January, 2010 Devotions
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Psalm 90:10-12
Friday, January 1
Make Your Days Count!
KEY VERSE: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom," Psalm 90:12.
This is the first day of a new year and a new decade. If the Lord does not return during the year and you live through the year, you have three hundred sixty-five days of opportunity to serve Him. You do not yet know what challenges you may face during the year. You will experience some successes and some failures. Do not take any of the three hundred sixty-five days for granted. Take advantage of every opportunity to serve the Lord. Do not live in the past or wish the future would come quickly. Live in the day you have been granted.
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). God created the first day which began the marking of time. Time will cease when eternity begins. Time is measured duration and eternity is unmeasured duration. Each day is the Lord's. He knows what will happen during each day and is in control of events. We do not know what will happen during the day, but God will grant us the wisdom to face whatever challenges the day may bring. No day is wasted when it is spent serving the Lord. Make the most of today because there is no guarantee that tomorrow will come. Live each day as though it could be your last. Leave no task uncompleted. Give every endeavor your best effort.
JUST A THOUGHT: Make the most of each day by making God a priority.
Marc Shultz
Ephesians 5:15-17
Saturday, January 2
Redeem Your Time This New Year!
KEY VERSE: "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil," Ephesians 5:16.
The first day of sophomore English class the students were given a copy of the teacher's lesson plan for the entire year. It listed the daily homework assignments, the books to be to purchased from the student store and when the book reports were due. No further reminders were given concerning the assignments. It was the duty of each student to complete his assignments on time.
Each person is responsible for how he uses his time. If he uses his time wisely, he will reap blessings. If he uses his time unwisely, he will suffer the consequences. Time spent thinking foolish thoughts will likely lead to foolish actions. The person who spends his time doing God's will finds His favor. Each person will be accountable to God for how he spends his time.
Not having enough time to serve the Lord is not a viable excuse. Time is the same for everyone. There are sixty seconds to a minute, sixty minutes to an hour and twenty-four hours a day. The only uncertainty is the length of life. The person who uses his time wisely will find more than enough time to serve the Lord. Start by giving God a tithe of your time. This would be approximately two and a half hours a day. Spend this time in prayer, Bible study and witnessing to the lost. You will be surprised how much you can accomplish during that time.
JUST A THOUGHT: Time foolishly spent can never be regained.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 35:1-7
Sunday, January 3
The Desert Shall Blossom as the Rose!
KEY VERSE: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose," Isaiah 35:1.
A tornado storms through town leaving a path of destruction. Houses have been destroyed and trees have been uprooted. The area looks like a war zone. In the midst of the destruction stands a lone rose bush with a single rose still attached. It stands as a sign of hope.
The people of Judah had emerged from the Assyrian captivity. A path of destruction had been left behind. It would seem all hope was lost. Isaiah proclaimed that God would bring them from the ashes of ruin. The people would be strengthened and the land restored. God would deal with their enemies harshly. Joy and singing would once again be heard in the land. God would be glorified. There would be no reason to fear the enemy. The desert would bloom as life was restored to the land. It happened not because of the power of man but of God.
In the coming day of the Lord, He will rescue the world from destruction. As a rose that blooms in the desert, the glory of God will rise from the ashes of destruction. Jesus, the Rose of Sharon, will rule in perfect righteousness. He will restore the universe to the glory in which it was created. There will be no enemy to rise up against God or His people.
JUST A THOUGHT: The Christian hope is not in this present world but the greater world that is yet to come.
Marc Shultz
Numbers 34:1, 2
Monday, January 4
Joshua's Division of the Land
KEY VERSE: "Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:)," Numbers 34:2.
There is enough chocolate cake for two hungry children to have one piece. The problem is one of them will complain the other received the largest piece. The solution is easy. One child is allowed to cut the pieces, and the other is allowed to choose which piece he wishes to eat. Under this system each piece should be equal in size.
The land God gave to the Israelites was large in size and abundant in resources. The land was divided among them. They were to occupy the land, work the land and worship God who had given them the land. There was no need for them to be in want because everything had been provided for them. There was no need for jealousy because there was enough land and provision for everyone to enjoy. There was no reason for them to fear because God had given them the land and would protect them. Life was good.
God has promised to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). There is no end to His provision because His supply will never run out. There is no reason for dissatisfaction because God supplies exactly what is needed when it is needed.
JUST A THOUGHT: God's job is to provide. Our job is to be thankful.
Marc Shultz
Exodus 6:6-8
Tuesday, January 5
God's Promise to Israel
KEY VERSE: "And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians," Exodus 6:7.
Sally was celebrating her birthday with a sweet sixteen party. Her father was away on a business trip but had promised to be home in time for the party. He had to work overtime. At the airport he received some bad news. His flight was cancelled because of bad weather. He rented a car and drove all night in a thunderstorm to keep his promise to his daughter. He went to such an extent to keep his promise because he loved his daughter.
God promised His chosen people a great and prosperous land. The journey began four hundred years after the promise was first made to Abram. God was waiting for the proper time to fulfill the promise. The promise consisted of more than land. They would be freed from the bondage of slavery to the Egyptians. God would prove Himself faithful time and again to the Israelites.
God always keeps His promises. He will perform His perfect will in His place, in His time and through His people. We must never doubt God will do what is best. Our duty is to wait upon Him. Waiting on God requires faith. He always comes through.
JUST A THOUGHT: Waiting on God is a sign of strength.
Marc Shultz
Jeremiah 31:1-8
Wednesday, January 6
God of the Families of Israel
KEY VERSE: "At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people," Jeremiah 31:1.
The family is the basis of society. God promised to make a great nation of the Israelites. What is a nation but a collection of individuals? Individuals make up families, which make up nations. God instituted the family when He created Adam and Eve and told them to be fruitful and multiply. God has ordained the order of the family and is to be the head of the family. The woman is to follow the spiritual direction of her husband and the children are to be in subjection to their parents. When God is honored in the family, the family unit will be strong.
The children of Israel occupied the Promised Land as a nation. God promised to be with the individual families in the same way He was with them collectively as a nation. As the individual families worshiped God, the nation would be faithful to serve and worship God. God promised to be the God of all families of the nation and they would be His people. This would be the strength of the nation.
Not only is the family the backbone of the nation, it is also the backbone of the local church. A church is as strong as the families within the membership of the church. The ministry of the local church must strengthen the families which in turn will strengthen the local church.
JUST A THOUGHT: Godly families honor God.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 56:6, 7
Thursday, January 7
Strangers Are Welcome!
KEY VERSE: "Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant," Isaiah 56:6.
One of the blessings I enjoyed while a student at Texas Baptist Institute was preaching at different churches as a fill-in for absent pastors. Often the occasion was the first time I had been privileged to attend services at that church and did not know any of the members. I always found a welcome handshake and quickly was made to feel at home.
To many Jews, the Gentiles were no better than dogs. When Gentiles began making professions of faith, some of the Jews did not want to believe they were truly saved. The Gentile converts were zealously worshiping and serving the Lord. The Jewish converts should have welcomed the Gentile converts as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Everyone needs to be saved. The drug dealer in the slums needs to be saved. The impoverished woman living on the streets needs to be saved. The night watchman at the hospital needs to be saved. The CEO of a Fortune 500 company needs to be saved. The richest person in the world needs to be saved. The Great Commission commands New Testament churches to preach the gospel and win souls to Christ (Matt. 28:19, 20). How shall they believe on Him of whom they have not heard? (Rom. 10:14).
JUST A THOUGHT: Jesus is the friend of sinners. Are you?
Marc Shultz
Ephesians 2:19-22
Friday, January 8
No Longer a Stranger
KEY VERSE: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God," Ephesians 2:19.
Recall the first time you went on a date. The first order of business was to meet the parents of your date. Despite being nervous you attempted to make a good first impression. You were well-groomed and on your best behavior. The more time you spent with the parents the more comfortable you were with them. The time came when you were no longer a stranger but a welcome friend in their home.
A person is not born into the family of God through physical birth but through the new birth. Every child of God has a relationship with other believers as brothers and sisters in Christ. They have experienced the same salvation and worship the same God. They have the same promise of a heavenly home in eternity.
You have a spiritual relationship with people you do not know by name. You have a relationship with the missionary in Mexico who is witnessing to his own people. You have a relationship with a new believer in a Third World country who has just accepted Jesus as Savior. You have a relationship with the deacon of a little country church. You have a relationship with the dear lady who has taught Sunday School for many years and has led many of her students to know Jesus as Savior.
JUST A THOUGHT: You may never meet these brothers and sisters in Christ on earth, but you will see them in Heaven.
Marc Shultz
Jeremiah 3:17
Saturday, January 9
Jerusalem—Throne of the Lord
KEY VERSE: "At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart," Jeremiah 3:17.
Remember the 2000 presidential election? The race hinged on the count of the vote in Florida. The candidate who won the Florida electoral vote would win the election. Both candidates declared they had more votes and challenged the results in court. The victor emerged through a ruling of the United States Supreme Court.
There is much disagreement today as to who has the right to govern Jerusalem. Many governments in the region say that Jerusalem belongs to the Palestinians rather than Israel. Wars have been fought and treaties signed to end the controversy but to no avail. There should be no debate as to who has the right to rule Jerusalem. The Bible declares Jerusalem is part of the Promised Land that God gave to the children of Israel.
In the coming day of the Lord, He will reign from His throne in Jerusalem. He will not rule from Jerusalem as the result of a war or treaty but as the rightful heir to the throne of David. Jerusalem will be the center of world affairs. No one will be able to deny the authority of the power of God. It will be a much different day. It is a day to which Christians should look forward.
JUST A THOUGHT: There will finally be peace when the Lord reigns from the throne in Jerusalem.
Marc Shultz
Genesis 12:4-7
Sunday, January 10
God Always Keeps His Promises!
KEY VERSE: "And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him," Genesis 12:7.
"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie" (Heb. 6:18). Since God cannot lie, we can have the utmost confidence He will keep His promises. God promised Abram that He would make of him a great nation. This seemed impossible because Sarai, Abram's wife was past her childbearing years. Despite their impatience, in God's time Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah. Often we become impatient for God to keep His promises. God will not be hurried by our impatience. He will work through His people, in His place and in His time. Time spent waiting on God is not time wasted. We will see God's perfect work in His time.
Abram did not see the culmination of God's promise to him. After his death the descendents grew to a vast number. They resided in the land God promised them. Abram had no proof of this reality other than the promise of God.
Abram and Sarai attempted to cause God's promise to come true in their own way. Abram fathered a child by Hagar the handmaid. The son born of Hagar was not the son of promise. Abram learned that it is impossible to hurry God. We must wait on Him.
JUST A THOUGHT: God is able to keep His promises without our interference.
Marc Shultz
Daniel 1:1-8
Monday, January 11
Daniel's Resolve
KEY VERSE: "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself," Daniel 1:8.
All the company employees were required to attend the annual Christmas party to get their yearly bonus. The boss and many of the employees were alcoholics and drank freely at the party. Among the employees was a Christian man who followed the biblical admonition to abstain from consuming strong drink. Several employees attempted to get him to live a little and have a drink with them. He did not compromise his principles and left the party as soon as he received his bonus.
Daniel was a man of Christian principles and high character. He had so distinguished himself that he had become an advisor to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The king was not a godly man. He prepared a provision of meat and Daniel was expected to eat from this provision. The problem was, the king's provision featured unclean meats forbidden by God's dietary laws of the time. Daniel could have compromised his principles and followed the king's desires. Instead, Daniel stood by his principles and used the occasion to teach the king about the blessings of obeying God.
Christians should never compromise their principles to please the world. It will not always be convenient or easy to do what is right. There is never a right reason to do wrong.
JUST A THOUGHT: God is watching, so do the right thing.
Marc Shultz
Daniel 2:1-24
Tuesday, January 12
Daniel's Request
KEY VERSE: "Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation," Daniel 2:16.
The Allied forces were about to invade Normandy, France to begin the liberation of Europe during World War II. One officer was told he would not be accompanying his men during the invasion. He was one of the oldest soldiers in the war. Arthritis had made his movements extremely difficult. His superior officers were also concerned that he could be used for propaganda purposes if he were captured by the enemy. He told his superior officers he was willing to take the risk and he was allowed to accompany his men in the invasion. He died during the invasion. His name was Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. His father was once president of the United States.
King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him. He asked his magician and sorcerers to give him the interpretation of the dream. The problem was, the king could not remember the dream so they could not give him the interpretation. Daniel asked the king for an opportunity to interpret the dream. Daniel trusted God not only to tell him what Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed but to give him the interpretation of the dream. Daniel was able to warn the king of God's wrath to come. Daniel put himself on the line for God, and God came through. Daniel gained the respect of King Nebuchadnezzar.
JUST A THOUGHT: God requires much from his servants.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 21:44
Wednesday, January 13
The Smashing Stone
KEY VERSE: "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder," Matthew 21:44.
In biblical times, stoning was a widely used means of execution. The condemned person would be brought, bound and shackled, to the top of a stoning wall. One of the witnesses to his crime would hit him in the loins so he would fall to the ground. If the fall did not kill him, the other witnesses would begin throwing stones at him until he died. It was a cruel means of execution.
Jesus is the stone of stumbling to those who do not believe on Him as Savior (1 Peter 2:8). He is the rock of salvation to those who do believe (2 Sam. 22:47). Anyone who comes to Him with a broken and contrite heart confessing his or her sins will be forgiven. Everyone who refuses to accept Him as Savior is condemned already (John 3:18). The sinless Son of God took upon Himself the condemnation of death so believers would have eternal life. Whether a person spends eternity in Heaven or hell depends upon whether he or she has accepted the Lord's payment for his or her sins in repentance and faith.
Jesus is the Cornerstone rejected by man (Mark 12:10). He is the only way to salvation. Those who reject Him as Savior will not have eternal life in Heaven. The Lord desires salvation for everyone. He refuses salvation to no one.
JUST A THOUGHT: There is no reason for anyone to spend eternity in hell.
Marc Shultz
Micah 4:1, 2
Thursday, January 14
The Indestructible Kingdom
KEY VERSE: "And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem," Micah 4:2.
The United States of America is over two hundred thirty years old, relatively young in comparison to most other countries of the world. The American government is the longest continuing democracy in the history of the world. The country has faced many challenges that have brought other governments down. We have survived wars, the Great Depression and terrorist attacks. There should be no doubt that America is a resilient country, but it is not indestructible.
Today, the world is filled with fears and uncertainty. There are fears of an economic collapse. Terrorism is a daily concern. Many people live in famine and poverty. It is enough to make a person wonder how long humanity can survive.
In the midst of despair there is good news. While the world as we know it will not survive, there is a better world coming. From the midst of man's destruction rises the righteousness of God. His kingdom will succeed where human governments have failed. The world will be like it was at creation. God will end poverty, injustice and evil. The former earth will pass away to be replaced with a new Heaven and a new earth.
Christians have no reason to fear. God is in control today. Nothing happens beyond His notice and control. God is also in control of the future.
JUST A THOUGHT: Hope for the future helps us make it through today.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 11:6-10
Friday, January 15
His Rest Shall Be Glorious
KEY VERSE: "And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious," Isaiah 11:10.
A zoo had an unusual display. In the same cage were a lion and a lamb. Normally, the lion would have quickly devoured the lamb. When the zookeeper was asked how such a display was possible, he replied the lion was well fed and a new lamb was put in the cage when necessary. Occasionally, the lion would return to its natural instinct and devour the lamb. Such a display would not be tolerated today.
In the coming kingdom of God, the world will be much different than today. The nature of mankind will be changed to conform to the righteousness of God. There will be no reason to fear people or circumstances. The Lord will bring to the world what has eluded mankind for all history—harmony with God.
Mankind continues to look for the things that only the coming kingdom of God can provide. Wars continue despite peace treaties and arms control agreements. Poverty persists despite trillions of dollars spent to eliminate it. Crime rates continue to rise despite increased law enforcement priorities. These conditions persist because of man's sinful nature. The world will not change for the better as long as sin reigns in man's heart. Man's nature will not change until God reigns in righteousness.
JUST A THOUGHT: Why hold on to this world when a better world is coming.
Marc Shultz
Revelation 20:1-3
Saturday, January 16
The Millennial Peace
KEY VERSE: "And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season," Revelation 20:3.
I once lived by a neighbor who had a dog which barked constantly. He barked in the middle of the night while I was trying to sleep. He barked in the day while I was trying to study. He barked while I was doing yard work. After the neighbors moved, there was peace in the neighborhood once again.
Satan walks about this world as a roaring lion seeking whom he might devour (1 Peter 5:8). As long as he is allowed to bring temptation into the world, there will be no peace. He will tempt the wicked to persecute Christians. He will tempt Christians to sin rather than obey God. Christians should not ignore Satan's attacks. A person traveling in the jungle is wary of the lion. We must be wary of Satan. One of the blessings that will come during the millennial reign of Christ is that Satan will not be around to deceive anyone. It will be a time of true peace.
Satan is formidable, but we must not give in to his devices. He can only influence those who refuse to fight against his temptations. Do not give Satan's temptations a second thought.
JUST A THOUGHT: Decide before temptation comes that you will live for the Lord and will not listen to Satan.
Marc Shultz
Revelation 19:11-16
Sunday, January 17
The Coming World Ruler
KEY VERSE: "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS," Revelation 19:16.
There is a growing sentiment among people that the only way the world's problems can be solved is to have all nations under one rule. The extreme environmentalists have actively called for the overthrow of any government that refuses to adopt its radical agenda. With the growing economic uncertainty some have called for a common currency. The anti-Christ will attempt to employ these suggestions, but they will fail to succeed.
There is a coming leader who will rule all nations. He will not rise up from the sea of humanity but will come from Heaven. He will succeed where every other leader in the history of the world has failed. He will not come to power by the sword but through unchallenged authority. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Lord will reign in perfect righteousness. No man, government or army will be able to challenge Him. He will smite the nations that do not submit to Him. His Word will be the law of the world. His power will exceed any seen throughout history. His presence will exceed the most charismatic ruler the world has ever witnessed. Unlike all other empires there will be no end to His reign. There will be the peace that eluded the world up until this time. He will be the One the world has sought.
JUST A THOUGHT: A person does not have to wait for the Lord's coming kingdom to submit to His authority.
Marc Shultz
Jeremiah 25:8-12
Monday, January 18
Seventy Years of Captivity
KEY VERSE: "And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations," Jeremiah 25:12.
The children of Israel were a proud people. In spite of God's abundant blessings they often rebelled against God. Through His prophets, God instructed the Israelites to turn from their idolatrous and wicked ways and turn back to the God of their salvation. God patiently waited for their repentance which never came. Once God's patience was exhausted, He brought judgment upon the Israelites. On this occasion God allowed the Babylonians to take the Israelites captive. Their pride turned to humility. For seventy years, the Israelites were at the mercy of their enemy. Captivity was God's way of bringing the Israelites to repentance.
Allowing the Israelites to endure captivity did not mean God was pleased with the Babylonians. The nation was just a vehicle God used to humble the Israelites. When the seventy years of captivity had ended, God turned His wrath toward the people of Babylon. There would be no end to their suffering because they refused to repent and turn to God.
God will give time to repent before He brings His wrath. He will be patiently waiting for repentance. When repentance does not come, then, judgment will be issued. His wrath is given, so His people will repent.
JUST A THOUGHT: Since God does not hesitate to judge His own, He certainly will judge those who are not His own.
Marc Shultz
1 John 1:8-10
Tuesday, January 19
The Blessing of Confessing Sin
KEY VERSE: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," 1 John 1:9.
Several years ago the Internal Revenue Service conducted an amnesty program. Taxpayers who had deliberately cheated on their tax returns could file an amended return without fear of being prosecuted. Some people filed amended returns as far back as thirty years. The program brought needed revenue into the federal budget but also gave the taxpayers a clear conscience.
It is impossible to hide your sins from God. He knows your every action, hears your every word and knows your every thought. God knows every sin you have ever committed. God hates sin. He desires to forgive you of every sin. He awaits your confession and repentance. When you confess your sins to God, He will forgive you of every sin.
Confessing your sins to God has advantages. You no longer have to attempt to hide your sins from God. You can put the sins in the past knowing God has forgiven you of each of those sins. You no longer have to worry about suffering divine judgment for those sins. You can go to sleep at night with a clear conscience knowing that your sins are forgiven.
Only those who seek God's forgiveness of sin will experience it. The only thing that stands between a sinner and forgiveness is confession and repentance.
JUST A THOUGHT: God will not deny forgiveness to any sinner who confesses his or her sins to Him.
Marc Shultz
Hebrews 10:4-14
Wednesday, January 20
God's Permanent Covering for Sin
KEY VERSE: "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God," Hebrews 10:12.
The president of the United States has the power to issue a general or partial pardon for any citizen. A general pardon grants amnesty for all past crimes. A partial pardon grants amnesty only for specified crimes. A person who has received a pardon is considered innocent for those crimes and can never be held accountable for those crimes again.
Part of the work of the Old Testament priests was offering animal sacrifices for sins. These sacrifices were to be offered at set times. The sacrifice not only was a reminder of man's sinful condition but also of the Lord's impending sacrifice for sin.
When Jesus died on the cross, there was no further need of pictorial sacrifices of animals. The blood Jesus shed on the cross covers all sins, past, present and future. His blood did what the blood of animals could not do—forgive sins. Jesus needed to die once because His sacrifice was greater than all our sins. If Jesus had not died on the cross for our sins, we would be dead in our sins and without hope of salvation.
Since Jesus needed only to die once for your sins, you need to confess Him as Savior one time. Once a person has accepted Jesus as Savior, he or she is guaranteed eternal life in Heaven. His or her sins will be remembered no more.
JUST A THOUGHT: God pardons sins forever.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 60:19-21
Thursday, January 21
Israel Will Inherit the Land Forever
KEY VERSE: "Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified," Isaiah 60:21.
I once entered a drawing for a new pickup. The person who won the drawing had his picture published in the paper receiving the keys and title to the truck. Once the title was transferred to his name, the truck was his alone. No one else could claim it as his own.
God promised Abram that He would make of him a great nation. Abram would inherit a land. No one else had a rightful claim to the land. Throughout history other nations have claimed the land of Israel and Jerusalem as their own. The people of Israel have continually fought to defend the land God has given them. God gave the title deed to the Promised Land to Israel alone. Other nations may claim the land, but they have no right to it.
In the day of the Lord, Israel will occupy the Promised Land without interference from any other nation. Israel will not need any power other than the power of God to defend the land as its own. The Bible is Israel's title deed to the Promised Land. God gave the people of Israel the land. God helped them defend the land from the enemy. The glory of God will illuminate the land. The peace of God will rule throughout the land. The Lord will rule from the land in perfect righteousness.
JUST A THOUGHT: The Promised Land is Israel's by divine decree and not by a peace treaty.
Marc Shultz
Nehemiah 2:1-8
Friday, January 22
Decree To Rebuild Jerusalem
KEY VERSE: "Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah," Nehemiah 2:7.
A new American ambassador to a foreign country must first present his credentials to the ruling power of that country. The credentials contain letters from the President of the United States and the American Secretary of State. The credentials give the ambassador authority to act on behalf of the American government and citizens residing in that country. Without the credentials the ambassador would have no authority.
The years of captivity had taken a toll on the city of Jerusalem. The walls that once defended the city lay in ruins. The city was in shambles. When Nehemiah learned of the plight of Jerusalem, his heart was filled with sorrow. King Artaxerxes asked Nehemiah why he was so despondent. Nehemiah told the king he wanted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city. Although the king was not a friend of Jerusalem, he gave Nehemiah permission to follow his heart's desire. Nehemiah carried letters from the king granting him authority to return to Jerusalem.
Having received permission from God and given authority from the king, Nehemiah got to work. He organized the citizens of Jerusalem into working shifts and the work continued day and night. The wall around Jerusalem was rebuilt one gate at a time. Once completed they gave the glory to God for His providence in rebuilding the wall.
JUST A THOUGHT: Divine providence is all the permission needed to do God's will.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 21:42, 43
Saturday, January 23
Messiah Cut Off
KEY VERSE: "Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" Matthew 21:42.
Growing up I was never athletic. When it came time to choose sides for neighborhood football or baseball games, I was usually the last one chosen. On the other hand, I kept up on current events. In world history class in high school, we often played a game similar to Jeopardy. I was always the first chosen for that game.
Jesus came unto His own, but they received Him not. They thought Jesus was a traitor and a rebel and not the Messiah. Many did not even believe He was a good man. The Lord did not allow their rejection to deter Him from His mission. He taught the Scripture and performed miracles to prove His deity. He had compassion for those who refused to believe on Him and mercy for those who did. He came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). The Lord knew the time would come when every tongue would confess Him as Lord (Rom. 14:11).
There is nothing good that comes from rejecting Jesus as Savior and Lord. He alone has the power to save the lost. He leads believers to the abundant life (John 10:10). Jesus is the piece of the puzzle that makes life complete. Do not shut the Lord out of your life.
JUST A THOUGHT: A life without Jesus quickly falls apart.
Marc Shultz
Luke 21:20-24
Sunday, January 24
The Times of the Gentiles
KEY VERSE: "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled," Luke 21:24.
We are currently living in the Gentile age, also known as the church age. When the Jews refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah, the Gentiles were given the authority to preach the gospel to the world through church authority (Matt. 28:18-20). The church age will not end until the Lord's return.
Prior to the Lord's return, the world will be thrown into turmoil. The days of divine vengeance will be worse than the world has ever seen before. Jerusalem will be under siege by its enemies. Conditions in the world will be so terrible that people will despair of life itself This will be a great time of distress.
The Gentile age will conclude when the Lord returns for His people. There will still be a time of turmoil as the wrath of God is poured out on the ungodly world. The children of God have hope the world does not have. The return of the Lord will usher in the bliss of spending eternity with the Lord.
We are living in perilous times that precede the Lord's return (2 Tim. 3:1). We should not despair of hope because Jesus is coming again. Our hope is not in this world but in the better world that the Lord will usher in.
JUST A THOUGHT: Knowing a better world is coming should cause Christians to rejoice.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 24:3-14
Monday, January 25
The Signs of Christ's Coming
KEY VERSE: "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Matthew 24:3.
A young boy runs into his house and breathlessly tells his mother that Jesus is coming, and He is coming right now. "How do you know?" asks his mother.
"My Sunday School teacher said there would be signs in the sky before Jesus comes and there is a sign in the sky right now," he said. His mother went outside to see what he was talking about and started laughing. What he saw was a skywriter writing an advertisement for a soft drink company in smoke.
There are signs that will tell of the Lord's return. There will be some who come claiming to be Christ and deceiving many with their false claim. The world will be in a constant state of warfare and conflict. There will be earthquakes, pestilences and famines in many different places. God's people will be ridiculed and persecuted because of their faith. Many Christians will wax cold in their faithfulness to God. These things are evident in the world today.
The only people who should fear the Lord's coming are those who are unprepared for His return. The signs of the Lord's return are warnings to prepare because He could return at any moment. The Lord could return today. Are you prepared for His coming?
JUST A THOUGHT: Are you anxiously anticipating the Lord's return or does it bring fear to your mind?
Marc Shultz
Matthew 24:15-20
Tuesday, January 26
The Abomination of Desolation
KEY VERSE: "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)," Matthew 24:15.
Suppose when you arrived for Sunday School, you found the church building had been vandalized. Vile words had been painted on the walls and the pews had been overturned. The songbooks and Bibles had been ripped to shreds and the pulpit demolished. Such a sight would be difficult to view. Suppose it was discovered the vandalism was done by someone who was claiming to be God. Such a crime would be considered a mockery.
The anti-Christ will enter Jerusalem as a hero. The peace treaty he makes will bring a temporary calm to the region. He will enter the Temple in Jerusalem and begin to do unthinkable acts. He will destroy the precious artifacts that pertain to the worship of God. He will proclaim himself to be God and demand to be worshiped. Eventually, the anti-Christ will begin to lose his grip of power because of his abominable acts.
Some abominable acts committed today also bring shame to the house of God. It is an abomination for false gospels to be proclaimed in the house of God. The pulpit is a place to proclaim only the truths of God. It is an abomination for anyone other than the one true God to be worshiped in the house of God.
JUST A THOUGHT: It is the duty of church members to make sure the house of God is only used for its intended purpose.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 24:21-28
Wednesday, January 27
The Great Tribulation
KEY VERSE: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be," Matthew 24:21.
Think about the many crises the world has faced in the last one hundred years. There have been two world wars that have cost the lives of millions of soldiers on the battlefield. The Great Depression almost destroyed the economy of the United States. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. As tragic as these events were, society survived.
The Great Tribulation will be an event unequaled in history. For the last three and a half years of the Tribulation Period especially, the world will be in chaos and brought to the brink of destruction. The anti-Christ will rule the world with unbridled power. Those who oppose him will be martyred. There will be political and economic upheaval that will threaten the existence of every person. There will be no peace anywhere in the world. The world will be destroyed if the Lord does not step in to end the violence.
The Great Tribulation will be a time the wrath of God is poured out on the world. There will be no place to avoid the chaos. Violence will rule without end. Many will despair. It will be the worst time in all history.
The Great Tribulation will also be a time that many people will seek God. One hundred forty-four thousand Jews will accept Jesus as Savior (Rev. 14:3). Countless numbers will be saved during this time.
JUST A THOUGHT: God alone can bring peace from the chaos of the Great Tribulation.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 24:29-35
Thursday, January 28
The Coming of Christ in Glory
KEY VERSE: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory," Matthew 24:30.
In the old, western movies the good guy always came to the rescue. When all hope seemed lost, he would come riding his trusty horse to restore law and order. He then would ride into the sunset as the hero.
When all hope seems lost and the world seems doomed, the Lord returns to restore law and order. He will not return in secret but with the fanfare due the King of kings and Lord of lords. He will bring order out of chaos and His Word will rule.
It is foolish for people to attempt to set a definite time for the Lord's return. The time is known only to the Heavenly Father. While we do not know the exact time the Lord will return, we can know His return is eminent. As the budding of trees tells of the changing seasons, certain signs suggest the Lord's return is quickly approaching. It is the duty of each person to be prepared for the Lord to return. Begin each day with the knowledge that the Lord could return before the day is over and live accordingly. Do not leave any duty undone or prayer unprayed.
JUST A THOUGHT: The Lord's return is the world's greatest hope.
Marc Shultz
Revelation 13:11-18
Friday, January 29
The Anti-Christ at Work
KEY VERSE: "And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed," Revelation 13:12.
In 1970, a twelve-year-old boy arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, claiming to be God. While being interviewed by a local television reporter, he claimed to have performed many miracles which would prove his claim to deity. The problem was, he had done none of these miracles in the presence of independent unbiased witnesses. The lad was being exploited by his parents to make a profit by his claim of being God.
The anti-Christ will not only claim to be God but will call fire down from Heaven to back up his claim. This feat is not done by the power of God but of Satan. Many people will listen to the words and see the works of the anti-Christ and will be deceived into believing he is God. He is not God but an incarnation of Satan. He will attempt to revive the Roman empire and rule the world. In time his power will fail, and it will become known that he is not God.
The world is looking for someone who has the answers to all the problems. When the anti-Christ becomes known, it seems he is that person. While the people of the world are looking for the anti-Christ, they have rejected the real Christ. He is the only One who has all the answers.
JUST A THOUGHT: Jesus is the only One who can bring peace to the troubled world.
Marc Shultz
Revelation 19:17-21
Saturday, January 30
The Anti-Christ's Doom
KEY VERSE: "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone," Revelation 19:20.
A man was arrested for impersonating a doctor. He wanted to be a doctor but did not want to go to the trouble of attending medical school. He read medical journals and kept up with all the advances in medicine. He set up a practice in a rural community that did not have a doctor. He performed medical tests and issued prescriptions for medicine. He was reported to authorities by a pharmacist who questioned why he was prescribing certain medicines. The false doctor pled guilty in court and spent time in prison.
The anti-Christ's reign of deception will eventually come to an end. The peace treaty he makes between Israel and its enemies will fall apart. The policies he structures to bring stability to the world will fail. The anti-Christ and those who follow him will be cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Jesus Christ is the only Savior. No other person can save souls or restore broken lives. The Lord uses His power for good and not evil. His kingdom will not fail.
JUST A THOUGHT: The time will come that every tongue will confess Him as Lord and every knee will bow in reverence to Him (Rom. 14:11). For many it will be too late.
Marc Shultz
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Sunday, January 31
The Tribulation and the Man of Sin
KEY VERSE: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition," 2 Thessalonians 2:3.
The seven years of the Tribulation Period will be a time of unequaled calamity such as the world has never seen. Governments will fall as will the economic system of the world. War and violence will be the rule of the day. The whole world will be on the verge of annihilation. There will seem to be no hope.
The anti-Christ will rise up from anonymity to rule the world. He will make a peace treaty that seems to bring peace between Israel and its enemies. The military and economic power of all nations will be placed under his control. No one will be able to buy or sell anything without the mark of the beast on his or her hand or forehead. The military force of the world will be brought against anyone who opposes the anti-Christ. The majority of the world's population will be deceived by the antiChrist. After the first half of the Tribulation Period, his stranglehold on power will begin to fail.
The reign of anti-Christ will be preceded by a falling away of God's people. Their zeal for the Lord will fade because of the conditions of the day. As children of God, we should not allow the world conditions to interfere with our faithfulness to God.
JUST A THOUGHT: The closer the time comes to the Lord's return, the more faithful Christians must be to Him.
Marc Shultz