Devotional QuarterlyThrough-the-Bible Series

What Did Jesus Do?Christs Mission for His People

Studies in John 1321

The Daily Devotionals in this quarterly thoroughlyexalt the Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lords Prayer in John17 encourages believers to know they are secure in theirsalvation. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary isa challenge to all Gods children to live for Him to thebest of their abilities. A warning is given to preparemankind for the certain judgment to come. The plan ofsalvation is given so simply in these devotionals. A deep,abiding commitment to Christ is the ultimate goal to beachieved by His children. The gospel is extensively pre-sented as the only way to Heaven.

Prepared by Gene Smith, Marc Shultzand Mary McCalister

Vol. 19, No. 1 December 1, 2008

Personal and Daily Devotionalsfor

Winter Quarter, 2008-2009

2Read Through the Biblein a Year

To help you with your Bible reading, we are providingsuggested Scripture readings for each day of the quarter.You will find these suggested readings at the beginningof each devotional quarterly.

The readings include the Sunday Devotionals,Daily Readings and the Daily Devotionals. The Sun-day Devotionals are now included in the DevotionalQuarterly. The Daily Readings cover other Scripturesnot related to the Sunday School lessons. By reading allpassages listed each day, you will have read the entireBible at the end of one year. You may use the box besidethe date to check when you have read the Scriptures forthat day.

EDITOR IN CHIEF:Larry E. Clements larryclements@abaptist.org

BUSINESS MANAGER:Wayne Sewell wsewell@abaptist.org

PRODUCTION EDITOR:Sally McInvale

ADULT EDITOR:Jim Jones

CHILDRENS EDITOR:Libby Gill

ILLUSTRATOR:Connie Spears

GRAPHIC ARTISTS:Shawn Blase,Jeff Allen, Greg Hilterbrand,Gerald Martin,Ashley Carozza

LAYOUT DESIGNERS:Bonita McKnight,Kyle Elkins, Cindy Butler

CONTENT EDITORS:Terry McKellar,Carolyn Burks, Deby Turrentine

PRINT PRODUCTION:Charles Easley

COVER DESIGN:Jeff Allen

Copyright 2008

Baptist Sunday SchoolCommittee4605 N. State Line Ave.Texarkana, TX 75503-2928www.abaptist.org1-800-264-2482

DATE DAILY READINGS DAILY DEVOTIONALS

December 1 James 1:1-12, 23-27; 2 John 13:18-30

December 2 James 3; 4:1-5 Philippians 2:5-8

December 3 James 4:7-17; 5:1-15, 20 Philippians 2:1-4

December 4 1 Peter 1:1, 2, 6-17, 20-25 Romans 12:9-16

December 5 1 Peter 2:1-23, 25 Romans 15:1-3

December 6 1 Peter 3:1-9, 18-22 1 Corinthians 9:19-22

December 7 1 Peter 4:1-6 2 Corinthians 8:9

December 8 1 Peter 5:1-4, 6-14 John 14:7-14

December 9 2 Peter 1:1-15; 2:3-22 Isaiah 53:10-12

December 10 2 Peter 3:1, 2, 4-18 Romans 12:9, 10

December 11 1 John 1:3-10, 2:12-27, 29 Hebrews 10:19-22

December 12 1 John 3:4-19, 23, 24; 4 Ephesians 4:21-24

December 13 1 John 5:1-3, 6-10, 19-21 1 John 5:11, 12

December 14 2 John 1-6, 12 1 John 3:10-14

December 15 3 John 1 Corinthians 2:12-14

December 16 Jude Ephesians 1:13, 14

December 17 Revelation 1; 2:1-11, 29 Titus 3:5

December 18 Revelation 5:13, 14; 6:1-13 Romans 8:11

December 19 Revelation 7; 8 Romans 8:14-17

December 20 Revelation 9 Romans 8:26, 27

December 21 Revelation 10 Acts 1:4-9

December 22 Revelation 11 John 15:15-17

December 23 Revelation 12 Luke 13:6-9

December 24 Revelation 13 Matthew 1:18-25

December 25 Revelation 14; 15 Luke 2:8-20

December 26 Revelation 16; 17 Colossians 1:5-10

December 27 Revelation 18 1 John 2:3-6

December 28 Revelation 19:10-21 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

December 29 Revelation 20 1 Peter 3:13-17

December 30 Revelation 21:8-21, 24-27 1 Peter 4:12-19

December 31 Revelation 22:1-16, 18-21 2 Timothy 3:10-12

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December Scripture Readings

DATE DAILY READINGS DAILY DEVOTIONALS

January 1 Genesis 13 Romans 5:1-6

January 2 Genesis 4; 5 Matthew 5:43-48

January 3 Genesis 68 James 1:2-4

January 4 Genesis 911 1 Peter 2:21-25

January 5 Genesis 12:4-20; 13; 14 Luke 6:22, 23

January 6 Genesis 1517 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

January 7 Genesis 1820 Luke 24:49

January 8 Genesis 2123 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

January 9 Genesis 24; 25 1 Corinthians 2:10-13

January 10 Genesis 2628 1 John 4:1-3

January 11 Genesis 2931 Acts 1:4-11

January 12 Genesis 3234 Isaiah 25:8, 9

January 13 Genesis 3538 Isaiah 51:11-13

January 14 Genesis 3941 Matthew 7:7-11

January 15 Genesis 4244 Hebrews 4:14-16

January 16 Genesis 4547 Hebrews 7:25, 26

January 17 Genesis 4850 1 John 5:14-16

January 18 Exodus 13 1 Peter 1:6-8

January 19 Exodus 46 John 17:7-10

January 20 Exodus 79 John 17:25, 26

January 21 Exodus 1012 Revelation 5:9-14

January 22 Exodus 1315 1 John 5:19, 20

January 23 Exodus 1618 Luke 8:38, 39

January 24 Exodus 1921 Philippians 2:14-16

January 25 Exodus 2224 Philippians 2:9-11

January 26 Exodus 25; 26 John 18:3-11

January 27 Exodus 2729 John 18:15-23

January 28 Exodus 3032 Matthew 26:33-35

January 29 Exodus 33; 34:1-10, Mark 14:32-42

17-35; 35

January 30 Exodus 3638 Colossians 1:12-14

January 31 Exodus 39; 40 Psalm 2:6-12

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January Scripture Readings

5February Scripture ReadingsDATE DAILY READINGS DAILY DEVOTIONALS

February 1 Leviticus 13 Matthew 26:52-54

February 2 Leviticus 46 John 19:1-3

February 3 Leviticus 79 John 19:31-37

February 4 Leviticus 1012 1 Corinthians 1:17, 18

February 5 Leviticus 13; 14 Galatians 6:14

February 6 Leviticus 1517 Colossians 1:20

February 7 Leviticus 1820 Colossians 2:14

February 8 Leviticus 21; 22:1-16, 1 Peter 3:18

25-33

February 9 Leviticus 2325 Matthew 27:59-66

February 10 Leviticus 26; 27 John 20:9-18

February 11 Numbers 13 John 20:21-29

February 12 Numbers 46 John 20:30, 31

February 13 Numbers 79 Acts 1:3

February 14 Numbers 1012 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

February 15 Numbers 1315 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

February 16 Numbers 1618 John 21:1-11

February 17 Numbers 1921 John 21:24, 25

February 18 Numbers 2224 1 Peter 5:1-4

February 19 Numbers 2527 Luke 9:22-26

February 20 Numbers 2830 Numbers 14:23, 24

February 21 Numbers 3133 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15

February 22 Numbers 3436 Matthew 16:21-25

John 13:18-30 Monday, December 1

Prediction of the Betrayal

KEY VERSE: When Jesus had thus said, he was trou-bled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, Isay unto you, that one of you shall betray me, John13:21.

At the close of the Civil War, General Lew Wallacewas challenged to write a novel on the life of Christrevealing that Christ was simply a man. He wrote one ofthe first Christian novels, Ben Hur. He discovered Jesuswas truly the Son of God and instead of denying Him,Wallace accepted and defended Him.

The Key Verse reveals Jesus knew He was to bebetrayed by one of His followers. He spoke this with ref-erence to Judas Iscariot. This troubled, or agitated,Jesus in His innermost being. Being human, Jesus wasdeeply troubled over Judas soon betrayal of His love andfriendship. However, being divine, Jesus knew inadvance it would happen. Jesus sensed the spiritualhardness and deadness which sin had produced in JudasIscariot.

Before we condemn Judas for this dastardly deed, wemust realize that anyone in close fellowship with Godcould betray Him at any time if some powerful entice-ment should become appealing. To avoid such a betray-al, a child of God must ever live in close fellowship withHim and be strengthened by His mighty power. Godspower is available to all of His children at all times.

JUST A THOUGHT: Monitor your heart daily to avoid wan-dering from Gods love and care.

Gene C. Smith

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Philippians 2:5-8 Tuesday, December 2

The Pattern Of Humility

KEY VERSE: Let this mind be in you, which was alsoin Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:5.

Alex Haley, the late author of Roots, had a picture inhis office of a turtle sitting on top of a fence post. Haleyprized the picture because it was a constant reminder ofa lesson he had learned long ago; that is, if you see a tur-tle on a fence post, you know he had some help gettingthere. Anytime someone starts thinking, Wow, isnt itmarvelous what I have done. That one should remem-ber how the turtle got on the fence post. Someone helpedhim get there.

The apostle Paul, in writing to all the saints in ChristJesus (Phil. 1:1), urged them to allow the mind of Christto be developed in them. Jesus was equal with God(Phil. 2:6) in every respect. However, He made himselfof no reputation by taking upon Himself the form of aservant (verse 7). As a servant of all mankind, Jesushumbled himself and became obedient unto death, eventhe death of the cross (verse 8).

A reporter once asked Billy Graham what he wantedpeople to say about him after his death. His responsewas, I dont want people to say anything about me. Iwant them to talk about my Savior. His genuine humil-ity is why God has so powerfully used him as an evan-gelist.

JUST A THOUGHT: Lord, when I am wrong, make me will-ing to change!

Gene C. Smith

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Philippines 2:1-4 Wednesday, December 3

No Vainglory

KEY VERSE: Let nothing be done through strife orvainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteemother better than themselves, Philippians 2:3.

A prime example for the need of a complete, unifiedcooperation is disclosed in a victorious football team. Thefullback on the team wanted all the limelight and glory forthe yards gained. Those who made up the rest of the teamdecided they would teach him a good lesson. They decidedon one play to do nothing to block the other team mem-bers. They backed off entirely and the opposing team com-pletely smeared the glory-seeking fullback. This causedhim to see the error of his ways, and he began cooperatingwith the rest of the team. The team enjoyed victory aftervictory because of a unified effort.

The church located in the city of Philippi was a high-ly successful church. The people enjoyed almost totalunity in their functioning as a church. The only blemishin their efforts for unity was a small group who wantedto have the preeminence in all matters. Therefore, Paulwrote to them and exhorted them not to allow strife andvainglory to mar their fellowship as a church.

Paul appealed to them to be united on the basis oftheir salvation in Christ, their comfort in His love, theirfellowship in the Holy Spirit which resulted in their ten-derness and compassion toward others.

JUST A THOUGHT: Christians are to humbly serve God inall lowliness of mind.

Gene C. Smith

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Romans 12:9-16 Thursday, December 4

Preferring One Another

KEY VERSE: Be kindly affectioned one to another withbrotherly love; in honour preferring one another,Romans 12:10.

A missionary asked all his pupils to bring a gift for thecause of Christ the next Sunday. They responded to theirteachers plea.

Some brought money and others brought things ofgreat value. When they presented their gifts, the teacherobserved one little boy who had not presented anything.The teacher asked him if he were going to give anything.He responded by taking the collection basket, placing it onthe floor and stepping into it. He then said, I give myselfto Jesus. Every Christian is to emulate the example ofthis boy by giving himself to Jesus Christ.

In todays devotional reading, Paul discussed the rela-tionship that is to exist among Christians. He began bysaying, Let love be without dissimulation, (verse 9)meaning, let your love be sincere. When a Christian hasa sincere love for other Christians, then, that one cancarry out the other admonitions and entreaties set forth inthis Scripture. In honoring other Christians, one displaysbrotherly love (verse 10) for them.

Good relationships are essential for harmony in afamily, a church and in society in general. When familyrelationships break down, it affects other areas of life.This is especially true in a church. When strife and ani-mosity prevails, feelings are hurt. Harmony prevailsonly when there is genuine love for one another.

JUST A THOUGHT: The key ingredient for genuine Chris-tian fellowship is that love must be sincere.

Gene C. Smith

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Romans 15:1-3 Friday, December 5

Please Others First

KEY VERSE: Let every one of us please his neighbourfor his good to edification, Romans 15:2.

Paul, in writing to the church in Rome, stated thatbelievers in Christ are not to despise and condemn oth-ers (Rom. 14:1-12), nor should they hinder the conduct ofother Christians (Rom. 14:13-23). In chapter 15, Paulgave a third principle to observe in reference to a believ-er in Christ dealing with fellow-Christians. The believeris to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ in min-istering to others. It is fitting, therefore, that Christiansshould imitate Him in being concerned about the wel-fare of other people.

Some Christians are prone to extend their fellowshiponly to those of their church affiliation. This tends tolimit Christian fellowship and should be given sincerethought. Christians are blessed when they enjoy fellow-ship with other Christians while adhering to the truth ofthe Word of God.

Fellowship is a two-way street. It takes at least twopeople to have fellowship. Fellowship has been definedas Christians in the same ship. A mature Christian isblessed when he extends fellowship to the less maturebeliever and thereby contributes to that ones spiritualgrowth and development into a mature Christian.

Christians are not to be self-centered but should beconcerned about the spiritual welfare of others. Pleasingothers, however, is not the end in itself but is for theirgood, to build them up unto edification. This is the exam-ple the Lord Jesus Christ left.

JUST A THOUGHT: A word of encouragement couldmake a difference between giving up or going on.

Gene C. Smith

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1 Corinthians 9:19-22 Saturday, December 6

Serve To Gain

KEY VERSE: For though I be free from all men, yethave I made myself servant unto all, that I mightgain the more, 1 Corinthians 9:19.

In our present-day ministries, we have more equip-ment than ever beforebut one thing is lackingthepower of God. We also have abundant organizations toimplement our efforts in serving God, but these organi-zations lack the power to achieve the desired results.

What is needed is a vital connection to the power sup-ply to achieve the coveted results. This power supply isdiscovered in the work of the Holy Spirit. Genuine ser-vice to God is achieved when we are moved beyond ourown strength to obtain the power of God in our lives. Theapostle Pauls service in the city of Corinth is a primeexample of this truth.

Although Paul had been truly set free by the Lord, hehad deliberately made himself a servant to others sothat he could gain the more for Christ. To accomplishthis purpose, he willingly adapted himself to the peopleto whom he was ministering.

To the Jews, Paul became a Jew. To the Gentiles, hebecame as one of them. Paul adapted himself to their sit-uations. Pauls chief aim was to win the unsaved toChrist, and, for that purpose, he became all things to allmankind. This attitude would benefit all Christians inwinning the unsaved to Christ in this present genera-tion.

JUST A THOUGHT: The devils number one tool is not anactive sinner but an inactive Christian.

Gene C. Smith

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2 Corinthians 8:9 Sunday, December 7

He Became Poor,Making Many Rich

KEY VERSE: For ye know the grace of our Lord JesusChrist, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakeshe became poor, that ye through his poverty mightbe rich, 2 Corinthians 8:9.

During Abraham Lincolns tenure as President of theUnited States, he was visited by a guest who sought toflatter him by saying, Back in my home state people saythe welfare of the nation depends on God and AbrahamLincoln. Lincoln humbly replied, You are half right.He also stated, Without divine assistance I cannot suc-ceed, with it I cannot fail. The welfare of our nation isstill in the hands of Almighty God.

Paul challenged the churches in Macedonia to aboundin the grace of giving. The offering for the poor saints(Christians) in Jerusalem was the goal of this giving.The Christians in Corinth had heard of this endeavor,and they insisted they be permitted to take part in thisproject. They gave, not only according to their ability buteven beyond it. They were motivated by the grace ofGod.

Gods marvelous grace is also the motivating factor inthe giving of tithes and offerings to God by His people.The committed Christian desires to give liberally to thecause of Christ. The Scriptures teach that one shouldgive at least a tenth part of his or her income to the Lordthrough the churches of the living God. Does your givingmeasure up to Gods standard?

JUST A THOUGHT: Americans spend more on dog foodthan they contribute to the Lord through His churches.

Gene C. Smith

12

John 14:7-14 Monday, December 8

Jesus and the Father Are One

KEY VERSE: Believe me that I am in the Father, andthe Father is in me: or else believe me for the veryworks sake, John 14:11.

The proof of the union of Christ and the Father (God)is set forth in todays devotional reading. Jesus followerswere to believe in Him because He is the way, the truthand the life (John 14:6). No one is able to approach Godunless he comes by and through Jesus Christ.

There are actually three divine personalities in theGodhead. These are God the Father, Jesus Christ theSon of God and the Holy Spirit. Gods glorious characterabides in all three of these individuals for the salvationand edification of mankind.

Ones mind may be in a whirl in contemplation of theGodhead. Each person who makes up the Godhead isdivine. Water (H2O) illustrates this truth. Water, a liq-uid, can be frozen into ice or heated to become steam,but in all three stages it remains (H2O).

An atheist who lived in days past, spent his timeendeavoring to prove there was no God. He would drawa crowd, take a watch and say, I will prove there is noGod. God, if you do exist, kill me in sixty seconds. Hewould then count down to zero. However, he remainedalive. He concluded there was no God because he lived.

JUST A THOUGHT: A watch proves there is a watchmak-er. The Word of God proves there is a God.

Gene C. Smith

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Isaiah 53:10-12 Tuesday, December 9

His Offering for Sin

KEY VERSE: Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; hehath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soulan offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shallprolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shallprosper in his hand, Isaiah 53:10.

In 1943 the cargo transport, Dorchester, carrying ninehundred four men was torpedoed and sank in the icywaters within twenty-five minutes. The ship was withinninety miles of its destination. The ship began to sink andsix hundred seventy-eight men drowned. They were allreported missing in action. There were four chaplainsaboard the ship. Without regard for personal safety, eachchaplain unfastened his life jacket and gave it away. Thesecourageous men were last seen standing hand in handpraying for the safety of their men. They made thesupreme sacrifice by giving their lives for others.

Jesus Christ gave His life on Calvarys cross so allmankind might be saved from sins penalty. Jesus madethe supreme sacrifice for all mankind that day at Cal-vary so all who place their faith in Him will be saved andlive forever.

In Isaiah 53, the prophet of God foretold of Jesus sac-rifice on the cross so all who trust Him can be saved andenjoy everlasting life with God in Heaven forever.

JUST A THOUGHT: The blood of Jesus Christ his Soncleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

Gene C. Smith

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Romans 12:9, 10 Wednesday, December 10

Practice Brotherly Love

KEY VERSE: Be kindly affectioned [devoted] one toanother with brotherly love; in honour preferring oneanother, Romans 12:10.

A socially prominent woman of Boston went to visit apoor widow who had done some domestic service in herhome but now was seriously ill. The caller was shockedat the evidences of poverty in the widows home. The richwoman offered to contact a charitable organization tohelp the poor woman. But the poor widow refused stat-ing that, although she was poor, she could not acceptcharity. The rich woman then told her that she hadknowledge of her neighbors helping her. Yes, sheanswered, but that is not charity. They are my friends.They love me and care for me.

The Key Verse urges all Christians to be devoted toeach other in brotherly love. The apostle Paul, in thesetwo verses in Romans, began some specific exhortationswith the key ingredient for success, that is, that broth-erly love must be sincere or without hypocrisy. Theexpression, Be kindly affectioned means to be devoted toeach other, which suggests family affection.

This brotherly love is to be exercised in honor, givingplace to one another or considering others better thanyourself. Charity should never be administered with theidea that the giver is better than the recipient of the gift.The giver must not pretend to love the recipient butreally love that one.

JUST A THOUGHT: Gods way of honoring others is to doso because they have been created in His image.

Gene C. Smith

15

Hebrews 10:19-22 Thursday, December 11

The Only Way to God

KEY VERSE: By a new and living way, which he hathconsecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say,his flesh, Hebrews 10:20.

The death of Jesus Christ on the cross gave people theneeded access to God. It is aptly described in the KeyVerse as a new and living way which He inaugurated forus by His sacrificial death on the cross.

The book of Hebrews is a series of contrasts betweenthe good things of Judaism and the better things of God.Christ is better than angels, Moses, Joshua, Aaron andthe Mosaic Covenant. Jesus Christ provided a betterway by His atoning death on the cross.

Jesus said to Thomas, the doubter, I am the way, thetruth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, butby me (John 14:6). This is one of the most basic andimportant passages in the Word of God. People often ask,How can we find God? The only way is through JesusChrist. He is the only way because He is both God andman. By trusting Him as Savior, a repentant sinner issaved from sins penalty. Those who trust Him will alsoenjoy all the benefits of being Gods child and will go toHeaven at the end of lifes way.

Church membership does not save ones soul. Neitherdoes doing good works bring salvation to an individual.Christ is the only Savior.

JUST A THOUGHT: Thank you God for providing a sureway to Heaven.

Gene C. Smith

16

Ephesians 4:21-24 Friday, December 12

The Truth Is in Jesus

KEY VERSE: If so be that ye have heard him, and havebeen taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, Eph-esians 4:21.

Jesus Himself stated that He is the way, the truth andthe life (John 14:6). The apostle Paul also declared thetruth is in Jesus (Eph. 4:21). Therefore, there should beno question at all where one must go to find the truth.The truth is found in the pages of Gods Wordthe HolyBible. It is indeed Gods Word.

There are seven strong convictions everyone shouldhave about Gods Word.

1. The Bible is Gods Word from Genesis 1:1 to Reve-lation 22:21.

2. Holy men of God wrote the Word of God as it wasrevealed to them (2 Peter 1:21).

3. God-called ministers are to teach and preach thetruth by rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

4. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and isprofitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, forinstruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).

5. All servants of Jesus Christ are to earnestly con-tend for the faith which was once delivered unto thesaints (Jude 3).

6. Christians are to study the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15).7. God will someday judge every mans work by the

Word of God (1 Peter 1:17).

JUST A THOUGHT: It is reported that ninety-three percentof all households in America own a Bible, but onlytwelve percent read the Bible every day.

Gene C. Smith

17

1 John 5:11, 12 Saturday, December 13

The Life Is in the Son

KEY VERSE: And this is the record, that God hath givento us eternal life, and this life is in his Son, 1 John5:11.

H. L. Hunt made millions of dollars as a Texas oil man.He was an aggressive businessman who had little timefor anything else. One night he called a friend at 2:00 a.m.and said, John, I just made the greatest trade of my life.I traded the here and now for the hereafter. That nighthe became a born-again believer in Christ and beganserving God through his church in Dallas, Texas.

The Key Verse declares that God has granted eternallife to those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior. Howlong is eternal life? It is forever. Eternal life is found onlyin Jesus Christ. It is not found in turning away from thesins of the flesh, church membership, nor is it found ingood works. It is found only in turning to the Lord JesusChrist and trusting Him for salvation.

Have you experienced this radical change in your life?If not, why not turn to Jesus Christ, repent of your sinsand trust Him for salvation? After being saved by Godsgrace, one is to seek out a true New Testament church,join it and be baptized as Jesus was by complete immer-sion in water. When this has been achieved, one is to serveChrist faithfully and be a witness to others for Him.

JUST A THOUGHT: Whatever does not begin with theLord will end in failure.

Gene C. Smith

18

1 John 3:10-14 Sunday, December 14

The New Commandmentin Practice

KEY VERSE: For this is the message that ye heardfrom the beginning, that we should love one anoth-er, 1 John 3:11.

Loving one another is the mark of those who have trulybeen born again. When a lost sinner realizes he isunsaved, he should repent of his sins and trust JesusChrist for salvation. Upon being converted, the newlyborn-again believer is to love other believers.

Cain was a wicked person who was angry with hisbrother, Abel. His anger was uncontrollable and he angri-ly killed his brother. This was the first murder recorded inthe Bible. These two young men were the children ofAdam and Eve, the first man and his wife. Cain is a typeof the mere man of the earth. Abel is a type of a spiritualman. It must have grieved Adam and Eve to learn thatCain murdered his brother.

Cain was a farmer who made his living by tilling thesoil. However, he was not successful at farming becausehis farm would not yield its strength after that awful actof killing his brother (Gen. 4:12). Therefore, he exclaimed,My punishment is greater than I can bear (verse 13).Cain went to the land of Nod and lived in exile because ofthe dastardly deed of murdering his brother (verse 15).Cain had no love for his own brother. Christians are tolove one another and thereby show their love for others.

JUST A THOUGHT: Sins wages are surely paid out tothose who walk in the pathway of sin.

Gene C. Smith

19

20

1 Corinthians 2:12-14 Monday, December 15

Teaching by the Holy Spirit

KEY VERSE: Which things also we speak, not in thewords which mans wisdom teacheth, but which theHoly Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things withspiritual, 1 Corinthians 2:13.

The writers of both the Old and New Testaments wereinspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). The HolySpirit illumines the minds and hearts of its readers.Thus, throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit not onlyguides us doctrinally and historically, but He also usessuch as a vehicle for speaking to our hearts. This is whyministers constantly urge people to read and study theScriptures whether or not they fully understand whatthey are reading. The reading of the Scriptures enablesthe Holy Spirit to enlighten the readers and do His workin their hearts and lives.

As one reads the Word of God, its message saturatesones heart whether he is conscious of what is happeningor not. The Word of God, with all its mysterious power,touches ones life and gives spiritual power to the reader.

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal truths pre-viously hidden from human search and understandingand to enlighten their minds to know and understandthem. Our responsibility is to be diligent students of theWord of God. Every born-again child of God would prof-it spiritually from a daily reading and study of the Wordof God.

JUST A THOUGHT: The psalmist prayed, Open thoumine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thylaw, (Psalm 119:18).

Gene C. Smith

Ephesians 1:13, 14 Tuesday, December 16

The Sealing of the Holy Spirit

KEY VERSE: In whom ye also trusted, after that yeheard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealedwith that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13.

From Acts 19, we learn that Paul spent approximatelythree years in the city of Ephesus which was the capitalcity of Asia Minor. This was the longest time he spent inany community. Ephesus was a center of heathen worship;yet, Paul enjoyed a memorable ministry there. He oncereminded the Ephesian elders, By the space of threeyears I ceased not to warn every one night and day withtears (Acts 20:31). The immediate result of Pauls min-istry in Ephesus was a tremendous spiritual awakening.It resulted in many people bringing their books of magicand burning them in a huge public bonfire (Acts 19:23-41).

Many Ephesians trusted the Lord and were gloriouslysaved by Gods grace. They were also sealed with that holySpirit of promise. The Holy Spirit is Himself the seal. Inthis symbolism of Scripture a seal signifies three things:(1) a finished transaction (Jer. 32:9, 10; John 17:4; 19:13-30); (2) ownership (Jer. 32:11, 12; 2 Tim. 2:19) (3) security(Esther 8:8; Dan. 6:17; Eph. 4:30). In this we view the HolySpirits part in mans redemption. He works in full accordwith the preaching of Gods Word in bringing sinners toChrist for salvation.

JUST A THOUGHT: The fullest life is found in ones rela-tionship to Jesus Christ.

Gene C. Smith

21

Titus 3:5 Wednesday, December 17

The Renewal of the Holy Spirit

KEY VERSE: Not by works of righteousness which wehave done, but according to his mercy he saved us,by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of theHoly Ghost, Titus 3:5.

Titus was a Gentile convert who had traveled andserved with the apostle Paul (Gal. 2:1-3). He had alsofunctioned as a faithful messenger to the troubledchurch in Corinth (2 Cor. 7:6, 7; 8:6, 16).

In approximately AD 6364, Paul and Titus traveledto Crete, leaving Timothy in Ephesus. After a brief visit,Paul left Titus in Crete to help provide leadership for theCretan churches (Titus 1:5). The purpose of this epistle toTitus was to instruct him about what he should teach tothe Cretan churches. He was to set in order the things thatwere lacking in the Cretan churches and ordain elders inevery church (verse 5). In so doing, he was to assert hisauthority in teaching sound doctrine (Titus 2:1).

Paul also urged Titus to direct them to submit to thewashing of regeneration and the renewing of the HolyGhost (Titus 3:5). The latter relates to the adjustment ofthe moral and spiritual values and thinking to the mindof God. The renewing of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) does notrefer to a fresh bestowal of the Spirit but a revival of Hispower in developing the Christian life in them.

JUST A THOUGHT: It will make a difference in ones lifewhen the power of the Holy Spirit is in control.

Gene C. Smith

22

Romans 8:11 Thursday, December 18

The Resurrection bythe Holy Spirit

KEY VERSE: But if the Spirit of him that raised upJesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised upChrist from the dead shall also quicken your mortalbodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you, Romans8:11.

The eighth chapter of Romans has been called theMountain Peak of this great book. This chapter beginswith no condemnation (verse 1) and ends with no sep-aration (verse 39). Charles Haddon Spurgeon called theglorious doctrines of this chapter, Golden stepping-stones through the slough of despond. It has also beensaid, If the Scriptures were a ring, and the Roman Epis-tle its precious stone, chapter 8 would be the sparklingpoint of the jewel. Furthermore, it has been said, Chap-ter 8 is one of the loftiest peaks in the whole realm ofrevealed truth. No doubt these fine sayings came part-ly because they highlight the divine truth of the resur-rection of the saints (children) of God.

The apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans to thechurch in the city of Rome. The eighth chapter of thisgreat book is filled with various promises God made toHis people including the believers in the city of Rome.

In verse 11, Paul wrote about an even better promise.Since God raised Jesus from the dead, He promisesbelievers, in whom the Holy Spirit resides, that He willalso give life to their mortal bodies through the work ofthe Holy Spirit.

JUST A THOUGHT: God never makes a promise He can-not and will not keep.

Gene C. Smith

23

Romans 8:14-17 Friday, December 19

The Witness of the Holy Spirit

KEY VERSE: The Spirit itself beareth witness with ourspirit, that we are the children of God, Romans 8:16.

In many families children inherit their parentsestate. Each child is an heir and will inherit a share ofthe estate. Similarly, since Christians are Gods chil-dren, they are His heirs (Gal. 4:7), and they are co-heirswith Christ. They are the recipients of all spiritual bless-ings (Eph. 1:3) now, and in the future they will sharewith the Lord Jesus Christ in all the riches of Godskingdom (John 17:24; 1 Cor. 3:21-23).

Sharing with Christ, however, involves more thananticipating the glories of Heaven. For Jesus Christ, itinvolved suffering, abuse and crucifixion. Therefore,being co-heirs with Christ requires that believers sharein His sufferings. In fact, believers do share in His suf-ferings. Then after our sufferings here on earth, we willshare in His glory (Rom. 8:17).

The apostle Paul revealed that Gods children havethe leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives (verse 14).He also points out that the Holy Spirit is abiding in usand witnesses to our spirits that we are Gods children(verse 16) and the heirs of God (verse 17). These versesreveal that, even though we are the sons of God now, Hehas not finished His work in us. In the resurrection wewill be made in the likeness of Jesus Christ, and Godsredemptive work in us will be completed.

JUST A THOUGHT: Life would be more pleasant if we couldforget our troubles as easily as we forget our blessings.

Gene C. Smith

24

Romans 8:26, 27 Saturday, December 20

The Interceding of the Holy Spirit

KEY VERSE: And he that searcheth the hearts knowethwhat is the mind of the Spirit, because he makethintercession for the saints according to the will ofGod, Romans 8:27.

Believers are not left to their own resources in timesof their sufferings. The Holy Spirit helps (keeps on help-ing) ones infirmities, or weaknesses. This does not meanthat the Spirit helps only in those occasional times whenChristians are weak. It means that in their state ofweakness, the Holy Spirit continually helps them. Theword weakness may include physical, emotional andspiritual disabilities. Evidence that one is troubled is byinward groaning or by fervent praying to God.

One evidence of ones weakness is the fact that believ-ers do not know what to ask for in prayer. In their weak-ness, both the content and the manner of prayer eludesthem. However, the Holy Spirit comes to their rescueand intercedes for them with groans which words cannotexpress.

This has nothing to do with praying in tongues assome suggest. The groaning is done by the Holy Spiritnot the believer. The groaning is not stated in words.The help the Holy Spirit gives (verse 26) is throughinterceding. He approaches God and appeals for the onepraying. The One who searches the heart is God, and Heknows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit inter-cedes for the saints in accordance with Gods will.

JUST A THOUGHT: The Holy Spirits intercession may bethe key to Gods intervention.

Gene C. Smith

25

Acts 1:4-9 Sunday, December 21

They Waited for the Comforter

KEY VERSE: But ye shall receive power, after that theHoly Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be wit-nesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in allJudaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost partof the earth, Acts 1:8.

In a city where this writer once lived a church had aTV program entitled, A Church In Action. In viewingthis program on different occasions this writer hasviewed this church in action carrying out the GreatCommission. This church functions like the one, or ones,we view in the book of Acts. In the book of Acts, one seesthe church in action. This action revolved around twopersonalities, Peter and Paul. It also revolved aroundtwo places, Jerusalem and Antioch. This action in themain reveals the church at work carrying out the GreatCommission. Their concern was to get the gospel to theentire world. The church was commissioned by the Lordfor this worldwide task.

It was now forty days after the triumphant andthrilling experience of the resurrection when Jesus over-came the forces of death and walked out of the tomb inthe full powers of His resurrection. From that thrillingmoment, he shewed himself alive after his passion bymany infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days(Acts 1:3). Jesus met with His disciples for the last time(verse 4) before ascending back to Heaven (verse 9).

JUST A THOUGHT: The Lord commissioned His church-es to take the gospel to the world.

Gene C. Smith

26

John 15:15-17 Monday, December 22

The Lord Expects Fruit

KEY VERSE: Ye have not chosen me, but I have cho-sen you, and ordained you, that ye should go andbring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in myname, he may give it you, John 15:16.

A few years ago a friend gave this writer some sproutsfrom his fig trees. My wife loves ripe figs so I wanted toprovide some for her. I planted them on the far northside of our backyard. They now produce some bountifulfruit every year. I look for the first ripe figs in the seasonto give her some fresh ripe fruit.

In the parable of the vine and the branches (John 15:1-17), Jesus spoke about a vine bearing fruit. The branchwhich did not bear any fruit was pruned from the vine(verse 2). This action caused the vine to bear more fruit(verse 2). He also stated that, as the branches remain inthe vine, they will bear more fruit (verses 2, 4). The Lordspoke these truths to remind His people to keep in closecontact with Him to be fruit-bearing children of God(verses 4-8).

The Key Verse reminds Gods people that He has cho-sen them to go and bring forth fruit for Him. When theyexceed this limit and bear much fruit, the Father is glo-rified in them (verse 8).

JUST A THOUGHT: Is your life a brush pile or a fruit pro-ducing tree?

Gene C. Smith

27

Luke 13:6-9 Tuesday, December 23

Parable of Fruitfulness

KEY VERSE: Then said he unto the dresser of hisvineyard, Behold, these three years I come seekingfruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; whycumbereth it the ground? Luke 13:7.

Jesus taught in this parable that, if spiritual fruitdoes not exist in ones life, judgment will surely come. Afig tree requires three years to bear figs, but, since thisone did not produce any fruit, the owner said, cut itdown (verse 7). The keeper of the vineyard asked him togive it one more year, and, if it did not bear fruit, hewould cut it down.

This parable illustrates the truth that judgmentcomes to those who do not repent of their sins andbecome saved by Gods marvelous grace. Jesus also tookthis thought one step further by noting that fruit mustbe present for the fig tree to remain. Thus, a visiblechange must be seen in one who claims to be a child ofGod. If there is no visible change, that person, like thebarren fig tree, will be judged.

A child of God is to bear fruit for God. This fruit mayconsist of introducing others to Christ, helping the elder-ly, doing good deeds for others, attending church servicesregularly, teaching a class during Bible study time,singing in the church choir or playing a musical instru-ment in a church service. However, good works are notlimited to these deeds.

JUST A THOUGHT: Great deeds are not performed bystrength but by perseverance.

Gene C. Smith

28

Matthew 1:18-25 Wednesday, December 24

ImmanuelGod with Us

KEY VERSE: Behold, a virgin shall be with child, andshall bring forth a son, and they shall call his nameEmmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us,Matthew 1:23.

The writer of the first book of the New Testament wasMatthew, also called Levi, a Jew of Galilee, who servedas a tax collector under the Roman oppressors. He was,therefore, one of the most hated and ill-reputed publi-cans. However, he responded to the call of the Lord andbecame a devout follower of Jesus Christ (Matt. 9:9).

In this first chapter Matthew presents the conceptionand birth of Christ. The virgin Mary was the female ves-sel God used to bring His Son into the world. At thattime she and Joseph were engaged to be married. How-ever, Mary conceived her firstborn child; not by Joseph,but by the Holy Spirit. (See also Isaiah 7:14.)

Mary named her newborn son, Emmanuel, whichmeans God with us. In light of this declaration, Josephwas not to be afraid to take Mary into his home. Theyhad no sexual relations until after the birth of JesusChrist. They called Marys newborn son JESUS for Hewas to save the people from their sins. There would like-ly be much misunderstanding and gossip in the commu-nity, but Joseph knew the true story of Marys pregnan-cy and Gods will for her life.

JUST A THOUGHT: The Son of God became a man toenable men to become the sons of God.

Gene C. Smith

29

Luke 2:8-20 Thursday, December 25

A Savior Is Born

KEY VERSE: For unto you is born this day in the cityof David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord, Luke2:11.

It is easy to overlook the real meaning of Christmas.It has become commercialized by the buying of gifts forfamily and friends and many other things. The realmeaning of Christmas seemingly gets lost.

In the Word of God, the emphasis is on salvation throughthe Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the Key Verse. Thus, itis a grand time for the unsaved to find the Lord as theirSavior. This is true for four reasons: (1) The frequent use ofthe name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (2) People are constant-ly reminded that Christ came to seek and save those whoare lost in sin (Luke 19:1-10). (3) The old, old story of thelove of Christ is told with a great emphasis on ones accep-tance of His love and salvation. (4) People are constantlyreminded of the brevity of life as the years seem fly by.

One may have the most beautifully decorated housein any given city, be able to buy the most expensive giftsand enjoy giving and receiving gifts. Some may enjoy thesinging of songs, eating rich food and exchanging gifts,but, if they do not have Christ in their lives, the truemeaning of Christmas is lost.

JUST A THOUGHT: Wise men still seek Him!

Gene C. Smith

30

Colossians 1:5-10 Friday, December 26

Fruitful in Every Good Work

KEY VERSE: That ye might walk worthy of the Lordunto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work,and increasing in the knowledge of God, Colos-sians 1:10.

The aim of believers in all their worthy conductshould be to please Jesus Christ in every way. Merelypleasing people is incompatible with being a servant ofChrist. Indeed, the apostle Paul made it the ambition ofhis life to please God (2 Cor. 5:9). It is to be the goal ofevery believer in Christ to please Him in all that isundertaken in life.

Four things result from such a God-pleasing life: (1)The bearing of fruit for Him. A gardener would cut downa fruit tree if it did not bear fruit. God desires that all Hispeople bear fruit for Him. One of the foremost endeavorsof every believer in Christ is to win souls to Christ. In sodoing, one is being fruitful in a good work. (2) Increasingin the knowledge of God. (3) Being strengthened with thepower of God (Col. 1:11). (4) Giving thanks unto the Fatherfrom whom flows every good and perfect gift (verse 12).

This writer once planted several fruit trees in hopesof producing some succulent fruit. Not knowing whatkind of soil was best suited for those trees for growthand fruit bearing resulted in a barren orchard. The out-come brought about the cutting down of the trees.

JUST A THOUGHT: When a Christian ceases to grow, hebegins to decay.

Gene C. Smith

31

1 John 2:3-6 Saturday, December 27

Evidence of Abiding

KEY VERSE: And hereby we do know that we knowhim, if we keep his commandments, 1 John 2:3.

As Moses was tending his father-in-laws sheep in theSinai Peninsula, his attention was drawn to a strangesight. A bush was burning without being consumed.When Moses turned to look more closely, the angel of theLORD (Ex. 3:2) spoke to him and said, Draw not nighhither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the placewhereon thou standest is holy ground (verse 5).

This experience of Moses teaches that a holy Goddemands our reverence and respect. We may, however,enter the presence of God with confidence because Jesushas opened the way for us through His death on Calvaryscross. However, we are to never profane His holy name.

Our Heavenly Father is not the man upstairs. He isGod, the One who is high and lifted up, and, because ofHis majesty, we are to exalt and worship Him (John4:24). He is worthy of our praise and worship. The wordworship means to make obeisance or do reverence tosomeone or something. It is used as an act of homage orreverence to God.

When we keep His commandments and abide in Him,it is a sure sign of our obedience and love for Him.Abideth in him (1 John 2:6) means to live in Him.Those who live in Him must walk (live) as Jesus did.

JUST A THOUGHT: The Lord God alone is worthy of ouradoration, praise and worship.

Gene C. Smith

32

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 Sunday, December 28

Only God Gives the Increase

KEY VERSE: I have planted, Apollos watered; but Godgave the increase, 1 Corinthians 3:6.

Dissension in the Corinthian church was the firstproblem addressed by the apostle Paul as he wrote tothem from the city of Ephesus. He appealed to them towork for harmony in the church not the elimination oftheir diversity. He desired unity of all the divided partiesin the church.

Paul and Apollos were given their ministries by JesusChrist. They were the means, not the cause, whereby theCorinthians became believers in Christ. However, Godalone produces results when the gospel is proclaimed. Godmade the seed they had planted grow and produce results.

The apostle Paul and Apollos were not competingagainst each other in their ministries in Corinth, butthey were complementing each others ministry. Theirpurpose was to bring the church to unity and maturity.God makes the seed of the Word to be productive in thehearts and lives of people as they respond to Him. Aministers part is to plant the seed of the Word of God inthe hearts of humankind. Gods part is to give theincrease by saving souls, adding them to His churchesand developing them into mature Christians. Therefore,God alone is to get the credit and praise for churchgrowth and development.

JUST A THOUGHT: Ministers are servants of Godengaged in His service to give the gospel to mankind.

Gene C. Smith

33

1 Peter 3:13-17 Monday, December 29

Suffering for Righteousness Sake

KEY VERSE: Having a good conscience; that, where-as they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they maybe ashamed that falsely accuse your good conver-sation in Christ, 1 Peter 3:16.

There are many benefits in knowing a foreign lan-guage. One of the chief benefits lies in the increasedability to understand and be understood. If a personknows only one language, he is tempted to think thateverything he communicates is understood. However, ifforced to translate an idea into another language, hemust consider various possible words to use and theirshades of meaning as well as all of the other elements ofthe language. This effort opens a door allowing him tocommunicate with many new people.

Suffering is like knowing a foreign language, sincethings that one usually takes for granted in a normalflow of life must be thought through in new ways in atime of suffering. Also, when we think of our own suffer-ing, it is well that we should think of Christ and His suf-fering exceeding sorrowful unto death (Mark 14:34) inGethsemane, His loneliness, prayers and being forsakenby His disciples, His bloody sweat, the traitors kiss, thebinding, the blow in the face, the spitting, the mocking,the scourging, the crown of thorns, the hours on thecross, His being forsaken of God and the end. We cannever compare our suffering to that.

LIVING IT: If you are succeeding without suffering, some-one suffered before you.

Mary McCalister

34

1 Peter 4:12-19 Tuesday, December 30

Fiery Trials

KEY VERSE: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partak-ers of Christs sufferings; that, when his glory shallbe revealed, ye may be glad also with exceedingjoy, 1 Peter 4:13.

When asked for an explanation of Malachi 3:3, Heshall sit as a refiner . . . of silver, the teacher related thefollowing example.

She had watched the silversmith as he held up a pieceof silver over a fire and let it heat up. He explained thatin refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in themiddle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as toburn away all the impurities.

The teacher asked the silversmith if he had to sitthere in front of the fire the whole time the silver wasbeing refined. The answer was yes. He not only had to sitthere holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes onthe silver the entire time. If the silver was left a momenttoo long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The teacher then asked, How do you know when thesilver is fully refined?

He smiled at her and answered, Oh, thats easywhen I see my image in it.

The teacher pointed out, if God is holding us in sucha hot spot, it is because He wants to burn out the impu-rities in our lives. If you are feeling the heat of fierytemptations, remember God has His eye on you and willkeep watching you.

LIVING IT: When God sees His image in you, He will knowthe refining process has accomplished His will in your life.

Mary McCalister

35

2 Timothy 3:10-12 Wednesday, December 31

The Cost of Godliness

KEY VERSE: Yea, and all that live godly in Christ Jesusshall suffer persecution, 2 Timothy 3:12.

Have you ever visited an organ factory? The atmos-phere there is far from musical. Bedlam, rather thanbeauty, prevails. Organs mean melody and beauty, butorgan factories mean din and dirt. The instrument is builtfor music, and music it will ultimately bring, but thebuilding where it is fashioned resounds more with racketthan rhythm. However, there could be no organs withoutorgan factories. Any instrument owes its existence to theapparent commotion in the place of its creation.

The world is such a factory. In it, God is creating andcompleting new men in Christ. The process, however,might seem difficult and rough and will hit as heavily andhurt as badly as the raps of the hammer in the organ shop.

Being a godly person means we will experience dis-tressing circumstances. But, God never permits circum-stances to buffet believers without reason. Paul said,We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulationworketh patience; and patience, experience; and experi-ence, hope (Rom. 5:3, 4).

God promises to help us through adversity and giveeventual victory over it (1 Cor. 10:13). Peter wrote thetrial of our faith was much more precious than gold (1Peter 1:7). Paul also encouraged us, saying, the suffer-ings of this present time are not worthy to be comparedwith the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18).

LIVING IT: Cast all your care on God, knowing He cares foryou (1 Peter 5:7).

36

Romans 5:1-6 Thursday, January 1

Tribulation Worketh Patience

KEY VERSE: And not only so, but we glory in tribulationsalso: knowing that tribulation worketh patience,Romans 5:3.

This passage was referred to in yesterdays devotion-al. Today we will go into it in depth.

Being justified (verse 1), what a magnificent deliver-ance! Christ came. He lived. He died. He rose again. NowHe intercedes.

Being justified means we have peace with God. Italso means we have access to the grace of God. We gloryin tribulations (verse 3). How can that be? It can bebecause we know tribulations give us staying power andprovide a basis for hope, a hope which does not disap-point.

Are you suffering tribulations because of your faith?Remind yourself of Judes promise in verses 24 and 25,Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and topresent you faultless before the presence of his glory withexceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be gloryand majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.

Whatever your problem, your trial or your temptation,God is waiting to use His great power in your behalf.Trust Him. He is big enough to help you. In any and everyemergency He will not fail you. He promises, Fear not: forI have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name;thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, Iwill be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall notoverflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thoushalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle uponthee. For I am the LORD thy God (Isa. 43:1-3).

BELIEVE IT: At the moment of our need, when we areunable to help ourselves, God takes care of us.

Mary McCalister

37

Matthew 5:43-48 Friday, January 2

Reaction to Persecution

KEY VERSE: But I say unto you, Love your enemies,bless them that curse you, do good to them thathate you, and pray for them which despitefully useyou, and persecute you, Matthew 5:44.

It is interesting that Matthew 5 is often called TheBeatitudes. We can make a play on that word and sayChrist gives the Christian instructions on their be atti-tudes. What should our attitudes be? We should be sen-sitive, be concerned, be compassionate, be loving, behumble, be strong and be our best.

Developing the right attitude helps you love your ene-mies, bless those who curse you, do good to those whohate you and pray for those who persecute you. Why is itso important to develop these attitudes? Jesus taughtthat it reflects to those around us that we are truly thechildren of the Heavenly Father.

Jesus did not say having the right attitude would beeasy. It was not easy for Him. He had to endure beingcalled crazy by His brothers and a liar by His neighbors.He had to endure being run out of town and out of theTemple. It was not easy for Him to endure the sufferingof the cross and give His life as a payment for the sins ofthe world.

No, it is not easy, but it is worth it. The promise is,Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure,pressed down, and shaken together, and running over(Luke 6:38).

LIVING IT: Do you need an attitude adjustment? Do it andyou will be blessed.

Mary McCalister

38

James 1:2-4 Saturday, January 3

Count It All Joy!

KEY VERSE: Knowing this, that the trying of your faithworketh patience, James 1:3.

Just how patient are you? Perhaps you need to learna little patience like a Christian worker who was attend-ing a mission conference. Eager to learn all he could, hecame early enough to snag a front row seat.

As the speaker began, the listener was distracted by acouple of voices in the back of the room. Two men weremumbling to each other, and the listener seriouslythought of shooting a glare over his shoulder when thespeaker took time out to explain.

Forgive me, he said. I forgot to explain why the twofellows at the back of the room are talking. One of themis the pastor of a church in Romania. He is here to learnmore about our mission work. But he does not speakEnglish, so the other man is translating for him.

Can you imagine how everything changed? Patiencereplaced impatience and brought with it understanding(Prov. 11:12). It will behoove you that before you blow up,listen up. Before you strike out, tune in. Perhaps God isusing this means to make you more patient. Alwaysremember every test, every trial, every tribulation, withall the accompanying sorrow and disappointment, is aGod-given opportunity for growth in the Christian life.

It is possible to count it all joy (James 1:2) in trials.Trials are not a sign of Gods displeasure. Trials are Godstool for bringing the Christian to full maturity, allowingpatience to have its perfect (maturing) work.

LIVING IT: Patience is letting your motor idle when you feellike stripping the gears.

Mary McCalister

39

1 Peter 2:21-25 Sunday, January 4

Follow His Steps!

KEY VERSE: For even hereunto were ye called:because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us anexample, that ye should follow his steps, 1 Peter2:21.

Someone you love and respect slams you to the floorwith a slur or slip of the tongue. And there you lie, wound-ed and bleeding. Perhaps the words were intended to hurtyou, perhaps not, but that does not matter. The wound istherewounded pride and bruised feelings. Or, perhapssomeone to whom you have been witnessing cuts you offwith cruel, unjust words. The hurt is just the same.

To obtain healing, meditate on verse 23, which speaksof Christ, Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed him-self to him that judgeth righteously.

The instinctive response of the natural man to suffer-ing is to seek revenge, to get even. But the child of Godshould not follow these human instincts. Instead, Jesusis our example to follow when the suffering we are calledto experience comes upon us. He put the situation in thehands of God, trusting Him to be just and fair. We canknow God will ultimately right all wrongs, helping usunderstand that our sense of being wronged can be putto rest.

A life filled with suffering may seem like a lonesomevalley, but we can rest assured Christ is walking the roadwith us, and He will sustain us. He promised He would bewith us to the end of the age.

LIVING IT: Follow Christs example and continually committhe situation of suffering into Gods hands.

Mary McCalister

40

Luke 6:22, 23 Monday, January 5

The Blessing of Persecution

KEY VERSE: Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy:for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in thelike manner did their fathers unto the prophets,Luke 6:23.

One of the most inspiring examples of courage inChristian history was the martydom of Polycarp, whowas burned at the stake for his faith. The aged Polycarphad been arrested by the Roman authorities andbrought to the arena for execution in front of the cheer-ing crowd. The proconsul pressed him hard and said,Swear, and I will release you. Revile Christ. Polycarpreplied, Eighty and six years have I served Him, and Henever did me wrong and how can I now blaspheme myKing that has saved me?

Does that sound like an occasion to rejoice and leapfor joy? Not from a fleshly standpoint, but spiritually itcan be done.

Martyrs Mirror, a book with over eleven hundredpages of the history of martyrs, made this comment:Various eminent writers have made mention of thisawful and lamentable deed of the Emperor Diocletian,and they . . . wonder at two things: In the first place thatanyone who is at all a human being could commit suchgreat cruelties on his fellow men, as Diocletian inflictedupon the Christians. In the second place, that the Chris-tians, frail men as they were, could endure all this, andnot only this, but that many of them . . . manifestedgreat joy in their sufferings.

LIVING IT: If so be that we suffer with him, that we may bealso glorified together (Rom. 8:17).

Mary McCalister

41

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Tuesday, January 6

Spiritual Blindness

KEY VERSE: In whom the god of this world hath blind-ed the minds of them which believe not, lest the lightof the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image ofGod, should shine unto them, 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Many years ago a wealthy businessman, while on avisit to England, was fascinated by a powerful microscope.Looking through its lens to study crystals and the petalsof flowers, he was amazed at their beauty and detail. Hedecided to purchase a microscope and take it back home.

He thoroughly enjoyed using it until one day he exam-ined some food he was planning to eat for dinner. Much tohis dismay, he discovered that tiny living creatures werecrawling in it. Since he was especially fond of this partic-ular food, he wondered what to do. Finally, he concludedthere was only one way out of his dilemmahe woulddestroy the instrument that caused him to discover thedistasteful fact. So, he smashed the microscope to pieces.

This is how those who are blinded to their sinful condi-tion by the god of this world react to the preaching of thegospel. They do not want to hear that they are sinners, sothey reach out to destroy every witness who tries topreach lest the light of the gospel should shine on them.

Many witnesses have overcome this opposition,including missionaries who reached out to the ShapraIndian tribe of Peru. The natives found that Christ madea difference to those who became believers. One turnedfrom killing his enemies to holding them captive to teachthem of Christ.

LIVING IT: Reach the spiritually blind with the gospel, theironly hope.

Mary McCalister

42

Luke 24:49 Wednesday, January 7

Waiting For The Power

KEY VERSE: And, behold, I send the promise of myFather upon you: but tarry ye in the city ofJerusalem, until ye be endued with power from onhigh, Luke 24:49.

Waiting and tarrying are two words we often hate tohear. What were the disciples to wait for? They were towait until the Holy Spirit came upon them with powerwhich came from God. How was this manifest? This wasmanifest by cloven tongues as of fire (Acts 2:3, 4).

What happened as a result of the early church wait-ing? Jerusalem was full of excitement, and somethinghappened which had never happened before. All thosewho heard the speakers were able to understand whatwas being said, no matter what their language.

Modern progress has made it possible for somewhatthe same thing to happen today. In the United Nations,a speaker can speak in his own language, and the hear-ers can, through interpreters, hear what he is saying intheir language.

Even better, the Bible is being translated in almostevery language on the earth. Truly, the command to gointo all the world is being fulfilled.

LIVING IT: Wait on the Lords direction and do what Hetells you to do.

Mary McCalister

43

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Thursday, January 8

Focus on the Eternal!

KEY VERSE: For our light affliction, which is but for amoment, worketh for us a far more exceeding andeternal weight of glory, 2 Corinthians 4:17.

For some of my readers, the journey has been anextremely long and stormy one. You have had to facegreat difficulties along the way. You have shouldered theburdens that few of us would readily carry. Perhaps youhave bid farewell to lifelong partners. You may havebeen robbed of lifelong dreams. Your bodies do not mea-sure up to what your spirit desires. You may have spous-es or family who cannot tolerate your faith. Practically,you may have bills that outnumber the paychecks andchallenges which outweigh your strength.

And, you are tired. It is difficult for you to see that eternal city in the

midst of the storms. The desire to pull over to the side ofthe road is enticing, even overwhelming. You want to goon, but some days the road seems so long.

Reread these encouraging words from Paul, Our lightaffliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a farmore exceeding and eternal weight of glory. He goes on toencourage us to look not at the things which are seen, . . .but the things which . . . are eternal (verse 18).

Be encouraged by these words, knowing God neversaid the journey would be easy, but He did say thearrival would be worthwhile.

LIVING IT: Remember Abraham looked for a city whosebuilder and maker was and is God.

Mary McCalister

44

1 Corinthians 2:10-13 Friday, January 9

Revealing Things of God

KEY VERSE: But God hath revealed them unto us byhis Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, thedeep things of God, 1 Corinthians 2:10.

A minister once looked across a field at a house and sawwhat looked like a man pumping furiously at one of thosehand pumps. As the minister watched, the man continuedto pump at a tremendous rate. He seemed absolutely tire-less, pumping on and on, up and down, without ever slow-ing in the slightest, much less stopping.

As he walked toward what he thought was a miracu-lous sight, he soon saw it was not a man at the pump, buta wooden figure painted to look like a man. The armpumping so rapidly was hinged at the elbow and the handwas wired to the handle. The water was pouring forth, butnot because the figure was pumping it. You see, it was anartesian well, and the water was pumping the man.

In the same way you need to realize that, when yousee a man who is at work for God and producing results,it is the Holy Spirit working through him, not the manseffort that is giving results. All he needs to doand allyou have to dois keep your hand on the handle.

Paul calls such a person a spiritual person, who candiscern those things which are spiritual. To be such aperson, we need to remember it is easy to become soinvolved in the world that nothing exists beyond it. Wemust pray to have the mind of Christ. Only when Hecontrols us, are we safe from the demands of the world.

LIVING IT: God chooses, cleanses, molds, fills and uses.

Mary McCalister

45

1 John 4:1-3 Saturday, January 10

The Spirit Glorifies Jesus

KEY VERSE: Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Everyspirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come inthe flesh is of God, 1 John 4:2.

These are scary times. Sometimes when you watchpreviews of movies and some TV shows, you may won-der, What is happening to the world? Their scripts couldbe based on Revelationearthquakes, horrifying beastsrising out of the sea, dragons, fire raining down fromHeaven, grievous sores, pestilences and plagues. Youmay wonder where they get their inspiration.

They get it from Satan. He has transformed himselfinto an angel of light. His servants have transformedthemselves into ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:13-15). Jesus Himself warned us that false prophets wouldarise and seek to lead astray even the very elect.

There was never a time when it was more importantto try the spirits (1 John 4:1). We must measure all thespirits by the one true yardstick, the Bible.

The story is told of two lawyers on opposing sides of acase. Thinking he would make a great impression on thejury by quoting from the Bible, he said, concerning hisopponents client, We have it on the highest authoritythat All that a man hath will he give for his life (Job 2:4).

The other lawyer knew the Bible better. He said, I amvery much impressed by the fact that my distinguishedcolleague here regards as the highest authority the onewho said, All that a man hath will he give for his life.You will find that this saying comes from the book of Joband the one who utters it is the devil. And that is who heregards as the highest authority!

LIVING IT: Do not be deceived by great speeches andgreat crowds. Make sure Jesus Christ is preached.

Mary McCalister

46

Acts 1:4-11 Sunday, January 11

The Promise of the Father

KEY VERSE: But ye shall receive power, after that theHoly Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be wit-nesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in allJudaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost partof the earth, Acts 1:8.

It is interesting to compare this passage in Acts withLuke 24:46-49. God chose the same human author towrite bothLukeand they carry the same admoni-tion: tarry ye . . . until and wait for the promise of theFather. Let us see what we can learn from this that willhelp govern our own lives.

1. Power. We can do nothing in Christian experiencein our own power. We must wait for God to empower us.

2. Knowledge. We must have a knowledge of what weare to do. Jesus told His hearers, It is not for you toknow the times or the seasons (Acts 1:7). What, then,did they, and do we, need to know? We must know Christhas the power to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6). More than that,we must know we have passed from death to life (John5:24).

3. Our missionto witness. What a scope this com-mission was! It was from Jerusalem to the uttermostpart of the earth. You can find plenty of room to witness.The field certainly is not crowded.

4. Let God make us ready. Perhaps there is a youngman who has answered Gods call to preach. He is impa-tient to get to work. Seminary seems like such a drag.But, as Paul told Timothy, there is a time of preparation(2 Tim. 2:15). Whom God calls, He qualifies. Whom Hequalifies, He uses.

LIVING IT: Remember Pauls admonition, that in all thingsHe might have the preeminence (Col. 1:18).

Mary McCalister

47

Isaiah 25:8, 9 Monday, January 12

Death Swallowed by Life

KEY VERSE: He will swallow up death in victory; andthe Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces;and the rebuke of his people shall he take away fromoff all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it, Isaiah25:8.

Death, what is it? To many humans it is the mostfearful thing they will ever face. Some peoples fear ofdeath is so strong they spend tens of thousands of dol-lars to have their bodies frozen at the time of death.Their hope is they might be revived to live again when acure is found for whatever killed them.

The words in this passage are both prophetic and tri-umphant. Paul cites this passage in 1 Corinthians 15:54.He continues: O death, where is thy sting? O grave,where is thy victory? But thanks be to God, which givethus the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor.15:55, 57).

The child of God does not need to fear death becauseChrist has given him victory over it. For him, death is thebeginning of living eternally with his Savior.

A boy and his father were traveling in a car when a beeflew through an open window. The boy was so highly aller-gic to bee stings that both knew his life was in danger. Asthe boy frantically jumped around trying to avoid the bee,the father calmly reached out and grabbed the bee. Look,son, he said, holding up a hand with an implanted stinger,his stinger is gone. He cant hurt you any longer.

Just so, Christ, when he died on the cross, took thesting out of death for the believer.

BELIEVE IT: Trust in Christ banishes our fear of death.

Mary McCalister

48

Isaiah 51:11-13 Tuesday, January 13

Everlasting Joy

KEY VERSE: Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shallreturn, and come with singing unto Zion; and ever-lasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtaingladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shallflee away, Isaiah 51:11.

There is little we can experience which can give usany sense of the everlasting. If you have raised children,you know this all too well. A child can come home fromschool, literally jumping for joy because he has made anew friend. Then, in almost the next moment he can bereduced to tears because that friend has betrayed him. Achild has no concept of anything being everlasting.

The phrase everlasting joy is found only three times inthe Old Testament and only used by Isaiah. This phraseis not used at all in the New Testament. So we need totake a closer look at it to understand why Isaiah used it.He used it in Isaiah 35:10, speaking of the ransomed ofthe Lord coming to Zion with songs and everlasting joy.The second occurrence is in the passage we are studying,and the third is in Isaiah 61:7.

Of course, Christ could walk on water then, and, if Hewere here today, He could still walk on water. But, themost powerful event we can all experience is the powerof faith which leads us to believe and trust in Him.Doing this will bring us everlasting joy now and forever.

LIVING IT: Know Christ is all-powerful and put your faithand trust in Him.

Mary McCalister

49

Matthew 7:7-11 Wednesday, January 14

Principles of Prayer

KEY VERSE: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, andye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened untoyou, Matthew 7:7.

A parable is told of a man who challenged God. Burnthe bush like you did for Moses, God. And I will follow.Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God. And Iwill fight. Still the waves like you did on Galilee, God.And I will listen.

And so the man sat by a bush, near a wall, close to thesea and waited for God to speak. And God heard the man,so God answered. He sent fire, not for a bush, but for achurch. He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin.He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of a soul. And Godwaited for the man to respond, and waited and waited.

But, because the man was looking at bushes nothearts, bricks and not lives, seas and not souls, he decid-ed God had done nothing.

How about you? Are you asking but not believing? Areyou seeking but have no spiritual vision? Are you knock-ing but not expecting the door to be opened?

A tavern was being built in a town that until then hadbeen dry. A group of members in a certain church opposedthis and began an all-night prayer meeting asking God tointervene. Lightning struck the tavern building burningit to the ground. The owner sued the church claiming theywere responsible. The church hired a lawyer claimingthey were not responsible. The judge said, No matterhow this comes out, one thing is clear. The tavern ownerbelieves in prayer and the church does not.

LIVING IT: Pray much in private and keep your publicprayers short.

50

Hebrews 4:14-16 Thursday, January 15

Come Boldly to the Throne!

KEY VERSE: Let us therefore come boldly unto thethrone of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and findgrace to help in time of need, Hebrews 4:16.

What does it mean to come boldly to the throne ofgrace? If we learn this, we will have taken great stridestoward successful praying.

We must pray according to His Word. Jesus instruct-ed us to pray, Our Father, which art in heaven, Hal-lowed be thy name (Matt. 6:9). Any prayer that does notacknowledge the position of God is a futile prayer.

We must pray according to His will (1 John 5:14, 15).This further acknowledges the position of God in ourlives. God is the giver of all perfect gifts, and He standsready to give us everything we need.

We must pray according to our need. Paul testifiedthat God would supply all our need (Phil. 4:19), so whenwe recognize and express that need, we can have confi-dence in God to supply it.

Most ancient rulers were unapproachable by the com-mon people. Some would not even allow their highest-ranking officials to come before them without permis-sion. You may be familiar with the account of Esther whorisked her life in approaching King Ahasuerus withoutinvitation, even though she was his wife (Esther 5:1, 2).

By Christs sacrifice of Himself, Gods throne of judg-ment is turned into a throne of grace for those who trustin Him. Any person can now come with boldness, confi-dence and assurance knowing he will be received withgrace and mercy.

LIVING IT: Come to Gods throne of grace boldly.

Mary McCalister

51

Hebrews 7:25, 26 Friday, January 16

Our Eternal Intercessor

KEY VERSE: Wherefore he is able also to save themto the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeinghe ever liveth to make intercession for them,Hebrews 7:25.

The name of this book, in part, explains the approachthe writer takes as he explains the deep meaning of allChrist did for sinners. The Jews would have understoodwhat was meant by saying Christ would make interces-sion for those who came to God.

Jews could not approach God directly. They neededthe priest to go to God for them. Of course, the priest,like everyone else, was not perfect. He was but a pictureof the perfect One who was to come, the eternal One whocould make intercessionbe the go-betweenfor manbefore God.

Humanistic religion says, I can do it myself. As thechild who wants to do a certain task by himself andmakes a mess of it, mankind cannot save himself. Heonly makes a mess of it.

If the circumstance should arise, how would you choosea lawyer to be your intercessor? You would look at hisoffice wall and see how many law degrees he had andwhere he obtained them. You would interview him tomake sure you felt confident in him. You would ask howmany cases he had won? You would make sure he hadtime to handle your case.

What can we learn about our divine Intercessor? Heis able. He is holy, innocent, undefiled, separated fromsinners and exalted above the heavens. He constantly isinterceding for us before the Father. We can be blamelessbecause He is blameless.

LIVING IT: We have been saved, we are being saved, wewill be saved because of our Intercessor.

Mary McCalister

52

1 John 5:14-16 Saturday, January 17

Keys to Answered Prayer

KEY VERSE: And this is the confidence that we havein him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will,he heareth us, 1 John 5:14.

Perhaps to have a greater understanding of this chap-ter in 1 John, you first need to read chapter 4. In it, Johnemphasizes love, mentioning it twenty-four times. Then,he progresses from love to what we know, stressing whatwe know at least seven times. He makes this progressionbecause knowing God and seeking to walk in His truthfinds fulfillment in the truth that if we know that he hearus, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the peti-tions that we desired of him (verse 15).

We understand the meaning of confidence, but ithelps when we understand the word used here carrieswith it the meaning of boldness. We can have enoughconfidence in Christ that we can ask anything which isaccording to His will and He will hear us. Do you some-times think, I do not want to bother God with this. It isnot important to anyone but me. Sometimes that maybe true, but always remember everything about you isimportant to God.

I convinced a good friend of mine that God would helpwith even the small things, so one time she put it to thetest. Her husband was difficult to get along with, andone morning she was hurrying to sew a button on a shirtwhen she dropped the needle. She looked for it franti-cally to no avail. Then she remembered what I had toldher. She calmed down and prayed for God to help herfind the needle. Behold, there it was, right where shehad dropped it.

BELIEVE IT: The measure of any Christian is his prayer life.

Mary McCalister

53

1 Peter 1:6-8 Sunday, January 18

Sorrow Becomes Joy

KEY VERSE: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom,though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoicewith joy unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:8.

In the 1980s, Northern Nevada was the site of a goldstrike. The discovery would have been beyond the imagi-nation of 19th century prospectors, for the gold in thosewestern hills is virtually invisible. Even after being mag-nified fifteen hundred times, most of the particles remainimperceptible. Modern technology, however, has found away to extract the gold. Tons of ore are crushed to the con-sistency of fine sand. Cyanide is added to dissolve thegranules into a clear solution. Zinc dust is blended in, sep-arating the gold from the mixture. Though it could not beseen, the gold was there all the time.

How is it possible for us to rejoice with joy unspeak-able and full of glory (verse 8) when we have not seenHim? Like the gold in Nevada, He has been there all thetime. It is up to us to love Him, to trust and believe inHim.

Paul told us how to accomplish this in Colossians 3:1, 2.If he had been writing in modern vernacular, he mighthave said it like this, Do not shuffle along, eyes to theground, absorbed with the things right in front of you.Look up, and become familiar with the things related toChristthat is where the action is. See things from Hisperspective.

How can grief and joy be experienced simultaneously?Grief is a natural product of living in this world. Joycomes as a result of that grief, or trial. We rejoice thatGod has counted us worthy.

LIVING IT: Yes, there can be joy in suffering if you are suf-fering for your faith.

Mary McCalister

54

John 17:7-10 Monday, January 19

Jesus Prayed for His Own

KEY VERSE: I pray for them: I pray not for the world,but for them which thou hast given me; for they arethine, John 17:9.

This is truly the Lords Prayer, not the Model Prayerwe find in Matthew 6, commonly called the Lords Prayer.

When Jesus said, I pray not for the world, He wasnot negating an earlier statement, I am not come to callthe righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matt. 9:13).

This was a special occasion and a special prayer.Jesus prayed many times, but His prayers are notrecorded. This time, however, He prayed in the presenceof His disciples openly so they would have a betterunderstanding of His life, His desire and His purpose.

Of course, Jesus knew something His disciples did notknowthat this would be His last night with them beforeHis crucifixion. He had His followers on His heart, as Hestill has all His followers on His heart. But His positionnow is that of Mediator and Intercessor (John 17:12, 20;Heb. 7:25).

Every believer should live for Christ before his fellow-men that the world may know and believe what we havediscoveredthe peace, joy, forgiveness, salvation, hopeand ultimate glory of the redeemed soul is available toevery believer.

Every believer should take great comfort in studyingChrists prayer. Knowing we are always on His heart canbe encouraging to us and will help us live out our Chris-tian lives so those around us will be moved by our testi-mony.

LIVING IT: It is time for Christians to be Christians 24/7.There is no time off for good behavior.

Mary McCalister

55

John 17:25, 26 Tuesday, January 20

Loving Like Jesus

KEY VERSE: And I have declared unto them thy name,and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hastloved me may be in them, and I in them, John 17:26.

A man who had been the superintendent of a city res-cue mission for forty years was asked why he had spenthis life working with dirty, unkempt, profane, drunkenderelicts. He said, All Im doing is giving back to othersa little of the love God has shown to me.

A little later, seeking Gods will for his life, he felt theLord calling him to go back to the gutter and reach thepeople still wallowing there. The power of redeeminglove enabled him to carry on his ministry for forty years.

This is the kind of love meant when Christ ended Hisprayer, that the love wherewith thou hast loved me maybe in them. This is Gods love which is unconditional. Afather, trying to explain unconditional love to his son,used this example. Two little boys who lived next doorgot a cute little puppy for Christmas. But they treated itbadly, teasing it, throwing sticks and rocks at it. Yet, thepuppy would always greet them with a wagging tail andtry to lick their faces. The boys certainly did not deservesuch love, but the puppy loved them anyway.

This is a good example of Christs unconditional love.Men treated Him badly during His earthly ministry, andfinally, He experienced the death of the cross. Yet, Hisdying words were Father, forgive them; for they knownot what they do (Luke 23:34).

LIVING IT: Show the love of God to those you meet.

Mary McCalister

56

Revelation 5:9-14 Wednesday, January 21

Thou Art Worthy

KEY VERSE: Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is theLamb that was slain to receive power, and riches,and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory,and blessing, Revelation 5:12.

Napoleon Bonaparte is credited with saying: I mar-vel that whereas the ambitious dreams of myself, Cae-sar, Alexander, will all vanish into thin air, a Judeanpeasant, Jesus is able to stretch His hands across thedestinies of men and nations.

I know men, and I tell you that Jesus Christ is nomere man. Between Him and every other person in theworld there is no possible comparison. Alexander, Cae-sar, Charlemagne, and I myself have founded empires;but upon what do these creations of our genius depend?Upon force. Jesus alone founded His empire upon love;and to this very day millions would die for Him.

Indeed, we can agree with those gathered around thethrone in Heaven, saying, Worthy is the Lamb that wasslain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, andstrength, and honour, and glory, and blessing (verse 5).And one day Every creature which is in heaven, and onthe earth, and under the earth, and such as are in thesea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing,and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sit-teth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever andever (verse 13). What a day that will be!

LIVING IT: Look forward with great longing to the daywhen Jesus Christ will no longer be a byword.

Mary McCalister

57

1 John 5:19, 20 Thursday, January 22

God and the World

KEY VERSE: And we know that we are of God, and thewhole world lieth in wickedness, 1 John 5:19.

This chapter speaks of what we can know, but dismiss-es the world in one clause, And the whole world lieth inwickedness. What does this condition do to the unbeliev-er? C.H. Spurgeon wrote: Imagine that you are in a roundtower with slits in the walls used for shooting throughwith guns. Now imagine that you are whirled around theinner circumference. Would you appreciate the beauties ofthe surrounding landscape? No. But there are openings inthe wall. Yes, but your eyes are set for objects near and donot have the time to adjust to distance as you are whirledpast the slits. It would be as if the wall were solid.

So it is with earthly living. The near and earthly wallobstructs the view. An occasional slit is left open, perhapsa Sunday sermon or a passage read from the Bible. Heav-en might be seen through these, but the eye which is setfor the earthly cannot adjust itself to higher things dur-ing such momentary glimpses. So long has the soul lookedupon the world, that when it is turned for a moment heav-enward, it feels only a quiver of inarticulate light. Unlessyou pause and look steadfastly, you will not see or retainany distinct impression of the things that are eternal.

It is dangerous to invest in the things of this world.Jesus foretold the end of the prince of this world (John12:31). Satan lost the battle at Calvary, but he will notaccept that loss. He will continue to deceive people untilthe ti