Because Of His Great Love

December 2

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…

Ephesians 2:4, 5

“Mom lived in fear the last year of her life,” Nancy confided. “Alzheimer’s robbed her of every last shred of physical strength and emotional stability.”

“I’m sorry,” Craig said. “That must have been so hard watch.”

“The hardest part was seeing how it shook Mom’s faith. She seemed unable to grasp the fullness of the Holy Spirit.”

“It’s disheartening to witness a loved one losing their identity. Many people, as you said, have experienced a crisis of faith wondering why God would allow this to happen.”

Nancy nodded, “As terrible as that last year was, the final four days of Mom’s life were wonderfully reassuring. God revealed Himself in the most conspicuous of ways.”

“How so?”

“Right before Mom died, the fear departed. It didn’t reduce or decline…it left completely, it was entirely gone. In its place was complete and utter peace, with moments of lucidity.

“Several times Mom voiced that she wanted to go home. We tried to reassure her, ‘Mom, this is your house,’ we’d say. Or, ‘ You are home, Mom.’ But she didn’t seem to hear.” Nancy’s smile held a slight chuckle, “It took us a couple days before we realized she was talking about Heaven…!”

I smiled, guessing what Nancy would say next…

“Mom said she saw Jesus during those last four days. As incredible as it sounded, we never questioned the validity of her testimony. The change that had come over her could only have been due to something supernatural, so we knew she was telling the truth. Jesus had shown up, eased her pain, and prepared her for the trip home.”

†

Alzheimer’s is one of the worst consequences of the fall in the Garden of Eden. Yet in spite of this fact, today’s account has been a recurring theme during the last days of many Alzheimer’s patients. I have been witness to no less than four of these blessings.

God, in His infinite mercy, reaches into the lives of those afflicted and removes the veil of confusion.

When it happens it is amazing to behold. The Spirit of God, through Jesus Christ, is remembered and has come alive once again!

Prayer

“Lord God, we thank You for making Yourself known at a time when it is most needed. May we always appreciate the presence of Your Spirit. Amen.”

 Words

December 1

The tongue has the power of life and death.

Proverbs 18:20

The man sat on the sidewalk, soliciting passersby. The cardboard sign in front of him read, ‘I’m Blind’. He had a coffee can into which people dropped various denominations of coinage. With each donation the man uttered a quiet and timid, ‘thank you’.

A young woman happened along, and walked as if to pass by. Then, as if struck by a second thought, she turned and picked up his sign. As she crouched before the man writing with magic marker, he felt her shoes, cataloging their style for possible future reference. She neither told the man what she was doing nor why.

No sooner had the woman left than a stream of people began tossing money in front of the man. Never had he experienced such an outpouring of compassion! What had the woman done to make such a difference?

Finished with her workday, the woman approached the man once again. She noticed the coffee can brimming with money. She walked over to speak to the man but was cut off when his hands once again felt her shoes.

“What did you write on my sign?!” he asked.

She bent to his ear and whispered, “The same thing you said. I just used different words.” As she walked away she smiled, rereading her handiwork: ‘It’s a beautiful day and I can’t see it.’

†

Given the power to effect people’s lives in a positive manner, why is it we so casually do the opposite? Words are powerful. With them we can bless or curse. And as today’s text says, we can speak life or death to someone’s soul.

But for the most part we put no faith in this simple truth. We offhandedly condemn people to hell or damn them and their situation to failure, never really thinking about the power of our words.

With the understanding that what we say matters, comes the responsibility for choosing and using our words carefully and wisely. By speaking blessings and life-giving words over those we come in contact with each day we are edifying their lives, not helping destroy them.

Prayer

“Lord of love, help me choose my words wisely, with a compassionate heart and other’s best interest in mind. May I be Your instrument of blessing and life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Nature’s Example

November 30

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Phil’s ten year old son, Kyle, fidgeted in the blind as they watched the first glimmer of light tint the eastern sky. “When’s somethin’ gonna happen, Daddy?”

“Be patient Buddy,” Phil whispered, patting Kyle’s shoulder.

As light began transforming the morning from nondescript shapes into recognizable landmarks, he heard the sound of geese honking overhead. Flocks of migratory birds were flying south to their wintering grounds.

Phil wanted Kyle to witness one of nature’s most amazing events…and hopefully teach him a valuable lesson. As flock after flock flew overhead, Phil pointed and said, “Do you see how they all fly in a V formation, Kyle?”

“Yah,” replied Kyle, questioningly.

Just then a lead goose left his position at the point of the V. This was the moment Phil had been waiting for, “Do you see how that goose dropped out of formation and is moving to a place at the end of one of the legs of the V?”

“Uh Huh,” Kyle grunted.

“Watch how the second goose in line moves up to take his place.”

“Why’d he do that, Daddy?” Kyle asked in wonder.

“The flock has a long way to fly before winter, Buddy,” Phil explained. “They instinctively switch leaders every so often. By taking turns they conserve energy, Kyle. It’s how God made them.”

†

Nature is not shackled by the belief it was meant to be self-sufficient or make it on its own. Only man instills that mindset in their offspring.

Through the simple act of watching geese, Phil was teaching Kyle that although the world may tell him otherwise, it is not a sign of weakness to accept help. Wise people share their burdens; it’s one of God’s provisions for helping us overcome the sin that so desperately seeks to destroy us.

We can learn a lot from Nature’s example. By sharing the responsibility of getting to where God is leading us we can avoid many of the pitfalls and barriers of life, and in so doing fulfill Jesus’ command to ‘carry each other’s burdens’.

Prayer

“Help me to not refuse assistance in overcoming the world, Lord. Give me a humble spirit that understands the wisdom of accepting help. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Just One Drop

November 29

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13

Dale had just pricked his finger to test his blood-sugar when Jenna walked into the room. The twelve-year-old glanced at her father, “Seems like a lot to go through every day, Daddy. Doesn’t it ever frustrate you?”

Dale smiled, “Awe, Honey, this is nothing. It’s just one drop of blood a few times a day. And it keeps me healthy. I’ll gladly go through the slight discomfort in order to have a better quality of life.”

Jenna’s countenance brightened at the remark, “I guess I hadn’t thought about it that way. I guess I would do it too if it made me feel better… But if that machine needed any more than one drop of blood I think I’d get sick just trying to activate it!”

Dale laughed, “Me too, Jen. “

The unit beeped as she left the room. Dale looked at the display where his glucose level had appeared. He picked up a syringe and the vial of insulin and administered the necessary dosage.

†

Technology is amazing. Just one drop of blood on a test strip tells us how imperfect our body chemistry can be. Chemicals in the strip mix with the glucose in our blood and this mixture is then transmitted to the hand-held meter. The meter analyzes the thick liquid, and registers the glucose number on the view screen. The diabetic then knows how much insulin to administer in order to get their blood sugar back in balance. This procedure allows us to maintain healthier blood.

There is, however, a source of blood that is not only perfect, but has the most remarkable properties. Just one drop has the power to set free all who are in bondage, save the lost, and heal the sick. It ushers those who accept it into the presence of God. It makes the imperfect perfect.

It is the blood of Jesus, and it is the most powerful entity in the Universe. But it only works when it’s applied to a sinner’s heart. For without the blood we remain lost, apart from God’s presence.

If you’ve not asked Jesus to apply His blood to your heart I urge you to do so today. It is a decision you will never regret.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I ask You to cover me with Your blood, and make me a new creation. Amen.”

 The Love of a Father

November 28

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

1John 3:1

Sixty-five year old, Dick Hoyt crossed the finish line a fraction of a second behind his son. The satisfaction in his eyes was due to the smile on Rick’s face.

Father and son have competed in more than twenty-four Boston Marathons, two hundred twelve Triathlons, fifteen of them being the ‘Iron Man Triathlon’ in Hawaii, have skied in cross-country events, and gone mountain climbing.

When you add all the miles jogged, swum, biked, and skied, their accomplishment is noteworthy. But what makes it extraordinary is that every mile is completed with Dick pushing Rick in a wheelchair, towing him in a dingy, and carrying him on the handlebars of his bike. You see, Rick is a quadriplegic.

This amazing love story began when one of Rick’s classmates was paralyzed in an accident, and the school organized a charity run for him. As Rick watched the race he pecked out on his computer, “Dad, I want to do that!”

Dick, a self-proclaimed porker, couldn’t run a mile, let alone five! But the smile on his son’s face was a great motivator. After their first race, Rick typed, “Dad, when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!”

So each weekend the duo is engaged in some form of competition; a father loving on his son with all his heart, a son reveling in his father’s great love.

†

As a father I can say I have loved my children with a special love, spending precious time with them, building strong bonds of love.

Today’s story is a lesson in lavishing. Dick exemplified the Father, loving extravagantly, giving generously of himself, holding nothing in reserve so his son could experience life to its fullest.

It is this same love that compels our Heavenly Father to call us sons and daughters, heirs to the Kingdom of Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”, so all His other children have the right to call Him Father.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father, for a love I don’t quite comprehend, but so desperately need. Thank You for sending Jesus to make a way for me to be called Your child. Amen.”

 From Gratitude to Thanksgiving

November 27

My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

Psalm 35:28

Worship at Trinity Assembly is always sweet, and today was no exception. God had been given permission to move, and He was taking full advantage of the attitude of worship. With voices united in praise the congregation’s anthem rose. And in a moment orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, God overflowed through one of the worship team…

“There is liberty in Jesus, yes liberty! There is freedom in Jesus, yes freedom!” The praise emanating from Dwight was otherworldly, pure, almost surreal. He quite literally sang to God the music of his soul. Birthed in the depths of his spirit, his soul was given wings through his voice. It resonated throughout the sanctuary, and was infectious! The entire congregation enjoined his praises! “Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus, for setting us free!”

Dwight sang communal praises to the King as each person’s voice added to the harmony, “Ohhh, we bless You, Lord! We bless You, Jesus!” In one moment of perfect unity their praises were ushered into the presence of the Lord. Amens and hallelujahs reverberated throughout the sanctuary. The song continued, their unconstrained thanksgiving rising to meet the Father’s approval. Yes, worship at Trinity Assembly was sweet.

†

We sometimes live vicariously through others, grateful they have given perfect pitch to our off-key singing; or in those moments they’ve given voice to our unspoken thoughts. There is nothing wrong with experiencing joy and closeness to God through the gifts and gratitude of others…as long as we don’t let it end there.

In one of his sermons, Dr. David Jeremiah said, “I doubt there is anyone here who doesn’t have a spirit of gratitude. But gratitude is not thanksgiving until it is expressed.”

To leave unuttered praise in our hearts is like appreciating a wonderful meal without sending our compliments to the Chef, because we think he already knows he’s a good cook, right?

Recognizing God’s blessing in our lives is only half the matter. For if we fail to utter praises for the things God has done we will eventually find ourselves fostering a spirit of entitlement.

God is worthy of our praise, praise He should hear from our lips.

Prayer

“May the gratitude of my heart never go unuttered, Lord Jesus, because You alone are worthy of my praise! Amen.”

 His Glorious Riches

November 26

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Making handcrafted wind chimes had become more than a hobby, and I was realizing my make-shift sander wasn’t very efficient.

From time to time I discussed my future dreams for the business with Don, a valued and respected customer. In the process I told him about a new sander I had been saving for until something unexpected had come up, requiring the use of what I’d saved. I was simply sharing.

Two weeks later, Don called and asked if he could drop by to deliver some aluminum pipe I had ordered. When Don arrived he invited me to lunch. We shared a wonderful time of fellowship over great food, then headed back to the house to discuss the chime he wanted for his granddaughter.

“If you had that sander we talked about where would you put it?” Don asked, referring to the limited work space in my small shed.

“Right here in this corner,” I said, pointing to the only space available. “I’ll move the dresser into the larger part of the building and put the sander in there on an angle.”

Don grinned and said, “You’ll need to get busy then, because I have something in the back of my truck for you.”

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Don was blessing me with the very sander I had dreamed of buying!

†

Having bought several of my chimes, Don’s awareness of my need was one of appreciative understanding. So when God spoke to him, he simply followed His request to its conclusion.

We have the ability to be God’s answer to someone’s hope-filled prayer. The possibilities are endless; from a piece of machinery to a hug or a lift to the store. If we will listen and respond when the Holy Spirit speaks, we can be the one God uses to meet one of His child’s needs.

Don’s response to my need was to faithfully follow God’s suggested will. God will never force us, but once we’ve obediently complied, we will never again hesitate to be used as part of His glorious riches.

Prayer

“Provider God, show me who You want to meet a need for and give me the faith to follow Your will. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

There is no quicker way to make God smile than to obey.

This devotion is dedicated to Don & Maryanna Harley, who know God intimately

and listen when He speaks.