October, 2009 Devotions
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Psalm 34:15-17
Thursday, October 1
Keys to Answered Prayer
KEY VERSE: “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry,” Psalm 34:15.
The book of Psalms is one of the most useful books in the entire Bible. This is true inasmuch as it is suited to the human heart. There is a great difference between learning a truth with the head and learning it with the heart. David is viewed here as he made a desperate plea for an audience with God. He wanted God’s eyes to be focused on him and His ears to be opened to hear his prayers.
There are four encouraging thoughts in this devotional reading which will stir the heart of every believer in Jesus Christ.
1. The Lord’s eyes are upon the righteous. This truth emphasizes that the Lord watches over His children day and night like a caring father watches over his own children.
2. The Lord’s ears are open to the faintest cry of His children. Anxious parents listen intently for the faintest cry from their children. Likewise, the Lord’s ears are tuned to heart the faintest cry of His children.
3. The Lord sets His face against any and all of His children who do evil deeds. A child of God cannot do anything without Him knowing about it. God’s people cannot hide anything from Him.
4. The Lord hears the faintest cry of God’s children and delivers them out of all their troubles.
JUST A THOUGHT: Because Christ lives in believers, we will live with Him forever in Heaven.
Gene C. Smith
John 15:11-13
Friday, October 2
Love as He Loved
KEY VERSE: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you,” John 15:12.
Many electrical devices have been invented to make our lives more comfortable and enjoyable. There are electric lights to light up our houses, radios and televisions for our entertainment, electric refrigerators for keeping our food from spoiling, electric mixers to mix certain foods, electric clocks to keep the time, electric shavers to ease the burden of daily shaving, and on and on the list could go. However, all these devices must be connected to a power supply to function. Without a power supply they are somewhat useless. In our churches we have more equipment than ever before, and we have plenty of organization to achieve our goals, but one thing is lacking—power.
Christians have a source of power in Jesus Christ our Lord. What is needed is a vital connection with this power supply to love as He loved us. When a vital connection is established between Jesus Christ and believers in Christ, we will be able to achieve this goal.
In Christ believers have a life that can never die, a peace that can never be fully understood, a rest that can never be disturbed, a joy that can never be diminished, a hope that can never be clouded, a light that can never be extinguished and a love that cannot be fathomed.
JUST A THOUGHT: Because Jesus Christ lives in the hearts of all believers, we are to love as He loves.
Gene C. Smith
Ephesians 5:2
Saturday, October 3
Walk in Love
KEY VERSE: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour,” Ephesians 5:2.
Some years ago this writer observed an unusual phenomena in the church I pastored. One particular man was unusually faithful to attend all the services of the church. He had a certain place to sit which was at the end of the pew and next to the aisle. He had a habit of turning his right foot on the side and rubbing it back and forth on the wooden floor as the service progressed. This was done so often that he rubbed a noticeable impression in the floor. This became a tribute of his love for the Lord, his church and the cause of Christ in the world. This man’s faithfulness became an inspiring example to the entire church and others who knew about it.
Ephesians 5:2 sets forth how followers of Christ are to be imitators of our Heavenly Father. Children tend to be like their parents. Likewise, children of God are to imitate their Heavenly Father. The supreme example of this love is seen in Christ’s atoning death on Calvary’s cross.
The word walk refers to one’s daily life and conduct. The Christian’s daily conduct is to openly display his love for others. Christians are to love others with the same kind of love that Jesus Christ displayed for us on the cross.
JUST A THOUGHT: God’s children are to imitate their Heavenly Father.
Gene C. Smith
John 13:34, 35
Sunday, October 4
The New Commandment
KEY VERSE: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another,” John 13:34.
A father, reading his Sunday paper and wishing not to be disturbed by his little daughter, cut up a map of the world, gave it to her and told her to put it together. She soon returned with it and every piece was in place. The father was surprised and said, “Why, how did you do it, darling? You did not know anything about geography.” The little girl replied, “There was a picture of Jesus Christ on the other side, and I knew when I had Jesus in the right place, the world would be in place.”
How true it is! When Jesus is in the right place in one’s life, other things tend to align themselves and take their proper place. This includes the love life of a believer in Christ. When one loves Jesus, there is a positive inclination to love the things He loves.
Jesus loves all people. He displayed that love by going to Calvary and dying for all mankind. In so doing, Jesus atoned for the sins of the whole human race. In His atoning death, He set the example for us to follow in loving others.
Believers in Christ are God’s children, and, as such, they are to display a love for one another.
JUST A THOUGHT: God has given us the pattern of loving fellow-believers. We are to make sure we are following it!
Gene C. Smith
2 Peter 2:1, 2
Monday, October 5
Sound the Warning!
KEY VERSE: “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of,” 2 Peter 2:2.
In the city where this writer lives, we have a warning system that is set off to indicate an impending danger. The citizens are urged to take shelter when the alarm is sounded to avoid any personal harm.
During a recent hurricane, this alarm was sounded, warning the citizens of a threatening danger. My wife and I did not hear the siren because we were in Iowa visiting our daughter. We did, however, have considerable damage to some large trees that grew along a creek on the back side of our property. We could not have done anything to avoid this damage had we been at home.
The apostle Peter in this devotional reading was sounding a warning against apostate teachers. An apostate teacher is someone who has deserted the teachings and principles of the Word of God or has deserted the true faith and embraced false doctrines. The problem of false teachers plagued the apostolic churches. Likewise, false teaching is a paramount problem facing the Lord’s churches today.
The best safeguard against false prophets and religious apostates is to know the Word of God and what it teaches. Therefore, God’s people are challenged to “study” the Word of God so as to not be ashamed before false teachers (2 Tim. 2:15).
JUST A THOUGHT: To know the truth of God’s Word is to be well protected from false teachers.
Gene C. Smith
John 16:13-15
Tuesday, October 6
The True Spirit Glorifies Jesus
KEY VERSE: “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you,” John 16:14.
Believers in Christ have a constantly abiding friend in the Holy Spirit, the third Person in the holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit guides God’s people to make the right choices and do the right things when they follow His guidance. He is also present with them to comfort their troubled hearts when sorrows come. Therefore, God’s people are to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and comfort.
The Holy Spirit revealed divine truths to the disciples of Christ and guided them in recording the Scriptures so that the recorded truth, the Bible, would be the Word of God. In so doing, the Holy Spirit was to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. (See John 16:12-14.)
Every Christian would do well in securing a copy of God’s Word, the Bible, to read it daily and follow its guidance. In so doing, one will discover God’s will and seek to apply it in that one’s life.
The purpose of God in giving us the Scriptures was that we, His followers, might have peace of heart and mind. (See John 14:27.) Many people are presently disturbed because of the failing economy, the loss of jobs and the fear of bankruptcy. Contrariwise, the committed Christian relies on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who speaks peace to his troubled heart. (See John 14:16, 18, 26.)
JUST A THOUGHT: To be an atheist requires more faith than to be a Christian!
Gene C. Smith
2 Corinthians 4:3-5
Wednesday, October 7
We Preach Christ
KEY VERSE: “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake,” 2 Corinthians 4:5.
A visiting preacher once asked Charlotte Elliott if she knew herself to be a Christian. After several days she confessed. “I am miserable,” she said, “I want to be saved. I want to come to Jesus; but I don’t know how.” “Why not come just as you are?” answered the preacher. She received Jesus Christ as her Savior and was gloriously saved. Later, she wrote the words to a beautiful song, entitled, “Just As I Am.”
The apostle Paul, in writing to the church at Corinth, assured the members that he had not handled the Word of God deceitfully in his ministry there. He had not added to nor subtracted from it in his ministry in Corinth. He faithfully preached Christ to the Corinthians. Jesus was the crucified Christ and the resurrected Lord. Christ was the focus of Paul’s message. He labored to advance the cause of Christ and not his own interests.
This is the same message faithful preachers preach today. Preachers cannot save anyone. Neither are people saved by joining any given church. Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior. A lost sinner must repent of his sins and receive Jesus Christ as Savior to be saved.
JUST A THOUGHT: Going to church does not make one a Christian any more than going into the kitchen makes one a chef.
Gene C. Smith
John 15:19, 20
Thursday, October 8
Do Not Be Surprised
KEY VERSE: “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your’s also,” John 15:20.
Have you ever been surprised? If so, reflect upon what it was that surprised you and how it affected you. A lady once remarked that, when she was born, she was so surprised that she did not talk for a year and a half. Perhaps your surprise was not that dramatic. However, surprises often awaken one to a situation with which one must deal.
In this devotional reading we view Jesus as He was teaching His disciples. He revealed to them that a “servant is not greater than his lord” (verse 20). Christians are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. As such, we Christians are to be in subjection to Him and His will at all times.
Christ has chosen us to be His servants. We are to listen to His promptings given to us by the Holy Spirit. As believers in Christ who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:22), our desire should be to please the Lord. We must not grieve the Holy Spirit by ignoring His gentle promptings. When we obey Him, we might be used to lead someone to Christ for salvation, or to teach new believers in Christ. Do not be surprised when the Holy Spirit prompts you.
JUST A THOUGHT: Make the right choice by responding to the Holy Spirit’s voice.
Gene C. Smith
Romans 8:9-11
Friday, October 9
The Holy Spirit Indwells
KEY VERSE: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his,” Romans 8:9.
A fellow pastor recently talked with me about his being discouraged in his work for the Lord. He was diligent in his prayer life, and he worked diligently to build up his congregation. Yet, the church he pastors remains small while a nearby congregation flourishes and is growing rapidly. This writer encouraged him to remain faithful to God, His Word and be a powerful witness for the Lord by being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit’s presence and power can be evidenced in a dynamic preacher who attracts large audiences. However, it might also be seen in a faithful pastor who endeavors to grow a flourishing church. Furthermore, it might be viewed in the lone volunteer who carries on a jailor prison ministry, or in a Sunday School teacher who faithfully teaches a Sunday School class.
The power of the Holy Spirit is not especially reserved for the highly gifted individual. Instead, it is available to all believers in Jesus Christ. A newcomer to the faith might fail to realize this truth, and, as a result, fail to allow the Holy Spirit to control his spiritual life. The Holy Spirit’s presence in one’s life is a valuable proof of one’s salvation.
JUST A THOUGHT: God’s people are controlled by the Holy Spirit not by their circumstances.
Gene C. Smith
John 14:16-18
Saturday, October 10
Jesus Promised Comfort
KEY VERSE: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you,” John 14:18.
The Lord’s disciples were greatly troubled at what Jesus had said about His leaving them. (See John 14:16.) They had probably indicated their distress to Him in some manner. He then proceeded to administer comforting consolations to them inasmuch as they were about to be left in the world because Jesus was to be leaving them soon. They were to be left alone to meet the persecution and trials of life. They were without wealth, friends and honor. They possibly felt that Jesus’ impending death would demolish all their hopes and desires.
The Lord’s disciples had not fully comprehended the idea that Jesus, the Messiah, must suffer and die on Calvary’s cross to atone for the sins of mankind. (See Luke 24:1-31.) Thus, Jesus proceeded to comfort their disturbed hearts. He assured them that their consolation and comfort was to be found in trusting the Heavenly Father and Him. The Comforter of whom Jesus spoke was the Holy Spirit of God (John 14:16, 26). This Comforter came upon the church as told in Acts 2:1-4. The Holy Spirit remains with God’s people in this present generation. He is with God’s people to render comfort and consolation in the time of need.
The Lord’s disciples were men who were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were also willing to follow the Lord’s direction. Are you like them?
JUST A THOUGHT: The Holy Spirit will give comfort to those who need it!
Gene C. Smith
Matthew 7:15,16
Sunday, October 11
Beware of False Prophets
KEY VERSE: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves,” Matthew 7:15.
Jesus gave a warning about false prophets. He referred to these advocates of the broad way (verses 13, 14) as ferocious wolves which appear as harmless as sheep. How can one determine the character of false teachers? That one needs only to look at the fruit they produce. Grapes and figs do not grow on thorn bushes or thistles. Good fruit trees produce good fruit, but bad fruit trees produce only bad fruit. In Jesus’ evaluation, the Pharisees were obviously producing bad fruit. The logical thing to do with bad trees is to cut them down and destroy them. If a tree does not fulfill its purpose for existence, it should be removed and destroyed.
Those who heard Jesus’ message must have wondered about these religious leaders, who seemed to be good men, teaching spiritual truths about the Messiah and His kingdom. Jesus made it quite clear, however, that they were not good teachers for they were leading people astray. They were to be refused admission into Heaven because they had no personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
God’s people are still plagued with false teachers in this present generation. Recently, officials in a small town raided a commune where a false teacher was imprisoning, molesting and abusing young children. Their fruits strongly reveal that they are “false prophets” (verse 15).
JUST A THOUGHT: To bear good fruit, clear out the trees of sin in your life!
Gene C. Smith
Romans 5:5
Monday, October 12
Divine Source of Brotherly Love
KEY VERSE: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us,” Romans 5:5.
The Key Verse sets forth one of the seven results of a believer’s justification before God. It states that “the love of God is shed abroad” (verse 5) (poured out) in the believer’s heart by the Holy Ghost.
No biblical teaching is of more importance than a believer’s justification before God. It embraces the whole gamete of the salvation of lost sinners and is vitally related to all other fundamental doctrines of the Bible. Justification is the judicial and declarative act of God, by which, on account of the meritorious work of Christ, to whom the sinner is united by faith. He declares that sinner to no longer be under condemnation but is to have a righteous standing before God. In other words, the justified believer stands before God as though he had never sinned.
This fifth result of one’s justification is that the love of God is poured out into that one’s heart by the Holy Spirit. This creates a delightful consciousness that God indeed loves that individual. As a result, that one has the capacity to have a brotherly love for other believers in Christ.
A child of God can live like a king when he or she has experienced the results of being justified before God.
JUST A THOUGHT: The fact of the indwelling love of God is a positive proof that the believer’s hope is in Christ.
Gene C. Smith
1 Peter 1:22
Tuesday, October 13
Love—Pure-hearted—Fervently!
KEY VERSE: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently,” 1 Peter 1:22.
The writer of the book of 1 Peter identified himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ” (verse 1). Peter was a fisherman, along with his brother, Andrew (Matt. 4:18). They were busy in their business of commercial fishing in the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called them to follow Him. They immediately laid down their nets and began a journey of following Jesus Christ. At a later time, he wrote this short book of five chapters.
Those to whom he wrote had “purified” their “souls in obeying the truth” (1 Peter 1:22). Hence, they were born-again believers in Christ. As a result of their salvation, they came to love their brothers in Christ with an “unfeigned [not hypocritical] love” (verse 22). The instrument that effected their sincere love was the “incorruptible ... word of God” (verse 23).
Peter addressed this epistle to those believers who had been scattered abroad throughout the Roman empire. Biblical teaching was probably scarce at that time, and fellowship with other Christians was somewhat curtailed. Thus, Peter wrote to them and encouraged them to “love one another with a pure heart fervently” (verse 22). Their love for each other would bind them together in Christian fellowship. In like manner, present-day believers in Christ are to exhibit a brotherly love for one another.
JUST A THOUGHT: Brotherly love binds believers together in serving Christ.
Gene C. Smith
Exodus 34:6, 7
Wednesday, October 14
God Is Love
KEY VERSE: “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” Exodus 34:6.
This devotional reading contains the second giving of the Law to the people of Israel. The first giving of the Law was at Mount Sinai as recorded in Exodus 20:1-17. They broke that Law (Ex. 32:1-35). God then gave them the same Law the second time (Ex. 34:1-4). As they viewed the Law, the Israelites had a new vision of what God was really like and what He wanted from His people.
The Key Verse reveals some of the attributes of God. For God to be merciful means that He is a God of compassion and love. For God to be gracious reveals that He expresses His love to man. The long-suffering of God means that He will not immediately deal with man’s sinfulness but will seek to bring him back into the love of God. For God to be abundant in goodness reveals how good God is to man. For God to be abundant in truth reveals that He is the essence of truth and that He shares this with mankind.
This might be a good time to count your blessings. Make a list of all the good things God has done for you and give Him glory and praise, knowing it is only through His power that you have received all these good things.
JUST A THOUGHT: Always be mindful of what God has done for you and praise Him for His generosity!
Gene C. Smith
Ephesians 2:4, 5
Thursday, October 15
His Love Is Great
KEY VERSE: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” Ephesians 2:4.
The second chapter of the book of Ephesians contains some of the most profound truths regarding God’s plan with man. Many believers in Christ have died defending the vital truth of salvation by grace through faith. Others have suffered imprisonment rather than renounce God’s plan of salvation. These two verses set forth three perfections in God’s attributes.
1. God’s great love. Verse 4 reveals that God loves sinful man. As one beholds God’s great love, that one can rejoice in this great truth. The Greek word for love is agape which declares that God seeks the highest good for the one who is loved. Lost sinners are spiritually dead toward God; they have nothing to commend them to God. They have only to accept God’s great love.
2. God’s rich mercy (verse 4). Mercy is that quality of God’s goodness which extends compassion to those in despair, distress and misery. God’s mercy is not limited; He is “rich in mercy” (verse 4). God’s mercy provides a Savior for lost sinners.
3. God’s saving grace (verse 5). God’s saving grace demands that all human merit be set aside. Salvation must be the absolute gift of God, or grace is not grace. God’s quickening power reveals that the moment one believes in Jesus Christ, the life of God becomes his life. Eternal life infuses and energizes his whole being.
JUST A THOUGHT: The new birth is experienced only through faith in Jesus Christ!
Gene C. Smith
Romans 5:8-10
Friday, October 16
Saved by His Life
KEY VERSE: “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life,” Romans 5:10.
A sleepwalker got out of bed one night, walked out of the house and into the street. As he walked in his bare feet, he started across a stream of icy water. He was suddenly awakened! What a picture of many lost souls who do not awaken to their lost condition until they come to the chilly waters of death!
The word enemies is a much worse word than either strengthless or sinners. It involves a personal alienation and animosity against God. What a condition! And yet, while we were going about avoiding and hating God, that same God was having His Son, Jesus Christ, meet all the divine claims against us by His death on the cross. Again, God had done the more difficult thing-delivering Christ to death to reconcile us to Himself. He will certainly, much more, do the lesser thing for us. He will see that we share Christ’s risen life forever, and thus, even in the hour of His visitation upon the ungodly, we shall be “saved by his life” (verse 10).
Inasmuch as reconciliation was accomplished by Jesus’ death. His resurrected life is certainly able to insure the complete and final salvation of believers. Have you accepted Him as your Savior?
JUST A THOUGHT: The devil’s number one tool is not an active sinner but an inactive Christian.
Gene C. Smith
Ephesians 4:31, 32
Saturday, October 17
Forgive—For Christ’s Sake
KEY VERSE: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you,” Ephesians 4:32.
In the Key Verse, the apostle Paul urged Christians to be kind one to another, tenderhearted and forgiving as was the Lord Jesus Christ. In so doing, he laid down the law of personal relationships among believers in Christ. This law challenges Christians to treat each other in the same manner as Jesus treats us. A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ, and He has forgiven us of our sins. Likewise, we are to forgive others of any and all transgressions against us.
Most people, when they feel wronged, can contrive a hundred reasons against forgiveness. However, one factor that motivates them to forgive is that they are commanded to do so as children of God. Beyond that there are three practical reasons for having a forgiving spirit. First, forgiveness tends to halt the cycle of blame and pain and thereby breaks the chain of disgrace. Without forgiveness the guilty one is held in the vice of sin. Second, forgiveness loosens the stronghold of guilt in the forgiving one. It allows the possibility of a change taking place in the guilty party. Third, forgiveness creates an atmosphere whereby the forgiven one and the forgiver are placed in a neutral atmosphere. Forgiveness must be accepted as well as offered before it is complete.
JUST A THOUGHT: Remember Jesus said as He was crucified, Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do, Luke 23:34.
Gene C. Smith
1 Thessalonians 4:9, 10
Sunday, October 18
Brotherly Love Is God-Taught
KEY VERSE: “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another,” 1 Thessalonians 4:9.
A little six-year-old girl became deathly ill with a terrible disease. She needed a special blood transfusion, but her rare blood type complicated the problem. The girl’s nine-year-old brother qualified as a donor, but the parents were hesitant to ask him since he was so young. They searched for a qualified donor but found none. The last resort was to ask the brother to be the donor. When asked to be the donor, he said, “Sure, I will give my blood for my sister because I love her.”
In like manner, believers in Christ are to love each other. The word love (verse 9) refers to an affection which is based upon an intimate relationship of fellow-believers in Christ. It carries the idea of a friendly, loving relationship. This is the kind of love God has toward His children, and He expects them to have this same kind of love for one another. Christians are “taught of God to love one another” (verse 9). They are to have an intimate loving relationship with one another. If this kind of love does not prevail in a church, there will likely be much strife and contention among the members. Christians are to also practice brotherly love to all other believers in Christ (verse 10).
JUST A THOUGHT: When you walk with the Lord, you will be out of step with the world.
Gene C. Smith
1 Peter 1:22, 23
Monday, October 19
Loving God-Loving Brethren
KEY VERSE: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently,” 1 Peter 1 :22.
It is logical to believe that this short book was written by the apostle Peter inasmuch as he so designates in 1 Peter 1:1. He wrote it to the Jewish Christians who had been scattered abroad from Jerusalem. They had settled in the areas listed in verse 1. These areas made up the northern part of Asia Minor. It encompassed the northern part of what is today known as Turkey.
Those to whom Peter had written had “purified” their souls “in obeying the truth” (verse 22). In other words, they had experienced God’s wonderful salvation, having been born again by the Holy Spirit. A changed life is evidenced by a changed relationship with God. A purified life allows one to sincerely love those who share in the same faith. The word sincere means “to be without hypocrisy.” All evil thoughts and feelings regarding one’s fellow-Christians must be removed from a believer’s life. Christians are to love deeply from the heart. This kind of love can only come from a changed heart.
Those to whom Peter wrote had been saved by God’s grace. This great event made it possible for them to obey the truth, purify their hearts and love the brethren. The same is true for God’s children in this sinful age.
JUST A THOUGHT: The Word of God is God’s instrument to bring about a changed life.
Gene C. Smith
John 14:21-24
Tuesday, October 20
Keeping Christ’s Commandments
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.
It is reported that Thomas Jefferson went through the New Testament and carefully cut out any part which made Jesus more than a man. He cut all parts of the gospel concerning the resurrection of Christ. Jefferson’s Bible, now on display in a Washington, D.C. museum, ends with his translation of Matthew 27:60 which reads, “And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.” Thomas Jefferson was in effect saying that was the last of Him. But how mistaken he was. Jesus arose from the dead and is alive today in Heaven with the Father.
A Christian’s love for Christ is manifest as that one obeys His commandments (John 14:21). The Father and Christ will show their love to that one (verse 21). This does not imply, in any way, a works religion, but rather that one who believes in Christ will be obedient to Him. Saving faith results in obedience to God and His Word. Obedience grows out of love for Jesus and His Word (verses 23, 24).
JUST A THOUGHT: One of the reasons some people find it difficult to be obedient to the commands of Christ is that they are uncomfortable taking orders from strangers.
Gene C. Smith
Psalm 19:7-11
Wednesday, October 21
The Work of the Word
KEY VERSE: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple,” Psalm 19:7.
In the year 1990, my associate pastor, his wife, my wife and I had the privilege of visiting Niagara Falls. It is one of the most spectacular sights we had ever seen. The roar of six million cubic feet of water each minute makes it the most powerful waterfall in North America. Few people, however, know that more than fifty percent of the river’s water is diverted via four huge tunnels before it reaches the falls. This water passes through hydroelectric turbines that supply power to nearby areas in the United States and Canada before returning to the river well past the falls. Viewing Niagara Falls is one of the most moving experiences this writer has ever seen.
David, the writer of this Psalm, was moved by observing the heavens, which declare the splendor of God’s handiwork. By comparison, he then described the dominating influence of the “law of the LORD” (verse 7) which enlightened him. He described the efficacious nature of the Word of God in mankind’s salvation.
As God’s Word is proclaimed, the Holy Spirit works in conjunction with the Word to bring about the salvation of a lost sinner. Thus, the Word of God has a powerful effect in the life of one who accepts Jesus as Savior.
JUST A THOUGHT: Without Jesus Christ life is a hopeless end; with Christ life in an endless hope.
Gene C. Smith
Romans 8:35-37
Thursday, October 22
More Than Conquerors
KEY VERSE: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us,” Romans 8:37.
The eighth chapter of Romans has been called the mountain peak of this great book. This chapter begins with the words no condemnation and ends with the thought of “no separation from the love of God” (verse 37). Chapter 8 is one of the upmost peaks in the whole realm of revealed truth. The doctrine of security of the believer is vividly set forth in this chapter. Some people fail to grasp the truth of this teaching, but, nevertheless, it remains true whether they believe it or not. Many people are looking for security in stocks, bonds, big bank accounts, savings and many other things. Contrariwise, true security is found in one’s relationship to Christ Jesus.
Jesus Christ loved mankind and has provided salvation for all who would trust Him by His atoning death on the cross of Calvary. (See John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 2:9.) Through this same love, believers in Christ become more than conquerors because this love binds believers to Him.
JUST A THOUGHT: Eternal security can be enjoyed only by those who are truly born-again children of God.
Gene C. Smith
1 Corinthians 15:57
Friday, October 23
Victory Through Christ
KEY VERSE: “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 15:57.
The mystery of the ages is now about to be revealed. Throughout human history, man has known it to be his inevitable lot to die. True, he had hope of immortality beyond death be he pagan bushman, or pagan intellectual. But always there was the grim specter of death, waiting to claim him before entering into that blissful realm of the beyond. Paul now came to declare the hidden “mystery” (verse 51) which could be understood only by those initiates in Christ Jesus. Here is the mystery with its explanation. Some who live in this present church age will be allowed to put on immortality without having to go through the experience of death. Such a thing was entirely out of human concept! However, it is a divine reality. This marvelous event will take place at the Lord’s coming in the air. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.)
However, death is still man’s most feared enemy. All mankind seeks to delay its approach. When it comes, they seek to camouflage its existence under blankets of flowers and greenery. However, death is an enemy which has been conquered. Jesus, the mighty Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5), invaded the realm of death and emerged victorious. He offers this victory to all who will receive Him as Savior. This is the greatest incentive for faithful service on the part of a believer in Christ.
JUST A THOUGHT: All believers in Christ are assured of life everlasting. (See John 3: 15, 16.)
Gene C. Smith
Revelation 12:11
Saturday, October 24
Victory by the Blood
KEY VERSE: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death,” Revelation 12:11.
In Revelation 12, a warfare is viewed as it will be carried out during the Tribulation Period. Michael, the warrior angel and Israel’s defender, along with his angels are viewed in deadly combat with the dragon (Satan) and his forces. They succeed in terminating forever Satan’s traffic in Heaven, along with his host of warriors (verse 8). They are cast out upon the earth (verse 9). All who are in Heaven rejoice because of this great feat (verse 10).
Infuriated by his expulsion from Heaven and sensing that his time is limited, the dragon (Satan) will turn his fury against the woman (Israel) and will persecute her because she brought for the man child, which is Christ (verse 13). Satan knows he will soon suffer in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). Therefore, he seeks to do all the damage he can in his last few days on earth.
The victory Christ and His followers will enjoy in that day is made possible by the “blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 12:11), which was none other than the death of Jesus Christ.
Satan is a powerful being, but he has never been able to annul God’s eternal plan of redemption. Christ’s death was perfectly sufficient to redeem mankind and take us to Heaven in the end.
JUST A THOUGHT: Calvary is a low hill; but it casts a long shadow!
Gene C. Smith
John 1:12, 13
Sunday, October 25
What It Means To Be Born of God
KEY VERSE: “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God,” John 1:13.
One would do well to make a mental trip to the banks of the Jordan River in Israel to learn some basic truths about one’s eternal salvation. Arriving there, one would view a large crowd of people who had gathered around a man who was preaching a sermon. In so doing, he pointed out the awfulness of sin and called upon the people to repent of their sins and be saved. Who was this strange and mighty preacher? He was John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ, who had come to bear witness of the Savior. He immersed those who professed faith in Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Jesus Christ is the Messiah who came to save people from their sins.
As a whole, the Jewish people did not receive Jesus as their Messiah. However, some did receive Him, and they were given the power (authority or right) to become the sons of God (verse 12). Upon believing in Jesus, they were born into the family of God (verse 13).
The new birth is a spiritual birth whereby repentant sinners are born again into the family of God. Those who are born again are saved from a life of sin and hell and will someday take their rightful place in Heaven.
JUST A THOUGHT: Salvation is the eternal possession of the one who has genuinely trusted Christ as Savior.
Gene C. Smith
Romans 8:15-17
Monday, October 26
Witness of the Spirit
KEY VERSE: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God,” Romans 8:16.
A young lady, visiting church services for the first time, walked the aisle during the invitation with tears in her eyes asking what to do to be saved. As the congregation sang “Just As I Am,” she accepted Christ as her Savior. Over the next few weeks the people who knew her remarked about the change they saw in her. She no longer seemed bitter but happy. There was a glow about her that was not seen before. No one doubted the young lady had truly accepted Jesus as Savior.
The Holy Spirit indwells the believer at the moment of salvation. This is an evidence of salvation. The Holy Spirit does not indwell nonbelievers. The believer is fully indwelled by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of conviction and leadership. The Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin in their lives and leads them toward righteous living.
Changed lives are also an evidence of salvation. Saul quit persecuting Christians when he became a child of God. His passion was changed from being a persecutor of Christians to a preacher of the gospel. This dramatic change could not have taken place if he had not accepted Christ as Savior. Much of the religious world has the cart before the horse. They claim a person must change to be saved. The reality is that salvation causes positive changes in a person’s life.
JUST A THOUGHT: Christ accepts sinners as they are then changes them for the better.
Marc Schultz
Jeremiah 33:3
Tuesday, October 27
God’s Promise About Prayer
KEY VERSE: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not,” Jeremiah 33:3.
Every day the president of the United States is given a risk assessment briefing. This briefing details the hot spots in the world and the danger these hot spots present to the United States. The president then allows other members of congress and the administration to receive the same briefing. It the president believes the public needs to know of the risks, he will make the knowledge public. Most of the time the information in these briefings are not made public because the public does not need to know the information.
Compared to the infinite knowledge of God man knows relatively little. Most of what God knows the human mind is incapable of grasping. Part of every prayer should be asking God to reveal His will. When God’s will becomes known, the power of God is revealed in a mighty way. God’s answer to prayer is often greater than the desired result. The apostle Paul asked God to remove the thorn in the flesh. God did not grant his request but gave him the grace to live above the thorn. God revealed to Paul an inner strength the apostle did not realize was available to him. Paul learned things about God and himself that he had not known before. God is not cruel when He does not grant our requests.
JUST A THOUGHT: God is not bound by our prayer requests, but we are bound by God’s answer to our prayers.
Marc Schultz
Psalm 34:15-17
Wednesday, October 28
God Hears Prayer
KEY VERSE: “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry,” Psalm 34:15.
Almost every young woman about to become a mother for the first time worries about hearing her child cry in the middle of the night. She wants to be able to give her child whatever love and support she can. Mothers have an instinct that allows them to hear their child cry even when they are deep asleep.
There are approximately six billion people in the world. God is able to give each one of them His undivided attention every moment of the day. His ears are always attentive to the prayers of His children. He hears every prayer they pray. This does not mean He will grant every request offered in prayer. God grants every request that fits within His perfect will. He will never ignore any prayer but will seek to reveal His perfect will. God will not be badgered into granting prayer requests. God will do what He knows is best.
How does God answer prayers? He will grant our requests when they fit within His will to do so. God will never violate His will to grant selfish prayer requests. He will say no when our petitions do not fit within His will. When God says no, it is for the best. There are times when God will make us wait for His answer. Patience is a virtue when waiting for God to answer prayer.
JUST A THOUGHT: God answers your prayers. Have you accepted His will?
Marc Schultz
1 Corinthians 5:5-7
Thursday, October 29
Delivering to Satan
KEY VERSE: “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus,” 1 Corinthians 5:5.
There is a war in which every Christian engages. It is a war between good and evil. The Christian spirit desires to be faithful to God and turn away from evil. The human spirit desires to satisfy the lusts of the flesh at any cost. The individual determines which spirit wins. In every situation the Christian makes a choice between doing the proper thing or the wrong thing. Sometimes the choice is conscious and sometimes it is subconscious. God will hold the individual accountable for his choice.
The Christian desire for those making the improper choices is for them to see the error of their ways, repent of the sins and turn from their evil ways. God will forgive anyone who repents. Those who refuse to repent are in danger of divine judgment. Unfortunately, some people have become so accustomed to sin that they feel no remorse for their actions. They resist any effort to bring them to repentance. Such a person will suffer the consequences of his actions.
It is difficult to watch a loved one suffer the consequences of a lack of repentance. Our prayers should be that their suffering will cause their eventual repentance. It is difficult to learn from the school of hard knocks, but it is the only school some people will attend.
JUST A THOUGHT: God’s love will allow sinners to suffer to bring them to repentance.
Marc Schultz
Proverbs 11:19
Friday, October 30
Righteousness Tendeth to Life
KEY VERSE: “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death,” Proverbs 11: 19.
Jim was a widower with little fashion sense. His Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes consisted of a blue sport coat, green plaid pants and a red striped tie. One could see him coming for a long way. Jim was always the first person to arrive for church services. A man who lived next door to the church always laughed when he saw Jim enter the church building in his wild ensemble. The neighbor was also convicted about the fact he never attended church services. One day the neighbor attended church services and sat next to Jim. He began to attend church services every Sunday and eventually accepted Jesus as Savior. He then led his family to the Lord. It all happened because one lonely man took care of business by attending churches services regularly.
Good character has been described as doing the proper thing even when no one is looking. A person with good character not only does the proper thing in public but also in private. There is no proper reason for doing the wrong thing. A person of character strives to do the right thing and never gives excuses for failure. Christians should do the proper thing at all times and in all situations. Christians do their duty in the small things as well as the significant things. Christians always seek to be the right example for others to follow.
JUST A THOUGHT: Christians do the proper things because it is the proper thing.
Marc Schultz
Acts 5:1-11
Saturday, October 31
Sinning unto Death
KEY VERSE: “And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things,” Acts 5:5.
A small white wooden cross was placed on the grassy knoll beside a railroad crossing. It signified the fact a young woman was killed in an accident at that sight. She ignored the flashing lights on the signal and the whistle sounding from the locomotive. She drove around the downed arms of the railroad guard and was hit by the locomotive and died instantly. She violated the law and died because of her sin.
Ananias and Sapphira conspired to lie to God. Their lie may seem insignificant to mankind, but it was serious to God. They lied about how much of the profits from selling a possession they gave to God. They died because of their sin. Their sin was not against man but God.
The Bible speaks about two types of death, both caused by sin. There is the death caused by separation of life from the body. Everyone dies this death because of the sin nature (Rom. 6:23). The other death is eternal separation from God, the second death. Those who die the first death without accepting Christ as Savior also die the second death. The Bible also speaks of two births. There is the natural birth and the new birth. Those who accept Christ as Savior are born again.
JUST A THOUGHT: Those who are only born once die twice. Those who are born again die only once. Have you been born again?
Marc Schultz