TITLE: Getting It Right
DATE: November 30, 2018
TEXT: Acts 10:38b-40 - (ESV) – (Jesus) went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did…They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day…”
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In Australia, terrorist Hassan Khalif Shire Ali had been quite successful in wielding his knife. Two people were dead, two others were wounded. It was a “target-rich” environment as people gathered to see what was going on.

One of the newcomers to the scene was a homeless man by the name of Michael Rogers.

Having made a quick assessment of the situation, Rogers grabbed a trolley (what we in the US of A call a shopping cart, and pushed it at Ali. Although Ali was stunned and shocked, he didn’t go down. No, he staggered across the street where Rogers clobbered him again with that same trolley.

The end result of the encounter was Ali was eventually shot and killed by the police and Australia started to praise Michael Rogers, proclaiming him to be a modern-day hero.

Speaking both candidly and honestly, Rogers replies, “I’m no hero.” Indeed, if you look at his past, you would be compelled to agree. Consider…

• His mother was an addict who found herself unfit for the raising of her son.
• Rogers, himself got into drugs and found himself walking on the wrong side of the law.
• He was partly raised by his grandmother, but he often disappointed this “dearest lady.”
• When she died in 2013 he was in prison for aggravated burglary.
• Even now he says of himself, “I’m 46, mate. I’ve got to get me act together.”

In spite of his checkered past and all his denials, when the terrorist began to slash at random individuals, Michael Rogers did get his act together. He stepped forward and took a stand. Part of the reason Michael did what he did was to please grandma. Thinking of her he said, “She would have been exceptionally proud.”

But there’s something else Michael said… something else you should hear. Trying to discover for himself the main motivator for his action, Michael reflected, "I just wanted to help and do something right for the first time in my life."

Well, the people of Australia have looked at the video of this event and wish to encourage and thank Michael so he may continue to do what is right. As this devotion was being written, over $130,000 had been raised to help this homeless hero.
It is a proper response. Of course, not all responses are as proper.

For example, consider the response to our Savior. Unlike Michael, Jesus didn’t do just one or two good deeds. No, not at all. His entire life was spent doing good. He healed the sick, gave peace to those who were troubled, raised the dead, freed the possessed, was a Friend to the lonely; and a Defender of the weak.

And what response did all of Jesus’ good-deed doing bring forth from the hearts and minds of His contemporaries?  

Simply stated, they hatred Him. Their hatred showed itself most obviously when Jesus was arrested, unjustly tried and wrongfully crucified. It was the greatest miscarriage of justice this world has ever seen. Thankfully, the Heavenly Father used His Son’s sacrifice to rescue lost souls and damned humanity. With Jesus’ resurrection, the Lord kept His promise to rescue sinners who are brought to faith in the Savior.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that I may do things right… and if possible, let some of those right things be pointing people to their Savior. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Neal Colgrass for Newser on November 11, 2018. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active:  http://www.newser.com/story/267102/homeless-guy-who-hit-terrorist-im-no-hero.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 Rest of the Story – WWI Finale
DATE: November 28, 2018
TEXT: Ephesians 1:7  - ESV - 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
On November 11, 1918, the Germans, Brits and French signed the armistice to end WWI. The Germans wanted an immediate cease fire; the French pushed for the 11th hour of the 11th day. That was partly to get word to the front lines, but also because it was kind of symbolic, almost poetic.
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The 6-hours between the signing and the actual ending cost 3,000 men their lives.

The list of dead would include American Henry Gunther who was the last of the 320 Americans to die that morning.  Here’s Henry’s story.

Henry was the grandson of German immigrants. At home he worked in a bank and was engaged to be married. He was sent to France in July of 1918 with the rank of Sergeant. Sadly, some military censors read a letter he wrote to a friend back home urging him to avoid serving in the military.

That letter got Henry stripped of rank. When his fiancée heard of the demotion, she dumped him.

Henry changed after that. Once fun loving and amiable, Henry withdrew. He volunteered for dangerous jobs like running messages to the front. He was shot in the hand and that injury could have taken him home, but Henry stayed till the end.

That end came on the morning of November 11th when word arrived telling Henry and his unit to stay put. Don’t retreat; don’t advance… just stay where you are for another 16-minutes.
Henry didn’t listen.

Germans manning a machine gun saw an individual stand up in the America lines. With his bayonet fixed to his rifle, the soldier stood up and charged. Henry’s comrades called him back; the Germans told him to stop. Henry did neither.  The Germans fired five-rounds from their machine gun. It hit Henry in the temple.

Henry died immediately…10:59.

Now some will say Henry used the last minutes of the war to commit suicide. Most of his comrades thought he was trying to make amends, trying to restore his honor, trying to redeem his name and his reputation for himself and the people back home.

It was a gesture which succeeded, at least in part. In 1923 Henry received the Distinguished Service Star and was posthumously reinstated to the rank of Sergeant.

Have you ever done something wrong and then tried to set it right by doing something right? Have you ever hurt, or offended someone else; have you ever shamed or embarrassed yourself and felt you had to do something to make your misaction go away?

Have you ever, like Henry, tried to redeem yourself?

In front of fellow sinners, redeeming yourself is a difficult thing to do. Redeeming yourself before the Lord is an impossibility. We simply don’t have the means to completely remove the black stains of sin which have besmirched our souls.

Which is why we need a Savor to make a sacrifice for us. Such a sacrifice was made by Jesus throughout His life, in His suffering, death and eternity-changing resurrection. Now because of what Jesus has done, Paul could write: “ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I rejoice in a Savior Who has restored me to Your favor and the family of faith. Be with me so that I might offer the confidence of being redeemed by Christ to others who, this day, are still lost. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Christopher Klein on November 11, 2018 for History. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active:  https://www.history.com/news/world-war-i-armistice-last-american-death
 
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

 

ITLE: A Sure Cure
DATE: November 28, 2018
TEXT: Romans 5:17 (ESV)  For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
People often ask me, “Pastor, don’t you think we are living in the last times?”

For various reasons, not the least of which is things aren’t bad enough yet’, I respond in the negative.

On the other hand, if someone were to have asked me that same question during one of the appearances of the Black Plague, my answer might be much, much different. Consider:

• a person could be feeling fine at breakfast and be dead by lunch;
• five members of a family could die, and the sixth could be spared;
• an entire village could be wiped out and the next village would be untouched
• Worst of all… nobody knew why any of this was happening. 

​Of course, nowadays we have Ebola substituting for the plague. Right now there is a new resurgence of the disease in the Congo. Like past outbreaks, this one has managed to take the lives of hundreds. Unlike past outbreaks, this one is not easily controlled.
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While past outbreaks were in rural areas, this one is in places more densely populated. Along with that, health care workers are going to areas of rebel activity and being met by villagers who don’t trust them. Things have become so bad some officials are publicly saying they may not be able to stomp out this outbreak. 
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I hope they are wrong.

Of course, if we want to talk about plague, pestilence and mortality rates, we dare not forget the ravages of sin. It is hard to imagine that there was a time when the world was a perfect place filled with perfect people. But then, through the willing disobedience of our first ancestors, that perfection was lost. Humanity disobeyed their Creator and death became our lot. 
As Paul wrote to the Romans (5:12) “by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin.”

Yes, the plague of death had been introduced into the world and our future fate was sealed.  Even today death remains a condition for which human resources and research can offer no hope. On our own we have been frustrated and helpless to find a cure from the condemnation which results from our many transgressions.

Thankfully, we are not on our own.

Seeing our sad and sorry situation, the Lord decided to do everything which was necessary to rescue us. To that end He sent His Son into this world. Here Jesus spent His life winning that cure which is 100% effective in saving those who had been infected by sin.  When His work is placed into a believing human heart the healing is instant and complete.

Believing in that cure, John wrote: ‘the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.’ (1 Jn 1:7) Thank God it does.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks that we who were once hopeless have been given hope; those who once were destined for death are given Jesus’ blood-bought cure. May we always be thankful for this undeserved gift of life. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.

The story upon which this Daily Devotion is based was written November 11, 2018 and carried by AlJazeera. The website where the parent article can be found is: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/drc-ebola-outbreak-worst-country-recorded-history-181110141022940.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

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TITLE: The Best
DATE: November 27, 2018
TEXT: Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) - 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 

Just a few weeks ago I was told I had to figure out who was the best political candidate for office. Now I’m being told that I have to figure out the best brand of hover board to give to a grandchild for Christmas. The search for “the best” is ongoing.

You see, all of us are continuously being asked to discern what is best.

That being said, it is a sad commentary on our generation that so many people believe there is a “best” when it comes to  schools, political candidates, perfumes, under arm deodorant, washing soaps, shampoos, razor blades, beer, and fast food places, but still think all gods are alike, who maintain it makes no difference what they believe.

There are millions who think every road is going to take them to heaven.

Which is why we Christians do our best to help people discern that Jesus is best.

• We say to the world, “Let your eyes be opened. See clearly that the world’s religions, every one of them, with the lone exception of Christianity, promotes a god who demands, with fierce anger, and fiery threats, that his followers earn their own salvation.”
• Every other religion says, “You must struggle, and strive, and stumble to work your way up to god.”
• See the truth: only Christianity shows God’s grace; only Christianity shows the Lord’s love; only Christianity has a Savior; only Christianity speaks of His suffering and sacrifice which have won salvation for all who believe.
• See the truth. See the Savior. Who has kept the laws we have broken, rejected the temptations that have tripped us, and defeated death’s damnation which we have deserved. Have your eyes opened to Jesus Who has the only Name that saves.

Jesus is the only name that saves.

Wow! That says a lot. Today, it’s fashionable to be open-minded. Being open-minded sounds so modern, so sophisticated, so in tune with the times. But have you noticed that open-mindedness seems to be confined completely to things like faith, salvation and morality?

Look, there are a lot of places where people aren’t open-minded.

We aren’t open-minded when it comes to paying our taxes. Nobody has ever said to Uncle Sam, “Here’s my bank account, take what you want.” Yes, I know it feels like we do that, but the truth is, we want to pay what we owe, and not a penny more.

We’re not open-minded when it comes to medicine. Nobody goes to a doctor and says, “Doc, I’ve been diagnosed with a liver tumor. Could you give me some of those pretty pink pills? No, I don’t know what those pills do, but I like the color, and besides, I believe one pill is as good as another.” We want the right medicine, in the right dosage.

Similarly, the Lord wants His people to discern what is best; He wants them to acknowledge Jesus as their Savior, their Substitute; their Redeemer and their Lord. He wants us to help them discern what God has done for them in Bethlehem, at Calvary and at that borrowed tomb.

He wants us to help them see the Savior as being the best, the only Redeemer.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there is no one like You; no one like Your Son, my Savior. Let me always see that He is not just the “best” Savior; He is the “only” Savior. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

TITLE: The Real Jesus
DATE: November 26, 2018
TEXT: Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) -18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 
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It wasn’t so very long ago I was talking with a fellow about his non-involvement with Church.

When I asked him, “Why?”, his answer was a pretty simple one: He said, “Church is boring.” I had to concede… I, too have  been at some churches where the best I could do was stay awake. Even so, I suggested his comment, “Church is boring” might be a gross generalization. “After all”, I replied, “You haven’t been to every church, you can only speak about the ones you attended.  

To his credit, the fellow did back up… a little bit. But even then he maintained most Christian worship was a boring Christian preacher telling his boring congregation to be even more boring.

In truth, today there is a widespread opinion that Jesus was boring, that is the ancient world’s version of meek and mild Mr. Rogers (who was a very nice and very mellow guy.)?

To be totally fair, the folks back then who counted themselves as enemies of the Christ, that is the high priestly family, along with the Jewish Supreme Court, the Sanhedrin, never used those adjectives to describe the Redeemer. On the contrary, the very people who most hated, vilified, persecuted and were most responsible for crucifying the Christ, thought Him too extreme to be safe; too dangerous to let live.

Shortly after Jesus had performed the most significant miracle of His career, that is the raising of Lazarus from the dead, these leaders went into a panic. The Gospel of John (11:47-48) reports how “the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

No, Jesus was not boring to them. On the contrary, He was so dangerous they felt that He could, if left unchecked, destroy their way of life and their nation.

So, was Jesus boring and irrelevant to them?

Not hardly. It has been left to later generations to demote the Savior and wrap Him in robes of dingy dullness. When He walked among us, Jesus stilled storms and healed lepers. He resurrected and restored a son to his mother and a daughter to her father. He fed thousands with a few loaves and fish, and ripped demons from their victims and unceremoniously sent them back to hell. Not once but twice He forcefully cleansed the temple of those who were desecrating it.  He threw out man-made laws, and restored the love of the Lord to His people.

Amazing, the world has still made Jesus bland and boring.

It’s a position where he will not stay. Jesus is not going to fit the world’s mold.” And it’s true. In ancient times, He was the Savior who gave a thrashing to Satan; but not to the Romans as everybody expected.

Today, Jesus, refuses to be confined and contained by the boring “meek and mild” mold into which the world tries to force Him. Remember, what the Apostle’s Creed says about Him. The fellow Whose glorious resurrection showed He had the power and the authority to defeat death is also the Fellow Who is going to come back to Judge the living and the dead.
In these next weeks of Advent we shall take a serious look at the many facets of God’s Son, our Savior, Who has come to seek and save the lost.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord I give thanks that You, and not me, are in control. For the Savior’s sacrifice; for His resisting of temptation and for His defeat of death, I am most grateful. May I help the world to see Jesus as loving Savior and fair-minded, forceful Judge. This I ask in His Name. Amen. 

TITLE: A Thanksgiving Post Mortem
DATE: November 25, 2018
TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 –ESV- 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Well, my friends, no sooner had the Thanksgiving leftovers been put in the fridge and my mailbox started to fill with reports about all kinds of things which had happened on our holiday of gratitude.

• I received reports of school classes where students had been told Thanksgiving was when the pilgrims were thankful to the Indians for their kindness. No mention was made of God, or the faith of these early settlers.

Now, I deeply respect the kindness, the often unappreciated benevolence of the Native Americans who welcomed those settlers. Even so, to put the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe of Massachusetts in the place of Lord is not right.

• I got a report of how, years ago, in the hall of Congress, there hung a picture of the founding fathers gathered in worship. The picture has been removed.

I have little doubt Governor Bradford of Plymouth Colony would approve. He and his compatriots had left everything to follow Christ. Theirs was a costly decision. During December of their first winter, six people died; in January, eight more passed away. In February, seventeen breathed their last and in March, 13 were buried. Four entire families were wiped out and only one family made it through that first winter without losing someone. Of the eighteen married women, 13 died.

In spite of these losses, after that first winter, after the first harvest, Governor Bradford called for a day of Thanksgiving which lasted three days. Sincerely and without cynicism they gave thanks to God, not to the Indians; they praised the Savior, not their native neighbors.

The pilgrims understood the words of St. Paul who, centuries before had shared this Spirit-inspired encouragement; to the church in Thessalonica. He said, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
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And for those of you who are thinking, “Easy for Paul to say. What did he know of job security and trying to live on a senior citizen’s fixed income?” Well, Paul knew a lot about the troubles.

Writing to the church in Corinth, Paul gave a litany of the difficulties he had encountered; which he had endured. He says, ‘Five times I received…39 lashes…; three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea…” He said he had been ‘in danger from rivers, in danger from robbers, in danger from Jews and Gentiles, in danger in the city, in the wilderness, at sea and from false prophets. He had gone many nights without sleep, lived through hunger, thirst, cold and exposure.” (Paraphrase 2 Corinthians 11)

In spite of all that, Paul could encourage, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”

Understand, the thanksgiving Paul had, and encouraged in others, was for the sinless Son of God Who had come into this world to seek and save the lost; Who had been born to live a life which, by its perfection, would break down the insurmountable wall which sin had built to separate humanity from its loving Father.

Paul gave thanks as hundreds of millions of Christians give thanks, for a Savior Who, by His resurrection from the dead has guaranteed forgiveness and eternal life to all who are given faith.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the world may look upon Thanksgiving as a once-a-year event. Help me remember that even as Your grace and gifts are ongoing, my thanks and praise should be the same. This I pray 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: The Proper Time
DATE: November 24, 2018
TEXT: Psalm 90:12  (ESV) - 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
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For years Doris Mary Kappelhoff told people that she was born on April 3, 1924.

Surprise, surprise Doris Mary Kappelhoff was not born on April 3, 1924. That’s what the reporters of the Associated Press managed to glean at Ohio’s Office of Vital Statistics. No, they found out Doris Mary Kappelhoff came into this world on April 3, 1922.

Doris Day, whose real name is Doris Mary Kappelhoff, wasn’t upset to find out she’s actually 96. ”Age’, she says, “… is just a number and I have never paid much attention to birthdays, but it’s great to finally know how old I really am!”

In contrast to Doris we have Emile Ratelband who lives in the Netherlands. Emile knows exactly how old he is.

He has always known his birthday was March 11, 1949. The only problem is, Emile doesn’t want to be 69-years-old. Emile feels that being 69 causes him problems. For example, on dating sites nobody wants to look at, or go out with someone who is almost 70.

But it gets worse.

Emile says employers don’t want to hire someone who has reached that level of chronological seniority and loan companies aren’t exactly lining up to give him money to buy new cars or places in which to  live.
All-in-all, Emile doesn’t like getting old.

Which is why he has petitioned a Netherland’s court to make him young again. Yup, you heard that right. Emile wants the court to make him young; well, actually, “younger.”

More specifically he wants the court to make him 20-years younger. This they can do by changing his birth date from March 11, 1949 to March 11, 1969. In support of his petition, Emile says, “We live in a time when you can change your name and change your gender. Why can't I decide my own age?"

One of the judges wanted to know what should happen with the two decades Emile wants to jettison. His honor asked, “Who were your parents looking after then (from 1949 to 1969)? Who was that little boy?"

Now since I am just a little older than Emile, I am forced to confess I can sympathize with his frustration. Even so, I think his action would be opening up a scenario in which children could be younger than their parents and 18-year-olders would be claiming Social Security.

Far better for Emile, and all of us, to ask the Lord to teach us to number our days and grant us a heart which can always appreciate the salvation the Christ has won upon the cross AND the specific and ever-changing, age-appropriate graces which the Lord continues to bestow for our present ages and current times.

Perhaps the writer of Ecclesiastes said it best when he penned (Eccl 3: 1,13):  There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:… He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord through Jesus’ gifts and the Spirit’s power may I be granted contentment and peace. In Jesus I ask it. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by the BBC on November 8, 2018 . Those who wish to reference that article may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46133262
 
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: Catastrophe Averted
DATE: November 23 2018
TEXT: Psalm 121: 1, 2, 7, 8 (ESV) - I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord,  who made heaven and earth. 7 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

Gus Hutt is a New Zealand surf fisherman…you know the kind of guy who stands on shore and throws his bait and lures into the ocean’s shallow waters. Like most fisherfolk, over the years Gus has found some very special hotspots. As long as the fish keep biting in that hotspot, he will keep coming back.

Well, one of Gus’ favorite hotspots is in the surf right in front of Murphy’s Holiday Camp in Matata Beach, New Zealand. That’s where Gus should have been on the morning of October 26th. He should have been, but he wasn’t. No, on that morning he selected a new spot… a spot 100 yards further down the beach. Gus had just finished checking his lines when he spotted a porcelain doll which had been caught in the current and was headed out to deeper water.

Only it wasn’t a porcelain doll. Gus found that out when he picked the child up and he squeaked.

What had happened is this: the toddler and his parents were on holiday and camping at Murphy’s. While his parents were sleeping, the child unzipped his parent’s tent, crawled under a flap and managed to make his way to the water which began to carry him out to sea. Gus says, “If I hadn't been there, or if I had just been a minute later I wouldn't have seen him…He was bloody lucky, but he just wasn't meant to go; it wasn't his time."

The owner of the camp, Rebecca Salter, agreed with Gus when she said, it was a "freakish miracle" that the child was saved.

Now I don’t entirely agree with these comments. I don’t agree because I think they’re too narrow.
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While it is most obvious that the Lord has taken a special interest in this child, I also believe He does the same for each and every one of us. Think upon it….

• How many miles have you driven without an accident;
• how many stairs have you ascended and descended without a stumble or fall?
• How many beats has your heart made without ever taking a day off?
•  How many electrical devices have you turned on and off without receiving a life-ending shock?

Truly the Lord keeps us from evil as He preserves our lives.

But we dare not confine ourselves to narrowing His protection to the dangers of this world. The Lord also wishes to take care of us “forevermore.’ To that end He sent His only Son to be our Rescuer from sin, our Redeemer from the law’s condemnation; and our Substitute Who defeated death.

Now those who see Him with Holy Spirit given faith can join with the author of our Psalm and proclaim: My help comes from the Lord,  who made heaven and earth. 7 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, let my hours be marked by an increasing awareness of Your ongoing handiwork in my life. Fill my heart with gratitude for Your preservation in this world and salvation for the next. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Rob Quinn on November 5, 2018 for Newser. Those who wish to reference that article may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://www.newser.com/story/266827/fisherman-catches-escaped-baby.html

TITLE: A Good Smell
DATE:  November 22, 2018 – Thanksgiving Day
TEXT: Ephesians 5:1-2 - Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

To the best of my knowledge, in 1621, when the Pilgrims sat down with the Indians to celebrate the first dedicated Christian Thanksgiving, on what would someday become American soil, they did not use a microwave oven.

•  nor did they have a six burner gas stove with convection oven and
•  their food didn’t come prepackaged, dehydrated, homogenized, pasteurized or government inspected.

Of course, that first Thanksgiving had some things we do not.

For example, venison, a featured dish in 1621, is not being served up at the Klaushaus, this Thanksgiving. Nor are we going to be having eels and shellfish, clams and mussels. And although passenger pigeon could have been on the Pilgrim’s menu, the extinction of that once common bird keeps it from being placed on ours.

Thankfully, there is one shared food which has managed to bridge the centuries separating us and that food is turkey.
Today 92% of Americans are eating turkey.

Of course, any time you have that many people doing something, you can be sure some of them will get confused. To prevent such confusion is why Butterball Turkeys have set up a hotline. In recent years they have dealt with questions like the

•  …man who had cut his turkey in half with a chain saw. He wanted to know if the oil from the chain would adversely affect the taste of the turkey.
• …the woman who wondered why her turkey had no breast meat. (her bird was upside down.)
• …the individual who found a turkey dated 1969 in his father’s freezer. He wanted to know the best way to cook the 40+ year-old bird. (He was told, “Don’t. Go buy a new bird.”)

Truly, there are a great many foolish and silly calls which come to the Butterball hotline on Thanksgiving Day. But there is one call I would like you to think about for a few moments.

• This call was made by a mother whose daughter had asked if they could “slow roast” the turkey for three or four days. The reason: they both liked the way the turkey made the house smell.  (They were told it wouldn’t be a good idea to cook a turkey that long.)

I understood what that little girl and her mother were trying to do.

They were looking for a smell which was long lasting, which permeated every spot in the house. Their question got me to wondering…. Does the Bible say anything about God desiring such a thing?”Does our loving Lord wish for an odor which reaches into the most remote corners of heaven?

The answer is an emphatic, “Yes….. but maybe not what or where a person might expect. For example Psalm 51:6 tells us that the worship God really, wants is not going to be found in the making of many offerings. That s why David could say “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.”

If sacrifices aren’t what God wants, what is?  Paul lets us know in Ephesians 5:1. There he tells us that when we children of God do our best to imitate the sacrificing love, the gracious love, the complete love of Christ we, ourselves become a fragrant offering and a God-pleasing sacrifice.

It sounds like an idea which needs to be tried.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the devil would very much love to see us confine our thanks giving to one day in November. Forgive us when we fall for such a foolish suggestion. Recognizing that every good gift comes from you, may we live our lives in love and offer You our never ending thanks and praise. In Jesus’ Name I ask 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: Low Cost; Big Benefits
DATE: November 21, 2018
TEXT: Matthew 5:16 -  ESV - In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

John and Stella Chhan left Cambodia and came to America in 1979.

In ten years they had saved enough to buy their own business: Donut City on California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

An industrious couple, they have manned the place, which is open seven days a week, for over a quarter-century. Steadily they have built up a support base of many regular customers. That is, in part because Donut City’s prices aren’t out of line. They still charge 90-cents for a cake donut and $1.05 for glazed. Prices are comparable for muffins and cinnamon rolls. 
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In short, Donut City, along with John and Stella have become a fixture, a small part of the community which everyone expects to be there forever.

That’s what people expect… but it’s not necessarily what happens.

You see, lately Stella hasn’t been at her normal spot behind the counter. When customers asked about his wife’s absence, John explained she had felt dizzy when they attended a wedding last September.  An emergency run to the hospital revealed a bulging aneurysm. Almost simultaneously Stella became uncommunicative.

Stella stayed that way for two weeks. When she finally came around and the haze started to clear she was facing a long period of rehabilitation and relearning. Quite rightly, John was determined to be there as much as possible to help her along.

Now for you to understand what happened next I have to give you some information…

Donut City has always made a certain quota of their various products. The store stayed open until they ran out of things to sell. That was usually mid-to-late afternoon. Which caused a problem for John. Like we said, he wanted to be there for Stella. If the shelves weren’t empty, he didn’t get to go to see his bride until later.

That was the way it was until regular customer, Dawn Caviola found out what was going on.

Moved by her friends and their need, Dawn went on line and shared the story of John and Stella. Then she encouraged patrons to go to Donut City early and when they did; buy in quantity. In other words, Dawn wanted John and Stella’s customers to empty Donut City’s shelves as early as possible.

The idea caught on. Which explains how, the other day, John was headed up to see Stella by 10 AM.

2,000 years ago, when Jesus came to earth, a lot of prophetic pre-planning took place. Jesus’ time among us was marked by severe sacrifice, uncompromising commitment and total dedication to saving us. His suffering and death was filled with unrelenting pain. Still, Jesus endured it all so we might be forgiven and saved. 

Now, we who have been saved are asked to glorify our gracious God by following Jesus and letting our light shine before others. Of course, there is one very large difference between what we do for others and what Jesus did for us. Look closely and you will find most of our good deeds, like that of Dawn’s, are easy to do, make us feel good, and benefits those who give and those who receive.

Which is an encouragement to do all the good you can, as often as you can to as many as you can.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, we have been saved by Your Son our Lord. His sacrifice is beyond calculation and we shall always be in Your debt. Grant that we may show our gratitude in trying to reflect the love we have received in the good things we do to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by on November 4, 2018 by John Johnson for Newser Those who wish to reference that article may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://www.newser.com/story/266803/doughnuts-keep-selling-out-quickly-not-why-youd-expect.html
 
The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago  confirmands. It 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 Resurrection Like that of Jesus
DATE: November 20, 2018
TEXT: 1 Peter 1:2 (ESV) - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
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Kazakhstan’s Aigalia Supygaliev, henceforth known in this devotion as “Uncle Aigali” was a wandering kind of fellow. Without notice or even a “good-by” it was not unusual for Uncle Aigali to hit the road for a week or two at a time. During his absence there would be no calls, no letters, no emails revealing his whereabouts.

One day Uncle Aigali would be there and then he would be gone.

Which explains why, when the 63-year-old man disappeared this past June, his family didn’t worry. Indeed, a full month passed before the relatives thought it advisable to call the police and report Uncle Aigali was missing.

It didn’t take too long for officers to return with bad news.

They had found a charred body and, after investigation, their forensics team had concluded, with 99.2% certainly, that the remains were those of Uncle Aigali. The family immediately went into mourning for their wandering Uncle. The obituary was published; a visitation was held, a funeral service was completed and the remains were buried.
After that, the still-mourning family tried to get on with their lives.

That’s the way it would have remained if it hadn’t been for the fact that two months after the funeral Uncle Aigali strolled through the front door. Those who were there commented he looked very good for a man who had been deceased for so long.

Understandably the family wanted explanations. First they wanted to know who it was they buried. Second, they wanted to know where Uncle Aigali had been. (He said he had found work in a village down the road.)  Third they wanted their forensic specialist to explain his 99.2% sureness claim. The specialist shrugged and said, ‘Don’t forget I admitted there was a 0.8% chance I was wrong.’

After reading that news article I was surprised to find, in other locations, people who commented on the story had said, “It’s just like the story of Jesus’ resurrection. He was supposed to be dead… but He really wasn’t.” To anyone who might agree with these rewriters of history, I would say only this:

• Nobody saw Uncle Aigali nailed to a cross.
• Nobody saw Uncle Aigali stabbed in the chest with a spear.
• Nobody saw Uncle Aigali's body being taken down from the cross;
•  Nobody followed and watched to see where Uncle Aigali was being buried.
• Nobody put a guard and seal on Uncle Aigali's grave to make sure he stayed put.
• Nobody saw Uncle Aigali dead… but great crowds saw Jesus suffer and die…AND the result of His resurrection..

No, the story of Uncle Aigali's return and Jesus’ resurrection have nothing in common. From beginning to end to beyond the differences are astounding.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for the living hope which has been given me. I rejoice that my hope is built on facts and not foolishness. Grant that I may let others know the joy which comes in this life when you have a living Lord and Redeemer. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by for Newser by Jenn Gidman on November 6, 2018 . Those who wish to reference that article may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://www.newser.com/story/266892/2-months-after-burial-dead-brother-shows-up.html

TITLE: Sin Found Out
DATE: November 19, 2018
TEXT: Numbers 32:23  (ESV) - 23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.
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The night of September 20th, a burglar broke into a restaurant in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Things went well…at first. The thief used a brick to shatter the front window of the carryout place. Then, after having gotten in, he used the same brick to smash the glass protecting the counter.

Twice he threw the brick and twice, the glass held.

Then, using a wind up and delivery like a major league baseball player, he let the brick fly a third time. The brick bounced off the bulletproof glass and hit the burglar in the head. He clutched his noggin, dropped to the floor and stayed there, unmoving for a few minutes. Eventually, he staggered to his feet, picked up his brick and made an empty-handed escape.
In the words of Numbers 32:23, “His sin had found him out.’ It usually does.

After Adam and Eve fell into temptation they hid from the Lord… but He found them. Our first-parents sin had found them out.

After Cain killed his brother he did his best to hide his crime. Scripture says, ‘Abel’s blood called from the ground’ to the Lord and God had a serious visit with the world’s first murderer. Cain’s sin had found him out.

In the days of the early church everybody took all they had and threw it into a common pot. Well, almost everybody. Ananias and Sapphira decided to keep some of their fortune for a rainy day and they lied to the church and the Holy Spirit.  They were both struck down because their sin had found them out.

Now the folks I’ve mentioned here are not the unique. They are the rule, rather than the exception. Since we want people to think well of us, most of us prefer not to put our sins, like our dirty laundry, on display for the perusal of everyone who passes by.

Surprisingly, the cover ups of our sins usually work. People have no idea how bad we really are.

People don’t know the real us, but the Lord Who searches the heart, most certainly does see the inner us, the real us. He sees the blackness of our actions and knows our transgressions inevitably will lead to perdition.  
Which is why He sent His Son into the world.

Jesus’ life, His suffering, His unfair death and glorious resurrection were designed not to cover up our sins, but to take them away. Permanently. Completely. Absolutely.

When our souls have been rescued by the Redeemer, we no longer have to hide and we no longer need fear the verdict which will be pronounced on the final day of judgment. Why? Saint Paul said it best in 1st Corinthians 6 11b. Having written down a laundry list of sins which can stop a soul from getting into heaven, Paul gave the assurance: “And such(sinners) were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

In other words, God’s grace has found us out.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks that although my many sins cannot be hidden, they can be erased. For the supreme and selfless act of the Savior’s sacrifice which has won my salvation I give thanks. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by SCOTT BERSON for the Miami Herald on October 03, 2018.  Those who wish to reference this article may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article219415150.html

TITLE: Lousy Choices
DATE: November 18, 2018
TEXT: Matthew 10:28   (ESV)  8 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[

Todd Sutton, Terry Lynn King, Stephen Michael West and David Earl Miller have done some bad things.
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Actually, I don’t know what bad things these men are supposed to have done; nor do I know the particular of their trials.  I do know that juries and judges from the grand state of Tennessee have ruled that these men will live out their limited lives on death row.

Then, when all the appeals and petitions for pardon have been ended, the State will end their lives.

I can only imagine what must go on in the minds of men who have been condemned to die. So many of the normal thoughts which run through our minds have no meaning or purpose to these individuals.

• For them it doesn’t make much difference if the day is sunny or rainy, they’re not going to be going anywhere.
• They aren’t going on vacation; they’re not going to get a raise or a promotion.
• They’re not going to grow old together with a loving wife.
• They’re not going fishing and odds are they will never see their grandchildren march down a church aisle for their wedding.

So what does a person on death row think about ?…. It would seem they think about death.

You see, in Tennessee an individual can be executed by lethal injection or by electrocution.

Well, these men, having given some serious thought to those two options open to them and have decided there are just too many dangers and discomforts connected to either method.

They have agreed, they would much prefer execution by firing squad.  To bring about such a change is why they have filed a lawsuit which says a firing squad would be faster and less painful than the present possibilities. The petition adds: the normal place for Tennessee’s executions already has a shooting range and the state has the firearms, ammunition and trained marksmen available.

In short, they’re saying they would rather BE shot than take a shot or a shock. I can understand their reasoning and their focus.

But as I read this article, I wonder if their consideration of the method and moment of death has so preoccupied these men that they are ignoring the eternity which comes after their last breath. That kind of thing can happen. That’s why, when Jesus was with us He gave the warning, (Mt. 10:28 - ESV) “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Now if I read my Scriptures rightly, the Lord Jesus has made it so we don’t have to be afraid of temporal or eternal death. As our perfect Substitute, Jesus shouldered the sins of every man, woman and child and carried them to the cross. There, in the most unfair, unjust execution this world has ever seen, the sinless Son of God gave up His life so all those who believe on Him might live forever. 

Or as Psalm 23 (4a) says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;…”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, death can be depressing and intimidating. Thankfully I have been given a Savior who has taken away the fear of death and the power of the grave. Grant that my life may reflect the freedom and joy the Redeemer bestows. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Daniel Uri on November 5, 2018 for the UPI . Those who wish to reference this article may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2018/11/05/Death-row-inmates-sue-Tennessee-for-right-to-firing-squad-execution/1221541466573/

TITLE: Love is Saying You’re Sorry
DATE: November 17, 2018
TEXT: Luke 6:31 ESV) -31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
1 John 1: 8-9 -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. 

Way back in 1970 there was a film called, Love Story.

Love Story was a romantic drama which starred Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal. It was nominated for a slew of awards and walked away with an Oscar for “Best Original Musical Score.” There were a great many people who loved the movie. I am not one of them. Please don’t be upset with me. I have a reason.

That reason centers on the movie’s famous line: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

Now in the film that is a beautiful line, a poignant line an emotional line. It is a line which people started believing and started quoting. The problem is… in real life “never saying you’re sorry” doesn’t work out so pretty good. It doesn’t work between people and it doesn’t work between sinners and the Lord.
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The truth is most of us don’t like to say “We are sorry”, or ‘We are wrong.” We don’t like to say it and most of us aren’t very good at it. Now it’s grand if you are the kind of individual who can get through life without fighting, arguing or getting into verbal and emotional fisticuffs. If you are one of those folks you don’t have to read any further. You’re off the hook for today. But if you’re not one of them, then here are some thoughts:

• Following the Savior’s example we forgive others who have sinned against or hurt us.
• Being a Christian means we repent of our sins to the Lord and…
•  Sincerely apologize to those around us when we are wrong.

So far nothing new, right?

Then how about this….”Love means saying you’re sorry; sometimes even when you aren’t.

I make that statement because I have watched any number of couples, men and women who really loved each other go their separate ways because each was convinced he/she was right and the other person needed to say, “I’m sorry.” Both waited for an apology which never came. Far better for both to occasionally bite the bullet and come out with a genuine-sounding, “I was wrong.”

Right about now some of you are really upset. You’re shouting, “Are you really asking me to compromise, to sell out, to give in?” If you feel that way, accept my assurances “I would never ask you to do that.” What I am asking you to do is follow the Savior’s word: “as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

Yes, love means saying you’re sorry… sometimes when you’re not.

Except with the Lord.  With the Lord you’ve got to be honest because “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.”

Yes, love means having to say you’re sorry.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant me the grace to honor You and the Savior with my heart, my actions and my words. May I forgive as I have been forgiven and repent as I ought.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Sophia Benoit on November 2, 2018 for GQ. Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.gq.com/story/is-it-too-late-now-to-say-sorry?mbid=synd_digg

TITLE: He did what?
DATE: November 16, 2018
TEXT: John 3:16 (ESV) - “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
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Every once-in-a-while I come across a story and feel compelled to ask, “He did what?!?”

The story of David Fulghum of Oviedo, Florida is one of those stories. It begins on a Monday morning this past October. David was getting for work when he happened to spot something in his backyard; something he had never seen there before. It was a bear and her two-yearling cubs. David called his wife and together they watched nature’s show for a while.
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When it was time to go David went to the door and opened it a crack to see if the coast was clear. It was then that Gator, the family’s 7-year-old Yorkie-Bichon, took off after the trespassers who not only outnumbered him, but outweighed him many times over.

Gator raced around the corner with his master, David, a few yards behind.

This is what David said happened next: "I booked it around the corner there and all of a sudden the bear is standing there with my dog in its mouth." David said his fighting instincts came to the fore and, he went airborne and “dropkicked [the bear]. (The bear] spun around, stood up on two legs, and hopped back down on four legs."

"He wasn't getting my dog, so I kicked the living (insert the name of the place where the devil lives here) out of that bear,. The bear dropped Gator, David snatched him up and ran into the house, and safety.

Now, aren’t you the least little bit inclined to say, “He did what?” Maybe you prefer to ask, “Just why would a man put his life at risk for a dog?” Although I am a great dog lover, I am not ready to get into a bare-knuckle battle with a black bear. Unless…. unless I had a reason as good as David’s.

David explained: “(Gator was) my therapy dog once we lost our son last year, and he's been there for me so I'm going to be there for him.” And Gator? Gator underwent surgery and is going to recover.

“He did what?

That’s also a suitable reaction to anyone who hears THE SAVIOR’S STORY for the first time. Consider, humanity’s story begins with a perfect couple who had been gifted a perfect Garden by a perfect God with whom they had a perfect relationship.

All this they threw away when they fell victim to Satan’s temptation to sin. In a moment everything was corrupted and perfection was a mere memory. Looking down upon us the Lord saw us in a position not unlike David’s dog, Gator. We were caught and we were going to die. There was nothing we could do to save ourselves.

Now David had a logical reason why he wanted to save his dog. But the Lord had no such reason compelling Him to rescue fallen humankind. No there was no reason: unless….unless He were a God of love, mercy and grace. All of which He most certainly is.
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And so it came to pass that the Lord promised to send His Son into this world to take our place. (This is where we all ought to say “He did what?”) This Jesus would do by living a perfect life, fulfilling the law, resisting temptation and conquering death.

And now, because Jesus has done all that, those who believe n Him have been redeemed and rescued.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord the Gift of Your Son is a gift beyond anything we could hope for. May we value what He has done, and, when possible, share His story with others. This I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Ben Hooper for the UPI on October 30, 2018. Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2018/10/30/Florida-man-kicks-bear-to-rescue-small-dog/1761540916280/

TITLE: The War To End All Wars
DATE: November 15 2018
TEXT: Ps. 33: 12, 22 (ESV) - Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,     the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!  22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,     even as we hope in you.
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It was to have been the “War to End All Wars” and the boys from Prince George’s County in Maryland were determined to do their part in, how did President Wilson say it, “making the world safe for democracy.”
I assume all did their part. I know 49 of those boys gave their all and never came home.
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Those who did return, along with mourning families and friends, thought it would be appropriate, since the bodies of the fallen are buried on foreign soil, to have some kind of monument, some type of place to serve as a focus of remembrance.

Using contributions from local donors and the American Legion, in 1925, a 40 foot memorial in the form of a cross was built on a busy intersection in the town of Blandensburg. In 1961 the State of Maryland took over the monument and the land upon which it stood. Since then the state has spent $117,000 on upkeep and repair.

Of course that was then, and this is now.

A few years back, in 2012, the American Humanist Association filed a lawsuit which said the Memorial sitting on public land was clearly a case of the government showing favoritism to  a certain religion, and therefore against the Constitution. Last year a divided three-judge panel from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed saying, “for thousands of years the Latin cross has represented Christianity."[1]

On the other hand the American Legion says the memorial reflects the government erected and maintained cross-shaped markers on the graves of many soldiers buried all around the world. A separate petition filed by Maryland State Officials say it is a “Peace Cross” and it  has been a source of civic unity for almost 100 years.

Now you Daily Devotioners might wonder if there is an end to this battle. I can tell you, “Yes, there will be a legal end to this particular disagreement.” Early next year the Supreme Court will hear the pros and cons of the case. May the Lord give them the wisdom of Solomon… let’s make that “wisdom exceeding Solomon’s.”

No matter what the Court decides, we must remember the greatest battle as to the Lord’s value in our lives goes on in the hearts of humankind. That is the real “war to end all wars.”

• Which I why I wonder: “Is this great land the product of our own will and dreaming, or has the Lord been instrumental in its forming?
• Are all the blessings we enjoy merely the result of luck and happenstance or has the Lord given us a purpose?
• Do we intend to go back in history and write the Lord out of every event; and if we do shall we be shocked if He writes us out of the future?

I know what I believe needs to happen; and I know how I shall be praying. We shall keep you informed on future events. 

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, very few people expect any US court to proclaim You as the only Lord and Jesus as the Savior Who forgives and rescues lost souls. That being said, do not let us as a nation, or as individuals, minimize the love, the grace and guidance You have given to us. This I pray in the Name of Jesus Who alone is the way, truth and light Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Pete Williams on November 2, 2018 for ABC NEWS . Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-agrees-hear-dispute-over-giant-cross-n930641


[1] Historically impossible since it is less than 2000 years since the Christ was crucified.

TITLE: Shredded
DATE: November 14, 2018
TEXT: Isaiah 55:7 (ESV) -7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

We have a wonderful government, don’t you think? There is a department or an office for just about anything a person can think of. The story of Ben and Jackee Belnap of Holladay, Utah introduced me to one such unknown department.

Their story goes this way. Ben and Jackie love going to see the Utah Utes.  Ben’s father picked up some tickets for the couple. The bill came to $1,060. Bill and Jackee immediately got the cash, put it in a white envelope and made an appointment to visit with Dad to pay for and pick up their tickets.

Unfortunately, when the time came to make good on their debt, Ben and Jackee couldn’t find that plain, white envelope. For an entire weekend they turned their house topsy-turvy. The cash proved to be illusive until……………………..they looked into the paper shredder.

The familiar green color on little cross-cut bits of paper told them they had found their cash.

“But how did it ever get there?” That was the question.  It was a query which quickly found its answer in the person of Leo, the couple’s two-year-old son. You know, the same son who had, under a watchful parental eye, gleefully shredded all kinds of unwanted papers and junk mail.

This time, having found an envelope, Leo decided to show his parents what he could do on his own.  Well, sure enough, he showed them and his parents reacted by sitting there in silence, looking at the paper. They sat there for the longest time.

As I say we have a government which has departments to deal with just about anything.

Anything… including shredded cash. Ben found out about the department, made a phone call and the man on the other end of the line said, “Oh, we might be able to help you here.” Ben was euphoric to hear that. It was a euphoria which became a bit tarnished when the government official instructed him to: 'Bag it up in little Ziploc bags, mail it to DC, and in one to two years, you'll get your money back.'"
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It wasn’t an ideal reply, but it was better than nothing.

Daily Devotioners, has it ever occurred to you that we are all like little Leos?

It’s true. The Lord gave humanity a wonderful world and it’s perfection was shredded with the disobedience of our first parents. In every generation He gives us His laws and we disobey them. He speaks to us in His Holy Word and we often ignore Him. Our sinful natures manage to do a pretty complete shredding of God’s blessings and good intentions.

But there is good news. God can help us with that.

So we might be saved and put on a new course for eternity, the Father sent His Son to live for us; fulfill the law for us; resist temptation, die and rise for us. No matter the mess we have made, the Lord can make it right with His forgiveness…and we don’t have to wait a year or two for His fixing to take place.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, even the best people produced by humanity make a mess of the gifts You give. For that disobedience we sincerely repent. But our sorrow for sin is balanced by our joy and thankfulness for the forgiveness You offer to Your children of faith. In Jesus, we give thanks. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Rob Quinn for Newser on October 5, 2018. Those who wish to reference this article may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://www.newser.com/story/265543/toddler-shreds-1k-in-cash.html

TITLE: Come Back Later
DATE:  November 13, 2018
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 10:13-11:1 (ESV) - 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

The place of today’s devotion is a small e-cigarette shop outside the Belgian city of Charleroi.

The time is 3:00 in the afternoon and the store is being manned by only one individual, a man whom we shall call Didier. We shall call him that because that is his name. At any rate, Shopkeeper Didier looked up to see six individuals enter the store at the same time. That number of men arriving simultaneously was unusual. Even more curious was the fact none of these fellows seemed to be interested in what the shop was selling.

No, they just came up to him and demanded he handed over the store’s cash.

Considering he was looking at six thieves, the rational thing for Didier to do would be to empty the till and hand the money over. Didier didn’t do that. No, he chose another approach. He told the crooks they were nuts. He hadn’t made many sales yet, so they needed to come back later when their take would be richer. Amazingly, the criminals thought that was a good idea and promised they would return.
​
After they left, Didier phoned the police and asked them to come and arrest the six when they came back. The police declined. They knew those criminals would never show their faces again.

he cops were wrong. The thieves showed up at 5:30. Didier looked at them like they were crazy and told them they were still too early. He told them they should come back later… at 6:30, when the store closed. Once again, they agreed. Long story short: the thieves came back later and the plain-clothes police arrested the worst robbers in Belgium.

Telling thieves to “Come back later” usually doesn’t work; but if you really want to try an exercise in futility, say those words to the devil when he comes to tempt you.

You see, Satan is a master psychologist and he has spent a considerable amount of time studying you.

• He knows your strengths and weaknesses;
• he knows what intrigues you and what disgusts you;
• he knows when you are at your strongest and when you seem shaky;
• he has calculated the variables and knows the time for his best chance of success.

That’s why if you tell him, “Come back later”, he’s going to reply, “I don’t think so.” Then he will lay out before you whatever temptation he thinks will tickle your fancy for that day. And, you can be certain that temptation will be of a kind and quality which will knock your socks off.

Nope, you can’t tell Satan to “Come back later.” He just ain’t a gonna do it.

Which means, if you wish to beat temptation, you need to have the Savior and the Scriptures by your side. Together they will give you a wisdom a strength, a backbone you might normally not possess. And, for those (hopefully) few times when you fall victim to the Satan’s wiles, the Redeemer can offer forgiveness and dust you off to try again.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, Satan has had a lot more experience tempting people than I have had resisting him. When I am confused give me direction; when I might stumble, hold me up. This I ask in the Savior’s Name. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Arden Dier for Newser on October 25, 2018 . Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://www.newser.com/story/266338/store-owner-tells-robbers-to-come-back-later-they-did.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
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TITLE: Going in Circles
DATE: November 12, 2018
TEXT: Eph. 2:8-9  (ESV) -8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
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“Go Greyhound and leave the driving to us.”

Last month a number of people in Cleveland decided to follow Greyhound Bus Company’s suggestion and let themselves be driven 470 miles to New York. Everybody settled into their seats and prepared for the trip which would end up showing them the iconic skyline of the “Big Apple.”

That was the plan, but, as we all know, things don’t always go according to plan.

After some driving the passengers noticed they were seeing the same signs, the same buildings, the same streets. It was obvious to all they were going in circles.  When some of the travelers came to the driver and asked, “Is anything wrong?”, he seemed upset.

Now almost all of the passengers had a GPS on their telephones. Anybody could have helped him out. But the driver didn’t go the route of asking for, or receiving, assistance. Instead he spent hours circling the city of Cleveland. Finally he returned to the station. Passengers report they eventually arrived in New York; but they got there about four-and-a-half hours late.

Having read that story I kept asking: “Why didn’t the driver use GPS; why didn’t he ask for help?” Although many answers are possible, I kept coming back to:

1. He was too proud.
2. He didn’t want to lose control of the situation.
3. He was sure he could get to his destination on his own.

Remember those points, they are important.

They are important because they are the some of the same reasons which stop many people from getting to heaven.

It’s true. In the course of my life I have run into many folks who knew that there is more to existence than this life. They also knew they were sinners and their transgressions were preventing them from making progress toward their final destination.  Sadly, that knowledge was all they had.

They declined to search the Scriptures which share the Savior’s story of salvation; they declined to listen to their family and friends who love them and wanted to share their faith. In short, they refused any assistance. Why? Remember our list

1. They are too proud.
2. They don’t want to lose control of their lives.
3. They are sure they can get to their destination on their own.

To such people the Holy Scripture speaks and says, “You aren’t going to get to heaven by your own power. If you wish to be saved, place yourself into the hands of the Lord Who gave His Son as the ransom Who will forgive and save you.

In short what they need to do is follow this paraphrase of the Greyhound slogan: “Go with the Lord and leave the driving to Him.”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are many people whose lives are going in circles. Send Your Holy Spirit so they may see the helplessness of their present situation and be turned to the Savior Who alone is the Way to heaven. In His Name I pray. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by the Editors of Newser on October 29, 2018. Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://www.newser.com/story/266544/bus-passenger-driver-got-lost-drove-in-circles-for-hours.html

TITLE: Lasting Peace
DATE:  November 11, 2018 – 100th Anniversary of War to End All Wars
TEXT: I John 16:33 (ESV ) -  I (Jesus) have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
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The “War To End All Wars” was only 5-months old and already 800,000 men had been wounded or killed. In those days satellites and drones weren’t needed to locate the enemy. The enemy was right over there. On quiet nights you could hear him talking.

Christmas presents started arriving from home… and the governments sent something, too. The Tommys got plum pudding, chocolates, cigarettes and tobacco. The Germans received much the same… and more. Indeed, they had so much they smuggled a chocolate cake to the British.

Along with the cake there was a note which suggested a Christmas ceasefire.

As evening fell, the soldiers, surrounded by death and far from home, began to remember other, past celebrations of the Savior’s birth. Then, something happened. Some German troops put up small Christmas trees, tannenbaums, on the parapets of their trenches and they began to sing Stille Nacht ("Silent Night") – it was answered by the English, “Silent Night.”

Signs began to appear. The Germans wrote: 'YOU NO FIGHT, WE NO FIGHT.' The British replied with hand-lettered banners saying, “Merry Christmas.”

On Christmas morning, the "no man's land" between the trenches was filled with fraternizing soldiers, sharing rations and gifts, singing and (more solemnly) burying their dead between the lines. Soon they were even playing soccer. The Germans won, the score was 3-2.

That is the kind of thing which can happen when you know the Prince of Peace.

Today is exactly 100 years since the guns of that great conflict were silenced and nobody who fought “over there” remains alive. Since the November 11th Armistice was signed, governments have come and gone, map boundaries have been rewritten and lasting peace has proven to be elusive.

With all these changes, there are two things I am sure of:

1. our young men and women will continue to make a commitment of their time and, occasionally their lives, as they fight in the newest conflict… and
2.  Real peace can be found only in the Savior Who came to this world to rescue sinful souls and move them from condemnation to salvation.

The Christ Who once brought peace to warring armies on a World War I battlefield can still bring peace to our troubled hearts.

To remember this Armistice Centennial the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the National Cathedral have asked the country to pause and join together in a nationwide bell tolling which they have called “Bells of Peace.”

After our prayer this devotion will conclude as they have requested. But we will add one thing. Following the 21 tolls, we will have a pealing of bells to rejoice in the victory of our loving Lord, the Prince of Peace.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord we give thanks for all those who have given of themselves to keep us safe from earthly dangers, dictators and despots. Most of all we give thanks for the Savior Who gave His life to save us from sin, death and devil. In Jesus’ Name we give thanks. Amen.

In honor of those who have served we have the tolling of the “Bell of Peace”, followed by the joyous resurrection bells of Switzerland

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by The American Legion on July 3, 2018 . Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.legion.org/honor/242366/bells-peace-ring-nov-11

TITLE: Silly Putty
DATE: November 10, 2018
TEXT: Isaiah 40:28-29(ESV) 28  Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
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Silly Putty. I can remember the day I opened up my first egg of SILLY PUTTY.

It was amazing stuff. Think about it… it bounced like a rubber ball, but it oozed like a liquid. It could bend, it could break, it could stretch, it could duplicate a panel of the Sunday color comics if you let it sit there for a few minutes.

What I remember most about Silly Putty of yesteryear is that you had to keep the stuff in its plastic egg. If you set it free, and left it unattended, it would flow away and be permanently lost in furniture, carpet, clothes and the family car.

From what I can see, the majority of Americans seem to think that religious OBJECTIVE TRUTH is just about as moldable and elastic as is SILLY PUTTY.

I say that because I have read the report of a survey conducted by LifeWay Research. They went to a demographically correct group of 3,000 American adults and asked if they agreed or disagreed with the statement:

"Religious belief is a matter of personal opinion;
it is not about objective truth."

I was shocked to find 60% of my fellow Americans agreed with that sentence.
When they analyzed the data by age, by sex, by income, by just about anything they could analyze… the answer always came back the same: 60% agreed with the statement. Some 30 percent of Americans disagreed, while 10 percent said they were not sure.

In other words… religious beliefs are based on personal preference…like…

• do you like to drive a truck or a car?
• do you prefer a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or peanut butter and honey?

It’s all personal opinion and it doesn’t make any difference what you believe.

UNLESS

Unless one religion really is better than any of the others; and that one religion would be better because it is telling the truth and other religions are not. A few moments ago I said 30% of Americans disagreed with the majority. I forgot to tell you… that group is composed of Evangelical Christians. LifeWay Research said these Christians would say:...

• The Bible is the highest authority for what they believe.
• It is important for them personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Christ as Savior.
• Jesus Christ's death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of sin.
• Only those who trust in Jesus alone as their Savior receive God’s free gift of eternal life.

And that truth is God’s truth and it can’t shift or change or pull like Silly Putty.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that this generation may see that You, Your Word, Your promises, Your plan of salvation don’t change. May Your Son become for them a solid foundation upon which You can build their salvation. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by the Christian Newswire on October 25, 2018. Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://christiannewswire.com/news/5944981829.html
 
Contact: Deborah Finnamore, Publicity Manager, Ligonier Ministries, 407-333-4244 ext. 1158, definnamore@ligonier.org 

TITLE: Silly Putty
DATE: November 6, 2018
TEXT: Isaiah 40:28-29(ESV) 28  Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Silly Putty. I can remember the day I opened up my first egg of SILLY PUTTY.

It was amazing stuff. Think about it… it bounced like a rubber ball, but it oozed like a liquid. It could bend, it could break, it could stretch, it could duplicate a panel of the Sunday color comics if you let it sit there for a few minutes.

What I remember most about Silly Putty of yesteryear is that you had to keep the stuff in its plastic egg. If you set it free, and left it unattended, it would flow away and be permanently lost in furniture, carpet, clothes and the family car.

From what I can see, the majority of Americans seem to think that religious OBJECTIVE TRUTH is just about as moldable and elastic as is SILLY PUTTY.

I say that because I have read the report of a survey conducted by LifeWay Research. They went to a demographically correct group of 3,000 American adults and asked if they agreed or disagreed with the statement:

"Religious belief is a matter of personal opinion; it is not about objective truth."

I was shocked to find 60% of my fellow Americans agreed with that sentence.

When they analyzed the data by age, by sex, by income, by just about anything they could analyze… the answer always came back the same: 60% agreed with the statement. Some 30 percent of Americans disagreed, while 10 percent said they were not sure.

In other words… religious beliefs are based on personal preference…like…

• do you like to drive a truck or a car?
• do you prefer a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or peanut butter and honey?

It’s all personal opinion and it doesn’t make any difference what you believe.

UNLESS

Unless one religion really is better than any of the others; and that one religion would be better because it is telling the truth and other religions are not. A few moments ago I said 30% of Americans disagreed with the majority. I forgot to tell you… that group is composed of Evangelical Christians. LifeWay Research said these Christians would say:...

• The Bible is the highest authority for what they believe.
• It is important for them personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Christ as Savior.
• Jesus Christ's death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of sin.
• Only those who trust in Jesus alone as their Savior receive God’s free gift of eternal life.
• And that truth is God’s truth and it can’t shift or change or pull like Silly Putty.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that this generation may see that You, Your Word, Your promises, Your plan of salvation don’t change. May Your Son become for them a solid foundation upon which You can build their salvation. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.
​
The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by the Christian Newswire on October 25, 2018. Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://christiannewswire.com/news/5944981829.html
 
Contact: Deborah Finnamore, Publicity Manager, Ligonier Ministries, 407-333-4244 ext. 1158, definnamore@ligonier.org 

TITLE: A Real Disappointment
DATE: November 9, 2018
TEXT: – Romans 5: 18-19 - Therefore, as one trespass[f] led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness[g] leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.  The person we look like outside is not always an accurate depiction of who we are on the inside.

Years ago, a small-town’s prosecuting attorney called up his first witness to give her testimony. This lady had lived in town all her life and he thought he would take advantage of that fact by establishing a cordial rapport. He began by asking, “Mrs. Jonas, you know me, don’t you?” 

He was somewhat reassured when she smiled and replied, “Well, of course I know you. I’ve known you ever since you were a little shaver.” If the lady had stopped then, it would have been all right. But the lady didn’t stop there.

She continued, “Quite frankly you’ve been a big disappointment to me and just about everyone else in the village. You lie, you cheat on your wife, you play games with people and you talk about them when they’re not around. You’ve talked yourself into believing you’re an important personage… but you’re not. Since I’m on the witness stand I have to tell all the truth, and the truth is: I and just about everybody else I know think you’re not going to go very far at all.”

You see… the prosecutor had a different outside. But the story continues…

Wishing to shift the focus from himself, he pointed to the other table where the defense attorney was seated. He asked “Mrs. Jonas, “Do you know the Counsel for the Defense?” The lady said she did. Once again she continued: “I’ve known him since he was a baby. In fact I used to be his babysitter. Like you he’s been a real disappointment. He’s lazy, prejudiced and he drinks way too much. He never calls or visits his mother; it took him four tries before he passed the bar and his law practice is in a shambles. Yes, I know him.”

When Mrs. Jonas had finished, the judge called both counselors to stand before the bench. In a very quiet voice he whispered, “If either of you asks this lady if she knows me, I’ll declare you in contempt of court and give you a fine so big your grandchildren will still be paying it off.” The warning was given because the judge knew that while he may wear the robes of authority, inwardly he wasn’t so presentable. In the words of Mrs. Jonas the judge knew he was “a disappointment.”

Sort of like us. When we’re being honest most of us know we are disappointments to the Lord.

Inside each of us there are things which are so dark, so frightening, so sinful, evil, mean and nasty we will do almost anything to make sure nobody ever gets a clear glimpse of who we are. We diet and exercise to help our outsides look good, but no diet has been developed which can shape us up on the inside. We may work hard to live in the right neighborhoods, drive the right cars, dine at the right restaurants, send our children to the right schools and have the right people invite us to the right social events; but there is no amount of work which can make us right.

Which is precisely why we need a Savior. Through the sin of Adam and Eve we were marked for damnation, but by the life, suffering, death and resurrection of God’s Son, we are made righteous. There is nothing we could have done to bring about or assist in that change. We were and are dependent upon God’s great grace, a Divine attribute which is never a disappointment.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I rejoice that You have sent Your Son to do what I could not do and be what I could not be. His perfect dedication is the means by which my forgiveness and salvation have been won. May I remember that forever. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen. 

TITLE: Seeing The Elephant
DATE: November 8, 2018
TEXT: Revelation 22:10-13 (ESV) 10  And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11  Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” 12  “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

In the early part of the 19th century there was a familiar song about a farmer who went to town to sell some produce. Before he left, he said to his wife, “I hear the circus is coming to town, and if I'm lucky, I’m going to see an elephant."
The farmer did go to town and he did see that elephant… and so did his horses.

Those horses took one look at the elephant and they ran. The farmer was thrown off the wagon, the wagon itself was busted up and the produce was lost. The farmer walked home without horses, without wagon, without produce, without money. His wife, took stock of her battered spouse asked, “What happened to you.” He replied: “I saw the elephant.”

For some reason, that song about seeing the elephant stuck with Americans.

When someone decided to go west, he would tell his friends he was going to go and ‘see the elephant.’ Those that didn’t make it to their destination came back and said they had seen the ‘elephant’s tracks’ or the ‘elephant’s tail’ and that was more than enough. Those who managed to make it to their goal proudly boasted, “I have seen the elephant.’ ‘

Seeing the elephant.’ For some it is a wonderful experience, for others it is terrifying.

The same can be said in regard to the Christ.

Scripture is clear there is a day of judgment coming for this world. Many have guessed at the day and year, but its arrival is still unknown. What we do know is this: the day of judgment is coming and on that day we will not see any imaginary elephant… no, we will see the real Savior.

The problem is… on that day the time to believe in Jesus as Savior will be at an end.
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Those in whom the Holy Spirit has implanted faith will welcome the sight of God’s Son who lived, suffered, died and rose for them; Who has forgiven their sins and opened the doors to heaven. They will shout “Hallelujahs” in praise of Him Who has changed their eternal destinies. In Revelation Jesus says these are the righteous and He will find them living out their faith.
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But there will be others that day…

There will be many others who have no faith in the Lamb of God Who has taken away the sins of the world. For them Judgment Day will be Too Late Day. It will be too late for them to repent; too late for them to hear the Holy Spirit’s calling; too late for them to believe. Jesus spoke about this group, too. He says He will find the evildoer still doing that which is wrong; and the dirty soul will still be filthy.

For them Jesus will come not as beloved Savior and Lord, but as their Divinely appointed Judge.

Their everlasting punishment will be both sad and sorrowful …and so unnecessary. Unnecessary because they still have time now to believe in Jesus and, my friends, we still have time to tell them.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that souls which are lost this day may see the Savior’s sacrifice and His story of love. While there is yet time, turn them so they may believe and be saved. In the Redeemer’s Name we pray. Amen.

TITLE: The Happiest Place
DATE: November 7, 2018
TEXT: Matthew 25:41, 44-46 (ESV) 41  “Then (Jesus) he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. … 44  Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45  Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46  And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

The Happiest Place on Earth

Most people know that the Disney Corporation has made that unverifiable claim for itself for a good many years. Although you may not agree with their slogan, you have to concede that many special memories are made at the Disney parks. Indeed, for some people, there’s just no other place they would rather be.

Which can cause a problem.

You see, before some of the Disney Superfans pass away they make a request: “Scatter my ashes at Disney.” And the survivors do as they have been asked. Creemains have been deposited in flower beds, on bushes, on Magic Kingdom lawns and in the moat underneath the flying elephants of the Dumbo ride. Of course, the favorite place to place ashes is the Haunted Mansion.

It is a practice Disney dislikes. If they catch you distributing Uncle Charley, they will escort you out of the park. If they find the ashes, they will send out a “Hepa Cleanup” code to their maintenance department. That code means a special vacuum needs to be brought in which is capable of picking up the ultrafine remains.

So, as you can see, there is a conflict at the The Happiest Place on Earth. What makes the deceased Superfan happy has the opposite effect on the Disney Corporation. It is a problem with no simple or obvious resolution. Which is why loving survivors of Superfans will keep smuggling ashes into the park and caretakers will do their best to stop them.

As I wrote about The Happiest Place on Earth, my thoughts understandably turned to the “Happiest Place Anywhere.” You know, the place called, “Heaven.” I got to wondering, “Are there any conflicts, complaints and criticisms about heaven’s admission policy?”

Sure enough… there is.

In our text above, the Lord lays out the requirements for entrance into heaven. It is quite simple: Heaven’s doors are open to those who had a living faith which showed itself in praise to the Lord and care for their neighbors. If you have such a faith you are “in”; without such a faith, the future is bleak.

You will note it is a policy which did not go uncontested by the unbelievers… just as it had not been accepted earlier in the chapter by the five foolish virgins whose lack of preparation for the wedding ended up with them on the outside looking in. 

So, let me ask, “Do you, not your ashes, but do you want to spend eternity in the Happiest Place Anywhere?” If so, then hear this prayer and blessing by the Apostle Paul, who in Romans 15:13 said, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

THE PRAYER:  Dear Lord, Jesus has offered Himself as the sacrifice which forgives and saves. May we cling to Him in faith and encourage others to do the same. In His Name. Amen.



The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Arden Dier for Newser on October 25, 2018 . Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://www.newser.com/story/266338/store-owner-tells-robbers-to-come-back-later-they-did.html