I did years ago, you would probably respond like my listeners did back then.

No, I won’t tell you that story… nor will I tell you about the mother who went back into a burning apartment to find the family’s two cats. I won’t speak about the boy who had to be restrained from re-entering a home to save his gerbils or the girl who wanted to pull her 50-gallon aquarium, with an approximate weight of 600 pounds,  from her burning bedroom.
It doesn’t make any difference what story I tell you are going to say, “I might not go back in to save my mean uncle, but I’d go in to save the animals.”

No, I won’t speak about those things. I will merely say, it made no sense for God’s Son to leave the security and beauty and perfection of heaven and come down to earth where He would be hated, betrayed and nailed to a cross while he carried the sins of the entire world.

Christ’s sacrifice made no logical, human sense, even so, it is what happened..It is what happened because of a Divine quality called “grace.” It is grace which sent Jesus; grace which empowered Him to do all He did; grace which had Him sacrifice Himself and grace which offers us forgiveness and saving faith.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, how is it possible for me to express my appreciation for Your grace? You sacrificed Your Son to save us, and by His sacrifice we are forgiven and saved. May our gratitude move us to live lives which share Your grace with others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by the Editors of Newser and published on February 5, 2019 .  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/270913/he-told-family-he-was-going-back-in-for-dog-ended-up-dead.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: Trash or Treasure
DATE: February 25, 2019
TEXT: Phil 3: 7-9- ESV - 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, 

Where is your treasure? What is your trash? Those are reasonable questions for a Daily Devotion.

Did I hear someone say, "My treasure is in security?" Oh, bless you. What a wonderful thought--security. Are we talking about the security of a house? This year too many children have been abducted from the security of their homes and their own front yards.

Possibly, you mean the security of a solid job? Too many of my friends are hitting the streets because employment security has proven illusive.

Are we talking about the security which comes from technology? Are we talking about the technology which kept the crew on the space shuttle Columbia safe or are we talking about the technology which keeps your personal and credit card information safe from thieves?

Where is your treasure? What is your trash?

From what I’ve seen our basements, garages, and attics are overflowing with trashed treasures. Every yard sale is filled with trashed treasures. Every closet is stuffed with trashed treasures, that is because things we once thought to be valuable have been demoted. What we need is to find a treasure we can trust for time and through eternity.
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To that end, might I suggest Jesus?  I know at first glance, He might not look like a treasure.

• When He was born in Bethlehem, He certainly didn't. Wrapped as He was in swaddling clothes, sleeping in an animal's feed trough, He didn't look like much. But He was enough of a treasure that wisemen journeyed many miles to worship Him and His own king tried to murder Him.
• Years later, He stepped out of the Jordan, just having been baptized by His cousin, John. That day, He would have looked wet, nothing at all like a treasure. Yet, John saw Jesus for Who He was, "the Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world" (John 1:29). This was, according to God's own words: "His Son, in whom He was well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).

If you had walked with Him during those years, you might have thought, "This fellow is a treasure?"

• He didn't look like God's treasure when He was tired and exhausted. But He got that way by calling people from their sins and pointing them to a new life of forgiveness and faith. He got that way by loving people so hard He didn't have anything left for Himself.

He gave Himself for you…and that, my friends makes Him a Treasure with a capital “T”.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, when I look at the manger and the cross, I see Your Son Who gave Himself for a world which needs Him. Now make ours a world which wants Him. This I ask in the Savior’s Name. Amen.  

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: God Sees All
DATE: February 24, 2019
TEXT: Proverbs 28:13 - ESV - Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
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When my father was a young boy he could go to the movies on a Saturday morning, see a few “B-grade” westerns, a serial and a feature film. Amazingly, none of those films would ever raise his blood-pressure, cause him a sleepless night, or force him to worry.

That’s because he knew that in all of those westerns the guy on the best horse, aka, the ‘good guy’ would always win. He was confident that no matter how desperate the situation of the hero in the serial, he would emerge unscathed. As far as the movie was concerned, well, he knew the good guys would come out on top.

By the time Pam and I started to go to the movies things had changed.

No longer was there an iron-clad guarantee of success for the cowboy wearing the white hat or riding the golden palomino. In MASH, Colonel Henry Blake’s helicopter  was shot down and he never managed to make it home so he could live the American dream.

The reason for the switch? Directors assured us that ‘living happily ever after” wasn’t real, and it was their desire to show life as it really is.

It is a lesson which Alexander Goldinsky should take to heart.

Goldinsky recently filed a lawsuit in New Jersey. What had happened was this: last year Goldinsky had been working as an independent contractor at a Woodbridge business. Goldinsky was in the store’s break room where he slipped and fell on some ice which was on the floor. Finding himself unable to move, he called for help and was treated at the hospital.  

Now in my father’s day, Mr. Goldinsky would win his lawsuit and those responsible for the slippery floor would be punished and would learn their lesson.

But this is not my father’s day, and Mr. Goldinsky is not going to win his lawsuit. That is because Mr. Goldinsky forgot to notice that the breakroom of the store where he was working had a surveillance camera. The day of the accident that camera saw Goldinsky look around before he threw ice-water on the  floor. The camera also shows Mr. Goldinsky using the counter to gently lower himself to the floor where he waited to be found and rescued.

No, Mr. Goldinsky, found out you can’t fool the camera. He was arrested on Jan. 15 for insurance fraud and theft by deception.

You know, it would be a good thing if humanity learned a lesson from Mr. Goldinsky’s error and realized you  really can’t fool the all-knowing Lord. He Who neither slumbers nor sleeps keeps an eye on His people. That’s how He knew Adam and Eve had eaten from the forbidden tree; Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery and  David had been messing around with Bathsheba.

No, we can’t fool the Lord. 

What we can do is confess our sins rather than cover them up; we can thank the Lord for the forgiveness Jesus has won for us with is life, death and crucifixion and we can try to show our appreciation by living our lives in a way which will glorify our Redeemer.”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray that I may always acknowledge my wrongdoing rather than trying to cover them. Grant me the blood-bought forgiveness which comes  with faith in the Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray it. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Arden Dier for Newser on February 1, 2019 .  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/270725/the-fraud-mightve-worked-if-not-for-the-camera.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: Good Old Days
DATE: February 23, 2019
TEXT John 12:27-28 – ESV - “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.”
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One of the most interesting prayers in the Bible is found in John 12: 27.

It was Holy Week and Jesus has had a glorious entry into Jerusalem. Crowds have welcomed Him as the Son of David and now even some Gentles who had heard about the raising of Lazarus have put in a request to meet Him. Jesus is at the top of His game. Yet His prayer does not reflect the victories of the week.

Instead of expressing joy, Jesus says, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”

Truly, Jesus is troubled because He sees the betrayal and the travesty of His trials. He sees the slaps and the scourge; the spit and the suffering. He knows about the crown of thorns and the terrible taunts, which will be directed against Him. Little wonder He discloses, "Now my heart is troubled."

In a few days, in the Garden of Gethsemane, He would plead, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me" (Matthew 26:39). But this day, He only asks, "What shall I say, 'Father save Me from this hour?'"

If I had been Jesus, I would not have been so nice or noble.

I would have asked--no, I would have demanded--that the Father straighten things out and take me back to the good-old days.

• I would say: "This is not fair. This is not right. The innocent should not be punished for the guilty."
• I would say, "Heavenly Father, it might be OK if people would appreciate what I'm going to endure for them, but they won't."
• I would say, "Father, if I have to die for these sinners, then let it be a quick and merciful ending. Don't make me suffer this cruel and inhuman punishment."

But Jesus asks none of those questions.  He takes a different path, a divine Savior's path which separates Him from us. While we would try to avoid our terrible tomorrows by steadily gazing backward at the golden, good-old days of the past, Jesus looked forward.

Jesus answered His own question.

Jesus said, "No. I won't ask to be saved from this hour. I'm going to suffer. I'm going to die. I'm going to willingly endure inhuman hatred and unjust pain. I'm going to carry every sin committed by every man, every woman and every child in every century.". I am going to be led, without complaining, to the cross, so anyone and everyone who believes in Me as Savior, will be rescued.

 And then, Jesus concludes, "It is for this reason I was born."

To die so that you might live was Jesus' destiny. Jesus was born so you might never die. Jesus was murdered so your tomorrows might not be filled with terror.

Hold to this with all your heart. If you do, you can be assured that the good-old days are not all in the past. The best of days, the best of eternity, will be yours through Jesus' selfless sacrifice.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I give thanks that You looked forward while I like to look backwards. Because of what You have done for me, my future shall be blessed indeed. In Your Name I give thanks. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: Really Smart
DATE: February 22, 2019
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 3:19 – ESV - 19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”
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I have a deep appreciation of human knowledge.

• The knowledge of a doctor who saw the curative possibilities of penicillin in a petridish saved my life from pneumonia when I was five.
• The knowledge of another man, and his team, offered my children freedom from polio.
• Other smart folks have given our households microwave ovens, automobiles, light with the flip of a switch, central air-conditioning, band-aids, computers, nail-clippers, CD's and videos to preserve family memories.

 God also is pleased with human knowledge.  He who gave us brains to think is pleased when we put them to use. But when earthly experts elevate human knowledge over God's wisdom, that’s when they  become foolish.
Take a look at the Bible. I'll show you what I mean.

• Adam and Eve were intelligent enough to name all of the Creator's creatures. God asked them to do that. But when the first family thought they were experts and elevated their wishes above God's will, they got into trouble.
• Before the flood, God had no problem with humans using their intelligence to subdue the earth. He said that was their responsibility. But when those humans thought they were wise enough to put their pleasure-seeking above God's wisdom, the Lord was greatly grieved. (Genesis 6:5).
•  The Lord was glorified by many of the things His prophet Moses did. But when Moses thought himself an expert wise enough to improve upon God's plan to give water to the wandering Israelites, things did not go well (Numbers 20:5).

Time and again Scripture tells us that when a man thinks he is expert enough and has wisdom enough to displace God, the Lord turns the tables. When experts elevate human knowledge over Godly wisdom they become foolish.

Nowhere is that more apparent than on the topic of Judgment Day. Almost 2,000 years ago, our Savior, God's Son, said what it was going to be like on "too-late-day." The omniscient Lord, who holds all history in His hand said, 'When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His throne in heavenly glory."

Today's experts tell me it ain't gonna happen. Some experts tell us, "If Jesus comes back over Rugby, North Dakota, the geographic center of North America, He couldn't possibly be seen over Yackandandah, Australia. It's when experts elevate human knowledge over God's wisdom that they become foolish.

Jesus continues: "All the nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."

Earthly experts will say, "How can it happen? How can someone who died centuries ago, whose body was cremated, and ashes scattered over the continents be brought back together in one spot. How can those atomized by the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima come back? And even if they could be brought back, how is Jesus going to separate them? It would take forever."

And the Lord Who brought life into being with a word and who brought Lazarus back from the dead says, “Trust Me. I’ve got it under control.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, bless human knowledge. Let us always have respect for Your omniscience and  trust in Your Word and promises. This we ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: A Valued Remembrance
DATE: February 21, 2019
TEXT: Matthew 10: 29-31`- ESV - Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
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In a month or two, one of my grandsons will be confirmed.

As a remembrance of the special occasion he will be receiving a ring which my father wore… at least those times when my father wore a ring. (My father said, “Blacksmiths usually don’t wear jewelry because some rings and things have a tendency to get caught up in the machinery.)

At any rate, Keenan, my grandson, will be receiving a family memento. It will be given with the hope and prayer that he will become the kind of upstanding man and committed Christian his great-grandfather was.

Mementos. Over the years I have been a guest in the homes of many families. I have to say it is a rare home which doesn't honor and revere some precious item, a memento, which has been handed down to the present from generations which have gone before.

As I think back on those visits I can clearly remember how the value of a Civil-War rifle, an old cookbook filled with handwritten recipes, a family Bible embellished with accurately recorded comings, goings, baptisms and marriages have been lovingly explained to me.

One type of memento which has fallen out of practice is the giving of a lock of hair.

At one time, such a token was highly honored and appreciated. All of which explains why, in 1870, when Alexander Hamilton’s third son, James, wanted to show his respect and regard for a woman living in New York, he sent her a “lock of the illustrious Washington” accompanied by an autographed note.

That lock of hair, affixed to a card with sealing wax, has stayed the same for almost 150 years.

According to USA Today, that lock of hair from  our first President has been auctioned off by Leland’s auction house. No doubt the great man would have been surprised, shocked, amused and confused that a few strands of his hair sold for $35,764 dollars. Broken down, that’s a few thousand dollars per strand.

All of which leads me to ask, “What do you think a lock of your hair is worth?”

It’s kind of hard putting a value on such a thing, isn’t it? Some would say their hair is a nuisance and they’d be glad to give it away. Others are challenged follicly and they put a king’s ransom on every strand still growing.

Sadly, the Lord Jesus doesn't fully answer the question. True, in Matthew He tells us our heavenly Father has numbered all of our hairs… but then He generalizes and says that each of is, in toto, is more valuable than a flock of sparrows.

Which means, dear Daily Devotioner, I can’t tell you what your hair is worth. On the other hand, without referring to sparrows or any other type of bird, I can tell you your value. How much are you worth? You are worth the life of God’s only Son. To rescue your life from the forces of sin, Satan and death, Jesus was born into this world.

Here He lived for you; He kept the Commandments for you; He resisted temptation for you and He carried your sins to the cross where He died your death. His glorious 3rd day resurrection says His work is completed and believers have saved souls. Which is worth a great deal indeed.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, although it is beyond human understanding or reason, Your life was given in exchange for mine. May all I do show my thanks for your great gift of love. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Arden Dier for Newser on February 5, 2019 .  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/270888/lock-of-washingtons-hair-as-hefty-as-its-price.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: The Thrill of Victory
DATE: February 20, 2019
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:55-57  -ESV - “O death, where is your victory?     O death, where is your sting?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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ABC used to carry a program called the “Wide World of Sports” The show was probably best known for its introduction where it showed a great many athletes at their respective sports… athletes who were succeeding and athletes who were failing. Behind the video clips the narrator spoke of “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.”

Those phrases describe Clay Warner, an 18-year-old Senior who plays on the basketball team at North Polk High School in Iowa. At least they should describe him. Let me explain…

• Clay Warner has put on his uniform for every one of his High School Games... but he has never seen a second of game time.
• Clay has participated in every one of his team’s practices, but his coaches never let him test his skills against an opponent.
• Clay has been called the “heart and soul” of his team because of the encouragement he gives, but he has never been the hands and feet of the group.

No there is a reason for that: you see, Clay Warner is legally blind. He was born a micro preemie with cerebral palsy at 23-weeks. The blindness, even with special glasses is pretty profound. And when it came to playing basketball, his coaches haven’t put him in out” of concern that he would get hurt.”

So there you have it: some thrill of victory, and a lot of agony of defeat.

But the thrill and the agony recently got reversed. It was Senior Night… the last time Clay would put on the uniform for his school. The coaches talked to the other players and let them know if it was possible, they were going to play Clay.

The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters went buy. They were down to the last minute in the 4th quarter when the coaches put Clay in the game. When his name and number was called, the crowd got on its feet and gave him a standing ovation.

The ball was put in play and given to Clay. He had a chance to take a shot. Focusing his eyes on the lower-right corner of his glasses, the only window of light he has, Clay shot and scored. How do the sportswriters say it? Oh, yes, ‘The crowd went wild.”
Clay remembers, “This whole gym was yelling my name… both benches were jumping. The whole crowd was going crazy. It was like I was a little kid again.”

In short it was a life-changing moment. Never again would Clay’s life be the same.

You will allow me to say that you have had a similar life-changing moment. It was the day you became a believer…….. the day the Holy Spirit kicked Satan out of your heart and welcomed Jesus in. It was the day heaven was substituted for hell; when happiness replaced horror; when salvation stepped in and moved damnation out

The only problem is this: while Clay will always remember the swish of the basketball as it went, all net,  through the hoop, we often forget  what the Savior has done for us and the impact that change has made in our lives. So if you have forgotten the thrill of victory Jesus gives, I have only this to say: “Don’t forget, keep giving thanks.”

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, by Your sacrifice I am healed. May I remember what You have done and live my life in appreciation. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by McKinley Corbley for Good News Network on February 5, 2019 .  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/watch-what-happens-when-legally-blind-basketball-player-takes-one-shot-in-his-only-game-of-the-year/

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 
 

 TITLE: Really, Really, Really, Really Good News
DATE: February 19, 2019
TEXT: Luke 2:10-11 -(ESV) - 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Sometimes I have a difficult time deciding if something is good news or bad news.

For example, since the Cold War ended, the US and Russia haven’t developed many nuclear weapons. I’m pretty sure that’s good news.

I say I’m “pretty sure” because a small number of new nuclear  weapons have been put into production. For example, the Russians have developed some low-yield nuclear devices. Once again, from my perspective that seems to be bad news.

In response to the Russians new weapon, the U.S. of A. has put into production the W76-2, our  very own low-yield nuclear warhead. For those who are curious, this new weapon has a yield of 5 to 7 kilotons which is less than half the size of the weapon which was dropped on Hiroshima.  So, having a weapon to counter the Russians and one which isn’t going to do lots and lots of damage is a good thing, right?

Of course the Russians have their weapon now (that’s bad news) and ours won’t begin to be delivered until October. (which can be good or bad news.)

The idea of having little nukes which aren’t “too big to use” seems like good news; but the fact that having a nuclear warhead which really can be used makes the possibility of war between super-powers more palatable and possible, .that is. most definitely, bad news.  

Then, of course, comes the possibility that some well-funded hate group can get their hands on one, or more,  of these new devices and the sky is the limit when it comes to the bad news that kind of thing can generate.

So there you have it, folks. What is good news for the goose, is not necessarily so for the gander.

The rain which saves a farmer’s crop from drought is the rain which stops the road crew from working and getting paid.  Is the rain good or bad news?

The person who gives a large, undesignated sum to the church. Is it good or bad news?. Well, if that gift leads to internal fighting about where the money should go, that’s bad. If it encourages other people to cut back on their support, that’s bad. If it creates and sustains and builds… well, that’s good news,  isn’t it?

Can ‘t tell good news from bad? If that’s the situation  in which you find yourself, well Daily Devotiouners I’ve got, no, make that, the angels have got ‘ good news for you.” With just a few words God gives  us the good news that

1. He is keeping His promise to redeem this sinful world;
2. that He has sent His Son to defeat sin,  death and devil,
3. that God’s Son is the world’s Savior.

And although there are many who reject, hate, deny, and despise God’s Son, our Savior, He still is Who He is… God’s Good news who saves souls.

THE PRAYER:  Dear Lord, this world can be a pretty confusing place. Help us remember that no matter what other people may say,  Jesus is still the world’s only Savior; He is still our only Way to forgiveness and salvation. In His Name. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written Rob Quinn for Newser on January 29, 2019 .  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/270561/trumps-new-nuclear-weapon-is-now-in-production.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: I Appeal To Caesar
DATE: February 18, 2019
TEXT: Acts 25: 11-12 – ESV - 1 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”
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Anyone who has ever entered the hospital is aware of the numerous pages of information which needs to be filled out. Name, age, height and weight are just the beginning of what they want to know. Those with a more even disposition are amazed that the hospital wants to know more about them than their own mother.

Those who are more temperamental draw the line when they are asked, “What was the weather like on your second birthday?” and “Which Vice-presidential candidate didn’t you vote for in the 1984 election?”

The hospital forms aren’t much different in Britain. It was the job of experienced nurse Sarah Kuteh to go over those questions with people being admitted to Darent Valley Hospital. One of the questions she was required to ask concerned the patient’s faith. It was not unusual for Sarah to talk to the patients about the faith, joy and peace she had been given in Jesus.

Most people appreciated Sarah’s testimony. A few didn’t, and they complained.

In June of 2016 Sarah was fired from the hospital and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) said she could be employed only if she was under the direct supervision of a senior nurse. Sarah was confused, saying, “All I had done was to nurse and care for patients. How could it ever be harmful to tell someone about Jesus?”
At this point Sarah had a choice:

• She could accept these decisions and judgments made against her or
• She could fight them in court.

Sarah decided the matter should be taken to court for clarification. A British group Christian Legal Centre took… and won her case. After two years: the NMC dropped their restrictions and decided, “It is in the public interest to return an otherwise experienced and competent nurse into practice.”

Her Council said, “But for the question on the pre-op assessment questionnaire, these conversations would not have taken place,… Although it’s disappointing that she was ever penalized for her actions – which were wholly motivated by compassion – we rejoice that Sarah is once again free to bring her skill and expertise to her role as a nurse.”

You know, as Christians we have often been told to turn the other cheek and to emulate the Savior Who did not object or complain about His arrest and the hate which placed Him upon Calvary’s cross.

But we need to remember that the people of the early church did make use of their “day in court.” Before Caesar, or other magistrates, they were able to explain their faith in the Savior Who gave His life for their salvation. It is true, some of them lost and the blood of those martyrs was used by the Spirit to grow the church. But it is also true some of them won their case and people were converted to faith in the Savior Who gave Himself for our salvation

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, persecution against the Savior and His followers is global.  Grant that Your people may be found faithful and  give a good and proper witness to their faith and their Redeemer. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written  by Michael Foust for Christian Headlines on August 13, 2019 .  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/nurse-who-was-fired-for-telling-patients-about-jesus-has-name-cleared.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: No Love
DATE: February 17, 2019
TEXT:  John 3: 16-17 – ESV -“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

On October 1, 2018 Stephen Paddock opened up on the crowd down below from his room at the Las Vegas’ MGM. By the time his guns were finally silenced 58 people were dead.
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Since that night a great amount of time and money has gone into trying to find out why Stephen did what he did.

• His brother says that Stephen was, quite possibly, bored enough with life “to plan an attack which would make him famous.”
• His ex-wife shared that he came from a financially unstable home, and like almost all  mass-shooters, had no father figure to set an example.
• The FBI’s agents and behavioral specialists say that the complete reason behind the mass murders remains a mystery and may never be fully known.

About the most they feel comfortable saying is:
"It wasn't about MGM, Mandalay Bay, or a specific casino or venue. It was all about doing the maximum amount of damage and him obtaining some form of infamy."

In his Divine Comedy,  Dante had Lucifer proclaim, “Better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven.”

Although I am hardly an expert, it seems that Paddock might have actually agreed with the devil. You see, two weeks before his shooting spree, Stephen sent his girlfriend, Marilou Danley to her family in the Philippines. After the shooting, Marilou returned and tried to help the investigators any way she could. One of the things Marilou, a Catholic, told the authorities, Paddock had often said:
“Your God doesn't love me.”

Of course,  you know and I know that Paddock was wrong.

The Lord loved Adam and Eve when they broke the only law they had been given.  He loved David even though he was an adulterer and murderer. He loved both thieves on the cross and promised paradise to the man who confessed his sin and professed his faith in the Christ.

The Lord loved me enough to forgive my mountain of sins… and your myriad transgressions.

The Lord loved Stephen Paddock. Loved him enough to forgive him for the deaths of those concert-goers.

The problem for Stephen is the problem the world has always had… they don’t love the Lord Who sacrificed His Son so they might be forgiven and adopted into the family of faith. It is our hardness of heart; our stubbornness, our refusal and unbelief  which short-circuits the Lord’s plan of redemption and stops the Holy Spirit from completing the act of forgiveness and salvation.
It is for them that we pray:

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, since the fall into sin You have been about the saving of souls. Forgive those who have no use for You; who decline the Holy Spirit and the work of the Savior. Be with them, and, if it be possible change them In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by the Editors of Newser on January 29, 2019.  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/270597/fbi-shares-what-inspired-the-vegas-shooter.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 
 

TITLE: How To Love
DATE: February 16, 2019
TEXT: Matthew 19: 8 - ESV - He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so
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Years ago I knew a pastor who didn’t play games with people when they came to him for advice.

He was a unique individual and because he was so special, he could get away with things which other preachers didn’t dare say. I remember a couple from his congregation who told me how they had, years before, gone to this pastor for counseling. Actually, that’s a misnomer.

They weren’t looking for counseling, they wanted him to give his blessing to their divorce.

The conversation began something like: “Pastor, lately things have been a bit rough around our house and, well, we’ve decided to get a divorce, and we want to make sure that you and the church approve of what we’re doing.” They hoped he would say something like: “Goodness, gracious, of course. If you’ve tried, you’ve tried.

What He said was: “Scripture tells us you’re supposed to love your wife as Jesus loved the church…That means you’re willing to die for her, if need be. That is, after all, what Jesus did.” Then the pastor lowered his voice and said, “Do you think you can love your wife that way?”

The wife looked all sort of smug-like as she heard her husband gave a nervous laugh and reply, “Loving her that way would be impossible.”

The pastor nodded and then he turned to the wife who was still smiling from ear-to-ear. “And you, the Bible says you’re supposed to look up to and respect this fellow. I would imagine you would be willing to set the example and do that. Am I correct?”  She gave a negative response.

The pastor backed up and tried again. “OK”, he said, The Bible’s ideal is hard. How about where Jesus said, “We should ‘love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves.’?  Can you do that? Both objected vehemently, maintaining the other was incapable of loving that way.

When they stopped to take a breath, the pastor volunteered: “I guess we can strike that idea off our list. Right?” For the first time that day, maybe in many days, the husband and wife agreed. The pastor added, “When it comes to fighting, you guys aren’t amateur… you’re good enough to go professional. Then he asked, “Tell me, does anybody ever win these battles?” The husband spoke first, “She wins them all, she thinks.” She shot back: “I do win them all. That’s because I do think.”

Seeing he was losing control, the pastor continued: “You came to ask for my approval. I will give it to you… if you are willing to try a small, three week experiment. It’s obvious you can’t love as Jesus did; and you admit your inability to love as neighbors should. Then how about this:  the Bible says, “Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you.” That’s what I’m going to ask of you. For the next three weeks. If you really are enemies, then be Christian enemies. If the other person is persecuting you, I want you to do good in return.”

Now I don’t know another pastor who could have managed to pull this off, but this guy did it. And amazingly, the couple tried. It was incredibly hard, but they did give it their best shot.

When one of them got nasty, the other got nice. Amazingly, the bloody battles became less frequent, less intense. Fights became skirmishes, skirmishes became struggles, and struggles eventually got to the point where they looked at each other and laughed.

As their pastor had hoped, this couple progressed from loving each other like enemies, to loving like neighbors, and, although they had some serious setbacks they ended up loving as the Lord had wanted them to love.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that I may let Scripture speak to me. May I hear the spirit,  as well as the letter of Your Word. In Jesus’ Name I pray it. Amen. 

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Knowing Jesus
DATE: February 15, 2019
TEXT: Mark 10:25-27 - It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?”  Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God.  For all things are possible with God.” 

So, do you know Jesus?

That’s a proper way to begin a Daily Devo. Do you know Jesus?

There’s a lot of people who think they do… but far too many of them are mistaken. Now that’s not a judgment on my part; that’s a plain and simple fact. For example, when I ask people to give me an adjective which describes the Savior, they often use words like, kind, gentle, caring, loving, compassionate and accepting.

Most certainly, Jesus was all of those things… but Jesus was a great deal more than that short list.

There is another side to Jesus which isn’t touched upon in a list like that. Was Jesus always gentle? If you believe that, then watch out, because He could and did wield a whip to clean the crooks out of God’s house.
I’ve run into a lot of so-called believers who maintain Jesus was never judgmental and always accepting. If you think that’s true, then you need to read the 12th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. There, Jesus speaks words of condemnation toward the Pharisees. Here’s just a small sample of what He said:
“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.”
I’ve heard a lot of preachers over the years, and some of them were real fire-and-brimstone, but none of them used that kind of tone when they were talking to their congregations.
So, I ask again, “Do you know Jesus?”
More and more young folks have formed their opinion of the Savior through the way He is shown in movies and denigrating sound bites generated by His critics. When they’re asked to describe the Lord of life they can sum up their attitude toward the Savior of the world in one word: boring. If that’s really how they see Him, they’ve never really looked at Holy Scripture.

There Jesus is described as being a Devil, a Liar, a Party-goer, a Friend of sinners and an Insurrectionist. His church, His government and the pillars of the community all thought He was too dangerous to let live.

So, how did Jesus go from being a Firebrand-Rabble-rouser to being a dull and dreary Push-over? I don’t know, but that’s the way it is for many who think they’ve got Jesus pegged.

Do you want to know Jesus… then I suggest looking at Him with this thought in mind: Jesus always gave to those around Him that which they needed the most.”

That means He may have healed them in body, soul. or both He may have fed them with a meal designed to nourish body or soul or both Those who were troubled found peace in Him; those who were proud, were given a dose of humility.
Jesus gave people what they needed most… and that means He gave Himself as Savior to all of us. It is what we needed most.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that I may see my Savior and the love which He showed to all the world. May He always give me what I need the most. In His Name I pray. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: A Fine Farewell
DATE: February 14, 2019
TEXT: Luke 15:7- (ESV) - 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
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From 1964 to 1968 Joseph Walker served in Vietnam as a member of the US Air Force. After that he spent the next 50-years living his life. Although others may know a great deal about Joseph and those silent decades, none of the articles I have read provided any information.

But whatever Joseph had planned on doing, wherever he had thought he might be going; all those dreams ended when Joseph breathed his last.

The organization responsible for his funeral, the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, tried to contact close relatives, maybe Joseph’s spouse or children. There were none. They expanded their search to distant relatives, then to any kind of relative, or friends who might have been near or dear.  

Once again they struck out.

The Cemetery put out word that Joseph Walker was to be buried as an “unaccompanied veteran.” That means there would be nobody present at Joseph’s service other than the cemetery workers. That word went out over social media over radio, television, even from the office of the Senator.

The message was the same: “If you have the opportunity, please come out and attend. We do not leave Veterans behind.”
Somewhere between 2, 000 and 5,000 people turned up to hear the message by Marc George of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. He said “Today we are not strangers; today we are family.”

When I first read that article, my first reaction was,  “Wouldn’t’ it be great if the Christian Church acted that way toward all of its members? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we said, ”We do not leave our fellow believers behind? Wouldn’t it be fantastic if every funeral we did shouted to the world that ‘because of the Savior’s sacrifice, by the Holy Spirit’s power, we were family and not strangers,’”?

Then I thought again.  I thought back on the hundreds of funerals which I have conducted, of the attitude of my congregations toward those who had died.  I realized I had sold my churches short:. I could recall…

1. Funerals where no family existed or were able to be present. None of those folks were ever “sent off” all alone. Time and again the best of my congregation’s membership would show up… my Elders would be there… pallbearers would volunteer. Nothing was done which could be considered second rate or inferior.
2. A funeral which was conducted for an individual who had left town many years before having committed public sins which had scandalized the community.  20-years-later he returned, stopped by my office, repented of his sins, received communion, went home and died. And the congregation not knowing all the details of what had transpired, took my word, and praised God for the sinner who, had repented and had been restored.

    
Time and again I saw the congregation come together and offer comfort and aid to those who might have been ignored; whose family could have been forgotten; for those who were unknown; for those who were very young, very old or newcomers to the community. And every time, without exception, the attitude of those congregations said, “These who have been redeemed by the Savior,  will not be forgotten by us..”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I  give thanks for the Savior, Whose life was spent winning my forgiveness and eternal life. May we who still live on earth prove to be supportive of those who are in need and rejoice when the Spirit takes a fellow believer home. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Rob Quinn for Newser on January 29, 2019   Those who wish may check out this link here: http://www.newser.com/story/270566/thousands-of-strangers-show-up-for-funeral-of-texas-veteran.html?utm_source=8at8&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1636843631041955295&utm_campaign=20190129

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: Confessing
DATE: February 13, 2019
TEXT: 1 John 1: 8-10 – ESV -  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

I just finished reading an article where 21-year-old Laura MacLean of Scotland called herself a noob.

Now I had never heard the word noob before and  wasn’t about to repeat it until I found out what it meant or stood for. Well, I’m pleased to share it s a slang term, a variation of the word newbie. It usually refers to someone who is a newcomer, a naïve individual who is inexperienced and has made a silly, foolish or obvious mistake.

Well, folks, I guess Laura MacLean of Scotland does qualify as a noob…at least according to the story which has been making the rounds on the internet.  If you haven’t heard, let me share the highpoints of her story.

A few weeks ago Laura had an on-line job interview with the University Recruitment team of Microsoft. It was a golden opportunity and she was fully prepared when the interview time of 11:00 AM came around.

Only nobody called at 11 AM. Laura waited a reasonable period of time and then called her contact number. She wondered if Skype was working as nobody had called her for the February 18th interview. The kindly soul at Microsoft informed Laura that her interview was, indeed,  scheduled for February 18th.

Laura replied, “It is February 18th.”  

That’s when Microsoft informed her she was one month early. It was January, not February.

It was a terribly embarrassing situation. Now at this point, Laura could have done a number of things. She could have tried to cover her mistake and pretend she had been joking; she could have denied her error, or she
could have confessed she was a noob, have a good laugh and continue on from there. Well, you already know which way Laura went. She made her confession.

And Microsoft…how does Microsoft feel? A recruitment spokesman says, don’t write Laura off…“one thing we look for in candidates is the capacity for ‘recognizing our mistakes.’”

The Lord would agree. When Adam and Eve first sinned, they tried to hide what they had done; Cain buried the murdered body of his brother to cover his sin’ David sent a man to his death so his transgression wouldn’t go public.

But the Lord isn’t looking for liars, or cover-up artists. Using John, the Lord tells us:,  “ If you confess your sins, I will be faithful and just to forgive you your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.”

You see, the Lord Jesus came into this world to seek and save the lost. To that end He carried our sins and died for us on Calvary’s cross. Now, all who recognize Him as their risen Savior and believe in His blood-bought atonement are saved.

But if we say we have no sins, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…and the Lord can’t save those who maintain they’ve done nothing from which to be saved.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, we confess our many sins and rejoice in the forgiveness won for us by the Savior. May others join us is humble acknowledgment of their shortcomings and the Savior’s success in saving them. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
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Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written John Johnson for Newser on January 25, 2019.  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/270403/she-logged-in-for-microsoft-job-interview-one-problem.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers

TITLE: Your Valentine
DATE: February 12, 2019
TEXT: Leviticus 19:17-18 | ESV |- You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Well, this week we are celebrating Valentine's Day.

For many people that means cupids, cards and candies. It should be more.

In the Muslim countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran and Saudi Arabia the 'decadent' Christian holiday of love is forbidden. The giving of roses, the sharing of candies in heart-shaped boxes, associating with a member of the opposite sex who is not a relative ,are all crimes which  can carry severe physical and financial punishments.

Of course those countries associate Valentine’ celebrations with physical love. If my reading of history is on the money, I think Valentine would be disappointed.

According to the ancient legends, and a legend is all I can say this is …

Valentine was a young Christian priest who lived in ancient Rome during the reign of Claudius II.

His was an age when young Roman men were not overly eager to leave home and hearth to fight in the emperor's unpopular, and seemingly unceasing wars. According to the tradition, the emperor placed a ban on marriage for all of Rome's young men. His opinion was, if his men didn't have a love connection to wife and family, they would more readily march away to distant lands.

Valentine felt sorry for the unhappy Christian men and their sweethearts, so he secretly and illegally performed a large number of Christian marriages. Eventually his compassion for these people placed him in prison.
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Now outside Valentine's cell window was a cluster of violets. Valentine picked some of the heart-shaped leaves and painstakingly pierced them to spell the words, "Remember your Valentine loves you."

Then he would drop those leaves, carrying the reflected message of Jesus' love, to the streets below.

Valentine’s tradition ends with the Emperor ordering his execution. Ultimately, Valentine was put to death because of his faith in the Savior.

Valentine died knowing that in the Bethlehem manger, God, in the Person of His Son, our Savior, had sent humanity a message which says, “I love you.”

Valentine lived knowing that on the terrible cross of Calvary, as His Son carried our manifold sins, God sent a message which said, “I love you.”

At Resurrection Sunday's empty tomb, God sent a message of love which said not death or life, nothing in all creation, can separate us from the love of God which comes to us in Christ Jesus.

And this Valentine's week, God continues to send the message which says, “I love you.”
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I rejoice in the Savior Who is Your message of love to a sinful and disobedient world. May His love shine brightly so all may know how much You care. This I ask in the Savior’s Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: Remember Who You Are
DATE: February 11, 2019
TEXT: Luke 1: 14-15 - “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.”
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The question was, “Who is the greatest?” It was a question Jesus answered when He said, “John the Baptist.” Before John was born, a prophesying angel had said: “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” (Lk 1: 14-15)

To be ‘great in God’s eyes’ is no small recommendation.

But the angel’s promise was certified by Jesus, when, in Matthew, the Savior said: “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John…” (11:11a) Years ago when I first read Jesus’ words, I wondered, “Why is John the greatest? After all, he wasn’t the father of nations like Abraham; he didn’t separate the Red Sea like Moses; escape the lion’s den as had Daniel; call down fire on a sacrifice like Elijah; or  avoid being roasted like Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego.

What did John do to earn the title, ‘greatest?’ He didn’t write Psalms like King David; he didn’t build a temple like Solomon. What did he do that was so right? I mean if I want to be great in God’s eyes, what should I copy? It’s a hard question. Hard, because, when the Bible tells of John, it gets pretty stingy with details and sparing with verses.

John can’t be called “the greatest” because of his eccentric looks, eating habits or clothing. Go to Hollywood Boulevard and you will see all kinds of people who beat John in those areas. His message can’t be it. After all, it was always the same:  ‘Don’t forget you are sinners. If you are to be saved it will only be by the grace of God and through the sacrifice of the Savior.’, John wasn’t the greatest because he always said things which people found appealing.

“So, Pastor”, I can almost hear you asking, “I’ve stayed with you this long, what’s the answer? Why was John the greatest?”

Now before I give you my reply, I have to tell you that there are many scholars, wiser men than myself, who will disagree with me. Still, I’ve spent some time thinking about the matter, and I’m not ashamed to share my conclusion: I think John is called ‘the greatest’ because he never forgot who he was, and just as importantly he always remembered who Jesus was.
Would you like that one more time? John never forgot who he was; and he always remembered who Jesus was.

Don’t think that’s a big deal? Then remember Adam and Eve forgot. In their desire for greatness they tried to usurp God’s authority and ate of the forbidden tree. Abraham thought he could do a better job at providing an heir for himself than God could. Famous men like Moses, Samson, David, Solomon and others, a who’s-who of famous names from Scripture, forgot who they were.

But John never did. He never forgot that his job was to prepare the way for the Savior.

And our job? We dare never forget our job… you remember how Luther said it: “for all of which it is my duty to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him.”
Oh, yeah, this is most certainly true.

THE PRAYER: Lord I may be given many jobs to do and roles to play during my life. Grant that I may always remember it is my job to be thankful to You and my Savior Who have brought about forgiveness and my soul’s salvation. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
DATE: February 10, 2019
TEXT: Psalm 103:2- (ESV) - 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
​
We are coming up to Valentine’s Day and I assume you have laid in your supply of Sweethearts. You remember Sweethearts. I’m speaking about those chalky, pastel colored, candy valentines which had a little message printed on them.
I guess that’s a sneaky way to begin a devotion.

You see I know you haven’t bought your Sweethearts because, for the first time since 1886, Sweethearts aren’t sitting on the store shelves… and they’re not sitting on the store shelves because they haven’t been made.

And why haven’t they been made?

Simple, those candies have always been manufactured by The New England Confectionary Company (NECCO), Sadly, last Spring, the company filed for bankruptcy protection. In May Spangler Candy Company bought NECCO, but they didn’t have time to get the Sweethearts to the market.

Hopefully next year they will be back...but who knows.

As I sit and look back at my life, I see a great many things which I thought would be around forever, but are not. Great companies have gone the way of the passenger pigeon. Let’s see, there’s Amoco and Enron and RadioShack, Pan Am, TWA and U.S. Airways. There’s Blockbuster, Woolworths and Borders.

In making up a listing of the dearly departed, I dare not forget the automobile brands which have disappeared in recent years; Let’s see a partial list would include: AMC, Mercury,  Oldsmobile, Plymouth,   Pontiac, Saab and Hummer.

Understand, this devotion is not a complaint about change. Change is just a part of life. Some changes are good and others, not so much so. No, this devotion is about taking things for granted. It’s making the assumption that things will just always continue on the way they are… it’s believing what is here today will also be here tomorrow.
And that’s just not so.

You are a rare person if you haven’t mourned the departure of someone who was dear and close to you. Sure, you know people don’t live forever, but you kind of just naturally assumed they would always be there. Then one day, you woke up and found they were gone.

I’m afraid that same type of thing can happen to Jesus.

People grow up with Jesus and assume He will always be around. Sadly as teen-agers many don’t pay Him much attention and as a young adult Jesus isn’t pushy. Without any decision being made; without anyone noticing, slowly Jesus just sort of faded away. Nobody can say when He disappeared from a heart, but it’s obvious, He has disappeared.

So, is there a cure? I believe there is. Once a day, just for a minute or two stand at the stable, kneel at the cross and laugh by the empty tomb.  If that is done, I doubt if anybody would let Jesus disappear.

 THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You remembered me throughout Your life. Not once did You ever forget my salvation was depending upon You. May I, in appreciation, keep my thanks of You in the forefront of my heart. In Your Name I ask it. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Newser editors on January 14, 2019 .  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.breakpoint.org/2019/01/the-problem-with-the-forever-home/

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
DATE: February 10, 2019
TEXT: Psalm 103:2- (ESV) - 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
​
We are coming up to Valentine’s Day and I assume you have laid in your supply of Sweethearts. You remember Sweethearts. I’m speaking about those chalky, pastel colored, candy valentines which had a little message printed on them.
I guess that’s a sneaky way to begin a devotion.

You see I know you haven’t bought your Sweethearts because, for the first time since 1886, Sweethearts aren’t sitting on the store shelves… and they’re not sitting on the store shelves because they haven’t been made.

And why haven’t they been made?

Simple, those candies have always been manufactured by The New England Confectionary Company (NECCO), Sadly, last Spring, the company filed for bankruptcy protection. In May Spangler Candy Company bought NECCO, but they didn’t have time to get the Sweethearts to the market.

Hopefully next year they will be back...but who knows.

As I sit and look back at my life, I see a great many things which I thought would be around forever, but are not. Great companies have gone the way of the passenger pigeon. Let’s see, there’s Amoco and Enron and RadioShack, Pan Am, TWA and U.S. Airways. There’s Blockbuster, Woolworths and Borders.

In making up a listing of the dearly departed, I dare not forget the automobile brands which have disappeared in recent years; Let’s see a partial list would include: AMC, Mercury,  Oldsmobile, Plymouth,   Pontiac, Saab and Hummer.

Understand, this devotion is not a complaint about change. Change is just a part of life. Some changes are good and others, not so much so. No, this devotion is about taking things for granted. It’s making the assumption that things will just always continue on the way they are… it’s believing what is here today will also be here tomorrow.

And that’s just not so.

You are a rare person if you haven’t mourned the departure of someone who was dear and close to you. Sure, you know people don’t live forever, but you kind of just naturally assumed they would always be there. Then one day, you woke up and found they were gone.

I’m afraid that same type of thing can happen to Jesus.

People grow up with Jesus and assume He will always be around. Sadly as teen-agers many don’t pay Him much attention and as a young adult Jesus isn’t pushy. Without any decision being made; without anyone noticing, slowly Jesus just sort of faded away. Nobody can say when He disappeared from a heart, but it’s obvious, He has disappeared.

So, is there a cure? I believe there is. Once a day, just for a minute or two stand at the stable, kneel at the cross and laugh by the empty tomb.  If that is done, I doubt if anybody would let Jesus disappear.

 THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You remembered me throughout Your life. Not once did You ever forget my salvation was depending upon You. May I, in appreciation, keep my thanks of You in the forefront of my heart. In Your Name I ask it. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Newser editors on January 14, 2019 .  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.breakpoint.org/2019/01/the-problem-with-the-forever-home/

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: Church Goin’
DATE: February 9, 2019
TEXT: Acts 2:42 (ESV) - 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
​
The oldest lady I have ever buried was 104-years-old. She could remember covered wagons stopping at her parent’s farm in Nebraska to water their oxen… and she remembered men landing on the moon. Now that was a lady who had seen some changes in her life.

I guess all of us have seen changes. I can remember when getting your driver’s license was an important part of growing up. Now, I suspect, getting your first cell-phone is just as significant.

I can remember when our school got its first computer… an Apple which had 64K of memory. As Principal Keith Lund and I played Oregon Trail with its stick figures moving across the screen, he observed, “Who could ask for anything more?”
I can even remember when public school kids in America prayed and Russian kids were unbelievers. Now the Christian religion is offered in all Russian schools and in the U.S. of A. it is banned.

Still, of all the changes I’ve seen, one of the biggest is the number of Christians who “believe for themselves” and maintain it is unnecessary to join a church or a Christian congregation. There are a number of arguments they use to support their position:

• There are a lot of hypocrites in church and belonging hasn’t helped them.

REPLY: The church isn’t a museum where saints who have achieved perfection are put on display rather, it is a hospital where the Lord provides healing and help body, mind and soul.

• Because of Jesus, we are free and no longer bound by the law.

REPLY: That’s true. But no law commanding worship should be necessary. No law is necessary to get a young man in love to spend time with his sweetheart. Indeed, if he doesn’t desire to spend time with her, I would question the depth, quality and existence of his love. So, too for someone who says He loves Jesus, but doesn’t wish to spend time with the Savior or His family.

• I know what I believe, and don’t need to argue or fight with others who believe differently.

REPLY: I’m glad you know what you believe. But tell me, does what you believe harmonize with what the Lord teaches or asks of His people… you know, things like worshipping together, taking Communion, taking the Gospel to unbelievers and supporting those around you who are in need.

• I can worship God better in a woods, or fishing, or on a golf course, than I can in church.

REPLY: Private worship, devotion and meditation is a wonderful thing and I’m glad the Lord is with you when the big one gets away at your favorite lake, or when you miss that 9-inch putt on the golf course. But worship is not just what you get from a sermon, from singing a hymn or saying a prayer. Worship is you giving to others.  It is your heart joining with others in confession of sins or faith; it is your presence which shows you are voting for Jesus; it is your contribution which added to that of others helps keeps the message moving into the world.

AND FINALLY: We worship together because the Lord has asked us to:  “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  (Heb 10: 24-25 – ESV)

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, by the Holy Spirit’s power I have become a member of the family of faith.  Now may I live as a responsible member of that family, doing all I can to thank my Savior and help my brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by by: G. Shane Morris on January 7, 2019 for Breakpoint. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.breakpoint.org/2019/01/church-membership-isnt-optional/

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: Church Goin’
DATE: February 9, 2019
TEXT: Acts 2:42 (ESV) - 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
​
The oldest lady I have ever buried was 104-years-old. She could remember covered wagons stopping at her parent’s farm in Nebraska to water their oxen… and she remembered men landing on the moon. Now that was a lady who had seen some changes in her life.

I guess all of us have seen changes. I can remember when getting your driver’s license was an important part of growing up. Now, I suspect, getting your first cell-phone is just as significant.

I can remember when our school got its first computer… an Apple which had 64K of memory. As Principal Keith Lund and I played Oregon Trail with its stick figures moving across the screen, he observed, “Who could ask for anything more?”

I can even remember when public school kids in America prayed and Russian kids were unbelievers. Now the Christian religion is offered in all Russian schools and in the U.S. of A. it is banned.

Still, of all the changes I’ve seen, one of the biggest is the number of Christians who “believe for themselves” and maintain it is unnecessary to join a church or a Christian congregation. There are a number of arguments they use to support their position:

• There are a lot of hypocrites in church and belonging hasn’t helped them.

REPLY: The church isn’t a museum where saints who have achieved perfection are put on display rather, it is a hospital where the Lord provides healing and help body, mind and soul.

• Because of Jesus, we are free and no longer bound by the law.

REPLY: That’s true. But no law commanding worship should be necessary. No law is necessary to get a young man in love to spend time with his sweetheart. Indeed, if he doesn’t desire to spend time with her, I would question the depth, quality and existence of his love. So, too for someone who says He loves Jesus, but doesn’t wish to spend time with the Savior or His family.

• I know what I believe, and don’t need to argue or fight with others who believe differently.

REPLY: I’m glad you know what you believe. But tell me, does what you believe harmonize with what the Lord teaches or asks of His people… you know, things like worshipping together, taking Communion, taking the Gospel to unbelievers and supporting those around you who are in need.

• I can worship God better in a woods, or fishing, or on a golf course, than I can in church.

REPLY: Private worship, devotion and meditation is a wonderful thing and I’m glad the Lord is with you when the big one gets away at your favorite lake, or when you miss that 9-inch putt on the golf course. But worship is not just what you get from a sermon, from singing a hymn or saying a prayer. Worship is you giving to others.  It is your heart joining with others in confession of sins or faith; it is your presence which shows you are voting for Jesus; it is your contribution which added to that of others helps keeps the message moving into the world.

AND FINALLY: We worship together because the Lord has asked us to:  “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  (Heb 10: 24-25 – ESV)

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, by the Holy Spirit’s power I have become a member of the family of faith.  Now may I live as a responsible member of that family, doing all I can to thank my Savior and help my brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by by: G. Shane Morris on January 7, 2019 for Breakpoint. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.breakpoint.org/2019/01/church-membership-isnt-optional/

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

 

TITLE: Corruption
DATE: February 8, 2019
TEXT: Ps 16:10 -  ESV -  you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,  or let your holy one see corruption
Acts 2:27 – ESV - or you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.
Acts 13:35 – ESV - Therefore he says also in another psalm, “‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’

These verses, one of prophecy and two of fulfillment. All state that after Jesus died, His body would not decay. Now hearing that piece of news might not seem like a big deal to you… but it was something pretty important in the ancient world.
For example, according to the historians, Alexander the Great was supposed to have been a god, the son of Zeus. And where did that belief come from?

• First, Alexander’s mother always taught him that Zeus, not Phillip of Macedon was his father.
• Second, the priests of Egypt at Siwa told him the same thing.
• Third, his incredible generalship and many conquests made him seem godlike… AND
• Lastly, Alexander’s body did not decay for six days after he died. (Remember Lazarus body “stinketh” after only four-days.

So, was Alexander a god like Jesus? And if not, how can you explain what happened after Alexander died? Well, Daily Devotioners there is an answer being put forth by Dr. Katherine Hall of Otago’s Durnedin School of Medicine.
Very simply, she says Alexander wasn’t dead.

Dr Hall thinks Alexander came down with the neurological disorder Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), GBS would produce the symptoms observed by those who were at the General’s end. Amongst those signs would be progressive, symmetrical paralysis and a reduced need for oxygen.

In contrast to Alexander, we have Jesus the only Son of God. Is it possible Jesus was buried alive and then revived in the cool dampness of His borrowed tomb.

The simple answer is: “No, it’s not possible.”

Why? Very simple:  people don’t recover from being beaten, scourged spit upon beaten some more, being crowned with thorns, nailed to a cross and then stabbed in the heart with a Roman spear…

And remember if a Roman prisoner escaped or avoided the finality of crucifixion, the solders assigned to do the task would have been forfeiting their own lives. If Alexander had suffered as Jesus did, his body would have truly been dead… and he wasn’t going to come back.

The point we are driving at is, “You can call any number of people ‘Great.’” Some of them may be worthy of the title when they are measured by the standards and rules of humankind, but, only Jesus was the Son of God; only Jesus could carry humanity’s sins and only Jesus could lay down His life and then take it up again.

All of which means, the title behind Jesus’ Name is not “Great”; it is Jesus, the Savior.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I rejoice that I have been introduced to and have been brought to faith in Jesus. It is Your Son, my Savior, Who has defeated sin, death and devil so I might be saved. Grant this transforming faith, dear Lord, to others. In the Savior’s Name I ask it. Amen

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written b Kate Seaons for Newser on January 23, 2019.  Those who wish may check out  link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/270323/theory-alexander-the-great-alive-for-6-days-after-death.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers.

TITLE: Your Business Is
DATE: February 7, 2019
TEXT: Rom 12: 4-8 – ESV - For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads  with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
​
Two years before I was born, (1946) Truett Cathy, owner of Chick-fil-A, decided his restaurant would be closed on Sundays to give his employees a chance to rest and worship. His son, Dan, has continued the practice.
Of course, rules have their exceptions.

• For example there was the time (Christmas 2015) when tornadoes ripped through Rowlett and Garland, Texas, Chick-fil-A employees spent their Sunday fixing and sharing free food for first responders and families whose homes had been damaged.
• In 2016, after the nightclub shootings in Orlando, Chick-fil-A Lee  teams volunteered their Sunday to feed first responders and blood donors.
• In  2017 a power outage stranded tens-of-thousands at Atlanta’s airport. At the request of Atlanta’s mayor, Chick-fil-A, led by their CEO, got their team together and fed a fair share of the folks who were stuck.

Now so far this sounds like an ad for Chick-Fil-A. It isn’t.

But I have to confess I was touched to hear about a 14-year-old from Alabama who has autism and cerebral-palsy. With limited speech, Elijah Sprague had not been expected to see his first birthday. He has surprised the experts. Now, to celebrate this year’s birthday, Elijah had one wish….

He wanted to work the drive thru window at the local Chick-fil-A.

The store’s manager and owner agreed that was a birthday wish which ought to become reality.

And so it came to pass that on a Sunday afternoon near his birthday Elijah was seated at Chic-fil-A’s window serving the customers. True, the menu had been limited to cookies and the price was reduced to “Free”, but that didn’t spoil the mood for Elijah or the 40+ cars that he served that day.

That’s 40+ cars driven by people who looked a lot like Elijah’s neighbors and friends and family.

Explaining these kind of events, the daughter of Chic-fil-A’s founder says, they don’t operate as if they’re in the “chicken business.” Rather, they think of themselves as being “in the people business.”

You know, when Jesus walked this earth, many people thought He was in the “healing” business. There were some who thought He was in the “feeding-thousands-with-some-bread-and-fish-business. There were those who imagined Him to be in the “Teaching business”;and more than one considered Him to be in the “Political unrest” business.

The truth was Jesus was in the “Saving Souls From The Fires of Hell By Carrying the Sins Of And Substituting Himself For Sinners” business. It was a unique position created for Him and completed by Him. And now the risen Redeemer asks His people to get involved in the business of serving Him.

Which is how I got into the “I’m-Writing-Devotions-for-Jesus-business” and you are in the __________________________________________________. Business.  Sorry, I couldn’t hear that. Guess you are going to have to fill in that blank yourself.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are many different things which ask for my time, my heart, my interest and my involvement. Grant that I, more than anything else, may let people know I am in the Being-A-Good-Disciple-Of-Jesus business. In His Name I  pray. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by By Leah MarieAnn Klett, on January 15, 2019 for Christian Post.  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://www.christianpost.com/living/chick-fil-a-opens-sunday-to-fulfill-birthday-wish-of-boy-with-autism-cerebral-palsy.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: A Good Winner
DATE: February 6, 2019
TEXT: Romans 5:8 ESV - But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

High School Sophomore Marek Bush wrestles for Central Valley Academy located in New York.

Since Marek is already a state champion, there aren’t many other wrestlers who can give him a run for the money. One of those fellows who can still make a match very interesting is Logan Patterson, a junior from Indian River . Early in January, the two faced off against each other.

It was an epic battle. With 30 seconds left Marek was losing. But then Logan twisted his elbow. Twisted it so badly that the rest of the match belonged to Marek. The crowd knew how it would play out, so did Marek and Logan.

At least people thought they knew what would happen. They were wrong.  

Marek came out; told Logan he was sorry about his arm and shocked the crowd by conceding the match. Marek felt his action made him look like a weakling.  Most others have disagreed. For example…

• The crowd came to its feet and applauded what they had seen.
• Marek’s dad said, ‘"It's not about winning all the time, it's about doing what's right.
• The ref said, "He's no weakling, at all..I mean, state championships come and go but that -- you can't take that away from a kid."

I’m glad it played out that way for the young wrestler-sportsman.

Good deeds, as well as good intentions, aren’t always understood so clearly. If you doubt that statement, ask the Savior. Jesus Christ. True God and man, Jesus came into this world to fight for our souls.

As He lived His life, He healed many who were sick. He told stories which gave insight into the mind of the Lord; He resisted any and every temptation, and He told anyone who would listen that they could be forgiven and saved if they had faith in Him as their Redeemer.

In spite of all the good Jesus did, there weren’t many who applauded Him and there weren’t many who said He was doing right. Instead they called Him a liar, demon-possessed, a traitor, a Samaritan and a devil. And then… and then they crucified Him.

In spite of how most of humanity felt, there was One Person Who was pleased with Jesus. Our heavenly Father, the Originator of the salvation plan, approved of His Son’s work and on the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead., It was an action which says to all: In Christ there is salvation.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, may I always see You clearly as my One and Only Hope for forgiveness and eternal life. Seeing Your grace may I always sing Your praises. In Your Name I pray. Amen. 

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Steve Hartman on January 22, 2019 for CBSNEWS.IMC. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news/why-a-champion-high-school-wrestler-surrendered-a-match-he-could-have-won/ar-BBSrkij

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers