September, 2008 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
Genesis 1:1, 2
Monday, September 1
In the Beginning
KEY VERSE: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” Genesis 1:1.
Did you ever look at the sun, moon, stars, rivers, oceans, mountains and other visible entities of the universe and wonder from whence they came? The Big Bang Theory is commonly accepted by the world as being the origin of all things. This is mainly because this theory is taught in the public schools and universities in America. However, this is a false idea because it is not compatible to biblical teachings.
Genesis is the book of beginnings. It provides a dramatic account of the creation of the universe and all things therein. The Key Verse sets forth the creation of the heaven and the earth as being the handiwork of God. The expression in the beginning refers to the commencement of time in a dateless past. The English form God comes from the Hebrew word Elohim and means “the three strong ones.” Thus, the Trinity is set forth in the first verse of the Bible.
The word created comes from the Hebrew word bara and means “to bring into existence something that did not previously exist.” The expression the heaven and the earth refers to the entire universe. God is the explanation of this origin. Matter did not start itself. God alone is eternal. He brought the entire universe into being without the use of preexisting materials. This refutes both the Big Bang Theory of creation and the theory of evolution.
JUST A THOUGHT: God is the rightful owner of all things by right of creation.
Gene C. Smith
Tuesday, September 2
The Works of His Hands
KEY VERSE: “And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thy hands,” Hebrews 1:10.
Modern day explanations of the theory of evolution date from 1859 when Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species was published. It may be surprising to learn that in the closing days of his life, Darwin refuted his theory of evolution and returned to his faith in the Bible according to a consecrated lady named “Lady Hope.”
The unchangeable and eternal power and majesty of the Son, Jesus Christ, revealed in verses 11 and 12, find their basis in the fact that He is the one who laid the foundation of the earth and fashioned the heavens (verse 10). He is the Creator (Col. 1:16).
The word they in Hebrews 1:11 refers back to the heavens and earth of verse 10. The present heavens and earth shall perish one day. The apostle Peter stated that the present heavens and earth shall be dissolved by fire. (See 2 Peter 3:10.) The expression “they shall wax old as doth a garment” (Heb. 1:11) means “they will wear out like clothes wear out.” In contrast, Christ remains forever (verse 12). The vesture literally means “that which is thrown around: and refers to the wearing of a mantle.” The expression fold them up means “to roll them up.” God’s creation, like an old garment, will be rolled up and discarded in favor of a new creation. (See Revelation 21:1.)
JUST A THOUGHT: Christ is the Creator of all things and the One who, in the midst of changes, is unchanging.
Gene C. Smith
Wednesday, September 3
The Word of Life
KEY VERSE: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life,” 1 John 1:1.
A teacher was reading to her first grade class. “Once upon a time, . . .” she read. Does this sound familiar to you? The reading of stories to a first grade class opens up the door of an exciting world of make-believe. Then some thing changed. The world of make-believe ended as the student advanced in school. The fairy tales were no longer exciting and were discarded. The teen years approached and life became a battle ground. The fairy tales were no longer meaningful. The teenager wanted something real.
The search for something new soon became a reality.
At church, one day, you heard about Jesus Christ and His wonderful salvation. You responded to the invitation by the pastor at the conclusion of the sermon. Your response resulted in your salvation and subsequent baptism. You wanted something real and you found it in Jesus Christ.
Christ is real. He existed from the beginning (verse 1).
The word beginning takes us back to eternity past. Jesus existed then with God the Father. He made His entrance on earth when He was born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem’s manger. He walked among men. They saw Him, talked with Him and touched Him. He is real to all who know Him!
JUST A THOUGHT: A counterfeit Christian is somewhat like a counterfeit twenty dollar bill.
Gene C. Smith
Thursday, September 4
The Word Is God
KEY VERSE: “I and my Father are one,” John 10:30.
In Pennsylvania there is a statue one hundred twenty feet high erected to William Penn the founder. When the birds are taking their flight to the sunny south, a great many dead birds are found at the base of this statue. The reason for this is that birds flying in the darkness are apt to strike against the statue and so kill themselves. Examination of the dead birds has shown the birds that meet this sad fate are the young ones who have never taken the journey before. Older birds who have taken the journey before know about the obstacles and know to avoid them. This teaches us the necessity of having a guide who knows all about the way we are taking and who is able to bring us safely to our journey’s end.
When Jesus said, “I and my Father are one,” He was revealing that the Father and Son are one in perfect unity in their natures and actions. This does not, how ever, mean they are one person. Jesus Christ is also God’s Son (John 3:16). He gave His life on Calvary’s cross that we might have everlasting life. This is why God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior. He, like the guiding bird, will save us from our sins and guide us safely to our journey’s end.
JUST A THOUGHT: What a foundation for our faith when we know that Jesus is the Word and the Word is God.
Gene C. Smith
Friday, September 5
The Mystery of Godliness
KEY VERSE: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory,” 1 Timothy 3:16.
An all-time great baseball player accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior on his deathbed. He then told his fellow baseball players that his conversion came in the bottom of the ninth inning. He also related that he wished it had come in the top of the first inning. Those who accept Jesus Christ as Savior early in life have no regrets. They develop into happy Christians who enjoy living for and serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
They may also enjoy the following blessings from Almighty God.
1. The may have the mind of Christ in them (Phil. 2:5).
2. Their ears hear what God desires from their lives (Rev. 2:7).
3. They may have two clean hands to serve God (James 4:8).
4. They have eyes of understanding (Eph. 1:18).
5. With their mouth they confess Christ as Savior (Rom. 10:9).
6. They have a pure heart to love God (Phil. 4:8).
7. Their knees bend in prayer to God (Eph. 3:14).
8. Their feet are beautiful with which they may spread the gospel (Rom. 10:15).
Pause and take a brief inventory of your life to see if you are truly enjoying these blessings that come by faithfully serving God.
JUST A THOUGHT: Belief in and dependence on God are absolutely essential for a victorious Christian life.
Gene C. Smith
Saturday, September 6
Sons of God
KEY VERSE: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is,” 1 John 3:2.
The United States Treasury Department has a special group of men who are trained to track down counterfeiters. These men need to know a counterfeit bill when they see it. How do they learn to identify fake bills? Oddly enough, they are not trained by spending hours examining counterfeit bills. They study the real bills. They become so familiar with authentic bills that they can spot a counterfeit bill by its design and texture.
God has bestowed His love on those who believe on Christ as their Savior, making them His children. The Key Verse plainly reveals that believers in Christ are presently the children of God. In the future, when Jesus Christ comes for His saints, another great change will occur in their lives. Their natural bodies will be changed into glorified bodies. These bodies will be like the body Jesus had when He arose from the dead. The hope expressed in verse 3 is the Christian’s hope of someday being like Jesus in a glorified body.
Jesus Christ lived a pure, holy life when He was here on earth. He is, therefore, the perfect example of holiness to His people. May we all seek to be like Him.
JUST A THOUGHT: A faith that costs nothing and requires nothing is worth nothing.
Gene C. Smith
Sunday, September 7
Creator and Sustainer
KEY VERSE: “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist,” Colossians 1:17.
Oliver Holden was a carpenter. He was forever singing as he worked. He would put down his hammer and saw, beat out a few bars of a melody and then take up his working tools again. One day he discovered some unsung verses. They suited the tune of “Coronation” that he wrote in 1793. So he joined the words to his music and the Christian world got one of the finest hymns. It was:
All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all.
The Bible teaches us to recognize Jesus Christ as the Creator and sustainer of all things, visible and invisible (verses 16, 17). The false teachers of our day seek to dethrone Him. They strongly refute that He is the Creator of all things. Christ existed before creation (verse 16). However, He revealed Himself to mankind by being born by the virgin Mary in the city of Bethlehem. He grew to manhood in Nazareth. He introduced Himself to mankind by His baptism by John the Baptist and by His earthly ministry.
Jesus was indeed “before all things” and by Him all things “consist” (verse 17). The word consist refers to His holding everything together. We sing with enthusiasm the hymn, “This Is My Father’s World!” Jesus created the world, and He holds it all together by His mighty power.
JUST A THOUGHT: To make Jesus Christ less than God is to dethrone Him.
Gene C. Smith
Monday, September 8
The First Disciples of Jesus
KEY VERSE: “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus,” John 1:37.
An electrician explained how that round the pole of a magnet there exists a strange atmosphere called a field of force in which exists strains, and pulls, and pushes, as if a host of infinitesimal being were at work. This mysterious but real and potent influence of the magnet is a true symbol of that spiritual power which is always associated with that soul which is filled with the Holy Spirit of God.
The first disciples of Jesus Christ are identified in John 1. First is Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother (verses 40-42). Second is Simon Peter (verse 41). Third is Philip who was a native of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter (verses 43, 44). Fourth is Nathanael (verses 45-51). All these men exerted a spiritual influence upon the inhabitants of Galilee.
God’s people, living in this present age, are urged to be witnesses for Christ as were the first disciples (Acts 1:8). Every believer in Christ has some friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members who need the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and to whom they may witness. Malls and shopping centers are also great places to witness for Christ. Every believer in Christ should arm himself with some gospel tracts and make plans to witness to those around him. It is truly a great blessing to witness to others and lead them to Jesus Christ for salvation.
JUST A THOUGHT: Without Christ life is a hopeless end; with Christ life ends with an endless hope!
Gene C. Smith
Tuesday, September 9
The Ministry of John the Baptist
KEY VERSE: “And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him,” John 3:26.
Some pieces of matter have a marvelous power of attraction when brought into close contact. How difficult, for instance, it is to separate two equal bits of polished glass when placed against each other! The secret of this inseparable union is that nothing can be on the sides that are touching to hinder the adhesion. If our union with Christ is to be close and abiding, there must be nothing between. There must be no unconfessed sin. On Christ’s side there is a perfect plane; on our side there may be much unevenness which should serve to remind every Christian to stay in a close relationship with Him.
In verse 36, John gave a contrast of the believer and the unbeliever. The believer in Christ has everlasting life at the present time. Contrariwise, the unbeliever has the wrath of God abiding upon him at the present time. The believer in Christ will not have everlasting life at some future time, he has it now. Contrariwise, the unbeliever has God’s wrath abiding on him now. God’s wrath hangs over every unbeliever and will fall upon him in the great day of judgment.
JUST A THOUGHT: A wonderful change is wrought in one’s life when Jesus comes into his heart.
Gene C. Smith
Wednesday, September 10
John’s Witness of Christ
KEY VERSE: “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire,” Luke 3:16.
A few years ago an alcoholic cried out to Jesus Christ asking Him to save him and thereby rescue him from his addiction. He became a Christian and was baptized. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, he quit drinking alcoholic beverages. In a year’s time he led eleven of his drinking buddies to Christ for salvation. A wonderful change was wrought in his heart by the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist was a man who recognized his limitations. There were many things he could do and he did them well. Yet, he fully recognized his inferiority to Christ. He spoke of Christ as the “one mightier than” (verse 16) himself John was indeed a great preacher. He was fearless and bold in doing what he could do, but he knew he was only the herald of the coming Christ.
Having denied that he was Christ, John began to tell the people how they could recognize the coming Savior. John related that he would baptize believers in water, but when Christ came He would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Fire as in verse 17 is like the burning of chaff. It has to do with the unbelieving; not the children of God.
JUST A THOUGHT: God’s promises are implemented by His power to perform.
Gene C. Smith
Thursday, September 11
God’s Redeeming Lamb
KEY VERSE: “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” 1 Peter 1:19.
A gifted pastor was trying to explain free salvation to a coal miner, but the man failed to comprehend it. He kept arguing, “I have to pay for it.” The pastor then asked the coal miner, “How did you get down into the coal mine this morning?” ‘’Why, it was easy,“ the minor replied, “I just got on the elevator and it took me down.” The pastor then asked, ‘’Wasn’t that too easy? Didn’t it cost you something?” The man replied, “No, it didn’t cost me anything; but it cost the company plenty to install that elevator.” Then the man saw the truth: “It doesn’t cost me anything to be saved, but it cost God the life of His Son-Jesus Christ.”
The word redeem (verse 18) means “to set free by the payment of a ransom.” Mankind is in the bondage of sin. Jesus liberated us by paying the ransom price-His death on Calvary’s cross. Mankind is not redeemed with “corruptible things” such as silver and gold. Money can not buy a person’s salvation. Neither is mankind “redeemed” by the “vain conversation received by tradition from your forefathers” (verse 18). One is not saved by what he inherits from his ancestors. Mankind is redeemed only by the “precious [costly] blood of Christ” (verse 19) which He shed on the cross.
JUST A THOUGHT: Life is uncertain, death is sure, sin is the cause, and Christ is the cure.
Gene C. Smith
Friday, September 12
The Baptism of Jesus
KEY VERSE: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, 10, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him,” Matthew 3:16.
At the 250th anniversary of the founding of Harvard University, the students marched in a torchlight procession on the campus. The most memorable group was the Freshman Class, one month old, which emerged with a gigantic banner reading, “Harvard has been waiting 250 Years for Us.” Likewise, there are many people who are waiting to hear about Christ and His saving power. Baptism is to be administered to those who have heard about Christ and have been saved by Him.
Matthew presented Jesus Christ to the world by referring to His baptism. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism gives a clear picture as to its details. Note the following three things about Jesus’ baptism.
(1) The place of His baptism. It was in the Jordan River where John was baptizing. Jesus walked from Nazareth down to the Jordan River where John was baptizing, a distance of some sixty miles.
(2) Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, the one whom God had sent with the authority to baptize (John 1:28-34). Upon Jesus’ arrival where John was baptizing, He went out into the water and John baptized Him. John did not sprinkle some water on Jesus’ head; His baptism was by immersion. (See Mark 1:9-11.)
(3) Heaven sanctioned Jesus’ baptism as being valid by sending the Spirit in the form of a dove upon Him, and God said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17).
JUST A THOUGHT: God’s Word is always timely; it speaks to all generations.
Gene C. Smith
Saturday, September 13
Worthy Is the Lamb
KEY VERSE: “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation,” Revelation 5:9.
The apostle John, the writer of the book of Revelation, envisioned a Lamb that appeared to have been slain or sacrificed. Yet, the Lamb was standing in the central area of the throne of God (verse 6). About Him were the twenty-four elders (Rev. 4:4) and the four living creatures (verses 6-8). The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God (Rev. 5:6). The Lamb surely refers to Jesus Christ the Redeemer. Inasmuch as horns symbolize strength the “seven horns” must represent the authority and strength of the ruler who is the risen Christ. The “seven eyes” are the seven Spirits of God. They symbolically represent the Holy Spirit and His presence. Because He alone is worthy, the Lamb took the book from the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. The four beasts and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb in worship (verse 8). In singing a new song, they ascribed worthiness to the Lamb to take the scroll and break the seals, stating that the Lamb had been slain and had redeemed people for God from every kindred, language, people and nation (verses 9-12).
JUST A THOUGHT: Jesus alone is worthy of all praise for His redemptive power.
Gene C. Smith
Sunday, September 14
A Lamb to the Slaughter
KEY VERSE: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth,” Isaiah 53:7.
Helen Keller once said, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” Jesus Christ is a prime example of this great truth. Chapter 53 of the book of Isaiah is a prophecy of the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. In the Key Verse, Isaiah prophesied of Christ’s patience in suffering. At both trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin Court and before the Roman officials, Jesus remained silent and spoke not a word in His own defense. (See Mark 15:3-5; Luke 23:8, 9.)
The manner in which Jesus conducted Himself during this ordeal is graphically illustrated by two similitudes: (1) that of a Lamb going to the slaughter and (2) that of a sheep before the shearer as it is sheared for its wool.
The tendency of sheep is to follow others even to their destruction. The Israelites were aware of sheep’s sub missive nature. Jesus the Lamb of God quietly submit ted to His death. He did not try to stop those who opposed Him. He remained silent rather than defend Himself against those who sought His life.
From these examples we can envision the love, patience, innocence and meekness of Jesus Christ.
JUST A THOUGHT: In spite of all that Jesus did for mankind, some still reject Him as their Savior.
Gene C. Smith
Monday, September 15
The Lord’s First Miracle
KEY VERSE: “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him,” John 2:11.
John Hutton tells of a coal miner who professed Christ as his Savior and who was quizzed by his fellow workers. They asked if he really believed the yarn about Jesus turning water into wine. He replied, “I know nothing about water and wine, but I know this: that in my house Christ has turned beer into furniture, and that is a good enough miracle for me!”
The turning of water into wine was the first miracle Jesus performed during His earthly ministry. A couple in Cana of Galilee were getting married. Jesus and His mother, along with His disciples, went to the wedding. During the celebration, the host ran out of wine. Jesus instructed the servants to fill six waterpots with water. He then turned the water into wine. The wedding feast continued without further interruption. This was the first of many miracles performed by Jesus. He had a specific purpose in mind when He performed this miracle. That purpose was to manifest (declare) the glory of Jesus Christ, proving He was the Son of God.
Today, we have the Bible to display the grace, glory and power of the Lord; therefore, we do not need miracles to confirm our faith.
JUST A THOUGHT: The Bible clearly warns against the use of strong drink.
Gene C. Smith
Tuesday, September 16
The House of Prayer
KEY VERSE: “Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have it a den of thieves,” Luke 19:46.
On a ship going across the Atlantic Ocean, there was a fire in the hold of it. The crew and some volunteers stood in line to pass buckets of water in an attempt to put the fire out. Some of the firefighters wanted to go to the other end of the ship and engage in prayer. One man, who was endowed with common sense replied, no, not for one moment. We must not stop! We will stay right here and pass buckets of water and pray hard at the same time! He believed in prayer, but he also believed in fighting the fire. Thus, they fought on and quenched the fire.
When Jesus came near the city of Jerusalem on this occasion, He viewed it from a vantage point, perhaps from the Mount of Olives. As He viewed the city, He wept over it (Luke 19:41-44). Upon entering the city, Jesus went into the Temple and cleansed it of the religious racketeers and profiteers who had preyed upon the unfortunate people (verse 45). After cleansing the Temple, Jesus stated that it was to be used as a house of prayer, not as a place of merchandising (verse 46).
To neglect prayer is to burden ourselves with many cares and to shut ourselves out of many blessings.
JUST A THOUGHT: It is just as important to pray as it is to breathe!
Gene C. Smith
Wednesday, September 17
The Full Gospel
KEY VERSE: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand,” 1 Corinthians 15:1.
The apostle Paul asserts that he is again declaring the gospel to the Corinthian people. On his first missionary journey, Paul traveled to the city of Corinth and preached the gospel to the Corinthians. In writing to the Corinthian saints at a later time, Paul declared again the gospel to them. It was the same gospel whereby they had been saved when they received it. Furthermore, Paul reminded them that the gospel was according to the Scriptures. It consisted of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus, Paul here shows that the full gospel includes both the atoning death of Christ and His subsequent resurrection from the dead. Thus, Jesus is a living Savior!
A missionary once told of a common tragedy he had seen in India. An Indian woman went to the Ganges River. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she stood there for a long time. Then suddenly, she tossed her six month old baby into the river and he was eaten by the crocodiles. Through her loud sobs she declared that her problems at home were too many and her sins were too heavy to bear. Hence, she tossed her baby to the crocodiles to appease the goddess, Ganga. The stunned missionary humbly told her of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. She had never heard this truth before that time. If the gospel message had reached her sooner she could have repented of her sins and accepted Jesus as her Savior. Hence, the baby would not have had to die.
JUST A THOUGHT: People are desperate for what only God can provide!
Gene C. Smith
Thursday, September 18
Then They Remembered
KEY VERSE: “And they remembered his words,” Luke 24:8.
An American missionary was serving in Japan. He decided to hire a translator to interpret his messages. The only translator he could find was a Japanese man who was teaching English in a nearby junior high school. The teacher was not a Christian, but he agreed to translate the missionary’s messages. That arrangement worked well during the first few sermons, but hit a snag when the missionary preached about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He proclaimed, “On the third day Jesus arose from the dead.” The translator looked at the missionary and said, ‘’They are never going to believe this.”
Even the disciples of Jesus Christ found it difficult to believe in His resurrection. Jesus, in fact, did arise from the dead on the first day of the week. Those who came to the sepulcher to anoint the body of Jesus found the stone rolled away from the entrance. They entered the burial site and did not find the body of Jesus. He had, in fact, risen from the dead. It was then that they remembered Jesus’ words concerning His resurrection.
Each year at Easter, Christians set aside a special Sun day in which we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. In fact, He did arise from the dead. A short time later, He ascended back to the Father in Heaven (Acts 1:9 11). He is there with the Heavenly Father and all the redeemed who have died and gone on to glory.
JUST A THOUGHT: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a fact; not fiction!
Gene C. Smith
Friday, September 19
God Looks on the Inside
KEY VERSE: “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart,” 1 Samuel 16:7.
The occasion of this Scripture was the selection of a man to serve as king of Israel. Saul, the first king of Israel, had sinned by rebelling against God (1 Sam. 15:1 23). The Lord then spoke to Samuel and told him to choose another man to serve as the king of Israel (1 Sam. 16:1-4). Samuel went to the house of Jesse to seek a new king. One by one Jesse paraded his seven sons before Samuel. However, none of them measured up to God’s standard.
The Lord then spoke to Samuel and told him not to look on the “outward appearance,” but to look as the Lord looks, that is, on the heart.
Samuel then inquired if there was any other son in the house of Jesse. He replied that there was one other by the name of David. He was away herding his father’s sheep at that time. David was called and Samuel anointed him as the new king in Israel.
We tend to size people up by looking on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart to find the quality He looks for in choosing His workers.
JUST A THOUGHT: Always consider what God’s plan is for your life and make your choices accordingly.
Gene C. Smith
Saturday, September 20
The Inescapable Presence
KEY VERSE: “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” Psalm 139:7.
Psalm 139 is “A Psalm of David.” It is addressed ‘’To the chief Musician” or the Lord God. In it we view God as He searches, explores and investigates our existence. It encourages us to invite God to give us a spiritual check up (verses 1, 2). We go to our physicians for a physical check-up, but how often do we go to our Lord for a spiritual check up?
The Lord is competent to make a careful, systematic, patient investigation of our spiritual lives. He surrounds our activities, our resting sessions and all of our other ways (verses 3, 4). God surrounds us to lay His hand upon us (verses 5, 6). Where then can we go to escape the omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence of Almighty God? (See verses 7, 8.) This kind of knowledge was out of David’s control. It was “too wonderful” for him (verse 6).
The thought of such confining knowledge may have prompted David to escape as verses 7-12 suggests. This is indicated in verse 7 by two rhetorical questions. The answer is evident; there is absolutely no place where one can go to escape the presence of God. May we always practice the presence of God. Jesus Himself said, “And, 10, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matt. 28:20).
JUST A THOUGHT: How long has it been since you had a genuine spiritual checkup?
Gene C. Smith
Sunday, September 21
Behaving in the House of God
KEY VERSE: “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth,” 1 Timothy 3:15.
The theme of 1 Timothy is church order. As the churches increased in number, the questions of church order, soundness in the faith and discipline became important. At first the apostles regulated these things directly, but, with the increase in number of the churches, it became necessary that a clear revelation should be made for the guidance of the churches. Such revelation is found in the books of 1 Timothy and Titus.
First Timothy 3:15 gives guidance on how to conduct oneself in God’s house. The word behave refers to the conduct of the attendants in the church services. The following guidelines are set forth for your consideration.
1. Enter the church services with sincere respect and reverence for God’s house.
2. Sit quietly until the services begin. Participate in the events of the service.
3. Join in the singing of the hymns.
4. Pray silently when prayer time is observed.
5. Take your Bible to church. Open it and follow as the Scriptures are read.
6. Listen intently to the message from God’s Word.
7. Pray for decisions to be made as the invitation is given.
8. Depart quietly and reverently after the benediction.
9. Greet kindly and cheerfully the fellow worshipers.
JUST A THOUGHT: Christians are to be loyal subjects to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gene C. Smith
Monday, September 22
Blessings of the New Birth
KEY VERSE: “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” 1 Peter 1:4.
The apostle Peter addressed this epistle (letter) to the Jewish Christians who had been scattered abroad from Jerusalem. The apostle Peter addressed them as “strangers” (verse 1). They were sojourners in the dispersion from Jerusalem that had settled in the northern part of Asia Minor. This area is identified as Turkey today. God scattered these believers from Jerusalem in order for them to be witnesses for Him to the unsaved people in that area. Peter’s epistle presents all of the fundamental truths of the Christian faith. This includes the blessing of the new birth. Those who have been born again are here assured of an inheritance in Heaven which is incorruptible, undefiled by sin and that will not fade away. This is the greatest blessing one can receive from the Lord!
The new birth is effected in one’s life when one repents of his sins and trusts the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. At that point in time, one is born again by the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is the active agent in the god head in this present age. He moves in an atmosphere of worship, convicting people of their sin and pointing them to Jesus Christ for salvation. As they respond to the Holy Spirit’s wooing, they are born again (saved) by the Lord Jesus Christ-the only Savior. Joining a church, changing one’s ways and doing good deeds do not save an individual. Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior. To be saved one must establish a right relationship with Him by being born again. Every individual must make his own decision about his faith in Christ.
JUST A THOUGHT: Thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins, Matthew 1:21.
Gene C. Smith
Tuesday, September 23
Newborn Overcomers
KEY VERSE: “For whatsoever is born of God over cometh the world: and this is the victory that over cometh the world, even our faith,” 1 John 5:4.
The word overcometh in the Key Verse means “to be victors over” or “to come off victorious.” Thus, a warfare is indicated. It is further indicated that someone may be victorious in that warfare.
Christians have three enemies-the devil, the fleshly nature and the world system of evil. All three of these enemies are engaged in a battle against Christians. How ever, Christians can be victorious in this battle by exercising faith in Jesus Christ. Christians experience many temptations, but they can be victorious over those temptations by relying upon Christ for the strength to over come them. This is an overcoming faith which defeats the world system.
To believe that Jesus is the Son of God is the central fact in the faith of the gospel. A kindred truth is that through Him is the means of overcoming the world (verse 5). This does not mean that one will become a world conqueror such as Alexander the Great, but he can be victorious over the world system of evil.
Christians live in a real world and are beset with for midable obstacles. It is not easy to obey God. It is much easier to drift with the world, disobey God and do your own thing. However, this does not honor Him. Christians are to seek to honor Him in all they do.
JUST A THOUGHT: To be born of God means to share in His victories!
Gene C. Smith
Wednesday, September 24
Look and Live!
KEY VERSE: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live,” Numbers 21:8.
At the time of this experience, the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness. In spite of God’s abundant blessings upon them, they had no praise for Him and no song in their hearts. They became discouraged. They murmured and complained about their state and condition in the wilderness.
God sent fiery serpents among them to punish them for their lack of thanksgiving. Many people died because of the snakebites. The people came to Moses and confessed their sins to him. They asked God to remove the serpents, but He did not do so. Instead, He gave them a remedy for the snakebites.
God told Moses to make a fiery serpent of brass, to put it on a pole and lift it up in the midst of the camp. When anyone was bitten by a serpent, that one was to behold the brazen serpent on the pole as a remedy for the snakebite. Jesus Christ used this Old Testament incident to show people the true way of salvation. It illustrates how a sinner is saved by looking, in faith, to the crucified Christ of Calvary. Salvation is in Christ alone. There is no other way to be saved. (See John 3:14, 15.)
JUST A THOUGHT: Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth (Isa. 45:22).
Gene C. Smith
Thursday, September 25
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
KEY VERSE: “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,” Acts 16:31.
Paul and Silas had been imprisoned in the city of Philippi on a trumped up charge of troubling the city that was made by an angry mob. The circumstances in which Paul and Silas found themselves did not dampen their spirits or cause them to be downhearted. At the midnight hour, they prayed and sang praises to God. So jubilant were these servants of God that the other prisoners began to listen to their prayers and songs.
Suddenly there was a great earthquake which shook and crumbled the foundation of the prison, opened the doors and miraculously loosed the bands of the prisoners. The jailer, knowing his life would be taken if the prisoners escaped, drew out his sword and was preparing to commit suicide. Paul, who probably heard some frantic shout by the jailer, cried out with a loud voice and said, “Do thyself no harm: for we are all here” (verse 28). These words of Paul changed the intentions of the jailer. He sprang into Paul’s cell and fell down before Paul and Silas and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (verse 30). In reply, they answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (verse 31). Evidently the jailer and his entire household called on the Lord and they were saved.
JUST A THOUGHT: What a wonderful change in one’s life is wrought when Jesus comes into his heart.
Gene C. Smith
Friday, September 26
Justified by Faith
KEY VERSE: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Romans 5:1.
In the church services we often sing the song entitled, ‘’Victory in Jesus.” Christians enjoy many blessings and victories as they serve God in and through His church. God is the source of all spiritual blessings which we enjoy through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Sometimes, how ever, believers accept defeat in their lives by failing to trust God completely.
The book of Romans is both doctrinal and practical in design and content. When Paul affirms a doctrine, he shows how it relates to the life of an individual. This is a reminder that what one believes affects what he does. The unbeliever has the Old Adamic nature which loves to revel in sin. The believer in Christ has a new nature, which is a divine nature, and therefore he delights in doing that which is right and pleases God.
There are three spiritual blessings set forth in this devotional. The first one is one’s justification before God. Justification deals with one’s standing before God. Before one experiences salvation, he is in a state of condemnation. But in salvation one’s standing is changed to a state of justification. Justification is a legal term and means that the believer in Christ stands before God as if he had never sinned. The second blessing accrued in salvation is “peace with God.” This “peace” means that the war is over and that God has nothing against the believer. God has fully judged his sin and will never take up judgment of his sin again. The third blessing is that one has access by faith into God’s grace and therefore can “rejoice in hope” (verse 2).
JUST A THOUGHT: The peace of God floods one’s soul when Christ indwells his heart.
Gene C. Smith
Saturday, September 27
No Condemnation in Christ
KEY VERSE: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” Romans 8:1.
As Americans we enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. However, it is also true that these ideals have not yet been fully realized. We do, however, enjoy some liberties presently which are connected with these ideals!
Romans 8 is the Christian’s “Declaration of Freedom.”
In it the apostle Paul sets forth some spiritual freedoms believers in Christ enjoy because of our union with Christ.
The first one is the freedom from judgment, or “no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (verse 1). The believer in Christ has been set free from the law of sin and death and enjoys a new life in Christ. There fore, the believer in Christ stands before God justified or not condemned and enjoys a freedom from condemnation.
An old Indian chief, upon hearing a preacher delivering a sermon in a revival concerning the twofold nature of a child of God, said, “Oh, yes, I have these two natures. He explained them in this context. They are like my black dog and my white dog, they are always at battle with one another. When he was asked which one won the battle, he replied, “The one I feed the best.” Even so it is with every child of God.
JUST A THOUGHT: Life in Christ is an abundant life. (See John 10:10.)
Gene C. Smith
Sunday, September 28
The Only Son-Our Only Savior!
KEY VERSE: “In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begot ten Son into the world, that we might live through him,” 1 John 4:9.
When Donald and Simmie Godwin took their four-year old grandson camping at Lake Superior, they got a basic lesson in theology. When a bad thunderstorm came up, the little guy was fascinated by the flashes of lightening. He watched the sky light up for several minutes then he gave this commentary: “Look! Jesus is taking my picture.” He had received a sense of God’s presence and power.
The Key Verse indicates the reason that God’s love was manifest toward mankind. It was manifest to mankind in that God sent His only begotten and unique Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to die for lost sinners, thus providing salvation for all who put their trust in Christ. Those who trust Him receive eternal life and therefore are said to live through Him. He is our only Savior!
Mankind, in general, does not love God; but God loves them in that He sent His only begotten Son to be the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for their sins. Those who trust Christ for salvation are saved with an everlasting salvation and will enjoy Heaven with Him at the end of this life. Have you trusted Christ to save your soul? If not, why not do it now!
JUST A THOUGHT: God is not willing that anyone should perish, but that everyone would repent of sin and be saved. (See 2 Peter 3:9.)
Gene C. Smith
Monday, September 29
The Samaritan Woman’s Testimony
KEY VERSE: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” John 4:29.
Nowhere is the evidence plainer that the gospel changes lives than in this encounter of Jesus and the woman at the well. This woman is not named, but her story is familiar to most Bible students. She was an out cast from society, an adulteress, a woman who showed no respect for marriage vows. In the culture which makes up most of our churches, she was a woman to be scorned and avoided.
Yet, Jesus “must needs go through Samaria” (John 4:4). I realize this was true because Samaria was on the route He was traveling. Do you think it was a coincidence that, at noon, He came to a well and sat down to rest while His disciples went to buy food? Do you think it was a coincidence that the Samaritan came to that well to draw water at a time when she would not have to face the critical looks of the townspeople?
What was the result of this encounter? The woman was saved! What was the evidence of her salvation? She went into to city, crying, “Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (verse 29). Is this not the result we should expect from every one who is saved? Yes, indeed!
LIVING IT: There is no greater joy than the joy of being saved. And that joy must find expression!
Mary McCalister
Tuesday, September 30
Fields Ready for Harvest
KEY VERSE: “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest,” John 4:35.
I was raised on a farm, so the word harvest is a familiar one to me. In fact, some of the machines used on farms are called harvesters. On our farm a lot of our harvesting came in the summertime. Since we had a small farm and not much money, the time of our harvest was determined by the harvest crews who toured the countryside from farm to farm, harvesting each farmer’s crops for a portion of the grain. Of course, the harvest crew determined for themselves when the fields were white or ready for harvest and thus the harvest cycle would begin.
It is interesting that Jesus chose this particular time and place for His teaching. It is easy to see the disciples were not the least interested in the field of the Samaritans. First, they “marvelled that he talked with the woman” (verse 27). Then they established their priorities by urging Him to eat. They showed no interest at all at what had occurred in Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman.
Jesus admonished them to look on the fields which were already white for harvest. Then He said, “One soweth, and another reapeth” (verse 37).
You wonder what their reaction was when they watched the Samaritans come to Jesus to testify about their belief in Him or to believe in Him when they heard Him speak. Perhaps their surprise was as great as ours often is when we see someone saved whom we had judged not worth our time.
LIVING IT: Get busy sowing the seed and reaping the harvest of souls.
Mary McCalister