Forgiven, March 12

Forgiven, March 12

... Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"
Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Galatians 4:6-7, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we have learned that "Abba" is translated as Daddy, a term of endearment we use to express love and trust. Has anyone that has embraced a child not understood what a privilege it is to be as "Daddy or Mommy" to a child? There is nothing more tender than a child absorbing the love and embrace of their father or mother.

This scripture teaches us of Your love. It is a scripture that says we are no longer slaves, but we are Your children, You are our Father, who tenderly loves us. You say we are heirs to Your throne because Jesus has cleansed us and we are now encapsulated in His purity. We do not come into Your presence Father on our own merit. We are only able to enter into Your presence because we have been regenerated from sinner to son, from failures in the flesh, to sons and daughters able to radiate Your love.

When we see the purity of our children, our babies, we see a picture of how we appear to You. Innocent, even though guilty, cleansed even though we need daily renewal. Bless us as we seek Your perfection. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Salvation, March 11

Salvation, March 11

... Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh,

how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Hebrews 9:11-15, 28, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You teach us here how Jesus replaced the Old Covenant and how the animal sacrifices Jews made for their sins were no longer sufficient.

You, Jesus, are the Mediator of the New Covenant, redeeming the souls of all who accept You as the Son of God. Sacrifice for sin is finished. You, Jesus covered all sin for all time with Your act of atonement.

You have taught us that the New Covenant is not "in addition" to the Old Covenant, but that it replaces the Old Covenant, yet, we who love You will naturally obey the commandments of our Lord. We do not obey in order to be saved, we obey because we love You and we are saved.

Eternal life is ours, thanks to the grace of You Father and the enabling act of sacrifice by You, Jesus.

We await Your glorious, triumphant return!

Bruce Caldwell

Joy, March 10

Joy, March 10

Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land...
... the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their strength in the time of trouble.

Psalms 37:34, 39, www.solascriptura.com

Father, may we exhort one another to love and obey your Holy word and to keep Your way. Teach us new truths, afresh every day, so that the life You have given us might bring glory to you.

Help us Father not to be overwhelmed with the cares of this world, so pre-occupied that we leave You out of the issues we face and the decisions we must make. Joy does not come easy to a burdened heart. Help us to look past the moment and to resolve to focus on the perfection that awaits us. Our faith in Your love can and will sustain us.

We pray this day for your Spirit and our spirit to be as one. That is a huge hope, Father, but we know it is Your will for each of us. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Hope, March 9

Hope, March 9

... Beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,
that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:9-12, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You expect more from those that love You because You empower them. You remind us that You will not forget our work of love that we have advanced in Your name.

Father, You have also taught us that the works that we do in Your name must spring from our faith, not our sense of duty. Thank You for teaching us that our works are in response to Your love. O' God, is there any option for Your children but to respond to Your love?

We do pray for the strength and the endurance to persist in faithful endeavor even when we are tired and frustrated. Father, when we hang our head, we are looking the wrong way. Help us look up, seeking Your guidance in all things. We pray these things in the name of Jesus, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Temptation, March 8

Temptation, March 8

... let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13, Galatians 6:1, www.solascriptura.com

Help us today, we pray, to simply turn away from temptation. To yield is to become a victim and to flee from its grasp is Your stated will. You know that we can not even watch the media without titillating ads or immoral messages bombarding our home.

Put Your hand, we pray, against those who conspire to ruin the moral fiber of our country and who prey upon the lower nature present in all of us. Guide us in paths of righteousness and give us the resolve to look for alternatives, we pray.

When we or a loved one fails, momentarily we pray, help us remember how you have forgiven each of us and that we must be prepared to forgive others. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Providence of God, March 7

Providence of God, March 7

Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless.
Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
...Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm."

Psalms 105:15, 108:12-13, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know there are those who dislike or hate us, especially if we are very public about our commitment to you. You promise to intervene on our behalf, many times without us even knowing we were being persecuted, and You assure us that whether now or later, Your love for us will prevail.

O' God, we know of cases where Your children are persecuted, even unto physical death. First, we know this life is as a vapor when compared to eternity and that Your children are safely in Your hand, forever. We also see here that revenge belongs to You and those who set out to harm Your children will be dealt with on Judgement Day.

We look to you constantly but never enough. Your thoughts toward us exceed number. Help us we pray to respond to your love, today, all day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Perseverance, March 6

Perseverance, March 6

I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word.
My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.
Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.
They draw near who follow after wickedness; they are far from Your law.
You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are truth.
Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.
Consider my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget Your law.
Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes. Great are Your tender mercies, O LORD; revive me according to Your judgments.
Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.
I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your word.
Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.
The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word.
I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.
I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law.
Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments.

Psalms 119:147-164, www.solascriptura.com

Father, in this busy life of ours, we find that our will to spend time with You is preempted by the affairs of life. We are stretched too far and we are doing important things, some time, but Father, we know that failing to look to You, to notice Your love for us, to thank You for all that You have provided, is a mistake.

Help us find time, every day, to focus on Your presence and Your Holy word. May we never stand before You and say we were too busy to talk to You, acknowledge You and seek to know You better. In Christ's enabling power, guide us to the foot of the Cross that we might worship You in Spirit and in truth. Amen

Bruce Caldwell

Providence of God, March 5

Providence of God, March 5

... the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:26-28, www.solascriptura.com

Father, these are wonderful verses, the kind we ought to memorize. Thank you for interceding for us with feelings and words we can not even express. We do become impatient as we wait upon You. Increase our faith, we pray. You are Omniscient, we are extremely limited by contrast and yet You call us saints.

This day Father, remind us that all things do work to the good for those who love You. You see what we can not see and you lead us in paths toward Your goals for our lives. Such intercession is too marvelous to fully grasp. Give us faith, every moment of every day to experience Your Holy presence, Your leading. In Jesus' name, Amen

Bruce Caldwell

Perseverance, March 4

Perseverance, March 4

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2 Tim 4:1-5, www.solascriptura.com

Father, witnessing, preaching the word, and living in such a way that we give off the aroma of one saved by the grace of God, is what You have said You expect. These commandments require that we know the word.

Father, this scripture says the time will come when people will seek out teachers who tell them what they want to hear. O' God, how we pray that You will teach Your teachers; that You will convict them and lead them to preach the whole truth, in season and out of season, when it is easy and when it is difficult.

Help us O'God to be seekers of the truth and to overcome evil in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in us. Lead us this day in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

A Chuck Smith commentary, March 3

This is a point of view/experience Chuck Smith (Founder of the Calvary Chapel movement)posted on his web site. It may give you a new perspective on an important matter.

Now this last week I had a very interesting experience. We have a fellow in our church who is the president of a polygraph firm, and so he has been doing some experiments with his polygraph machines. By hooking the connections up to a plant leaf and then watching the responses on the polygraph as the electrodes are hooked up to a plant. And he had been doing these experiments and he wanted me to come over and observe some of the things that he had discovered. And I found them very interesting.

As we are thinking about the earth showing His handiwork and day unto day they're uttering speech. And the question is, just how much understanding or knowledge is there in a plant? And so, as he hooked up the electrodes to the plant, and the needles started just moving up and down as it was measuring the responses within the leaf, he said, "Now move the needle upwards. Move in an upward position on the graph." And as he commanded it to do so, the needle started moving upward. And he said, "Now show us the downward movement." And the needle moved down on the graph. And then he said, "Now show us some violent motion," and the needle began to swing all the way across. Then he said to me, "Now you choose a number in your mind." And so he said, "Is the number one?" And of course I didn't answer. But he was just measuring the graph. "Is the number two? Is the number three?" And the needle was just going up and down, and when he got to my number seven, the needle goes way up and then came
back down again and leveled off, and then, "Eight? Nine? Ten?" And I looked at the thing and I thought, "I can't believe it." What kind of communication, you know.

Now I am certain that there are many things of God's creation that we don't understand. That there are vast facets within nature that we have only begun to scratch the surface. That God has coded in many things, wisdom that is phenomenal, things that are just amazing. And I think that there is much to be learned and much to be discovered. God says that day unto day they are uttering their speech. That it's a universal language. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. You say, "Well, what do you make of it?" I don't know what to make of it; it was weird. But it was interesting. And it just sort of opens up your mind to the fact that God's creation is far vaster than what we ever dreamed. What kind of intelligence is just in a cell itself?

There was a gal who pinched the leaf, one of the leaves on the plant, not the one that the electrode was attached to, and the needle began to move violently. She went out of the room to get something and the needle settled down. When she came back in the room, the needle started moving violently again. The way this was all discovered is a fellow had attached the electrodes to a plant and he was just watching the movement of the needle, sort of fascinated with it. And he decided to water the plant, and as he picked up the water to water the plant, the needle started going crazy. So instead of watering it, he stopped and he put the water back down, and the needle settled back down again and so he picked it up as though he was going to water, deciding he wasn't going to do it, but just see what the needle would do, and this time it didn't do anything. And he made several gestures like he was going to water it, but not intending to do it, and the needle did nothing. And this guy started
getting bugged. And so he finally decided, "Okay, I really will water it this time. I'll go ahead and really water it." And the needle started jumping again and he watered the thing. Now I don't know the explanations of it. I have no explanation for it. But it's interesting. "All nature," we sing, "All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres." Who knows? The wisdom of God who has created life forms, the infinite variety of life forms. What kind of understanding has He put into some of these life forms? I don't know. It is fascinating.

"The heavens declare the glory of God, the firmament shows His handiwork, and day unto day they utter their speech." They are talking to us. "Night unto night their voice goeth forth. There is not a speech nor a language where there voice is not heard." God speaks to man universally through nature. But though nature speaks to you of the existence of God, the testimony or the witness of nature then falls short because it cannot tell you of the love of God and the redemptive plan of God for your life. For that we needed the special revelation, and God has thus given us the special revelation that we might know His love and His plan for our lives. But the fact that God exists, we all know just by the fact of life around us and life forms around us.

This is Bruce talking now and I just want to say this "story" awakened a sense in my heart that I have always had: God is omnipresent, He is the Living Water, He knows when a hair falls from your head, the air we breathe is as the Holy Spirit made alive, the Scriptures say that the very rocks would cry out if we did not declare God. In another place the Bible says a dove descended and said "this is My Son in whom I am well-pleased". We know that not a bird falls from the sky of which He is unaware, the trees clap their hands in praise of him and on an on as the Bible teaches us how it is that He cares about us, loves us, protects us and encircles us in a more complete way than we may have ever imagined. Our God is present in every created thing. We truly never walk alone. Acknowledge Him as you feel the breeze, see the flowers, breathe the air and drink the water He has provided. He is truly omnipresent.

Praise God for His revelations. He is indeed Abba, Father, as a caring Dad and He sent His only Son, Jesus, who makes it possible for us to stand in the Father's presence. We could never encounter God's presence and experience His leading if we were approaching him as sinners, haters of the Word or enemies of all that is good.

One final point; we are sinners, saved by grace and we are servants of our Father, the Living God, all day, every day. The following words characterize the fruit of a servant and they open us up and enable us to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. If we are angry, impatient, depressed and unkind, we are missing what our God intends. Father, we are alive in You, we shed Your Light, we are energized by Your indwelling Spirit. Jesus, our worthiness is in You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Fidelity, March 2

Fidelity, March 2

I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus who dwells in us.
That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

2 Timothy 1:12-14, www.solascriptura.com

Father, not only is this verse from a wonderful old song, but it is a statement of truth. You will help us keep the faith to which we have committed. You will help us see that our commitment is a response to Your commitment. We never walk alone.

Father, You ask us to hold fast to the sound words You have taught us. This day, we pray that You will help us commit to a pattern of reading Your word that matches your expectations. It is so hard, given the everyday pressures of family life, to make "listening to You" a priority.

Father, we know that each day that passes is either an opportunity realized or an opportunity we passed up. Help us to be diligent in our response to Your love. We know that good works should spring from our faith and that our faith should produce good works. Teach us and guide us and comfort us with the indwelling Holy Spirit, Your Light within us.

In thy Son's Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Industriousness, March 1

Industriousness, March 1

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
... we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;
that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,
that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

Ephesians 4:28, Colossians 3:23-25, 1Thessalonians 4:10-12, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that your desire is that we are fruitful. You have taught us that one of the reasons to accumulate assets is to share them with those in need. Help us to know that assets, granted to us by You, make us a custodian, one who administers benefits to others.

Working with enthusiasm and joy is your hope for us. Again Father, help us to know that what we do, for and unto men, should be as if we were doing it for You personally. We work and serve, not to our glory, but to Yours. How tempting it is Father to take credit for dispensing Your gifts. Even the gift of love and caring, though free to us, came at a great cost to You. Help us this day to freely give that which we have been given.

In the material sense, most of us lack nothing that we truly need. Help us to be spiritually satisfied by Your word and presence and to generously share Your love. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Conscience, February 28

Conscience, February 28

...sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

1 Peter 3:15-18,21-22

Father, You have called us saints and yet our hearts convict us. Here You tell us to sanctify our hearts, an active process of cleansing and renewal by You, that in good conscience we might provide others with a good defense of our love for You in meekness and fear, avoiding arrogance or the suggestion of appearing judgmental.

If we suffer due to our witness Father, we read here that Christ also suffered, dying for the sins of each of us, that we might enter Your presence, not as sinful flesh, but made alive in the Spirit just as Jesus.

You then teach us water baptism cleanses and that it is good but it is standing before Jesus with a clear conscience, renewed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which saves us when Jesus, who has all authority, will judge all things.

Again God, we feel so unworthy when the flesh rules our lives. Please help us to be as Jesus this day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Joy, February 27

Joy, February 27

In this (inheritance) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

1 Pet 1:6-9, www.solascriptura.com

Father, As a result of Your grace and mercy, you promise us that through our faith in the resurrection of Jesus, we have eternal life. From this side we do not completely understand nor appreciate that which awaits but we will. Salvation from sin, suffering and weakness is assured. We know that joy and celebration will characterize heaven.

The tests here, some of which may be very severe, will continue but they too shall cease. Lead us, today, in paths of righteousness even in the presence of turmoil. Give us internal peace known by us and suspected by others. Give us a witness in this place.

We acknowledge that You have beckoned us to Your side. Thank You is an insufficient response. We will be awe struck as we meet, in person, the resurrected Christ, our Savior, Friend and Counselor. Prepare us for that moment. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, Part I, Febrary 26

Prayer, Part I, Febrary 26

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
"Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

Matthew 6:5-8, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, we thank You for these specific teachings. We read Your word because it is a lamp unto our feet. You guide us in paths of righteousness. Here You make it clear that prayer is not a performance, to be seen by others, nor a vain repetition of words that are repeated over and over.

Teach us Jesus to be comfortable talking with You all day, privately and in public (Paul tells us to pray unceasingly about every circumstance and to be grateful for every gift, and to see You in all that is created, constantly).

We know that You know our needs but we also see that You want us to express them to You. Help us be open to Your leading and give power to our prayers. What a great thought You express when You tell us that what we pray in private You will reward openly. And when You do answer our prayers, give us a sense of humility and gratitude. Our joy is in Your presence. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Revenge, February 25

Revenge, February 25

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.
There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

James 4:11-12

Dear Jesus, Your half-brother James, received a great deal of specific instruction from You. James understood the Law. You taught him and us that to love your neighbor as yourself was a commandment that summarized the last 6 of the 10 commandments. We can not love a person, unsaved or not, and still be their judge. We would ourselves be breaking the Law.

Father, some of us are very good at following the first 4 commandments wherein we are to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Some of us are very weak in loving the unlovely, the down trodden, the disobedient and those who do not love You. If we could but see every person as someone created in Your image, it surely would effect our attitude toward them.

Help us to know, today, that You Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our Counselor, our internal Guide and Strength. Help us to show others we love You by loving them as well. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Mind of Christ, February 24

Mind of Christ, February 24

… 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, in another place, Your Holy word says that You knew Jeremiah before he was in his mother's womb. Here we learn that You chose us as well, having predestined us to adoption as Your children, enabled by the willing sacrifice of Jesus, to enter into Your presence.

Yet Father, we have choices. We have been given the power of volition. We are not puppets. How then Father, can we be predestined to be Your children? Thank You for teaching us that You are never surprised by anything we do, say or think because you are omniscient, knowing the beginning from the end. You see what is unseen, by us, You know what is unknown by us and what choices we will yet make.

Father, we earnestly pray that You will help us in what seems like an unending quest, punctuated by tests, permitted by You. If our journey seems uncertain, in terms of events and goals, we have assurance that all things work to the good for those that love You and obey You. Your grace is sufficient in all things. Give us comfort this day that You are present and that You care, constantly. Your love is made manifest in everything we see. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Law of God, February 23

Law of God, February 23

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'
"But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
"If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
"And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

Matthew 5:38-41 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, this teaching goes against our nature. We seek revenge when we are wronged, as a natural instinct of the flesh. Why, Jesus, would You have us act in this way? The answer is clear enough in all of Your teaching; one can not say they love You and continue hating their brethren.

Jesus, only by Your strength in us can we behave as You have instructed. We must set aside our fleshly instinct and rely upon Your Spirit for guidance. Your word tells us that when we befriend someone that does not deserve it, that person feels a weight upon them. Our supportive actions confuse them and they feel as though our kindness is as "coals of fire heaped upon their head".

Jesus, we do not intend for our kindness to those who do not deserve it, to be an act that brings glory to us. Help us to say "I live, yet not I, but You live in us" so we can endure praise without falling victim to pride.

We know this is a "love your neighbor as yourself" circumstance. We will need Your Spirit in us to do so. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Law of God, February 22

Law of God, February 22

...we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,
knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,
according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:8-15, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Paul is teaching us, in this letter to his young protégé, Timothy, that the law, when adhered to, does not present a problem. It is law breakers that will feel the rod of correction, sometimes physically, and sometimes in ways that simply convict us and make us feel terrible.

We know that the wages of sin is death and that we all have sinned. Thank You, Jesus, for making it possible to have every sin that we have ever committed to be expunged from our record, gone forever.

Every one of us, Father, can say, with Paul, "I am a sinner and except for You, Jesus, my sins are still with me." But thank You God, that the confession of our sins, in all humility and contrition, and our will to sin no more, separates our sin from us as far as the east is from the west. What a relief to stand before You, Father, as if we had never sinned. Your mercy and grace make it so. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, Part 2, February 21

Prayer, Part 2, February 21

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You."
As for the saints who are on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."
Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god
O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; you maintain my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance.

Psalms 16:1-6, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that our goodness, absent the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, is more than just inadequate. When our fleshly instincts take over, we know we are running away from Your presence. Your word tells us that You delight in your saints, a designation none of us feel able to accept, yet it remains Your expectation. What is a saint, Father, but one whose life reflects Jesus? Help us this day to be more consistent in our walk with You.

You, Father, are not a transitory, undependable, father made of flesh. You are our permanent Heavenly Father, thus we do have a good inheritance. We are, gratefully, Your children. Your love for us exceeds human boundaries. What a wonderful designation....Your child. Amen and Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Forgiven, February 20

Forgiven, February 20

...be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Ephesians 4:32, James 4:8, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You have taught us that there are two overriding commandments. First we are to love You with all of our heart, mind, and strength and second, we are to love our neighbors as our selves.

These two verses, the first by Paul and the second by James, Your half brother Jesus, say precisely that. Paul teaches us that since we have been forgiven, it is only appropriate that we forgive others. How else could it be?

Then Father, James teaches us a verse we should all memorize. If we draw near to You, You will draw near to us. The initiative lies with us to respond but it is Your grace and mercy Father that was first extended to us.

You seek a relationship with us. How many others truly seek a relationship with us and how much more worthy are they than You? Your friendship, counsel, leadership and encouragement can not be matched by any person on earth. Help us today to learn that fact. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Courage, February 19

Courage, February 19

... God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
Let all that you do be done with love.

2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we seldom experience the kind of fear that is being felt by those who are in war zones and those who are being discriminated against, every day. We pray for them, we pray that You will give them peace and comfort. Where death prevails, life eternal is promised for all those that love You Jesus.

We know from Your word that perfect love casts out fear. That is why, Father, we can approach You and the challenges of life with confidence. Help us remember that neither man nor evil circumstance can do anything that would destroy Your love for us or our love for You.

Help us to be helpful, kind, considerate and loving so that Your love for us shines through. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, February 18

Peace, February 18

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?"
And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
"They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;
"for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7:13-17 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that the great tribulation will be a time of extreme testing. There are those who will endure the temptations to serve someone beside You, but here these saints, whose sins were washed away by the blood of Your perfect Lamb, Jesus, are depicted as an example of what You have in store for the faithful.

We also see that those who are saved will serve You. Father, sometimes we think of our future with You as moments of esteem, where we are honored for our faith. Yes, we will be honored for our faith but our eternal future will be one of being led by You to the living water and our tears we shed here will be remembered no more and we will abide in perfection; no hunger, no thirst, no excess heat, but just joy in serving You, not seeking to be honored but to be led and shepherded by You.

Remove from us our earthly bonds that we might be with You but until then, help us to joyfully and faithfully serve others and to love and obey You. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Children, February 17

God's Children, February 17

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.
Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

I John 3:2-7 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know You created us in Your own image. You had other choices! Here, the Apostle John, referred to as "the beloved apostle" by Jesus, teaches us that we have not yet seen what will be revealed. He simply tells us to take comfort that we will be as You.

This is the hope that "purifies", Father. What a wonderful truth. Hope in You, purifies us. We, too often, feel impure. John says, "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous." Help us today to choose righteousness, not sin. Help us look to You. Be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, we pray. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

The Narrow Gate, February 16

The Narrow Gate, February 16

"... to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
"So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Revelation 3:14-22 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, this set of verses may represent the greatest challenge we will ever experience. Your disgust with our being "lukewarm" is graphically clear. We get the point; but, Jesus, help us understand what it is to be "hot".

We can see that You would even prefer us cold, to being lukewarm. Why is being lukewarm such an awful condition? Jesus, we speculate, but when we are cold, we are not being hypocritical. We simply are voluntarily moving away from You, not claiming any kind of personal relationship with You. Therefore, our actions are truly representative of our situation.

If we are lukewarm, we could be sending mixed signals. We could be viewed as being hypocritical or at least as inconsistent. Yet, being "hot", all the time implies a level of commitment with which we may be uncomfortable.

Jesus, we have been taught that a new heart means a new start, where we can say "I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me." If we live every day, looking to You for guidance, comfort, wisdom and renewal, would we not be considered "hot"? We pray that is so. None of us wants to be lukewarm. Lead us today, Jesus, in paths of righteousness, all day, and every day, we pray. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Gifts, February 15

God's Gifts, February 15

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

2 Corinthians 9:15, Galatians 5:22-23 www.solascriptura.com

Father, when Paul uses the word "gift" in this verse, he calls it indescribable. Why would he say "indescribable? One reason may be that you shared some information with Paul that he was told not to share with us. He said they were "inexpressible" words which he was not permitted to utter, after being caught up in what he called "the third heaven".

Father, if there is a third heaven, is there not a first and second heaven? Paul said he could not tell us but he does say the gift is "indescribable". O'God, we really do see things "dimly" and we know that what is, is not what will be. The frustrations and difficulties of this life do not compare with the glory You will yet show us.

Father in the midst of the turmoil of this world, Paul reminds us of what we can experience right now. We look forward to no more pain and disabilities for eternity but right now You grant us the fruits of the Spirit, freely given to all who seek them; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. No matter how difficult life can be, these promises are to us all, right now. We praise You for Your love for us. We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Temple of God, February 14

Temple of God, February 14

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
But 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.

I Peter 5:8-10 www.solascriptura.com

Dear God, sometimes we forget that we who love You have a big target on our back and that Satan is indeed looking for ways to bring us down, to break our faith and to make us doubt that You are there for us.

It seems apparent, Father, that Satan does not waste his time bringing down those who he thinks belong to him (You have taught us that he has limitations of time and space). We pray that no one will choose evil over good, Satan over You.

You say to resist the devil. How do we do that, given the range of his power that You have granted to him? Your word says we, in and of our own strength, can not resist him. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can withstand the temptations that Satan places before us.

Nothing is as insightful as your word..."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." Thank You for sharing Your wisdom and truth with us.

We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, February 13

Prayer, February 13

Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; my ears You have opened; burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.
Then I said, "Behold, I come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me.
I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart."

Psalms 40:5-8, www.solascriptura.com

Father, When we look at all You have created, we are overwhelmed with Your omniscience and omnipotence. You are indeed all knowing and all powerful. Here You tell us of Your omnipresence in our lives. Your thoughts towards us exceed number. You are a constant reality. We are truly never alone.

You do not desire sacrifice from us. Jesus has atoned for our sins, once and for all. Without our giving You anything, You have given us everything. We sometimes feel we want to "deserve your love" or "to do works to earn Your love". Forgive us for trying to add something that You do not require.

The names of Your children are written in the scroll of the book. We know that to be absent from that scroll we would have to have removed ourselves from Your extended hand of love. We pray that each of us not only reaches for You but that we look to the truth that You have written on our hearts as a source of strength and assurance that Your hope for us is eternal. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Forgiven, February 12

Forgiven, February 12

For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?

2 Corinthians 13:4-5, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that when Jesus went to the cross He could have, by Your Holiness in Him, destroyed every person responsible for his being crucified. He chose to do Your will Father and was crucified. His enemies thought they had won the day.

In fact, His choice and His subsequent resurrection paved the way for the redemption of all who will believe. No crucifixion and no resurrection and we would all still be alienated from You, God.

Here You tell us to examine ourselves, to look into our hearts and ask ourselves if the Holy Spirit, Jesus in us, actually exists. The answer, if we are to be saved, is yes, yes, He lives in my heart and every time I turn to Him I am making the right decision, the right move. Bless each of us and help us as we seek to know You better. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Salvation, February 11

Salvation, February 11

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands... and purify your hearts...
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

James 4:8, 1 Peter 1:3-5 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we can see that this simple promise wherein if we draw near to You, You will draw near to us, is the key to our salvation. The opposite probably is true as well. If we distance ourselves from You, You will distance Yourself from us. We know from many scriptures that our sins grieve You. It seems our neglect of You, as we live our lives, does the same.

Help us today to focus on the fact that our inheritance, in You, is incorruptible, that our spirit, united with Your Spirit, will endure forever. May we cling to You when everything the world offers seems to be pulling us away. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Hope, February 10

Hope, February 10

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us...

Psalms 62:5-8, www.solascriptura.com

Father, as we look about and decide who it is we can depend upon and who it is we can trust, our hearts and mind turn to You. You are the unchanging, ever-present force in our lives. Our expectations and hopes are centered upon You, not upon transitional persons or images made by man.

You alone are our rock and our salvation. We look to You in times of trouble and we love it when You make our heart joyful with incomparable blessings; eternal blessings!

We pour our heart out to You in hope and in praise. Help us today not to become depressed by the sin and pain all around us but to instead seek You and Your will for the lives of all the persons in the world. We love You in good times and in difficult times and we know Your eyes are constantly upon us. We pray in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell