February, 2009 Devotions
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John 12:12-19
Monday, February 1
First Presentation of the Messiah
KEY VERSE: "Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt," John 12:15.
Throughout the Old Testament the coming of the Messiah was predicted. Every time the priest read the books of Moses, the writings of Isaiah, or the other prophetical authors, they revealed that the Messiah was coming. And when that day finally came, some believed but others waited for another king.
The Jewish nation, at this time, was longing for the Messiah. Life under the Roman empire was not pleasant for most of the people. There was a restlessness, an uneasiness in the land. As in times past when things became difficult, God always came through and delivered the Jewish people from their troubles. Little did they know what a drastic change was coming and for some it was not quite the presentation they were expecting.
Can you imagine the shock and disbelief when the Messiah, King of the Jews, made His triumphant entry into the holy city of Jerusalem, riding on a colt, not even a full grown donkey? As was the custom in Israel, riding a donkey symbolized peace as riding a horse symbolized war. How fitting a ride for the Prince of Peace. Those who had been with Him in Bethany recognized the Messiah King and understood the humility in which Jesus presented Himself Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel!
REFLECTION: He came as promised. His presentation was as prophesied (Zech. 9:9) and fulfilled on that day. And even though this was the beginning of the end of Christ's earthly ministry, it was not the end of the Messiah.
Beverly Barnett
Matthew 21:1-5
Tuesday, February 2
The Entrance of the King
KEY VERSE: "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me," Matthew 21:1, 2.
Jesus never did anything by accident or coincidence. It was not a coincidence that He and the disciples had just come from Bethany the hometown of Mary, Martha and Lazarus or that Mary happened to anoint the feet of Jesus with costly spikenard and wiped them with her hair. Neither was the fact that Jerusalem is on the east side of the Mount of Olives a topographical accident.
As Jesus and His disciples left the home of His dear friends, the Passover Feast neared. Now was the right time for the King to enter and claim His people. However, it would not be with pomp and circumstance and the grandiosity that would present upon the arrival of an earthly monarch but with the quiet humility of a Savior willing to lay down His life for His subjects.
Jesus rode the unbroken colt of a donkey, not a neighing, prancing stallion down that rocky hillside of the olive tree covered mountain. The young colt never missed a step or stumbled under the precious load he bore.
As He came closer to His beloved people, the triumphant King was filled with love for those He would die for. He saw through the ages those who would trust Him as Savior.
Those who knew Him, loved Him. Their King and Savior entered the city with palm branches, coats and clothes strewed along the way.
REFLECTION: The King will come again, riding on a white horse (Rev. 19:11).
Beverly Barnett
Luke 19:38-44
Wednesday, February 3
The Rejection of the King
KEY VERSE: "And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples," Luke 19:39.
It is true that there are doubters and unbelievers in every crowd, including the religious leaders of the time of Jesus' celebratory entrance into Jerusalem. We can picture these religious zealots, with their long serious faces, sneering and whispering to themselves their doubts and foolish conclusions to the miracles Jesus had performed before their eyes.
Did you ever notice how doubters and stingy people always have the same, long, serious face? It is because they base their decisions on the bank balance and their own abilities and not on the Lord's ability to provide for His work.
Keep in mind that there were more than twelve men following Jesus that day. It was a rowdy, excited bunch, a whole multitude, not afraid to display their love and loyalty and proclaim His kingship to the observers watching the event. Most likely they were shouting as loudly as we would at a sporting event. "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest" (verse 38). We are sure its sound had the same effect as fingernails on a chalkboard in the ears of the Pharisees.
All the Pharisees could muster was a cold, molasses verbalization of "Master" (verse 39). Satan hates the sound of God's people praising and glorifying Jesus, and Satan certainly does not like it when we are happy. Satan wants us to be silent, not talk about Jesus, and to keep our religion to ourselves. But even if we could keep quiet, as Jesus told the Pharisees, "the stones would immediately cry out" (verse 40).
REFLECTION: Those who reject the King will always regret it.
Beverly Barnett
Isaiah 11:1-5
Thursday, February 4
Christ's Purely Righteous Reign
KEY VERSE: "And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins," Isaiah 11:5.
When the kingdom of Christ is complete and He rightfully takes the diadem of Heaven and earth, it will be nothing less than spectacular. He will rule and reign with righteous judgment—it could be nothing less.
When a person has studied law for eight years and passes the BAR examination and works a few years as a attorney, he or she may decide to take an appointment as a judge, such as on the Supreme Court. Or it may be a judgeship to adjudicate in certain areas of law in which he or she is qualified to serve. But the fact remains that they are human, and, because of that unchangeable misfortune, they do err in judgment from time to time. Some judges may even let financial gain guide their pronouncements.
Solomon was a great and wise judge. People came from long distances and far away countries to see and hear his wisdom and seek his knowledge. But in all his wisdom he was still a man and could only rule according to man's judgment.
Ah, but one day the perfect King will be on His throne, and He will rule and make adjudications based on His pure wisdom and knowledge and with the spirit of understanding because He is righteous and holy.
REFLECTION: What time will it be when Christ is judging the nations? It will be a time of peace and rest when the lion and the bear will become vegetarians and the lamb and wolf will be friends. All wars will cease; the Jewish people will gather together from out of all the corners of the globe, and truth and righteousness will reign forever!
Beverly Barnett
Isaiah 2:1-5
Friday, February 5
The True Prince of Peace
KEY VERSE: "And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more," Isaiah 2:4.
Do you remember life before the September 11, 2001? America was almost an unrestricted country then. Visas of foreigners were rarely checked and if they stayed beyond the expiration date, it was mostly without consequence. Boarding a plane was more about the comfort and convenience of passengers than confiscating more than three ounces of liquid per bottle or tube in a carry-on, not in a clear plastic, pint sized, ziplock bag. We ignored our neighbor's activities as none of our business, even if they were taking flying lessons, paid for in cash and were more concerned with the cockpit of a commercial airliner than learning the instruments in the twin engine Cessna they were learning to fly.
Then suddenly on that bright, clear, September morning, our peaceful, untouchable shores were rocked by nineteen terrorists—terrorist, a word we only knew from foreign reporters in faraway countries. We can never go back to that pre 9/11 era again—our trust and naiveness was stolen with force.
But there is hope! True worldwide peace will one day be possible. It will not be through some ambassador's smooth talks and armament reductions but through a complete disarmament. The ambassador will be the Prince of Peace. Then billions of dollars of weaponry will be retooled into farm implements. Instead of destruction they will be for construction, for gardens to grow food for the people not being destroyed by their use.
REFLECTION: This is a time for which most of us long.
Beverly Barnett
Micah 4:3-5
Saturday, February 6
A World in Harmony
KEY VERSE: "But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it," Micah 4:4.
True, since Adam fell, there has been sin and sinners but once upon a time—children played in their neighborhood parks along with friends without fear of being abducted; families slept with their windows and doors unlocked, alarm systems were only for banks; prisons were not overcrowded and drugs were not abused. Seems like a fairy tale but in times past, we can agree, there was less violence than today.
Let us imagine, if we can, a world teeming with harmony. If we could lift up the curtain of time and see the future world ruled by Christ, we would be amazed and stunned. A world without deadbolt locks and barred windows and doors, alarms systems on our houses and cars, mace, Tasers and guns; one without lawsuits and lawyers, police forces and armies; a world where violence is never heard of and husbands and wives never divorce. It will be the age of peace and harmony made possible only by the rule and reign of Christ.
What do we do in the meantime? The Scriptures teach us, if possible, to live peaceable with all people. We are to obey the laws and settle disputes out of court and that forgiveness is more valuable than vengeance (1 Tim. 2:2). That would be easy if it were not for the other people, you say. We have a difficult assignment, but we must put forth the effort and not fall into the world's pattern of do unto them before they do to you.
REFLECTION: Despite what some might say, only Christ can bring harmony to the world.
Beverly Barnett
Isaiah 9:5-7
Sunday, February 7
The Coming King and Kingdom
KEY VERSE: "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this," Isaiah 9:7.
Throughout history many kings and kingdoms have fallen. Alexander the Great, Nero the Roman emperor, Adolf Hitler and others ultimately lost the war within themselves or with an enemy. No country or kingdom will ever be truly at peace as long as kings, presidents, prime ministers or emperors remain in power. They are at best sinners.
What the world needs is the sinless King and He is coming! He will return first in the clouds. Later, He will come from the eastern side of the Mount of Olives through the Eastern Gate into the city of Jerusalem to set up the first kingdom with as the perfect, sinless King.
His throne will be in Jerusalem but His rule will be worldwide. His energy will be boundless. He will not tire by night or be too busy for visits by day. No appointments or security clearances will be needed to see the King because He already knows the thoughts and intents of the hearts.
But, brothers and sisters, do not think we will have nothing to do under the perfect counsel of the Prince of Peace. There we will be priests in the kingdom according to Revelation 20:6. Satan will be shackled, and we will be loosened!
REFLECTION: This writer has often contemplated what it would be like to have perfect thinking with judgment and knowledge beyond measure; we cannot comprehend it. Even then we will go to Christ as the supreme counselor for His advise.
Beverly Barnett
Revelation 16:14-16
Monday, February 8
The Nations Gather for Armageddon
KEY VERSE: "For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty," Revelation 16:14.
Across this globe we have heard people express the similar opinion that they do not favor war. We are in agreement that war is a terrible thing and creates many casualties due to the violence and death it brings. War should only be a last resort. Unfortunately, this world is filled with violent people only concerned with their interests and the last war of all time will be no different.
There is coming a season when Satan's workers will go about gathering coalitions, lying and deceiving them with satanic illusions. Powerful and intelligent people, the people in power, will fall for his smoke and mirror tricks and blame Israel for all their troubles.
These nations, guided by men after power and wealth, will come together, bringing all their latest technologically advanced war equipment in tow. However, they will fight the One who created the atom.
It seems impossible for this to happen but most assuredly it will. We are all too gullible for our own good. Can you deny that you believe some of the advertisements by the corporations and the media? We believe because we want it to be true. Presidents, prime ministers, kings and emperors are the same way; to them that war will sound so winnable, so valuable, so justified but they are deceived.
Be assured, brothers and sisters, God will win; it is in the book. Though the battle may be terrible, fierce noisome and its bloodshed beyond belief, God will win!
REFLECTION: Armageddon creates no fear for the believer.
Beverly Barnett
Revelation 17:12-14
Tuesday, February 9
The Victory of the Lamb
KEY VERSE: "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful," Revelation 17:14.
A great coach, Vince Lombardi said, "Winning isn't everything, its the only thing" and our society reflects his belief. There is no Hall of Fame for losers but there are many Hall of Fame museums for various winning sports persons. Their jersey, hat and shoes all become valuable because the person who wore them was a winner. And, even when we try to console the losing team or person, with It Is Not Who Won or Lost but How You Played the Game. Secretly, we wish they had won.
Winning in sporting events is not crucial in life, unless you are employed by a professional team, but it makes being a fan or player of the winning team more fun. We like to see evenly matched teams battling it out at a sporting event because most often the better team will come out on top. It is demoralizing for the losing team when they lose by a great margin, but if the score is close, they feel they had an opportunity to win.
Winning is everything when it comes to the battle against Satan. He responds to nothing less. If you are a believer, you are on the winning team. The Key Verse above proves it.
Christians have been battling the war against the tactics of Satan since the day they were born again. Satan will never win the war; he might win a battle or two, but he will never win the war. And, even though Satan walks about as a roaring lion, he has no chance of winning against the Lamb of God.
REFLECTION: V-I-C-T-O-R-Y is ours — in Jesus!
Beverly Barnett
Hosea 3:4, 5
Wednesday, February 10
Israel Will Seek the Lord
KEY VERSE: "Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days," Hosea 3:5.
Throughout the history of Israel, the Israelites have been on and off following God. They have been off since the true Messiah came to earth as a baby, with the heart of a servant and not as a conquering king. They rejected Jesus as their Savior and chose instead to let His blood be upon them and their children. (See Matthew 27:25.) But one day they will see the mistake their forefathers made and turn to the the Savior who gave His life for them.
It will be a wonderful time when the people of Israel once again return to worship the true and living God, and this time they will worship Him through His Son, Jesus the Messiah. It will be a time when terrible suppression will lead them to seek the Messiah.
Imagine what it will be like when all nations turn against Israel. Will they deny imports and not sell Israel food or oil and not allow its exports out of port? Will they have all their guns pointed toward Israel on the verge of annihilating it? Certainly, however it will be carried out, it will be terrible times for Israel. (See Zechariah 12:1-3.)
But at last, Israel shall turn to God and pray for His help and God is obliged from His loving promises to give help to the helpless. The people of Israel will see the error in their denial of the Messiah and will turn to God in repentance.
REFLECTION: Let us not be too judgmental of Israel's unstable relationship with God lest we too fall in the hands of a fearful and wonderful living God.
Beverly Barnett
Joel 2:28-32
Thursday, February 11
The Promise of the Spirit
KEY VERSE: "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions," Joel 2:28.
How sad that God's chosen people, the Jews, do not possess the gift of the Spirit. This gift is reserved to a certain select group, believers in Christ.
But one day, when the Jewish people again return to God, after they have suffered through a great war, famine and pestilence, they will once again seek the face of God. They will turn to Him as the Lord of their lives, and He will lovingly receive them as the father received the prodigal son.
Then, God will pour out His spirit upon them; man or woman, rich or poor, young or old, all whom turn to God will He lavish His spirit upon. The spirit of God will be the means of communication between them and God, and in turn they will tell others what God has communicated to them.
One way we might illustrate this is the close relationship between two people. For instance, have you and your spouse ever been thinking about the same subject at the same time? One of you brings up a subject and to your amazement he or she has been thinking about it, too. In a similar way, God and His people will be doing the same thing, God will think it and they will know it because their relationship will be that close.
During this time, communication between God and His people will benefit all people. Good news as well as warnings will pass from God to the people via His spokespersons. Great evangelistic outreaches will be started by these gift possessors. They will proclaim the goodness, greatness and love of God throughout the world and many will believe (lsa. 66:18-23).
REFLECTION: Mount Zion will once again be the center of worship but only for the One true God.
Beverly Barnett
Isaiah 59:19-21
Friday, February 12
The Redeemer Comes to Zion
KEY VERSE: "And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD," Isaiah 59:20.
It is nothing new for people to suffer from the consequences of their sins. It has been happening to the children of Israel since their nation was formed from the seed of Abraham. Neither will it be any different near the second coming of Christ the Redeemer. The Jewish nation will suffer greatly, then, just in time; the heavenly cavalry will come and the whole earth will take notice with fear and trembling.
The Redeemer, the Messiah, will at last come as the insurmountable force for which there is no earthly match. The enemies of Israel might fight with weapons of mass destruction but the Redeemer Creator can change the laws of nature that He set in place if He so chooses. Enriched uranium could become nothing more powerful than table salt if the Creator so desires. War planes with smart bombs, heat-seeking missiles, and stealth ability, that cost billions of dollars, can suddenly be disabled with a blink of His eyes. Then what will the warlords do?
The Redeemer will come to His people and His people will turn from their doubt and disbelief to see the awesomeness of the Messiah at work. The one and only superhero will fight the enemies of His people and win effortlessly. He will hear the cries of His children and have pity on them.
The nations that seek to destroy God's people will find the war unwinnable and task unattainable. A worldwide league of battlefield strategists might be geniuses of war but they cannot outmaneuver God.
REFLECTION: What will the reality of that time look like? Our imaginations fail us but we can be assured that it will be terrible for those who battle against the Redeemer; He will ride in on that white horse to save His people from annihilation.
Beverly Barnett
2 Corinthians 3:13-18
Saturday, February 13
When the Veil Is Lifted
KEY VERSE: "Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty," 2 Corinthians 3:16, 17.
A few years ago this writer attended a play of The West Side Story. It had been many years since this writer had seen a play, the excellent acting, musical abilities, and excitement and apprehension of what scene lay behind the curtain made the experience enjoyable.
Think about driving down the highway in an early morning fog. The inability to see more than a few feet ahead is reason to slow down and be alert because one sudden stop can lead to a massive vehicular pileup where even deaths could occur.
When you were a child lying in your bed with the lights off, did the shadows ever play tricks on your mind? Did the things that terrified you disappear when the lights were turned on?
Each one of these are illustrations of a covering or veil.
Whether it is made of cloth, vaporous water droplets, or just illusions of the mind each one interferes with the true picture.
At this time the true central theme of the Old Testament, Jesus the Messiah, is veiled to the Jewish nation. But, one day that veil will be lifted and a whole nation will turn to Jesus. It is not an irremovable veil because even now some Jewish people have come to know Jesus as their personal Savior, but not many of them have left their synagogue roots to turn to Christianity.
But one day, the fog will lift; their false illusion will be lighted by the scared hands and feet of Jesus whom their forefathers crucified. The true Messiah will be revealed. When the Old Testament is read, they will understand fully the prophecies concerning the Messiah. Those Scriptures will be so clearly illuminated, it will be as though they were written in phosphorescent ink.
REFLECTION: Now that will be truly a liberating revival!
Beverly Barnett
Joel 3:14-17
Sunday, February 14
The Lord Will Defend Jerusalem
KEY VERSE: "The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel," Joel 3:16.
Nothing is hopeless in this life if we place our hope and trust in God. Even when the news is bad and the enemy seems to have the upper hand, children of God are under His protecting hand. Who knew this better than David.
David, the next anointed king of Israel (2 Sam. 2:4), was the object of Saul's relentless desire to kill him. And many times he came close to being captured or killed, but God always provided a way of escape. David often wrote about the protecting hand of God in the Psalms, and even today God uses those inspired words to comfort and reassure those whom Satan is attacking.
In the final hours of the battle for Jerusalem, all will seem lost during those awful days when the armies of the world will surround Jerusalem. That is, until that great and mighty roar of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah sounds.
It has been reported that when a lion roars, in its natural habitat, it is the most awesomely, frightening sound in the savannas of Africa.
The roar of God will be many times more frightening than the roar of any animal He created. His roar will literally shake the heavens and the earth. Then, who will be able to stand and fight? No one. Generals will tremble, military equipment will fail, armies will retreat in fear, defeated by the roar of God; to the enemies of Jerusalem it is a terrible sound, but to the children of God it will be a comforting hum of a father.
REFLECTION: After Jerusalem is emptied of all the enemies of God, it will then be ready to be the capital city for the kingdom of God.
Beverly Barnett
Micah 5:9-15
Monday, February 15
All Idols Will Be Banished
KEY VERSE: "Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands," Micah 5:13.
Each time the people of Israel conquered a nation, they infused a new god into their worship. They easily forgot the first commandment given by God to Moses. Then God would raise a man or nation to punish the people of Israel, and they would tear down their false gods and return to worship the One true and living God.
One day in a tiny little town, Bethlehem, Jesus was born—the Messiah—Savior of Israel. He came to His people. But He was rejected by the same people who were the most educated in the Law and the prophets. They had built a religious status quo and had interpreted the Scriptures in a way that would benefit them. A baby born in a stable did not fit the portrait they had painted of the king of Israel. These religious leaders disregarded the prophecies of the coming Messiah being born in a manger, and it remains so to this day.
But, in that day, when the people of Israel, the descendants of Abraham and Sarah, have seen the error of their ways and are ready to worship the Messiah, He will for the final time throw down their false gods-false gods that they made with their own works.
The present-day gods of finance, success, education, wealth, religiosity, piousness, meditation, self-awareness and many more will disintegrate in the light of the Messiah. Then, nothing will be more important than the worship of Jesus—the One they have so long denied.
REFLECTION: Is there any similarity between Israel's false gods and our nation's gods?
Beverly Barnett
John 10:9-14
Tuesday, February 16
The Good Shepherd
KEY VERSE: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep," John 10:11.
Shepherds out in the mountains and valleys in the countryside of the Middle East are rough-looking men. Their skin is windburned, darkened by the sun and scared from briers and brambles. Their clothes are faded by the sun and in need of repair. They are thin but muscular, able to pick up an injured sheep and carry it back to the fold. They are rugged but gentle men who are willing to defend their sheep.
There is nothing sweeter than a little lamb. Its curly, white wool so soft and fluffy and its pink ears and black nose make it look so lovable and innocent. But the sheepfold is not made up of just cute little lambs. There are old rams and young ewes and ages in between. They are smelly and stubborn, nervous and not intelligent. They will eat a field of grass barren if they are not rotated from field to field. Their shepherd must have patience.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd of His children. He watches over them and guides them to green pastures and gentle streams of water. He gave His life for His own and He has the eternal scars to prove it. He is patient and loving as He watches over us, His precious sheep.
One day His people whom He loves and weeps over will see His scars and know Him. What a wonderful day that will be when the Shepherd of Israel shall lead His people, and they will follow because they love Him.
REFLECTION: And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice (John 10:4).
Beverly Barnett
Isaiah 54:17
Wednesday, February 17
The Heritage of the Lord's Servants
KEY VERSE: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD," Isaiah 54:17.
It is a warm breezy day in the village of Chux Lin Ha, Belize. Outside the windows are neat rows of gray, cinder block homes with brown, thatched roofs. Some houses have trimmed, red hibiscus hedges that give some privacy, others do not. Inside these meager dwellings live Mayan families who cook on open fires and sleep in hammocks or on hard mattresses. The more modern families have televisions and small gas stoves to cook on. When the weather is cool there is no heater and, when the weather is hot, there is no air conditioner.
The village children go to school and learn as much as possible but because of the high expense to the parents, only the brightest go to high school. At best, these children may grow up to become laborers, farmers, waitresses or some might even have a high paying job as a teacher that pays five hundred United States dollars a month. However, their future looks bright.
Although, all that these children may have to inherit from their parents is a termite eaten house and a few worn-out furnishings, there is hope for their future, but it is only in Christ. When they know Christ as their Savior, then, their heritage will be based on God's love for them. They will be adopted sons and daughters of the King and will share in the King's blessings—not based on their righteousness but on the righteousness of the Son.
REFLECTION: A better day is coming for those who believe in the only begotten Son!
Beverly Barnett
Hosea 2:19-23
Thursday, February 18
Redeemed Israel Betrothed to the Lord
KEY VERSE: "And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies," Hosea 2:19.
God intensely loves Israel in spite of its continued rejection of His way. He loves Israel so that He has chosen to court the nation and plead for its total commitment and love only to be rejected over and over again. So instead, He must love these people and bestow on them His righteousness, judgment, loving-kindness, mercy and faithfulness—such gifts are from the dowry of our faithful and loving God. He loves Israel so much that He chose for His Son's maternal family to be Jewish descendants (Gen. 12:2; Isa. 54:5; Jer. 31:33, 34).
We also find this love exhibited in the new covenant that Christ has with all believers and especially the faithful of the Lord's churches. His Bride (of His choosing) is espoused to Christ through the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 21:9). His love is shown in the ultimate payment—His life for the life and love of the bride. The engagement, as far as individual church members are concerned, can only be broken by one's unfaithfulness to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2).
But who could possibly break the Bridegroom's heart by not being faithful after He has done so much for us? Is all faithfulness equal? Or is faithfulness judged by what is given up and the burdens carried in the service for and sacrifice of the members of the Lord's churches?
Regardless of our questions about who makes up the Bride of Christ, the Lord has prepared a place and a feast, and is waiting for the Father to tell Him to call His people home.
REFLECTION: God is faithful to Israel, Christ is faithful to the His churches, and one day there will be a wedding in Heaven like no other.
Beverly Barnett
Matthew 26:31-35
Friday, February 19
Smitten Shepherd Scattered Sheep
KEY VERSE: "Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad," Matthew 26:31.
A near death experience gives one a different perspective on life. For some it gives clarity on their priorities: the existence of an afterlife, God, family and friends. Money, career and accumulation of things loses its luster when one barely escapes the grip of death.
However, in these verses, Jesus was not worried about His nearing death. He had no fear in His death; He has power over death and hell. But as the loving Shepherd, His concern was for His precious sheep.
Jesus knew that sheer terror would grip their hearts in the next few days, hours and minutes. They would be as vulnerable as a newborn lamb in the winter snow and His heart broke for them. As a father pleads with a child to be cautious in the world and stand true to his moral and ethical values and warns him that temptations will come, Jesus warned His disciples and especially Peter.
Peter's quick ability to step forward was also his vulnerability. Satan can turn our greatest strength into our greatest weakness. So, Jesus warned, and Peter listened but was fIlled with overconfidence that he would never stray.
Satan hits when we are most confident we cannot fall. Then he knocks the pinnacle we have placed ourselves on right out from under us and great is the fall. Peter's problem, like so many of us, was overconfidence in his own abilities. God is not impressed with our abilities, but it is our dependence on Him for strength that touches the heart of God.
REFLECTION: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isa. 53:6).
Beverly Barnett
Deuteronomy 12:28-32
Saturday, February 20
Destroy All Knowledge of Idols!
KEY VERSE: "Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise," Deuteronomy 12:30.
So evil were some of the false religions and hedonistic rituals of the nations surrounding the people of Israel that God told them to utterly destroy them and do not even question their practices.
The best thing that we can do is run away from evil. The expression garbage in; garbage out is not found in the Bible but clearly the Bible teaches that what we see, hear and do has an effect on our lives. "Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city" (Lam. 3:51). What we see can do us good or harm.
Listening to immoral songs, or watching immoral films can plant seeds that Satan can use to build up a tolerance for evil in society and can riddle us with guilt and destroys our self-worth. Additionally, our young adults are bombarded with this when they go off to college. They are taught to be open-minded in philosophies, world religions and in cultural classes and to reject the Christian values of their parents and grandparents.
And although our country was founded on religious freedom, what some call religion is only a cult by definition and practice. We must know and stand for the truth of the Bible. Because of the lack of biblical knowledge people are easily lead astray when they go searching for what man-made religions may teach.
REFLECTION: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee (Prov. 23:7).
Beverly Barnett
Hebrews 13:20,21
Sunday, February 21
The Great Shepherd's Work
KEY VERSE: "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant," Hebrews 13:20.
Though men may deny His existence, they cannot undo what Jesus did. The God of peace allowed the violent death of His Son to establish a covenant between a repentant sinner and a holy God. Our Shepherd literally died as a lamb for His lowly, undeserving sheep so they might live for all eternity with Him! (See Hebrews 9:13-23.)
No other religion, other than Christianity, makes this claim to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. In fact, most world religions deny the holiness of Jesus as God's Son and count Him as only a good man or prophet. Even some Christian denominations teach that the blood of Christ is not powerful enough to keep one saved, one must work out his or her salvation, or must do good works to keep from falling out of salvation.
The Bible does teach that the blood of Christ cleanses every believer from all unrighteousness (sin). (See 1 John 1:9 and Ephesians 1:7.) The work of the Great Shepherd is complete and one does not fall in and out of the family of God (John 3:15). But, we do fall in and out of fellowship with Him (1 John 1:3-6).
Jesus Christ's work is done, finished on Calvary, recorded in Heaven, and seals the soul of every believer forever. God will not, cannot, nor does not, rescind the covenant of blood He made.
REFLECTION: Believers are secure in the family of God as children of the Father.
Beverly Barnett
Acts 1:9-11
Monday, February 22
He Will Return As He Departed
KEY VERSE: "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven," Acts 1:11.
The promise of Christ's return is a great comfort to believers. As we gaze into a beautiful sunrise, we think of His return. As we live through wars, natural disasters, economic failures, job losses, illnesses, deaths and births, we are comforted by the fact that one day Jesus will return.
Now, we are not assured of when that time will be, whether it will be in our lifetime or generations to come, that is not for us to worry about.
And for certain, we can pray, "Come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20) but the date and time is in the Father's hands and according to His will. Furthermore, we should not make assumptions or predictions of when the time of His return will occur. But, you may sleep soundly, friend, knowing that God has mapped out a timetable based on His perfect assessment.
Skeptics will say that they have heard of Christ's returning warning/prediction all of their lives and doubt the truth in it, but, still, it is true. Warnings are given to give people time to prepare. The National Weather Service issues weather bulletins to help people make preparations for a predicted weather change. Sometimes the weather passes by and the preparations made are not necessary. But, sooner or later we will be glad we followed the warning.
Jesus is coming again, from Heaven that He was taken up into, and those who have made preparations for His return will be glad they did.
REFLECTION: As believers, we must not become sky watchers only; we must be busy doing His will, spreading the good news throughout the world until He comes.
Beverly Barnett
Daniel 7:27
Tuesday, February 23
The Everlasting Kingdom
KEY VERSE: "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him," Daniel 7:27.
Throughout history there have been countries and kingdoms that have conquered other lands with all power and strength only to eventually collapse or be overthrown. But, no weapon or leader will ever destroy the kingdom of God (Dan. 7:14). Governments and economies may collapse; kings and presidents may change; wars may begin and end; but the kingdom of God is stable and secure. The kingdom is perpetual, and no war will ever destroy it.
It will be a kingdom of light. No electricity or wind powered energy will be needed. It will not be dependent on foreign energy resources because the Son of God will be the Light (Rev. 22:5).
This all sounds like a C. S. Lewis or J. R. R. Tolkien story but it is not a make-believe story. It is based upon God's truth. It is not a dream that one day we will wake from thinking this cannot be true. One day the saved will live in the new kingdom of God, not only that, but believers will rule and reign with Him on earth (Rev. 5:10; 11:15; 21:1).
This fact does not appeal to unbelievers. All they are concerned with is the here and now or maybe their future retirement. But this earth and all the kingdoms and countries contained on it are limited by time. They do have a beginning and an ending.
REFLECTION: Nothing lasts forever, an old cliche, is not all together true. For example, the kingdom of God lasts forever. The souls God created-our souls-last forever. Jesus lasts forever, and God's love lasts forever.
Beverly Barnett
Malachi 1: 11
Wednesday, February 24
His Name Shall Be Great
KEY VERSE: "For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts," Malachi 1 :11.
In many countries, a person's name is extremely personal and is respected by others. For instance, in Thailand a child's mother's name is never spoken by other children. When speaking of another child's mother, they will say for example, "Ken's mother" literally "mother of Ken" never her real name and the same for the father's name. In Africa the mother is known by her firstborn's name such as Mama Josiah. In some countries a person's given name is never used except for business matters. They assign themselves a pet or nickname. Even Americans, for convenience sake, may shorten their given name, James to Jim, Robert to Bob and others.
Can you imagine how it breaks the heart of God to hear His one and only Son's name used in such a disrespectful way as many use His name today? It is no wonder that our society is spiraling downward.
The simple truth is, there is coming a day when at the name of Jesus every knee will bow (Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:10). One day the Lord's name will be properly honored and respected. His name will no longer be used in a disrespectful way as a slang or as a curse word. But, this will not come about until the world is cleansed of sin and Jesus is on His throne. However, we can start now teaching our children to respect the names of the Lord and not to use them in a derogatory way.
REFLECTION: What will it sound like to speak the name of Jesus from sin-free lips?
Beverly Barnett
Psalm 22:27-31
Thursday, February 25
All the Ends of the Earth
KEY VERSE: "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kind reds of the nations shall worship before thee," Psalm 22:27.
In many churches across the world, some members neglect to go to the house of the Lord for praise and worship of Jesus Christ our Savior. They are nominal Christians. Attendance is only on special occasions: weddings, funerals, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas or some other special holiday. The sacrifice of Jesus for their sins is no longer precious to them and their Christian lives are suffering from lack of spiritual food.
But, a spiritual awakening is coming! There is coming a time when all of the nations of all the earth will worship the Lord. And, what a time of worship this will be when from every language, group of people, even to the smallest tribe, we will come together from each corner of the world to worship the Lord in all His glory and majesty. Imagine the sweet sounds of the songs of Africa, Belize, Romania, Thailand and all around the world as one theme is sung, "Glory to God in the highest" (Luke 2:14).
We will bow to the Lord for one reason—because He is worthy to be praised. Worship will not be limited to one or two days a week. Worship will be daily. The beauty of the Lord's scars will bring us to our knees and tears to our eyes as we praise Him for His loving sacrifice for our sins.
REFLECTION: May our prayer today be, Lord, may I suffer from calluses of the knees and not calluses of the heart. Amen.
Beverly Barnett
Psalm 72:8-11
Friday, February 26
Dominion from Sea to Sea
KEY VERSE: "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth," Psalm 72:8.
Most of the Middle Eastern conflicts between Israel and others have been over the boundaries of Israel. Little by little, the people of Israel, for the sake of peace, have given up parts of the land promised to them by God. What the other countries do not realize is that they will never permanently own any land given to them by treaty or concession.
Stubbornly, they deny the Bible as the Word of God, and, in doing so, they disregard its teachings and promises concerning Israel and the coming Messiah. Their denial will not change the final outcome. The Messiah will have final reign over all the earth and over every kingdom.
As promised, there will be a King over all the earth, and He will rule from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River back around to the Euphrates River. This extraordinary feat could never be accomplished by any other than the Messiah Himself (Zech. 14:9).
Christ the King will set up His throne in Jerusalem, but His rule will be universal. Nothing will go on that He is not aware of, from the smallest island to the most remote mountaintop village. He will rule with righteousness and perfect judgment. And, even though He will appoint His saints to rule and reign with Him, all final authority will be His.
He will be able to discern truth even from the most deceitful people and the vast variety of languages will pose no barrier for He created languages. Distance will not be a problem because the Messiah is not bound by ordinary limits of time and travel.
REFLECTION: What will be used for currency in this universal kingdom?
Beverly Barnett
Isaiah 60:9-14
Saturday, February 27
Worldwide Worship in the Kingdom
KEY VERSE: "Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought," Isaiah 60:11.
Wow, what an evangelistic explosion will occur when the perfect Savior reigns on earth!
This will be a time of an intense desire to worship the true and living Savior from the multitudes of people who will convert to Christianity. They will have witnessed firsthand the horrors of the Tribulation Period and will know that Jesus is the One and only true Savior, the Son of God.
They will come from near and far with offerings of praise and worship to the Son of God. Jesus will tenderly love and welcome them into the family of God, their sins forgiven and forgiveness freely given to each one.
New songs will be written and sung about His strength and majesty, about the victories of Christ the Messiah over the enemies of God. Poems and prose will be written assigning all accolades to Christ Jesus (Rev. 15:3).
It will be a time of peace brought on by the Prince of Peace. No need to worry about robbers or thieves breaking in and stealing from the all-knowing King. The treasury will be open so that the monetary offerings of worship can be given by the worshipers (lsa. 60:9).
REFLECTION: We do not have to wait for the new kingdom to praise Him. He is worthy of all our worship, praise and glory— this moment.
Beverly Barnett
Revelation 20:4-6
Sunday, February 28
Christ Return and Kingdom Come
KEY VERSE: "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years," Revelation 20:6
There are many variables that affect our plans for the future. Health, death and wealth are all factors that can change our future plans; as well as loss of jobs, divorce, change of location or vocation—the future for most of us is uncertain at best.
But there is a future event coming that nothing this side of Heaven will change. It is the return of Christ and the new kingdom.
The King is coming and no one can stop Him, not even Satan. He will usher in a new age of worship and government. We have previously studied that He will appoint some to be kings and some to be priests in the new kingdom. He will rule with perfect judgment and righteousness and there will be no argument regarding whom He chooses to do what.
The future will be here before we know it and for many Christians that will not be soon enough, especially those who are suffering from religious persecution. And, this persecution is going to get worse. As Satan gains more power on this earth, Christians will suffer. For them there is a special crown, a pure white robe and a position in the new kingdom of Christ Jesus.
In Christ we are blessed with a coming King, who will set the new kingdom in perfect order and will bring with Him a glorious future for those who love Him.
REFLECTION: Are you setting aside rewards in Heaven for the future?
Beverly Barnett