FEBRUARY 2, 2014. FOURTH DAY OF CREATION

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2

Let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years. Genesis 1:14

Fourth Day of Creation

The Sand hills of western Nebraska are perfect for stargazing. No big cities are there and thus virtually no manmade light to get in the way. Every summer, hundreds of amateur astronomers go there to take advantage of the dark night skies. Those who are willing to make the drive are treated to breathtaking views. As one said: “This is how the Native Americans saw the sky. This is how the pioneers saw the sky.” These stargazers receive a small taste of the beauty of the fourth day of creation. On this day, God created the sun, moon, and stars. Like everything else He made, they were pronounced “good” (v. 18). Interestingly, the verb “made” (v. 16) or “fashioned” indicates that these objects were already in existence in some form, likely from the first day when light was created, and that God now specifically fashioned them into the astronomical bodies we know today. This would fit with the interpretation that in the creation narrative the first three days are “forming” while the next three are “filling.” The purpose of the sun, moon, and stars is to mark the boundaries of day and night, and as they govern this basic division they also serve to mark life’s “sacred” times and seasons (Ps. 104:19). This function led to thee heavenly bodies being worshiped and mythologized as deities in many ancient Near Eastern religions. God, however, intended us to see these created objects as reminders of His faithful covenant love (Ps. 136:7–9; Isa. 40:25 26). In context, the direct allusion is to the feasts and holy days set forth later in the Pentateuch. In general, it makes sense that the One who is Lord over all times and seasons has ordained times and seasons for us.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

FEBRUARY 1, 2014. GOD IS LORD OVER ALL TIMES AND SEASONS

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1

He changes times and seasons. Daniel 2:21

God Is Lord Over All Times and Seasons

Daniel’s wisdom is on display in the narratives and prophecies in his book. The verses prior to today’s reading, for example, demonstrate that he knew the right thing to say in the right way at the right time, both when he questioned the commander of the king’s guard and when he petitioned the king to allow him to have more time. For such wisdom, Daniel gave all the credit to God, who as Lord over all times and seasons always and infallibly knows the right thing to do at the right time (v. 21). King Nebuchadnezzar had demanded that his wise men recount and interpret a dream without being told what it was. They were unable to do so, but during a night of prayer Daniel received this knowledge from God. Impressively, Daniel praised God (vv. 20–23) going to the king to save the lives of himself and his friends (v. 24). They were by no means well known at court yet. This incident occurred only one year after they had been taken into exile (1:5). To exalt God as the sovereign Lord was a huge step of faith, considering that Daniel was a foreign exile slated for execution. He even dared to assert that his God was greater than the emperor (vv. 37–38). God had paved the way for His name to be glorified in this unlikely place at this unlikely time, and in the end Nebuchadnezzar gave Him praise (v. 47). This month’s devotional is a topical study of time. What does the Bible say about time and our use of it? We’ve divided the study into four main sections that reflect Scripture’s main themes in this area: (1) times and seasons in life; (2) knowing the right times; (3) our stewardship of time; and (4) the fleetness of time and brevity of life.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JANUARY 31, 2014. GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!

FRIDAY JANUARY 31

Be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.1 Samuel 12:24

Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

After a lifetime of serving God, evangelist Billy Graham said, “Certainly, one lesson is to remind us of our responsibility to be diligent in our service for God right now. I may not be able to do everything I once did (nor does God expect me to), but I am called to be faithful to what I can do.” Reflecting on the value of her own life of service to God, Mother Teresa said, “God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.” What motivated Billy Graham and Mother Teresa to serve God sacrificially throughout their lives? Clearly, they both felt called to be faithful servants. God’s faithfulness to us should inspire us, in turn, to be faithful to Him and to our heavenly calling. In today’s passage, Samuel reflected on a lifetime of service and on the relationship between Israel and the God they were called to follow. He is “old and gray” (v. 2), and could share his experience with the nation. He asked if they could find fault against him, and they declared his innocence. He then earned the right to recount for Israel the mighty acts God has performed on their behalf. Clearly, they had been quick to forget the faithfulness and divine provision of God. Samuel demonstrated his connection with God by calling down thunder and rain as a sign. He warned the nation that they should learn from their mistakes and determine to be faithful. The people were fearful. Would God punish them? But Samuel insisted the answer is clear: God desires our obedience and our faithful service. He knows that we may turn from Him and His instruction. He is faithful to forgive, and we are called again and again to “serve him faithfully” (v. 24).

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JANUARY 30, 2014. FAITHFUL TO COMPLETE US: WE ARE HIS MASTERPIECE

THURSDAY JANUARY 30

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Ephesians 2:10

Faithful to Complete Us: We Are His Masterpiece

 Legend has it that Pablo Picasso was sitting in a Paris café when a bold woman approached him and asked the artist to draw her portrait. Picasso agreed. Studying her for a moment, he proceeded to create her image with a single pencil stroke. He handed the woman the finished piece of art. “It’s perfect!” exclaimed the woman. “What do I owe you?” Picasso responded, “Five thousand dollars.” The woman was incredulous: “How can you charge so much for a few seconds of work?” Picasso replied, “Madame, it took me my entire life.” As believers, we are God’s masterpiece. We are His creation and the result of a lifetime of work. This is no easy task. We have learned, in Paul’s letter to the Romans that we are inherently sinful and cannot fulfill God’s Law on our own. Here, we learn that although we are deserving of punishment, we are saved by God’s “great love for us” (v. 4). We were transformed in Christ, made alive even while we were still dead in sin. God does not despair and give up on us as we stumble in our faith. Rather, He lifts us up and seats us “with him in the heavenly realms” (v. 6). We are saved by God’s grace, not by our works. We cannot boast of this for it is nothing that we have done. We are God’s “handiwork” (v. 10). Other translations describe us as God’s “masterpiece” or “workmanship.” God has perfected us through Christ Jesus. He has a plan for us that will take a lifetime to complete. The God who began a good work in us is faithful to complete it. We are nurtured by His love and grace. We have an eternal destiny. We are His most magnificent handiwork.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JANUARY 29, 2014. GOD'S WORD DOESN'T CHANGE

TUESDAY JANUARY 29

God's Word Doesn't Change

'All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.' Psalm 119:160 NIV

A publishing house advertised: Ten books to read before you die. And the Bible didn't make the list! Amazing; it's one book you should read! When Ann Shorb replaced her favorite cookbook with a 'New and Updated' version, she said: 'It wasn't the same. It had been adapted for...convenience...' Ann goes on to say: 'It seems like a lot of people are trying to do the same thing with some of God's recipes. They’re trying to adapt them to make them more convenient, more time saving and easier to follow.' God's Word never changes. The results of sin are the same: 'The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ...' (Romans 6:23 NKJV) God's plan for salvation hasn't changed: ‘By grace you have been saved through faith...not of works, lest anyone should boast.' (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV) His method for finding guidance is still: ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.' (Psalm 19:7-8 NKJV) His solution for anger is the same: 'Rest in the Lord...Cease from anger, and forsake wrath...it only causes harm.' (Psalm 37:7-8 NKJV) To find peace we still should: 'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known...and the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds...' (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV) The Psalmist said, 'All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.' Bottom line: you can't 'new and improved' God's Book!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JANUARY 28, 2014. MOVING FROM DOUBT TO FAITH

TUESDAY JANUARY 28

Moving from Doubt to Faith

'Lord, "Increase our faith."' Luke 17:5 NKJV

Why do we experience so much doubt? (1) Because doubt satisfies our need for self protection We don't like to be wrong, to get hurt, or to fail, so our subconscious reasoning says, 'It's easier not to trust, to lower my expectations so I won't be disappointed.' But you are disappointed, aren't you? Why? Because of your doubt. (2) Because doubting comes easily We don't wake up in the morning and say to ourselves, 'Today I'm going to doubt God.' No, doubt moves into a vacuum; it takes over when we don't do the right things. '...Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.' (Romans 10:17 NKJV) If you don't keep your mind filled with God's Word; you'll be constantly assailed by doubts. (3) Because doubters are easy to find. Sometimes the people around us dwell on all the obstacles and difficulties, opening the door to doubt. And once that stream starts flowing, you get carried along with it. (4) Because doubting is contagious Doubt is easier to catch than the common cold, and its carriers are words. The Bible says, 'You are trapped by your own words.' (Proverbs 6:2 CEV) The words you speak (and listen to) will either build you up or tear you down, increase your faith or decrease it. For example, 'What will I do?' versus, 'In God's strength I can handle it.' Or, 'It's awful' versus, 'It's a learning experience.' Or, 'I see no way out' versus 'It's not too big for God.' Words are powerful things. They determine your outlook and approach to life. So in order to move from doubt to faith you must start eliminating unscriptural words from your life!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

JANUARY 27, 2014. COME TO GOD’S CITY OF REFUGE

MONDAY JANUARY 27

“Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge.” Jos 20:2 NIV

COME TO GOD’S CITY OF REFUGE

In Old Testament times, if you killed someone by accident, their family had the right to take your life in return. So God arranged six “cities of refuge,” three on either side of the Jordan River, so that no matter where you were you had access to God’s mercy and protection. You just ran to one of those cities, told the town elders your story, and they were required to take you in. The only stipulation was that you stayed in that city until the high priest died. When that happened, you were free to return to your family and take back everything you’d lost. Can you see a spiritual parallel here? Jesus Christ is called “the High Priest of our confession” (Heb 3:1 NAS). When you run to Him to refuge, you need only confess your sins. There, at the point of faith, you are forgiven, viewed as “a new creation,” and placed in God’s protective custody. Just as “the avenger of blood” couldn’t enter the city of refuge, you need only confess your sins. There, at the point of faith, you are forgive, viewed as “a new creation,” and placed in God’s protective custody. Just as “the avenger of blood” couldn’t enter the city of refuge, Satan cannot cross “the blood line” and hurt you either. When Jesus cried from the cross, “It is finished” (Jn 19:30 NIV), all your sins from the womb to the tomb were paid in full. And because  Christ your great High Priest died and rose again, He will restore back to you everything you lost as the result of sin’s power in your life. One author puts it this way: “If there were a thousand steps between us and God, He will take all but one. He will leave the final one to us. The choice is ours.” So come to God’s city of refuge today.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional