IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTION FOR TODAY, June 30, 20ll

TEACHING LOVE

In the book of Titus, the aged women are instructed to teach the young women “to love their husbands, to loves their children” (See Titus 2:4).  At first this instruction seems to read as a command, as if the aged women are to go about the church commanding the young women to love their husbands and children, scolding them if they fall short.  But as God gives revelation, I see the instruction to teach the young women more as an art form, a skill that the aged women have acquired, a revelation they are able to share.

 First, the Church must learn to honor the godly relationships of marriage and family.  We must learn to love those God has given to us and placed in our care.  A young woman will be challenged in marriage:  for some days her husband will appear strong, and some days weak.   Some days he will be wise, and other days given to error. Some days he will appear heroic, and other days clumsy and afraid.  Some days up and other days perhaps down.  The marriage vows appropriately make the commitment “for better and for worse.” The secret of marital love is learning the art and skill of cleaving.   We must find ways to esteem the relationship in times of discord, trouble.  We must hold together by creating rituals of celebration, manners of communication, and practicing the important art of remembrance.  We must remember the good, the bond, and the vow.   When the destructive thought comes in to break down our love, we must resist it.  “You don’t love her anymore, she’s fat.”    “You don’t need him anymore, he’s unemployed.”  “There’s no hope for that child, he’s failed.”  We must resist these thoughts and attitudes and instead we must cleave to love, cleave to relationship.   Today, let nothing separate us from the love of God.

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, JUNE 29, 2011

Why CLEAVE?

The word of God says in Matthew 19:5:    

For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Why must one cleave?  God knows that man’s heart is given to change.  One may feel desirous of a person one moment, and then when a situation changes, that desire may wane.   Man is instructed to cleave to his wife.  In like manner, the marriage vows give examples of positive and negative situations that may occur throughout life.  We are to cleave in sickness and in health and in poverty and in wealth. Cleaving is keeping one’s mind set:  regardless of the circumstances-- that which has been joined together shall not be separated.  We must train our hearts in this matter of cleaving, as well as learning the skill that is involved.    Today, let us determine to cleave to that which God has joined together.

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

Daily Devotional for Today, June 27, 2011

 Ears to Hear

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” states Matthew 11:15.  This is an interesting verse of scripture because it would seem apparent that a person, who has ears, would naturally hear.   I am fascinated with the prophet Samuel, a man who exemplifies the hearing ear.   When Samuel was called by God he heard the voice of God-- and was quickened.  I Samuel 3:4 tells us “The Lord called Samuel:  and he answered, Here am I”   As soon as he was called, he heard---he responded.  Samuel’s ear was open and he had a hearing ear.  Samuel wasn’t even aware that it was God calling him, the maker of heaven and earth calling him. He was simply being his obedient self, responding to and hearing the voice of his guardian and teacher:

1Sa 3:5  And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

As the story unfolds, Eli “perceived that the LORD had called the child.”

 1Sa 3:9  Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

 1Sa 3:10  And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

1Sa 3:11  And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

God honored Samuel-- making him a true man of God.  It was said of Samuel that “he is an honorable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass.”  But the one verse where it is evident that God honors the ear of Samuel is in the ninth chapter of I Samuel:

 1Sa 9:15  Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear…”

God was comforted by the ear of Samuel.  He knew that in Samuel he had found a beloved one, one who would listen, one who would hear.

Today, let us be like Samuel.  Let us have ears that hear!

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

Daily Devotional for TODAY, June 26,2011

Changed into another man

“And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy… and shalt be changed into another man.” (I Samuel 10:6) 

Today, let us allow the Spirit to change us into the image of Christ, prepared to serve.

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

Daily Devotion for Today, June 24, 2011

Family Matters

God esteems the family and the many relationships within the family.  He tells children to honor their mother and father—this is the first commandment with promise.  He commands that adultery be forbidden, instructing husbands to rejoice with the wife of their youth.  We are to be our brother’s keeper.  Indeed, throughout the bible family is central.  So much of the bible is about genealogy and the first advent of Christ came down through forty and two generations.  God is the Father, and Jesus the Son and throughout scripture we read of generation after generation of fathers and sons.  

Today, let us see the importance of family relationships.  Why are they so important to God?  Because God’s beauty and majesty is seen in His divine created order.  “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

 IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD

Daily Devotional for Today, June 23, 2011

 Amen

“And all the people said, Amen.” This is a common refrain in churches today. In examining expressions associated with “amen” I find an interesting, insightful group of words:

 OK, Roger, absolutely, agreed, all right, alright, alrighty, as you say, assuredly, aye, be it so, by all means, certainly, done, exactly, fine, good, good enough, hear, indeed, indeedy, it is that, ja, just so, mais oui, most assuredly, of course, okay, oui, positively, precisely, quite, rather, really, right, right as rain, right you are, righto, so be it, so is it, so it is, sure, sure thing, surely, that is so, thumbs-up, to be sure, truly, very well, well and good, why yes, yea, yea-saying, yeah, yep, yes, yes indeed, yes indeedy, yes sir, yes sirree, you are right, you bet, you said it, you speak truly   

As we raise children we dream of them responding to our instruction in this manner, but instead we have the terrible twos.  Children seem to naturally rebel.  The bible explains that we are born into sin and shaped in iniquity.  We must die daily to our sin nature and become obedient, taking on an “amen nature." We must take on the nature that submits and is subject to authority.  In Revelation 3:14 Jesus is referred to as “the Amen,” the faithful and true witness, the beginning of creation.  In Christ we see submission and subjection in all its glory.  We see Christ in agreement with God—for he delighted to do his Father’s will: “ He that sent me is with me:  the father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him( John 8:29).”

Yes, Jesus is the perfect model of the “amen nature.”  Today, let us walk as Jesus walked, in perfect agreement with GOD.  Amen.

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR TODAY, June 21, 2011

Subjection

In speaking of the authority of Christ, in Hebrews 3:8 we are told that God “has put all things in subjection under his feet.  For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.”  To have something under one’s feet is a sign of dominion over it.  When the scripture tells us that all things are in subjection to Christ we know that Christ has been given dominion over all things.  This is God’s perfect plan and desire.  In I Corinthians 15:27,28 we learn more about the authority of Christ.  For he hath put all things under his feet.  But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifested that he is excepted who did put all things under him>  And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. We know that the head of Christ is God and we see that it is Christ’s desire to put all things, including himself, in subjection, under the feet of God.    In Christ we see the beauty of subjection.  Today, let us be in subjection to all those God has placed over us, that God may be all in all.

Headship

I Corinthians 11:3 states:  But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ , the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Today, let us give honor where honor is due!

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

Daily Devotional for Today, June 19, 2011

The Mind of God

The Word of God says that we are made in the image of God; however, many of us never consider the mind of God?  In 1 Samuel 2:35 God states that he will “raise me up a faithful priest that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind…”  In Leviticus 24:12 the people of Israel are seen seeking “the mind of the Lord” to be shown them concerning a matter.

In the United States, today is Father’s Day –the day when children honor their father’s for their love, guidance and support.  How wonderful it is to have a father who has a mind toward his children.  My father recently told me that I am always in his thoughts.  How wonderful and nurturing are those words to my spirit.  In like manner our heavenly father says his thoughts are toward the righteous.  But how will we know his thoughts and how do we seek his mind regarding a matter?  We must first desire to seek him.  The Scriptures tell us to seek him early while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.   

Today, is there something that you are unsure about?  Is there a situation that you can’t get through?  Let us determine to seek the mind of God regarding the matter.  Let us honor God by asking him to reveal his plans and purposes.  Let us determine to know his mind regarding the details of our life.  God, what’s on your mind concerning me?  . 

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

Daily Devotional for Today, June 17, 2011

Yea and Amen

Agreement is essential for ministry.  The body of Christ must operate in one accord.  Apostle Paul describes purposes or plans which operate according to the flesh as having a yea yea, and nea nea nature: They are not solid or true, they vary, they change.  By contrast Apostle Paul says that “all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen, unto the glory of God.  James 1:17 says that God is the Father of lights and in him there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Unlike the fleshly man, the man or woman of God must be grounded and in agreement with the Truth of God and His Word.  There  shall be no variableness in us, no shadow of turning.

For those who walk with God must agree with God.   The prophet Amos asks, “How can two walk together except they be agreed?  What is your character like?  Is it given to change? Those who are called of God must commit to submitting to the Truth of the Scriptures so that there is no conflict in the body, no discord, no contention.  In the church let us agree with God and with one another.  Proverbs 21:24 tells us to cast out the scorner and contention shall go out,  yea strife and reproach shall cease.  Proverbs 13 says that a wise son heareth his father’s instruction but a scorner heareth not rebuke.  There are those who do not want to agree with God, they do not want to submit to his instruction.   “Proud and haughty, scorner is his name who dealeth with proud wrath.”

Today, as God’s children, let us commit to hearing our father’s instruction that we might walk together in agreement with him, that we might possess a character that is yea and Amen.

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

Daily Devotional for Today, June 16, 2011

The Darkness Comprehendeth It Not

In the disciplining of children we want them to see the connection between their behavior and the need for correction.  We want them to understand that discipline is set forth in order to correct improper behavior or a corrupt behavioral pattern.  Essentially, we want them to receive correction, to be open to the process which will ultimately bring health and healing.  Jeremiah paints a picture of a rebellious people in this way:

 “O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth?  Thou hast stricken them but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction:  they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.  Therefore I said, Surely, these are poor; they are foolish:  for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their (Jeremiah 5:3,4).”

Jeremiah gives us more insight into a rebellious people:

“Hear now this O foolish people and without understanding; which have eyes and sees not, which have ears and hear not.”

Saint John says of Jesus that he was the Light that shined in the darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.  When Jesus manifested his glory there were many who received him; they received “of his fullness.”Yet there were many who received him not.  They could not understand him, or comprehend him.  Christ had no place in them so he was rejected. 

The bible tells us that this darkness, this rebellion that causes lack of understanding, foolishness, poverty is the work of the devil, the god of this world,  who seeketh to blind man’s minds to Christ (see 2 Corinthians 4:4).

Today, Let us commit to receiving the Light of our Savior Christ Jesus.  If that means, correction, let us receive correction so that we might be changed into the image of God. Let us reject the darkness and receive the Light.

WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPLE THING

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, JUNE 15, 2011

Wisdom is the Principl Thing

My favorite Proverb is Proverbs 8, where wisdom is personified.  She boasts of her treasures and claims to give out durable riches.  She says, “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.” Bringing great pleasure to God, she says she was daily his delight. When we read Proverbs 8 we realize the prominence of Wisdom and can agree with Proverbs 4 : “Wisdom is the principal thing.”  Wisdom is what I want to impart to my children, so that they can have sound judgment to discern, lead and build according to the will of God.  Apostle Paul writes in I Corinthians that Christ is the wisdom of God.    Christ reveals the divine thought of God.  We see God’s wisdom as he exalts the one of low degree;  it is God’s wisdom to teach obedience through the things we must suffer.  God desires that the  character of Christ  be formed in the body of Christ. Today, let us start by asking God to give us more Wisdom, more Word, more of Jesus—for this is the principal thing. 

OF HIS FULLNESS WE HAVE RECEIVED

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

Daily Devotional for Today, June 14, 2011

Of His Fullness, We Have Received

Have you ever welcomed a new neighbor into your neighborhood?  Or perhaps you have welcomed   a new   co- worker into your office staff.   Or better still, perhaps you have experienced the utter joy of welcoming a newborn baby into your family.  When we welcome another into our midst, we receive them.  We are open to them instead of closed.  We make room for them and consider their comfort. To welcome is to receive.  It is the opposite of “no room at the inn." 

In the first chapter of John, we read in the verse sixteen, “And of His fullness we have all received.” John is describing how the Apostles received Jesus Christ while he was present, in the flesh dwelling among them.  Saint John says the disciples “beheld his glory.” They not merely looked upon him, but they took his glory in, they received it.   And they didn’t receive it in part, but they received it in its fullness.  Unfortunately, the opposite is said concerning “his own”.  “He came unto His own, and his own received him not (John 1:11).  This in one aspect refers to the Jewish nation.  He was not received by his own people.  They were closed to him; they crucified him.

The Church of God must receive the fullness of Christ Jesus.  We must soak in his glory, take in his Word the scriptures, we must meditate upon him and fully comprehend him, unlike the darkness,that comprehendeth him not. Today, let us receive his fullness.  Welcome!

FIRST THINGS FIRST

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD

Daily Devotional for Today, June 13, 2011

First Things First

The Church must keep Jesus Christ as its priority.  Beholding him as in a glass, we must be changed into his image. (see 2 Corinthians 3:18)  We are to behold  his glory, be filled with his spirit, be rooted and built up in him-- a spiritual body.  Jesus must be our all in all, taking first place in our lives--  for God placed him first, giving him the preeminence.(see Colossians 1:18)  He is  the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.  Saint John informs us that " in the beginning was the WORD." (see John 1:1) In the book of Revelation Jesus Christ is called the  beginning of the creation of God.(see Revelation 3:14)  John the Baptist so beautifully describes Jesus as "one who came after me but was preferred before me."  Are you willing to give Jesus first place in your life, in your thoughts, in your heart? Are you ready to begin with the WORD? 

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL for Today, June 12, 2011

Today is the day that we, the church of God, celebrate Pentecost.  Some people appropriately call it the birthday of the Christian Church.  For it is true that it is on Pentecost Sunday that the church came alive, filled with the Spirit of Christ.  We read of the account in Chapter two of the book of Acts:

 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:1-3) 

As we see in this passage, Pentecost and unity go together.  For we know that God will command the blessing when brethren dwell together in unity. (Psalm 133) God calls the church to unity of fellowship, “together in one place,” yet also  we are called to unity of the Spirit. 

To be unified in spirit is to be in one agreement.  They were all submitted to the will of God, anticipating the blessing of God. For Jesus had told them that the he would send the promise of his father. Today, we must recommit to the priority of Jesus Christ.  We must have no other gods before him.  The body of Christ must be unified in Christ.  In Christ we must live and move and have our being.  Today, we must be prepared to receive His fullness.