March, 2010 Devotions
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2 Timothy 3:16
Monday, March 1
The Source of Revelation
KEY VERSE: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16.
There is a great debate in religious circles concerning the inspiration of the Bible. Some people believe that only parts of the Bible are inspired by God while others claim the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God. If the entire Bible is not the inspired Word of God, then it must be filled with myths and fables. How can a Bible student determine which part of the Bible is truth and which is not?
The above verse states that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. The word inspiration means "God breathed." The human writers of the Bible were led by God in what they wrote. They penned the words in their own style of writing. The Holy Spirit guarded what they wrote against error. This assures us the entire Bible is God's inspired Word and is, therefore, without error.
The Bible is entirely God's revelation for mankind. There are no lost books in the Bible. There are no books of the Bible yet to be written. The Bible student can have confidence that the Word of God is a complete book and reveals all of God's instructions for Christian living. The Bible is profitable to everyone who applies its instruction. To deny the inspiration of God's Word is to deny the power of God to make sure His Word is complete and perfect.
JUST A THOUGHT: Human philosophy is out of place in God's Word.
Marc Shultz
The Royal Priesthood
KEY VERSE: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light," 1 Peter 2:9.
Tourists stand outside the gates of Buckingham Palace in London. They are not allowed inside the gates. A limousine is allowed to enter the palace gates. What is the difference? The limousine is carrying a member of the royal family. Only members of the royal family have direct access to Buckingham Palace.
The person who accepts the Lord as Savior is part of a royal priesthood. He is an heir of God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. As a member of the royal priesthood, he has direct access to the throne of God. He can boldly come to God's throne to find mercy in the time of need (Heb. 4:16). As a member of the royal priesthood, we are part of a chosen generation. Everyone who receives the Lord as Savior will be saved. We are also part of a holy nation of those who have been separated unto God through salvation. We have been called out of the darkness of sin into God's light through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to the Scripture. The privileges given those of the royal priesthood are not given to those who are not in the family of God.
JUST A THOUGHT: Children of God have nothing of which to be ashamed. We are members of God's royal family.
Marc Shultz
Blessing to Hearers and Doers
KEY VERSE: "But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it," Luke 11:28.
I once asked for directions on how to get to a particular patient's room in a large metropolitan hospital. The desk clerk who gave me the directions wanted to make sure I could remember what she had said and asked me to repeat the directions. I repeated the directions to the letter and was able to get to the correct room.
The Word of God can be understood by the Bible student. It is not enough to know the instructions of God's Word. To know to do the right thing and not actually do it is sin (James 4:17). The blessings of God's Word only come to those who apply its instructions. A person may know what the Bible teaches they must do to be saved, but they remain lost if they have not obeyed the scriptural instruction of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The person who follows the biblical instruction of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ has the assurance of salvation.
The child of God must not only hear the Word of God but obey its instructions. Noah had never built a boat. He followed God's instructions, and the ark floated when God sent the flood. The disciples had fished all night long and caught nothing. Jesus told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and they caught a multitude of fishes. Obeying God has advantages.
JUST A THOUGHT: God is clear in His instructions. We must be faithful in our obedience.
Marc Shultz
1 Peter 1:18, 19
Thursday, March 4
Redeeming Blood!
KEY VERSE: "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot," 1 Peter 1:19.
Rosemary was going to nursing school. She had dreamed of being a nurse from her childhood. Only one thing concerned Rosemary. She was squeamish at the sight of blood. It would be a tough obstacle for her to overcome. While observing nurses at work in a hospital emergency room, a person was rushed in with severe injuries from an automobile accident. The patient was bleeding profusely. Rosemary began to get sick at her stomach. The patient began to receive a blood transfusion. His pale complexion began to return to a normal color. Rosemary saw blood as a life-giving source and became less squeamish at the sight of blood.
Fallen man is not redeemed by material wealth or good works. He is redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross. The sight of the Lord's shed blood may not be pleasant to read about in the Bible, but it is God's way of granting eternal life to sinners. If Jesus had not shed His blood on the cross, we would be dead in our sins and without hope of salvation and eternal life in Heaven. Jesus died on the cross so we might live with Him forever in Heaven. The blood Jesus shed on the cross is as vital in giving eternal life to the soul as blood is giving life to the body.
JUST A THOUGHT: The price of our salvation is the blood of Jesus Christ.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 24:42-44
Friday, March 5
Watch Therefore!
KEY VERSE: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come," Matthew 24:42.
This writer once worked at a job where the main boss was rarely present in the workplace. His assistant was to make sure that the workplace was run as he desired. Approximately once a month, he would show up to make sure that everything was being done according to his instructions. We did not know when he would show up. The employees had to work each day as though it were the day he would show up.
Jesus has promised to return for His saints. The exact time of the Lord's return is known only to the Father in Heaven. He will not move up or postpone the Lord's return for any reason. Since Christians do not know when the Lord will return, they are to live as though the Lord could return at any moment.
Suppose you knew that this was to be the day the Lord returned. What would you be doing prior to His return? Would there be a lost friend or relative to whom you would witness? Would there be some person of whom you needed to ask for forgiveness? No doubt, you could think of many things you would need to do before the Lord returned. Why not treat this day as though it were the day the Lord would return. Do those things that you would not want to be left undone when the Lord calls you out of this world.
JUST A THOUGHT: Those who are watching for the Lord's return will not be surprised when it happens.
Marc Shultz
Philippians 2:9-11
Saturday, March 6
King of Kings—Lord of Lords
KEY VERSE: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name," Philippians 2:9.
Representatives from almost every nation in the world attended President John F. Kennedy's funeral in November of 1963. It created a diplomatic nightmare. Some of the representatives were from the royal family of their home country. Others were elected leaders while others where appointed to represent the leaders of their nation. The higher ranking officials sat at a more prominent place than the lower ranking officials.
There is no such diplomatic nightmare when it comes to Jesus. He is the King who ranks higher than any other king. There is no end to His reign. His power reaches over all the heavens and earth. No one will be able to depose Him from His throne. He will reign in perfect righteousness. There is no other king like Jesus.
The world attempts to rank Jesus with every other so-called deity. There is no comparison. Buddha did not exist from eternity past. Mohammad did not participate in the creation of the heavens and earth. Confucius did not rise from the grave the third day. Jesus alone performed these miracles.
What makes Jesus different than all other so-called deities? He alone saves souls from eternal punishment in hell. He alone forgives sins. He alone can help restore broken and hurting lives. He alone offers the abundant life. He alone can bring joy from sorrow and peace from turmoil. Jesus reigns and will reign from an eternal throne.
JUST A THOUGHT: No other king than Jesus deserves our worship and praise.
Marc Shultz
1 Thessalonians 5:4-10
Sunday, March 7
Why Study Revelation?
KEY VERSE: "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief," 1 Thessalonians 5:4.
When the weather becomes a safety concern, the National Weather Service will issue appropriate warnings. Individuals are then responsible to heed the warnings and take appropriate actions for their safety.
The book of Revelation is the last book in the Bible. It is one that also stirs the most controversy among Christians. Some are frightened by the contents of the book and do not want to study it at all. Some become obsessed by the content of the book that it is the only book of the Bible they want to study. There needs to be a happy medium between these two views.
The book of Revelation reveals God's prophetic plan for the Lord's return and millennial reign. Some things are frightening to study. The events during the Great Tribulation will not be pleasant. Some themes in the book are the subject of debate such as exactly when in the prophetic timetable the rapture will occur. One theme of the book is without debate, Jesus is coming!
The book of Revelation should be viewed as a warning. The return of the Lord could occur at any moment. Christians must be prepared for His return. As a home owner does not know when a thief might break in to steal his possessions, Christians do not know exactly when Jesus shall return. The book of Revelation gives signs that the Lord's return could be imminent.
JUST A THOUGHT: Jesus is coming. Are you prepared?
Marc Shultz
Hebrews 2:14-17
Monday, March 8
The Son of Man
KEY VERSE: "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham," Hebrews 2: 16.
I am the son of Don and Julia Shultz. As their child I have some of the traits and characteristics of both of their families. My hair turned gray early in life. This is a trait from my mother's family. I have a high forehead which I inherited from my father's family. These traits help identify who I am.
Jesus is the Son of God as well as the Son of Man. As God He has existed from eternity past, He participated in the creation. As the Son of God He will also exist through eternity future. In the fullness of God's time, He was born of a woman. Since He was conceived by the Holy Ghost and not of man, Jesus is not subject to the sin nature. Though not a sinner He died as a sinner to grant eternal life to everyone who confesses Him as Savior in repentance and faith. Jesus was made a little lower than the angels to take the form of flesh so He could be the sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. Jesus was born of the seed of Abraham and of the house and lineage of David to fulfill the prophecy of the birth of the Messiah. Jesus is the only One qualified to be the Messiah. He alone can forgive sins and save souls.
JUST A THOUGHT: Jesus became the Son of Man that we could become the children of God.
Marc Shultz
Sharper Than a Sword
KEY VERSE: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," Hebrews 4:12.
Most major newspapers have columns critiquing movies and theatrical performances. If the critic does not like the performance, he or she will offer criticism that could hurt the feelings of the performers. His objective is to sell newspapers and not to make friends.
The Word of God is inspired by God. It was written for the reader's profit. The Word of God tells Christians what they need to hear and not what they want to hear. The Holy Spirit leads the Bible student to obey the Word of God and will convict those who do not obey its instructions. The objective of conviction is to bring the disobedient individual to repentance. The convicted person will continue to be convicted until he or she does repent. Conviction of the Holy Spirit is not pleasant. Saul of Tarsus heard it and compared it to kicking against the pricks. Pricks were goads that would stick oxen in the hind legs if they did not pull sufficiently on the yoke. In this verse it is compared to the pain suffered from an injury by a sword. Conviction of the Holy Spirit should not be ignored. Only repentance can halt the Holy Spirit's conviction. Obedience to God's Word will prevent conviction from coming.
JUST A THOUGHT: Pain is to the body what conviction is to the soul.
Marc Shultz
Ephesians 3:20,21
Wednesday, March 10
Glory in the Church
KEY VERSE: "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen," Ephesians 3:21.
Henry Ford founded the automobile company that carries his name. Since the automobiles carried his name, Henry Ford made sure they were built to the highest standard possible. In the 1950s Ford introduced a new car that was supposed to set a new standard for the automobile industry. The new automobile was named after his son Edsel. Unfortunately, it did not meet the high standard set by the Ford Motor Company and was considered a massive failure. The Ford Edsel did not bring glory to the Ford family.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the founder and Head of the local church. He gave His churches the commission by which they operate and the doctrine which they teach. His churches bring glory to Jesus Christ and not mankind.
The Lord receives glory when His churches follow His doctrine and practice. He receives glory when His churches follow His commission by preaching the Word of God, baptizing those who make a profession of faith in Him as Savior and teaching them to observe the commandments of Jesus Christ. The Lord receives glory when His churches strictly keep the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. The Lord receives glory when church members live disciplined lives in accordance to His will. The Lord receives glory when His churches properly exercise church discipline. The Lord receives glory when the ministries of His churches teach His Word. The Lord receives glory when His will is done.
JUST A THOUGHT: True churches give God glory consistently.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 28:18-20
Thursday, March 11
He Is Always Present
KEY VERSE: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, 10, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen," Matthew 28:20.
While attending the high school graduation of a friend, a special award was given to one of the other graduates. She had attended classes in the same school system throughout her academic career. Including kindergarten she had attended school for thirteen years. She had a perfect attendance record for all thirteen years.
Jesus also has a perfect attendance record. He has promised to never leave or forsake us. He is always watching over us. He is with us when we walk through the valleys of life. He is with us when sorrow and uncertainty occupy our minds. He is with us when we are facing challenges that threaten to defeat us. He is with us while we sleep. There is never a time that the Lord is not with us.
The Lord will not forsake His New Testament churches. He is with His churches when they face persecution for facing the truth. He is with His churches when forces of evil attempt to silence or limit their proclamation of the gospel. He is with His churches when members are not faithful in their personal, spiritual walk. He is with His churches when, because of worldly forces, church members have left their first love. The Lord will send revival so church members can return to their first love.
JUST A THOUGHT: The Lord will continue to be with His churches until the end of the church age.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 18:20
Friday, March 12
There Am I in the Midst
KEY VERSE: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them," Matthew 18:20.
The Wal-Mart store in a small East Texas town had been remodeled and expanded. A special guest of honor was present at the grand opening of the store, Mr. Sam Walton, the owner and chief operating officer of the Wal-Mart Corporation. At the time he was the richest man in America. He was not too busy to come to the grand opening of one of his stores.
Each church is equal in the Lord's eyes. He sees the small, country church with a handful of members no differently than the metropolitan church with thousands of members. A church is a local body of baptized believers covenanted together to carry out the Great Commission. Two people can covenant together as well as thousands.
It is the reach and not the size of the church that matters. Every church is responsible to evangelize its own community. The scope of local church ministry should reach beyond its community. The ministry of each church can reach around the world by supporting missionaries who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Lord is seen in His New Testament churches through His Word. Churches should proclaim the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures. The Lord is seen in New Testament churches as church members faithfully serve Him. The Lord's presence is felt when church members assemble to worship Him.
JUST A THOUGHT: The Lord can do a lot through a few faithful people.
Marc Shultz
Philippians 2:14-16
Saturday, March 13
Shine as Lights in the World
KEY VERSE: "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world," Philippians 2: 15.
American pilots were flying a rare nighttime mission during World War II. The problem was there were no lights on the airfield to aid the pilots to land in the darkness. To compensate for the lack of lights, all the vehicles on the base were lined up on both sides of the runway with their headlights turned on. With this help the pilots were able to land their planes safely.
Christians are to reflect the light of Jesus through their personal walk with the Lord. The light of one individual can shine brightly. The lights of many individuals can shine even brighter. The personal walk of individual Christians is the only testimony for Jesus that some people will ever witness. Christians should obey God in every avenue of life. They should reflect the Lord's light in the decisions they make. They should reflect the Lord's light while at work as well as at home. They should reflect Christ's light in the way they dress, the way they speak and the places they go. They should reflect the Lord's light by faithfully doing His will. They should reflect the Lord's light to be a testimony of His love and salvation.
JUST A THOUGHT: If every Christian were faithful to reflect the Lord's light, many more souls could be saved as a result.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 5:14-16
Sunday, March 14
Let Your Light So Shine
KEY VERSE: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven," Matthew 5:16.
Christians are to reflect the Light that is Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfilled the Father's plan for the redemption of mankind by His death, burial and resurrection according to the Scriptures. During His earthly life Jesus set the example of godliness. He did not surrender to the temptation to sin. He did the will of the Father in Heaven. He treated people with compassion and expressed love to everyone. Jesus preached about the need of salvation and serving God. He was the reflection of the Heavenly Father.
Christians are not only to allow their lights to shine but also to let them shine before men. Too many Christians have hidden their lights. They have hidden their lights by not following the example of Jesus. They have hidden their lights by not following the instructions of God's Word and obeying God's will. It is impossible to hide the lights of Christians who follow Jesus' example. Their lights shine so brightly that the lost are convicted of their need of salvation, and the unfaithful are convicted of their need of faithfulness to God.
Christians are to let their lights shine before men that they may see their good works. The faithfulness of God's people serves to testify of their love for God and desire to serve Him faithfully. Christians should allow their lights to shine to glorify God.
JUST A THOUGHT: How brightly does your light shine for Jesus?
Marc Shultz
John 14:21-24
Monday, March 15
The Evidence of Love
KEY VERSE: "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him," John 14:21.
A doctor tells one of his patients that he will require a kidney transplant. A search of the organ donor database revealed that a compatible match was not available. The man's son volunteered to donate one of his kidneys. Tests revealed that his kidneys were compatible and the transplant took place. Why was the son so willing to donate a kidney? It was because he loved his father.
Love can be announced by words, but it is proven by actions. God's love for humanity is evident because He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross as the sacrifice for sins. Because God's love for us is so evident, our love for God should also be clearly evident. The best evidence of our love for God is seen in our obedience to His instructions and will. It is not enough for us to know what God expects of us. He expects us to follow through in actions. Our profession of faith in Christ as Savior is brought into question when we disobey God's will. Christians should live consistently with their profession of faith. The world will not judge us by our profession of love but by our actions of love. How are you proving your love for God?
JUST A THOUGHT: When it comes to love, actions speak louder than words.
Marc Shultz
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Tuesday, March 16
Avoid False Prophets!
KEY VERSE: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ," 2 Corinthians 11 :13.
In the wild west days what was referred to as a snake oil salesman was common. He would claim to be a doctor who had discovered a new elixir that could cure almost any ailment. In reality he was not a doctor at all. What he was selling was not medicine but a concoction with a high level of alcohol that had no medical benefit.
False prophets are no better than a snake oil salesman. A false prophet is pretending to be a person of faith with spiritual knowledge. His words do not expound truth but expound heresy. Because of his pretense of proclaiming the truth, many people are deluded into believing a lie. The false doctrine he expounds is mindless, void of any spiritual benefit.
It is simple to distinguish false prophets from true prophets. Their proclamations should be judged against the Word of God. The words of the false prophet will be in conflict with God's Word. The proclamations of true prophets are based on the Bible.
Christians can have no spiritual fellowship with false prophets. Do not consider the sincerity of the messenger or the message but the damage his message brings to the hearer. His message brings a false sense of security concerning a person's relationship with God. False prophets do not give instructions that will promote spiritual growth. False prophets are not a friend to God or Christians.
JUST A THOUGHT: Believe the Word of God rather than what men say about the Word of God.
Marc Shultz
Ephesians 1:15, 16
Wednesday, March 17
Ephesus Was Commended
KEY VERSES: "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers," Ephesians 1:15, 16.
A local pastor walked into a garage to see about having his car repaired. The mechanics were known for using rather salty language at times. They knew the pastor as a man of faith and honor so someone issued a warning, "Watch your language, the preacher is here."
Ephesus was a wicked city. In the midst of the wickedness was a group of Christians who were members of the Ephesian church. They did not succumb to the temptations that were common in the city but lived godly, moral lives. Word of their faithfulness reached the apostle Paul. He wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus to let them know their labors for the Lord were not in vain. It also encouraged them to continue to live for the Lord.
It is never easy to live for the Lord in this wicked world. There are always forces of evil seeking to persecute people of faith. Christians are also subject to the same temptations as the unsaved. Christians are easily discouraged and become tempted to indulge in the temptations of the flesh. A word of encouragement can help them to continue to be faithful to the Lord. Give a word of encouragement to your pastor. Thank him for his faithful service to the Lord. Encourage everyone who serves the Lord.
JUST A THOUGHT: Be an encourager not a discourager.
Marc Shultz
Acts 19:1-10
Thursday, March 18
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
KEY VERSE: "And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks," Acts 19:10.
The ministry is a calling and not an occupation. God calls men into the ministry to preach His Word, win souls to salvation and teach His Word. While every child of God is not called into the ministry, every Christian should do all he can to proclaim the gospel and win souls.
The apostle Paul was careful to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit as to where he was to go and preach the gospel. When he was led to a certain place, he wasted no time in preaching the gospel. In Ephesus he found a great need to teach the basic principles of God's Word. The people not only needed to know the way of salvation but also the need of baptism after salvation and about the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Paul did not get into a hurry but was patient in teaching the whole counsel of God's Word. Through his efforts many people believed on the Lord as Savior and were baptized. Many others refused to accept the Lord as Savior and became hostile toward the preaching of the gospel. Paul also went into the synagogues and debated false prophets concerning the truth of God's Word. Paul's efforts not only had benefits in Ephesus but throughout the region.
JUST A THOUGHT: Minister to your family, your community, your church and everywhere in between.
Marc Shultz
Ephesians 5:22-30
Friday, March 19
Churches Are Subject to Christ
KEY VERSE: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body," Ephesians 5:23.
Marriage is a partnership between a husband and wife in which each spouse is to give one hundred percent effort. In the partnership the wife is to be subject to the authority of her husband. This does not mean she is to be a slave toward him but follow his leadership as he follows the Lord. When God's order for marriage is followed, it will be a harmonious union.
The illustration of the order of marriage is also useful in showing the order of authority in local New Testament churches. As the wife is to be subject to the authority of her husband so is the church to be subject to the authority of the Lord. Jesus called out and commissioned His church. He alone is the authority a church should follow. The pastor is not the head of a church but the undershepherd of the church. He is to follow the leadership of the Lord as he ministers to a church. The deacons are not the heads of the churches but servants to the churches. They serve at the direction and discretion of a church. The members are not the heads of churches. They do have a voice in church matters through congregational rule, but they are to seek the direction of the Lord and follow it.
JUST A THOUGHT: When churches seek and follow the Lord's will, there is harmony within the body.
Marc Shultz
Acts 20:28-32
Saturday, March 20
Paul Warned the Ephesians
KEY VERSE: "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock," Acts 20:29.
President Dwight Eisenhower spoke to the American citizens before leaving office. He thanked them for allowing him to serve as their president for eight years. He then warned about allowing the military industrial complex to go unfettered. He felt the military had become so large that it might become too independent and not subject to the commander in chief or the nation as a whole.
The apostle Paul was about to leave Ephesus after two years of ministry to them. He knew that much good had been accomplished in that space of time. Many people had been saved and the Ephesian church had grown in knowledge of God's Word. He was concerned about what would happen to the church once he left. While he would no longer be in Ephesus, many false prophets and evil workers would come among them. They would seek to undo the good things that had been accomplished. He warned them to be aware of those who sought to do them harm.
Satan seeks to destroy churches from within. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Churches have been divided over such mundane things as tradition and politics. If Satan can take the attention of the church away from biblical doctrine and evangelism, he has gained an important victory. It is important for churches and Christians to remain doctrinally sound and faithful to the will of God.
JUST A THOUGHT: It is important that churches keep the main thing the main thing.
Marc Shultz
Mark 12:28-31
Sunday, March 21
The Greatest Commandment
KEY VERSE: "And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?" Mark 12:28.
Which is a worse crime, illegally parking in a handicap parking space or committing murder? Of course, it would be worse to commit murder. The fact is that both of these actions are against the law.
The question posed to Jesus in the Key Verse was a trick question. Suppose He said the greatest commandment was, "Thou shalt not kill." The logical response would have been that a person would keep that commandment but would be expected to be given some slack on the rest of them. Jesus was not looking at the commandments in the same way men were. The Law was given to prove man's sinful nature and his need of divine grace. To fail to keep one part of the Law would put a person in violation of the entire Law.
Rather than falling into the trap, Jesus summarized the Law. He stated a person was to love the Lord God with all his strength. The first part of the Law had to do with man's relationship with God. Jesus then commanded that a person was to love his neighbor as himself The latter part of the Law has to do with man's relation with man. If a person loves God as he should, He will love his neighbor also.
JUST A THOUGHT: Our guilt toward the Law shows the way to divine grace.
Marc Shultz
2 Timothy 3:12
Monday, March 22The Godly Will Suffer
KEY VERSE: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," 2 Timothy 3:12.
It is unrealistic to think that once a person accepts the Lord as Savior that his life will always be without suffering. Much remains the same once a person is saved. He retains the sin nature and is subject to the temptations of the flesh. He is still subject to the sorrows and frustrations that life brings. What is different is that his hope is in God and not in the world. Through God's help he can face anything that comes his way.
Christians might wish this verse were worded differently. They would prefer it say might suffer persecution rather than "shall suffer persecution." On the surface this might not seem to be a comforting verse. With the reality that Christians will suffer persecution is the knowledge that with divine help all persecution can be faced. The verse states that all who live godly lives will suffer persecution. Christians should heed the warning and prepare to face persecution when it comes.
Rather than expecting to prevent persecution from coming, Christians should seek divine help in facing persecution. The apostle Paul continued to preach the gospel even when under arrest. He did not beg King Agrippa to spare his life but told him what he must do to be saved. The apostle did not give his detractors the power to discourage him. His focus was on God rather than his persecution.
JUST A THOUGHT: Whatever persecution we face pales in comparison to what Jesus suffered for us.
Marc Shultz
1 Peter 4:12, 13
Tuesday, March 23
Fiery Trials Are Not Strange
KEY VERSE: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you," 1 Peter 4:12.
Police arrested four college students for illegally tapping into phone lines. They did not seem too worried about being arrested and fully expected the charges to be dropped. They told the arresting officers they could not understand why they were being arrested because they were members of the college's football team. They might have thought it strange they were arrested but the judge did not. He found them guilty as charged.
Christians should not think that life will all be rosy once they have accepted the Lord as Savior. The fact is they will face many trials because of their faith. Job is a good example. He feared God and hated evil. Despite his outstanding, Christian character, his life was turned upside down as he faced personal tragedy. He refused to curse God and emerged victorious through his trials.
Christians should not be surprised when trials come. They should not be surprised when they face persecution from ungodly forces. They should not be surprised when they face difficult circumstances as the natural occurrence of life. They should not be surprised when Satan tempts them to follow the flesh rather than God. Christians should not only expect trials to come but be prepared to face them. God's grace and strength is sufficient in facing every trial that might come. There is no reason to fear trials.
JUST A THOUGHT: Your trials are not bigger than God.
Marc Shultz
1 Peter 2:19-23
Wednesday, March 24
Follow Christ's Example
KEY VERSE: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps," 1 Peter 2:21.
When I was a child, I loved to walk with my father as he mowed the yard. He was concerned about the possibility of my being injured by debris coming out the mower's grass chute, so he told me to follow behind him. I was told not to take any step that he did not take before me.
Jesus set the example for us to follow. He has not asked us to do anything that He was not willing to do. He set the example in godly character. The Lord lived above reproach. He committed Himself to doing the will of the Heavenly Father. He resisted Satan's temptation to sin. Jesus set the example in compassion. He reached out in compassion to the woman at the well and led her to salvation. Jesus set the example in language. There was no guile found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:22). No one ever failed following the Lord's example.
The greatest example Jesus set was in suffering. He faced persecution during His earthly ministry. He was ridiculed for claiming to be the Messiah. He was scourged for proclaiming He would rise from the grave. He was mocked at His trial and death on the cross. Jesus retained His honor during His suffering. Jesus endured His suffering so we could have eternal life.
JUST A THOUGHT: Jesus died for us; therefore, we should be willing to suffer for Him.
Marc Shultz
He Is the Resurrection and Life
KEY VERSE: "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live," John 11:25.
Jesus' friend Lazarus was ill. The Lord had been summoned to come and heal Lazarus, but He did not do so. By the time Jesus arrived at Lazarus' home, he had been dead four days. The funeral was over and Lazarus' body had been laid in its tomb. Martha complained that if Jesus had come when summoned, her brother would not have died. Jesus told Martha that Lazarus would live again. Martha showed her knowledge of Scripture by saying she knew Lazarus would arise from the tomb at the resurrection of the dead. Jesus told her that Lazarus would live again that day. Jesus called Lazarus by name and life returned to his body.
The resurrection of Lazarus was proof the Lord had power over death. It served to prove He had the ability to rise from the grave after He was crucified. Since Jesus returned life to Lazarus' body, could there be any doubt about His own resurrection? Of course not!
Jesus could call Lazarus from the grave because He is God. The Lord would rise from the grave the third day because He is God. Jesus laid down His life on the cross and rose from the dead the third day as prophesied. If Jesus is not risen from the dead, we have no hope of eternal life in Heaven.
JUST A THOUGHT: We serve a risen Savior and not a dead prophet.
Marc Shultz
God Knows Our Labor
KEY VERSE: "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister," Hebrews 6:10.
An enemy mortar shell hit a foxhole where two soldiers were hunkered down. One of the soldiers was seriously wounded and was bleeding profusely. His bunker mate immediately began to treat his injuries. Medics said if not for his first aid, the soldier would have died. The two kept in contact over the years. When the man who had saved his buddy's life needed a kidney transplant, his friend gladly donated one of his kidneys. He said it was the least he could do for someone who had saved his life years earlier.
God knows everything that is done in His name. He appreciates the work Christians perform in His service. He remembers every deed done in His service. When the work done is in His name, the results are seen in life. The results are seen when a lost person accepts the Lord as Savior. The result is seen when a biblical truth is taught and learned during the Sunday School class. The result is seen when Christians experience spiritual growth. The result is seen when local churches experience growth.
Labor for God should be performed in love. Consider what God has done for you. Your love for God should mandate that you faithfully serve Him. God will reward your labor of love.
JUST A THOUGHT: Give God your best effort. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 5:10-12
Saturday, March 27
Blessed Are the Persecuted
KEY VERSE: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake," Matthew 5:11.
American diplomatic employees in Tehran, Iran were taken hostage in 1979. They were held hostage for over one year. During the time they were held hostage, they were subject to outrageous treatment by their captors. When they were finally released in 1980, a parade was held in their honor in Washington, D.C. Several hundred thousand people watched from the parade route and many millions watched on television.
Christians are often the subject of persecution. This has been a fact throughout history. Persecuted Christians are hated because of their faith and stand on moral issues. Persecution is brought upon them to silence the gospel message. Christians should count it an honor to suffer for their faith. If they were not faithful to serve the Lord, they would not be subject to persecution. Persecution is a proof of faithfulness to the Lord.
Christians are still subject to persecution. A woman in Vietnam had boiling water poured down her throat because she was caught handing out gospel tracts. A Filipino missionary's family was killed because he preached the gospel to his countrymen. A high school student in Oklahoma was threatened with arrest if she did not stop reading her Bible during her free time after lunch. The fact that many Christians have been persecuted for their faith should cause us all to be more faithful to the Lord.
JUST A THOUGHT: Serve the Lord regardless of the consequences.
Marc Shultz
John 15:18-20
Sunday, March 28
Chosen by Jesus—Hated by the World
KEY VERSE: "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you," John 15: 19.
A policeman once told me that his first day on the job a person he arrested spewed hatred and vile curses toward him. He had never before seen the person. He realized he was not really cursing him but what he represented—that was law and order.
During the Lord's ministry He was the subject of hatred and persecution. He was hated because He claimed to be the Messiah. Those who believed in and followed Him were also subject to the same persecution. The world hated those believers because it hated the Lord first. They were hated because they had chosen to serve the Lord and preach the gospel. They were hated because their message brought conviction upon the unbelievers. They had rather silence the messenger than conform to the message.
Christians should expect to suffer persecution because Jesus suffered persecution. The servant is not greater than his Master. Jesus was not only hated but also mocked. He was crucified on the cross as a common criminal. He was beaten until His flesh was torn to pieces. He was crowned with a crown of thorns. Jesus suffered on earth to fulfill the Father's plan of redemption. Jesus suffered for you because He loves you. Do you love Jesus enough to suffer for Him?
JUST A THOUGHT: Suffering for the Lord today will be rewarded in eternity.
Marc Shultz
Ephesians 1:20-23
Monday, March 29
Name Above Every Name
KEY VERSE: "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come," Ephesians 1 :21.
The Mississippi River is the longest river in the United States. It originates in the state of Minnesota. At the place of its origin, one may wade across it. It flows eastward, northward, westward and southward. It ultimately flows into the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans. The farther it flows, the mightier it becomes. Its power is awesome to behold.
In today's devotional reading the apostle Paul mentioned three manifestations of God's power which is seen in Jesus Christ. First, this energetic power was exerted in Jesus Christ when God raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in Heaven (verse 20). A second manifestation of God's power in Christ is viewed in His placing all things under Christ's feet (verse 22). The third manifestation of God's power in Christ is viewed in His appointment of Christ as "head over all things to the church" (verse 22). Although the final manifestation of Christ's headship over all creation will be in the future, He is now Head over the fellowship of believers (His churches). God's present power is available to believers through Jesus Christ.
An amazing source of spiritual vitality, power and strength for living the Christian life is found in Jesus Christ.
JUST A THOUGHT: Almighty God is still pouring out His blessings upon His people!
Gene C. Smith
1 John 5:1-5
Tuesday, March 30
True Overcomers
KEY VERSE: Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 John 5:5.
Bobby Burns, the great Scottish poet, one day was lonely and dejected. He drifted into a church and sat through the services. He could have possibly been won by friendliness, but the members lost their opportunity. His life might have been different, but the members paid no attention to him. The people who help make your church warm and friendly might be able to help someone who otherwise might go down in the battle of life.
The first Epistle of John is an intensely practical book addressed to Christians. It warns against the dangers of false teaching and exhorts believers to live lives of obedience to God and love for their fellow-Christians. Chapter 5 reveals that faith is the overcoming principle in a Christian's life in the conflict with the worldly entities.
If one asks who his Christian brother or sister is, the answer is everyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (verse 1). If a further question is asked about who the overcomer of the world is, the answer is the one who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (verse 5). With these words, the writer of this book affirmed that a believer in Christ is a world conqueror by means of his continuing victory over sin.
JUST A THOUGHT: An upward look toward God is the best outlook for a child of God!
Gene C. Smith
Numbers 31:15, 16
Wednesday, March 31
Avoid the Way of Balaam
KEY VERSE: "Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Pear, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD," Numbers 31:16.
Balaam was the typical hireling prophet who was anxious to market his talent. He was a fitting, yet, tragic illustration of the Lord's teaching about the light in us being darkness. Balaam had a head full of light, but a heart that was dark—and great was that darkness. He was from the country of Mesopotamia. He was counted as a prophet, yet, he followed the unholy practice of the eastern soothsayers.
Balak, the king of Moab, was greatly alarmed because the Israelites were swarming the plains of Moab. Therefore, he sent for Balaam to pronounce a curse upon the people of God so he would have nothing more to fear. Balaam refused, and then, declared that all who blessed Israel would be blessed. Balak sent for Balaam a second time and tempted him with bribes. But, Balaam remained firm. He would not go.
Balaam asked for time to consult God as to what he should do. The line of duty was perfectly clear. There was no need to pray. God allowed Balaam to go, but he did not carry divine approval with him. Sometimes, God punishes His people by allowing them to have their own way. This was His course of dealing with Balaam.
JUST A THOUGHT: The clearest knowledge without God's grace is worthless.
Gene C. Smith