But you promised, February 8

But you promised, February 8

Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com

How many times have you said to someone "but you promised". You were saying that promises count and that a promise should not have been made if you did not mean it. Listen to what the Scriptures have to say about promises (vows, oaths, covenants).

"For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, 'Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.' And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us." Hebrews 6:13-18 NKJV

Here we see that God promised to bless Abraham and his descendants. God also said that since men make oaths which "end all dispute" that His oaths too are immutable, confirmed and that He can not lie. An oath is serious business, not to be entered into lightly. Listen to a key teaching from our Lord about oaths:

"When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you. That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth." Deuteronomy 23:21 NKJV. You can see that "oaths not made" are not a problem. In fact, if you abstain from vowing, it is not a sin.

You have heard it said, "I swear, by all that is Holy, I swear on my mother's name and so on." This sort of swearing is also advised against.

"…you have heard that it was said to those of old,' You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Matthew 5:33-37 NKJV

God made a promise to Israel as well. "Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;" Genesis 26:3-4 NKJV

Do you tend to make promises that are not necessary? Do you find yourself saying "I swear that is true?" What is the risk in making an oath? Can you think of a way to make a promise in a more tentative way? Is a "conditional: promise o.k.? Have you heard people say "Lord willing" I will do such and so?

Core Christian Value: Promises to God are very serious promises and are called "vows". Make no vows you do not intend to keep because promises to God must be kept; same for vows to your friends and family

Temptation, February 7

Temptation, February 7

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
"Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
"He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

I John 4:1, 4, Revelation 3:10-12, www.solascriptura.com

Father, such words as recorded by the beloved apostle John, are too wonderful to fully grasp. Thank you for Your Spirit in us that enable us to "overcome" the evil that surrounds us.

We yearn for Your name to be upon us, marked for eternity in New Jerusalem, heaven. Give us a witness this day to a soul that seeks You and bring Your peace to each of us this day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Providence of God, February 6

Providence of God, February 6

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. ...If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
If you say, "Surely we did not know this," does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?
My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 4:23, 24:10-14, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Solomon, according to Your word, was the wisest man who ever lived. We know his wisdom was a gift from You. He tells us that "from our heart" all the issues of life come forward. He says that we must warn others and that You notice when we do not.

Father, the wisdom from You, freely given to those who ask, makes witnessing of Your love, a sweet experience. We read of our individual accountability and ask You to help us O'God to do Your will every day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Humility, February 5

Humility, February 5

... God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
..."God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Galatians 6:14, 5:26, Philippians 4:5, James 4:6, 10, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that to be like Jesus is our goal and we also know that our lower nature, our flesh, often causes us to act more like a goof ball than a saint. Give us the humility we pray to allow You to overcome that which is present in all of us. You promised to do so if we but ask.

We should ask less and less for forgiveness of silly sins which make us look immature in our Spiritual journey, as we seek to be more and more like You, Jesus. If we repeatedly make the same mistakes help us examine our hearts and make the changes we need to make. Remind us all that we should not even try to make corrections without the power of the Holy Spirit being our guiding Light. Our strength is in You and if we are inclined to boast, let it be of You and Your leadership in our lives. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Fidelity, February 4

Fidelity, February 4

...if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.
But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
... we know that ... there is no other God but one.
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

1 Corinthians 8:2-6, www.solascriptura.com

Father, We know nothing of what we will yet know. We see things dimly now that You will yet fully reveal. Help us O'God to gain better and better insight from Your Holy word. You have just told us that if we love You, we are known by You. It is You alone we worship.

Keep us from valuing anything or anyone more than our relationship with You. You are the constant, unchanging Presence. Jesus, You alone are our Judge and our Redeemer. Strengthen our fidelity to You. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Industriousness, February 3

Industriousness, February 3

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;
... he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
... a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

1 Peter 1:17, James 1:25,27, 2:24-26 , www.solascriptura.com

Father, we do fear not being in the center of Your will for our lives and we seek diligently to please you. Help us O'God to know that we never stand before You in our perfection, since we are indeed imperfect. We come to you in all humility and contrition, cloaked in the righteousness of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer with thankful hearts.

Father, Your law reveals Your will for us. When we stand within Your law we stand in liberty. Forgive us O'God when we sin. Deliver us from temptation, constantly, because it is ever upon us. As we proclaim our faith, help us to do good works that verify our words. In the name and power of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Conscience, February 2

Conscience, February 2

O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thought afar
off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my
ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it
altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold,
You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of
the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of
them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I
awake, I am still with You.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting.

Psalms 139:1-10,17-18,23-24, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Your omnipresence in our lives and world is beyond our
comprehension. We know you have none of the boundaries of the flesh and
that You created each of us. Now You teach us that You search us, You know
when we arise and lay down, You know the words on our tongues and the
thoughts of our hearts. You encompass us, Your thoughts toward us are
greater than the sand, a quantity we can not count.

Father, if we could but respond to You in the same way and give the same
consideration, attention and time back to You that You give to us, that
would keep our focus on our source of strength. We have access, all day
long, to Your wisdom and presence. Help us to respond, constantly. In Jesus
Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Joy, February 1

Joy, February 1

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, concerning the Word of life--
the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us--
that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

I John 1:1-4, www.solascriptura.com

Father, The beloved apostle John was a witness and friend of Jesus. Here we learn again that Jesus was with You in the beginning and that He was a manifestation of You to us.

John invites us to fellowship with him Father and confesses that true fellowship, deeper than that which we can achieve with each other, is with You and Jesus. Father, lead us into relationships that are based on a mutual trust in You, which bring us great joy, and when we encounter those who do not love You, help us manifest Your love to them. We pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, Part I, January 31

Prayer, Part I, January 31

...there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked
and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:13-16, [http://www.solascriptura.com/] www.solascriptura.com

Father, we stand before You all day, every day, completely exposed. We
have no secret thoughts or actions and You tell us here that we must give
an account for our decisions.

Sending Jesus to us, to be tempted as we are, and then raising Him up as
our eternal High Priest, gives us an advocate unlike any other. Our Jesus
knows what we are encountering and is there for us, all the time. We come
boldly to You Jesus, seeking Your love and guidance that the grace of God
may prevail in our lives. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Revenge, January 30

Revenge, January 30

For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
"Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth";
who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

1 Pet 2:20-24,www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, our objective is to be like You. We will need a lot of help not to return evil for evil. If people are critical of us, to take such criticism without angrily giving it back to them, doubly for some of us, requires Your Spirit in us.

You suffered for our sins that we might live righteously. Our flesh wants to retaliate; our spirit wants to be like You. Help us to have Your countenance and heart as we experience conflict, whether we deserve criticism or not. In the Holy name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Mind of Christ, January 29

Mind of Christ, January 29

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

Ephesians 1:15-19 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we thank You for Paul's ministry. He taught us how to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, who he refers to as saints. We do pray for each other, perhaps not as fervently or constantly as we should, but we know that the prayers of a righteous man availeth much. You hear the prayers of those that love You so we never speak in vain when we bring our needs and hopes to You.

We pray, this day, that You will reveal to us Your wisdom, Your insight, into situations where we feel incompetent. Help us to know that You know our circumstance, that Your thoughts toward us exceed number. What a wonderful truth. Help us respond, we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen

Bruce Caldwell

Law of God,January 28

Law of God,January 28

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.
For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:10-13, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, here we have Your brother, James, clarifying that sin is sin and that there is no hierarchy of sin. Whether we have committed relatively small sins or grievous sins, we are all in the same place. We need Your forgiveness and cleansing and we need to show mercy to others as You have shown mercy to us.

Jesus, James tells us, that we who have been born again now stand in the law of liberty, a position in which "mercy triumphs over judgment". Yes, Jesus, we are cleansed but our renewal is constant and Your mercy is constant because we need forgiveness every day for every action and thought that disappoints You.

Father, You have taught us that "being saved" is a moment in time wherein we acknowledge Your grace, mercy and calling to us and when we proclaim our love of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit that enables us to be led by You. We also know that You, Father, will judge we who are Christians, by our deeds. What we do after we are born again, matters. We will be forgiven for our imperfections but help us today to endeavor to be obedient and to increasingly mature in our faith.

Help us be like You Jesus. Our fleshly instincts must decrease but our willingness to serve You and be led by You must increase. It would be great to say "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" and have it be truer for every tomorrow than it is today. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, January 27

Prayer, January 27

LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart;
You have tested my heart; you have visited me in the night; you have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Psalms 15:1-2, 17:3 www.solascriptura.com

Father, here we learn from David that works of righteousness matter. What we say and do is noticed by You. But, You have taught us elsewhere that Your grace, in calling us to Your side, and that Your mercy and our faith in Jesus, makes our works become a reflection of our faith. We know that without works our faith seems powerless and that works alone hardly distinguish us from being like any other good citizen.

Help us today to be free of self-imposed guilt. We know that You have lifted our guilt from us and that if we try to continue to bear it, we miss the point of Your sacrifice. You have taught us that it is Satan who is the "accuser". We also know it is You who stand as our advocate. We are no longer guilty! We, like David, have been tried and we stand before You, forgiven and cleansed.

Lead us as we seek to be obedient and righteous, empowered by You. Help us, especially, not to transgress with our mouth. You have taught us that an olive tree should not bear figs and vice versa. Let our words be consistent with our faith. May we glorify You and be an encouragement to others. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Forgiven, January 26

Forgiven, January 26

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:13-16, www.solascriptura.com

Father, no matter whether we are stressed out, cheerful or ill, James teaches us that we are to pray. Help us O'God to learn to pray unceasingly and to include You in all of the details of our life. Your word tells us that not a hair falls from our head without You knowing it. That sort of "presence" deserves/requires a response.

Some of us are very ill or some of the persons in our devotional group are in dire need. We know that if we love You, all things will work out to the good for the faithful. Father, we see that sometimes it means one of us may depart this world to find the glory that You have prepared for us.

Help us O'God not to feel that this life is all there is and that if we lost this life it would be a catastrophe. Certainly Father, our loved ones will miss us but help us all to focus on the fact that this life is the tip of an iceberg. What is seen is not what exists.

While we have time here Father, help us today to declare our love for You. Every day of life is a day of opportunity to serve You. We pray fervently for each other and our loved ones. Thank You for each day, in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, January 25

Peace, January 25

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Finally, brethren... Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

James 4:8, 2 Corinthians 13:11 www.solascriptura.com

Father, this simple admonition by James is a verse that constantly reminds us where the initiative must lie. We often lament over our circumstances, we feel alone, deserted and not cared for. Here we are taught by Jesus' brother that when we set out to draw near to You, You will draw near to us. The ball is in our court. It is our responsibility to act rather to complain about feeling impotent, lonely or depressed.

Then, Father, Paul says, "Become complete". Paul did not say "be" complete because we are all in a state of becoming and we will keep seeking sanctification until we are in heaven.

Help us, today, to commit ourselves to taking action that will identify us, unmistakably, as yours; our actions and our countenance bearing witness of our love for You. We stand in a hostile environment but it is Your peace that strengthens us.
May the God of love and peace be with each of us, every moment. We pray Father for Your peace in our hearts. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Courage, January 24

Courage, January 24

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

I John 4:17-18 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, if we were to visualize what it will be like to stand in Your presence on judgment day, will we feel bold? How can we possibly be bold before You, given our sin? We know the answer and the Apostle John affirms it; if we have sincerely and humbly sought to be as You Jesus, in this life, from the moment of rebirth forward, then we stand before You, wrapped in Your righteousness, not ours and that enables us to do so boldly.

Because of Your love for us, we will not experience the torment of fear and trembling nor grinding and gnashing of teeth, which is what You say will be the experience of those who do not love You.

You teach us that fear is a result of separation from You and that our boldness comes from our dependence upon You. How else could it be? Bless us this day, we pray. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Children, January 23

God's Children, January 23

My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;
Yes, my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things.
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;
For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.
Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way.
Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him.
Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice.
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.

Proverbs 23:15-19, 22-26

Father, we can identify with Solomon when he says his heart rejoices when his child's heart is wise and when the child speaks the truth and that you rejoice when our lips speak the right things.

We pray that our children will never envy sinners and we are happy when they honor their mother and father. Help us, today, to set a good example for our children. We are so imperfect as parents that few of us can say, "Do as I do".

We pray that our children look to You, Jesus, as the perfect example and that we do the same. We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

The Narrow Gate, January 22

The Narrow Gate, January 22

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
"Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
"You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
"Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
"A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
"Therefore by their fruits you will know them."

Matthew 7:13-20 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, Matthew repeats the same admonition that Luke stated. The gate to heaven is indeed narrow. In this instance, where You remind us that few will enter the Kingdom of heaven, You tell us that the kind of fruit our lives bear is critical.

We know we are not to judge each other. Jesus, You have told us that judgment is Your province and we know that You tell us not to try and help with that task. Your word tells us that event will happen in the twinkling of an eye. Judgment day will come upon us when we least expect it. We will either run to You or turn away in fear.

But here You say we will know a person by their fruits. The identity of those who love You and who do not love You, with all their hearts, mind and soul is made evident; we disclose it all day long.

You tell us elsewhere that a brackish well does not yield fresh water and that an olive tree does not bear figs. Help us, today, to yield the kind of fruit that identifies us as Your disciples. That is what we want to be, Jesus; a follower of You who seeks to be to others as You have been to us. Strengthen us, we pray, in Your Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Children, January 21

God's Children, January 21

You are of God, little children ...because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

I John 4:4, 5:1-5 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know this earth is Satan's domain but here You tell us that You are greater than Satan. We are impotent when it comes to waging war with Satan unless we are in Your hand, filled with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Father, when You told us to bear fruit that gives evidence of our love for You, You made it very uncomplicated. The fruit of one who loves You is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

These qualities are so much more attractive than hate, depression, anger, impatience, being unkind and so on. How is it Father we can drift into such circumstances? We know the answer. When we distance ourselves from You, we draw near to the world and its standards.

It is our faith that overcomes the attraction to sin. Yes, Father, sin is attractive and Satan seems to be winning the numbers game, but being in Your presence and being like Jesus brings permanent peace and joy, not transitory, self centered indulgences. Keeping Your commandments is not burdensome, given the clear conscience and joy that follows. Bless us and strengthen us, this day, we pray. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

The Narrow Gate, January 20

The Narrow Gate, January 20

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
...may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Jude 1:24-25, 1 Peter 5:10-11 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, the gate is narrow, but it is You that pushes it open, it is You that keeps us from stumbling, it is You who joyfully present us faultless to our Father God. It is You Jesus who has taught us, repeatedly, that we can only be "faultless" when Your righteousness envelops us.

Peter reminds us that we will suffer for a time, prior to entering into Your permanent peace, perfected and strengthened in You. Jesus, we are bombarded by sin from every side and we have learned, or are learining, to turn away from it but at the same time it keeps coming.

We come to You as babes, in terms of our Spiritual condition but help us today, to grow quickly in our knowledge and dedication to You. You lift us up, You teach us, You sustain us. Thank You for that reality. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Gifts, January 19

God's Gifts, January 19

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 www.solascriptura.com

Father, there may not be another single verse in the Bible that says so much about how powerful the Bible is. Thank You for giving it to us.

Your word is a two edged sword bringing both salvation and judgement. It does cut both ways, revealing truth to Your children and a stern warning to those who doubt You and disobey You.

Your word is alive, it is dynamic. The more we learn of You the more we realize there is so much more to know and to experience. It is powerful, persuasive and permanently true. At the same time, it is gentle, loving and comforting.

Your word pierces to the depth of our soul, it discerns our thoughts and measures the intent of our hearts. What a tragedy it would be to have our Bibles taken from us, something You promise will happen during the Great Tribulation. Will we have stored Your word in our hearts?

Help each of us to commit to spending more and more time in Your Holy, inspiring word this day and every day. We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Temple of God, January 18

Temple of God, January 18

...gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;
but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

1 Peter 1:13-16 www.solascriptura.com

Father, what did Peter imply when he said, "be sober"? Does that mean do not be drunk? We know you would never have us out of control intoxicated. You leave the "to eat or not to eat (meat, for instance) or to drink or to not drink (wine for instance)" up to us. You make it clear that if we do anything that seems wrong to us, it is wrong. You teach us that we must have a clear conscience before You.

Being "sober-minded" is another admonition and we know that is different than intoxication from drink. You teach us that we should be orderly in our conduct, to not speak coarsely and to therefore have Your Spirit in us. You also tell us to be full of joy, so to be sober minded must not mean to be long faced and stern in our demeanor.

Father, what a wonderful verse it is when you tell us "rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"; Your grace is brought to us, it is made active, by the revelation of Jesus. In effect, grace lies dormant within us until Jesus sanctifies us through His cleansing of our souls.

How else, O'God, could we be holy? In our natural, unregenerate state we are not holy and absent the redemptive power of Jesus, our sins, which separate us from You, are still with us. We yearn to be released from the power of sin forever but when we stumble, thank You Jesus for lifting us up. We pray, on every occasion, in Your Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, January 17

Prayer, January 17

I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly; indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You Yourself know.
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly.
Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD; let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.

Psalms 40:9-11, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we pray that it is true that each of us has proclaimed the good news of righteousness in our families and churches. Help us never to restrain our lips when the opportunity to share Your love with others arises. Help us to never hide Your righteousness in our heart, but to happily declare our faith.

We do pray for Your tender mercies in our daily walk. Since we never walk alone, help us to ask, constantly that Your direction, Your wisdom and discretion, be ours.

Father, it seems like we have a huge number of decisions to make every day. Teach us that it is Your desire that we place every decision before You, asking for guidance. We know that in the midst of this Satan has been given a license to try and discourage us. You not only permit the test but You provide us with a way out of trouble, if we will but look to You.

Bless us afresh, every moment, we pray. Guide us today; in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Forgiven, January 16

Forgiven, January 16

… He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
Ephesians 1:4-5, 11, www.solascriptura.com
Father, You know the beginning from the end, the alpha from the omega. Nothing we do surprises You. You "see" what is not yet and our faith and love for You, though it requires an act of faith on our part, was foreknown to You. Thus we are predestined, adopted as sons, Holy and without blame, only because of the cleansing of You, Jesus.

The Scriptures say that it gives You pleasure when we serve You and it grieves You when we disappoint You. The fact that all of our thoughts and intentions lay bare before You should help us to behave, to seek to be sinless and to have our lives bring glory to You. It is such a privilege to be Your child. Bless us as we seek to serve You this day. We pray these things in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Salvation, January 15

Salvation, January 15

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Gal 2:20, www.solascriptura.com

Father, as you know, this verse has been my personal prayer and a reality that I have hoped to experience in abundance for many years. I know that when "I live" and not you in me, that I am drawing upon my own resources, my own human nature. Father, my personal righteousness is truly as rags and serves as a burden. I want to cast if off but it will not go away as long as I am in this human body.

Father, we all have the same problem. We dwell in the flesh; we are subjected to temptation on all sides, every day. We know as we seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, afresh, constantly, that we draw nearer and nearer to You. Yet, perfection awaits; sanctification is a process, not a done deal but a process, one that we seek but do not fully apprehend this side of heaven.

We seek to be like You Jesus and we search the Scriptures to learn more about what that is like. This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, says his lower nature has been crucified, it is hung on a cross, and the battle for his soul is over. O'Father we each seek such certainty and we see that Paul says his certainty comes from his faith in You Jesus. Increase our faith this day, we pray.

Bruce Caldwell

Sanctification, January 14

Sanctification, January 14

..."The Lord knows those who are His," ... "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Flee ... youthful lusts... pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
... a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

2 Tim 2:19, 22, 24-26, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You do know who has chosen to serve You. If we name Jesus as our Savior, You tell us to depart from iniquity, to stop sinning. Father, when we were young, youthful lusts pursued us but as we mature You tell us to pursue (chase after) righteousness, knowing that Satan will delight in our sins if we falter.

We learn here that quarreling with others is not Your way. We are expected to be gentle, patiently teaching, in all humility, Your eternal verities. We know Father that it is your will that every soul be saved. We pray that You will grant our friends, family and acquaintances repentance and that they will learn that Your grace and mercy is extended to all and intended for all.

We are Your servants, seeking to serve You and every person we meet. We are very uncomfortable with the notion that our serving should result in praise to anyone but You. There is only One who is worthy of being elevated; only One to whom we should bow and confess our sins. Give us a servant's heart now and forever, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Temptation, January 13

Temptation, January 13

For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
... there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 2:18, 4:13-16

Jesus, all that we think, do and feel is before you. We do not face temptation alone nor do we sin in secret. Your experiences on earth are our experiences as well. You lift us up, as though we had never sinned, into the presence of the Father. Therefore, in Your righteousness, we can be bold in coming to the Father in prayer and boldly seek to serve Him, which is the essence of our purpose.

We are undeserving of your mercy and grace but for reasons known only to You, You seek us out, cleanse us and embolden us to be Your children. Your plan for our lives does exist.

Help us O' God to discover Your perfect will, this day and every moment of our lives. In Christ's Holy name and power, we pray. Amen

Bruce Caldwell

What is wrong with flattery? January 12

What is wrong with flattery? January 12

Why does the Bible make such a big deal about "flattery" being wrong?

Family Bible Studies, www.solascriptura.com

What is flattery? The first entry for flattery in Webster's dictionary is: To praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest. Or to: To portray too favorably. Or to: to display to advantage. The basic truth is that flattery is an "over the top" statement generally offered in order to gain advantage for yourself. Have you ever seen someone telling a person how great they are, how wonderful they are, how awesome they are and every other superlative you can think of? A flatterer is one who says things to people and about people in order to gain advantage.

The question is; why do we offer flattering comments? For instance, if one kid says to another, "you are a totally righteous dude", do they really mean that or are they saying it so the other kid will like them, include them in their group and so on. No "dude" is totally righteous and that same dude could become your enemy or worse yet, use you to their own advantage.

A genuine compliment of someone's talent is not flattery. It is an honest statement of sincere appreciation of their talent or accomplishments. We should not offer praise or compliments in order to "get something" in return. You may encourage someone and that may result in their liking you but if your motive is not "self-serving", you have done the right thing.

Listen to what Jude, the half brother of Jesus and the brother of James had to say about people who flatter: "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage." Jude 14 NKJV. Jude's words match up perfectly with Webster's definition of flattery: Excessive praise, especially if you want to gain favor or advantage, is forbidden.

The Apostle Paul adds some information that is helpful. Listen: "For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:18 NKJV

Paul taught you that in some cases, flattery and smooth words deceive the "simple". People who are "simple-minded" are easily deceived. You should see flattery for what it is; an attempt to manipulate and control you offered by a person who is seeking something from you. Don't you know when someone is "flattering" you? How does that make you feel?

What is an appropriate response to flattery? Should you immediately not trust that person? When you admire the qualities of a person, what sort of phrases can you use that will keep them from thinking that you are a "self-serving flatterer"?

For the "adults" in this study, listen to Solomon's words on this subject: "With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him." Proverbs 7:21 NKJV ...a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28 NKJV (men and women, please do not doubt this truth for one moment!).

Core Christian Value: Flattery is excessive and insincere praise intended to gain advantage. It is self serving and it is forbidden.

Bruce Caldwell

Providence of God, January 11

Providence of God, January 11

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit";
whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."

James 4:13-15, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we do plan our days and our future and we often say, "Lord willing". Let us always know that what is to happen today, tomorrow and forever is known to You. We naturally focus on the days of our lives as important and we sometimes forget that they are as a vapor compared to eternity.

Teach us and lead us as we seek to fulfill Your expectations. It seems right to plan and to pray for certain things to happen and You have told us that is exactly what we should do. We do not control outcomes but we do trust You to know what is best for us. We pray that our hearts and minds are in sync with You, Your word and Your will. Help us O'God to meditate and pray for Your will to be done in our lives this day and forgive us for our lack or patience. In the name of Jesus, Amen

Bruce Caldwell

Industriousness, January 7

Industriousness, January 7

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
"... My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
"For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

James 5:19-20, Isaiah 55:8-12, www.solascriptura.com

Father, witnessing of Your love for us is our privilege but let us not take lightly the possibility that our witness may cause a sinner to return to You for an eternal reward. We have seen the joy of redemption; we have seen lives changed. A changed heart is a miracle to behold.

Your thoughts are higher than ours, Your ways beyond our complete understanding. You are indeed omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient.

You have told us that Your word does not return void. Your word is truth. Thank You for these words:

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:12

Bruce Caldwell

Repent, January 6, 2009

Repent, January 6, 2009

...'Return...says the LORD, 'I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,' says the LORD; 'I will not remain angry forever.
Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the LORD your God, ...and you have not obeyed My voice,'...
"Return, O backsliding children," says the LORD; "for I am married to you.
"...I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3:12-15, www.solascriptura.com

Father, it could not be more clear. You extend Your hand to us and You tell us to "return". How Father could we return if we had not "been there"? You tell us here and You have told us elsewhere that we are "married" to You. You chose us from the beginning to be Yours. You created us in Your image and call us Your children, heirs to eternity, if we but "repent".

Father, we know that the word repent means to turn in the other direction, to make a life-changing decision to do a 180°. None of us can, in and of our own strength, declare our salvation. We are saved by Your grace and mercy and our faith in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer, Lord and Savior.

If we ever "backslide", as Your children, we are walking away from the marriage of our spirit and Your Spirit, committing what amounts to an adulterous act as evidenced by our infidelity. Father, You have told us there are two judgments: The separation of saints and sinners by Jesus and His angels and then the judgment of the saints, by You, personally. We are accountable for those things we do after we commit to serving You. Thank You Father for Your mercy; it is both our hope and our salvation, sent by You. Jesus, we are so grateful for the presence of Your enabling Spirit in our lives. Bless us we pray, in Your name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell