Prayer, June 30, 2008
Prayer, June 30, 2008 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!
Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes! Psalms 119:9-12 www.solascriptura.com Father, You pose the question and then provide the answer; we can cleanse our way by obeying Your word. We pray, that this day, our way is Your way, that our thoughts are as Your thoughts. Most of us have not sought You with our whole heart because that would mean a level of pursuit to which we aspire and but have rarely achieved. We are told to "hunger and thirst for righteousness", something we want to do. Help us to hide Your word in our hearts. Why; because it will help us not sin against You. Teach us Your statutes, afresh. We pray in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Forgiven, June 29, 2008
Forgiven, June 29, 2008 ... when I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right, "if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die.
"None of his sins which he has committed shall be remembered against him; he has done what is lawful and right; he shall surely live. Ezekiel 33:14-16, www.solascriptura.com Father, you, under the Old Covenant, made the same type provision You have made under the New Covenant. The faith Your people had in You and their obedience to Your laws brought forgiveness. Under the New Covenant, Jesus changed things forever by inscribing Your truth on the heart of every person. Now we are invited, by Your grace, then our faith in the risen Christ, our Savior, delivers us and enables us to bear fruit. Jesus, what You did for us on the cross rendered the sacrifice of animals meaningless as it pertains to cleansing us of our sins. We too need to focus on obedience but we have a huge advantage as we strive to meet Your expectations. We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, Comforter and Enabler. Our gratitude for the love You have shown us is able to be demonstrated in our obedience to Your laws and our love for our neighbor. Strengthen us, through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, that we might serve You this day. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Salvation, June 28, 2008
Salvation, June 28, 2008 ...do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Rom 13:11-14, www.solascriptura.com
Father, now we know where the expression, "it is high time we did so and so" came from. It is indeed "high time" to wake up because our salvation is nearer than we first believed. In some cases, mine in particular, the time allotted is far spent. In other cases, the lives of some of these loved ones who share in this prayer has hardly begun. Each allotted day of our lives is a day in which we can either bring glory to You or not. We thank You Father for teaching us that "finishing well" matters, no matter when we start the journey.
Help us this day to put on the armor of Light, to yield to the illumination You are offering. What a precarious thing it is to walk in total darkness. We can visualize how difficult it would be to extend our hands and "feel" our way through each day. That is how You portray one who chooses to walk in sin, as one agreeing to walk in darkness. Bless and lead us this day and have Your Light guide us. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Hope, June 27, 2008
Hope, June 27, 2008 ... you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight--
if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven...
the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Colossians 1:21-23, 26-29, www.solascriptura.com
Father, we do not feel blameless or beyond deserving a scolding, or worse, for our sins. We have never felt "perfect"; but you have taught us that we have a wrong perspective. We are not perfect except as the cloak of Jesus, His cloak of righteousness, completely covers us. It is His perfection in our lives that we seek. It is Jesus who brings us into Your presence.
Help us, this day, to grasp the fact that we cannot enter into Your presence as sinners and that our only hope for salvation is in Christ Jesus, our Savior, our Redeemer, who stands before You proclaiming our worthiness, in Him. What a perfect advocate You have sent Father. Our sins are as separate from us as the east is from the west, never to be remembered against us, ever again. That is the good news. Help us, today, to share it with someone. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Providence of God, June 26, 2008
Providence of God, June 26, 2008 I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You,
The One who gives salvation to kings, who delivers David His servant from the deadly sword.
Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouth speaks lying words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood--
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style;
That our barns may be full, supplying all kinds of produce; that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields;
That our oxen may be well-laden; that there be no breaking in or going out; that there be no outcry in our streets.
Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the LORD! Psalms 144:9-15 , www.solascriptura.com Father, we are indeed happy that we are Your people. Help us teach our children Your ways that they may bring honor and glory to Your name. Teach us God to look up and consider Your presence, all day, knowing that You direct our footsteps if we ask it of You. To whom else could we look? There is no one like You. Bless us this day, we pray. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Perseverance, June 25, 2008
Perseverance, June 25, 2008 Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls--
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength; he will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.... Habakkuk 3:17-19, www.solascriptura.com
Father, few of us are without adequate food and we are blessed with many things that are not essential to sustain life. Yet, we worry about our needs, sometimes too much. Help us O'God to trust you for all things, large and small. Take anxiety about such matters far from us and replace it with the joy and confidence in Your presence and Your provisions.
What we need Father is a greater and greater dependence on You. Our enduring treasure is in heaven, not on earth. Help us to use the assets that You give us in this life to better serve You, to run swiftly toward the goal and to walk with You on high hills, even when experiencing challenges in our day to day lives. Thank you for Your constant presence, wisdom and sovereign control. We trust You Father! In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Humility, June 24, 2008
Humility, June 24, 2008 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? The LORD is righteous..., he will do no unrighteousness. Every morning He brings His justice to light; he never fails, but the unjust knows no shame. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Micah 6:8, Zephaniah 3:5, Psalm 34:18-19, Matthew 11:29-30, www.solascriptura.com Father, You require so little of us and all that You require is good. Help us to choose the good, to take Your yoke upon ourselves and to take comfort in the fact of Your presence. We read that You draw near to those whose spirit is humble and contrite. Keep us this day from prideful behavior and self-serving attitudes. Father, righteousness is always better than evil and love better than hate. Thank You for making the choice so clear. We pray that we may take Your yoke upon us because it is easy and light compared to the one we sometimes choose to bear. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Conscience, June 23, 2008
Conscience, June 23, 2008 ...Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still...
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands ...and purify your hearts... Psalms 4:4-5, James 4:8, www.solascriptura.com Father, as wonderful as a good night's sleep is, it is equally wonderful to know that when we awaken, too early, You are there, waiting for us to acknowledge Your presence in the affairs of our lives. We do have "agendas". Sometimes they press in on us and seem to force You out. What a grave error it is Father when we proceed as if You were not present and as if You did not care. Drawing near to You in all circumstances and at all times is Your desire for us. You have told us that Your thoughts toward us exceed number. What a wonderful reality. Help us, this day, to respond to that truth by acknowledging Your presence and asking for Your guidance In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Joy, June 22, 2008
Joy, June 22, 2008 ... sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. ...we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ... we... worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Romans 5:2, Phil 3:3, www.solascriptura.com Father, we learn from these verses that spiritual poverty makes us ineffective in fulfilling Your will. Yet, when we are full of the Holy Spirit, no matter what our economic situation by worldly standards, we possess all which You intended and by giving it away, we see others inherit the wealth, the Spiritual wealth that You desire for each of us. The grace You extend to us is undeserved. Help us to be as You Jesus in extending that kind of love to others, forgiving them, and praying for them as we rejoice in Your presence in our lives. We pray for more love for others. There is no way for us to ask for more love from You. Our cup overflows. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Prayer, Part I, June 21, 2008
Prayer, Part I, June 21, 2008 O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You; your right hand upholds me. Psalms 63:1-8, www.solascriptura.com Father, from dawn to the moment we go to sleep, and even as we awaken in the middle of the night, we want to be as King David was, the one of whom You said, "He is a man after my own heart", seeking You. Help us not to exclude You from the activities of the day nor to do, say or think things that embarrass us before You as we look back. Help us O'God to have a continual thirst for Your word in our hearts and minds, knowing that Your supply, though infinite, needs to be refreshed continually. Odd, but true, that we can be spiritually aware one moment and embroiled in sin the next. We know that Satan seeks to bring us down. Keep us in Your Holy hands that we might continually lift our hands in praise to You. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Revenge, June 20, 2008
Revenge, June 20, 2008 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.
Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked;
For there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out. Proverbs 24:17-20, www.solascriptura.com Father, the Wisdom of Solomon tells us that we should take no pleasure in the failure of people who do not like us and that if we do, it displeases You. Help us this day not to act as though we are responsible for judging the affairs of evil people. We pray for their salvation. Seeing the lamp of an evil person put out is to see them suffering in darkness forever. We too once were disobedient (and we still are, at times). Thank You for preserving our opportunity to be saved even while we were yet sinners. We pray that Your enemies and our enemies will yet become Your forgiven children. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Love before witnessing? June 19, 2008
Love before witnessing? June 19, 2008 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com Should genuine "caring" for someone precede witnessing to them? Perhaps the best way to approach this question is by posing the opposite view. If you do not like someone and they know that you have no concern for their personal needs, do you feel you can still be an effective witness to them? Probably not; it seems we must first, where the opportunity exists, connect with the person on the human level before they are interested in our spiritual message. Compassionate, caring behavior opens doors where inconsiderate and unloving behavior slams them shut. But one could ask "what good does it do to be a friend if the friend we are trying to introduce to Jesus, never wants to move our relationship beyond being pals." The Bible provides a response. "Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy… though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2, 14:1 NKJV To prophesy, as used here, means to teach, to share Christ's love with others. If the person you are trying to witness to does not sense that you love Jesus and them, then your love is incomplete and your witness will be weak. They will know us by our love; no love, no witness. Listen to Paul: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 NKJV The Father wants you, His child, to love Him and to tell others of His love for them. When Jesus was asked, what the two most important commandments are, He answered: "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV There you have it. The two greatest commandments are to love God and your neighbor. Love is the light you bring to a relationship. Your love for God shines through and God Himself has enabled you, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love people that you could never have loved before you knew God. Since Jesus presents you to the Father wrapped in His righteousness, completely cleansed and forgiven, you will find it very logical to extend friendship and support to His children as well. Then they will "hear" you, whether they respond or not. It is our pleasure to witness, not to convert. Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a new believer. Discuss persons that you have wanted to witness to but felt that they were not "ready". Then reflect on whether they know you really care for them. Does caring for them mean they have to become perfect in Christ before you will relate to them? Were we perfect in Christ before He came to us? Does it always have to be, "love first, then witness?" Sometimes your love is revealed in your countenance. If you are at peace with the Lord, people will notice. If you have Godly habits, people will notice. Core Christian Value: Our witness is most effective if the person we are witnessing to knows that we love them and if they can see "Christ in us", a person reborn seeking to be like Jesus. Bruce Caldwell
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Mind of Christ, June 18, 2008
Mind of Christ, June 18, 2008 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16, www.solascriptura.com
Father, We have received Your Spirit and it is a witness, a guide, a light unto our spirit. We have known those who feel that the worship of You is foolish and they ridicule those who choose to follow You.
Your gift to us, a Spirit-filled life, is clearly something that we do not deserve nor are we able to earn it. It is a gift of grace, one that gives us access to the mind of Christ, in us, a promise and a reality that exceeds reason. Help us this day to accept the breadth and depth of that gift. In the Holy name of Jesus we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Law of God, June 17, 2008
Law of God, June 17, 2008 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Romans 7:14-19, www.solascriptura.com Father, we are reminded that You appointed Paul to be a minister to the Gentiles. He was a Jew and a friend of Jews but found that the Jews largely rejected Jesus as Savior. Paul knew the law having been a student of Gamaliel, the great Jewish scholar. Father, You have taught us that it was Paul's strong belief, before his encounter with Jesus, that it was possible and proper to adhere to the law. Father, here Paul is teaching us that there is a great struggle going on in the heart of man. Man knows that what is right and true yet he does things that are clearly wrong, as judged by the law. We know that Jesus is the answer to the struggle. It is His Spirit in us that enable us to bring our hopes to action. Father, we know that adherence to the law is good and we know that we can not do so without Your power in us. Thank You for cleansing us of our past sins, by the redeeming love of Jesus, for us, and help us, this day, to know that You would have us sin no more. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Peace, June 16, 2008
Peace, June 16, 2008 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:3-13 www.solascriptura.com Father, Paul was a wonderful messenger and his word rings as true today as it did then. Help us to join with Paul in serving You. Strengthen us, every day, to cope with whatever comes and help us trust in Your promised compassion and direction for every circumstance we face. Jesus, help us this day to focus on what is good, noble, pure, lovely and virtuous. We know that is Your will for us. Remove all temptation and sin from our lives, minds and hearts, we pray, in Your Holy name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Courage, June 15, 2008
Courage, June 15, 2008 "I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; "For the Lord GOD will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.
He is near who justifies Me; who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me.
Surely the Lord GOD will help Me; who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
"Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God. Isaiah 42:6, 50:7-10 www.solascriptura.com Father, this first verse capitalizes "You". We know, therefore, that the prophet was saying that You, God, will hold the hand of Jesus during His time with us. Then we notice that all of these verses pertain to Jesus except the last one, wherein You address us. We are to obey the voice of Your Servant, Jesus. We are to rely upon You God, in the same way Jesus did. It is You Jesus who will not be disgraced or ashamed in the eyes of the Father; it is You that God justifies. Who can contend with You, who is Your adversary? You Jesus will judge us; You will uphold those that seek You. You and the Father are one and we can be one with You. That is empowerment and a bit beyond our understanding. We simply acknowledge that it is true. In Jesus' name we come to you, Amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Gods Children, June 14, 2008
God's Children, June 14, 2008 … 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 Jesus, predestination is such a mystery to us. Paul reminds us that You chose us, that is, You knew from the beginning of time which of us would respond to Your call. Does that mean we had no choice? Apparently not, because You repeatedly teach us to seek You, to pray about Your will for our lives to be fulfilled, to pray for the disadvantaged, to proclaim You to the lost. Jesus, Paul himself was a persecutor of Christians and he certainly declared himself as Your enemy. He did not know that You would come to him and draw him to Yourself. Father, we too, have choices, but the fact that You know what choices we will make is a mystery to us, but not to You. You will not lose one who seeks You; one who was predestined to respond to Your grace and love. Help us to be among those that You knew would respond to Your call and thank You, Jesus, for calling us, for claiming us as Your own. Bless us and we seek to know You, better and better. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
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The Narrow Gate, June 13, 2008
The Narrow Gate, June 13, 2008 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. 1 Corinthians 10:13 www.solascriptura.com Father, You have taught us that temptation is a tool of Satan. He uses various approaches to see if we are able to resist. If we do not overcome the temptation, we lose, he wins. Here You assure us that temptations are common to all persons. No one is immune to temptation; no one is shielded from temptation. We wonder, at times, why You allow temptation to come to us; why have You given Satan access to us? Couldn't You have just protected all Your children from temptation? Of course You could have done so but then we would not have had to exercise our faith, we would not have had to make choices. You teach us Father that You permit the "test" but you never present the temptation. You allow it but You did not contrive a circumstance where we are tempted. Here You promise us a marvelous thing. You will, with every temptation, provide a way to escape that allows us to bear it and to come out strengthened. You never permit Satan to win when we turn our hearts to You in the midst of a trial. Jesus, You were tempted in every way, and You showed us how to respond. You experienced the power of temptation and You sympathize with us during our difficult trials. Help us today, to lean upon You and Your understanding and deliver us we pray from falling prey to Satan's attempts to bring us down. We pray this in the power of Your Holy name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Gods children, June 12, 2008
God's children, June 12, 2008 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 www.solascriptura.com Father, this is the same commandment Jesus referred to when a lawyer asked him "What is the greatest commandment". We know Jesus added the other half of the answer in another statement by saying "love your neighbor as yourself", telling us that these two commandments encompass all of the commandments. Loving You and our neighbor that much is so right, but it raises the question; do we actually possess that deep, perfect love for You and our neighbor and if so, how does it manifest itself in the course of each day? We know that this kind of love must result in our sharing it with our children, when we teach them, pray with them and speak of You and when we rise up and when we lie down. You expect us to make Your presence a constant reality in the lives of our children; not a special event but a common event. Help us, this day, to declare to You, our intention to fulfill this commandment; then guide us as we seek to teach our children. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Temple of God, June 11, 2008
Temple of God, June 11, 2008 ...be imitators of God as dear children.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 5:1-6, www.solascriptura.com O' God, You ask us to be imitators of You, and we know that Jesus was You, incarnate and that if we have seen the Son we have seen the Father. Jesus was the only person who ever lived who never sinned. Your Scriptures say "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Every person, aside from Jesus, has sinned. Father, we confess we are sinners, saved by grace and that when we reach for a relationship with Jesus, He willingly accepts us, forgives us and cleanses us. Jesus said, I no longer call you servants, but I call you friends because I will reveal to you all that the Father has revealed to Me. How Father, can we know all things concerning You? Jesus told us the answer. He said I will, by the grace of the New Covenant, write the truth upon the heart of every person and all we must do to learn the truth is to come to the Light within. That, Father, is why You call us saints and tell us we are the temple of the Holy Father. We feel so distant, at times, from realizing that truth. We sometimes move towards darkness, we move away from You and away from Your Holy word. Forgive us for those occasions and help us to grow up, to become sanctified and to be as much like You, Jesus, as possible. We pray in Your Holy name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Prayer, June 10, 2008
Prayer, June 10, 2008 Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!
Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments.
I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments.
I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly! Ps 119:5-8 www.solascriptura.com Father, we seek to be obedient, to know Your will and to do it, this day. Strengthen us and teach us to look to You every moment of the day whether we are encountering stress or joy. We know You draw near to us as we draw near to You and that if we choose to walk away from You, we do so at our own peril. You tell us that being ashamed stems from disobedience. Thank You for giving us a conscience that is active and alive: The Word in us, sharper than a two edged sword, both correcting us and saving us, all at the same time. Father, we greatly prefer to praise You and acknowledge You before men than to try to "go it alone", as though our sufficiency was from our strength. Give us the resolve, we pray, to seek Your will in all things. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Forgiven, June 9, 2008
Forgiven, June 9, 2008 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my mind and my heart.
For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."
Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger; you have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. Psalms 26:2-3, 27:7-9, www.solascriptura.com Father, sometimes we want to say, with King David, examine me, try my mind and heart (judge me); but too often we would rather not have you examine us because of our mistakes. Who among us seeks Your judgment? No, it is not Your judgment we seek, it is Your mercy. Give us, this day, confidence that when we seek You, You do not turn Your face from us. Father, we know that we need to seek You more frequently. When we do so, the ratio of temptations to sin will diminish proportionately. Our prayers, in the midst of trials, lift us above momentary circumstances. The circumstances pass and we are blessed. Help us to know that moment of blessing is Your will being exercised in our lives. Our trials turn into triumphs, righteousness replaces sin and we feel cleansed. Thank You God for presenting us with a "you can count on Me" relationship. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Salvation, June 8, 2008
Salvation, June 8, 2008 … We who first trusted in Christ... In Him you also trusted after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:12-14, www.solascriptura.com
Father, Paul was a Jew speaking to Jews, at first, (but many rejected Jesus as Messiah) and here in his letter to the Ephesians, a Gentile area, Paul teaches us that those who love You and obey You are "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise". Father, for this degree of certainty, we are grateful.
Our inheritance is guaranteed. It was purchased by the blood of Jesus, whose redemptive act guarantees our standing before You. Help us, this day, to fully grasp what has happened, what was foreknown to You before it ever happened and that which was clearly declared by Your prophets, hundred of years before it happened. Prophecy fulfilled; adding certainty where doubt could arise. You, Father, are the guarantor of our salvation. Perfect! Amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Providence of God, June 7, 2008
Providence of God, June 7, 2008 ... the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
"Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
"And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
"and said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went.
"Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.
And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why have you been standing here idle all day?'
"They said to him, 'Because no one hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.'
"So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.'
"And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.
"But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.
"And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,
"saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.'
"But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
'Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.
'Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?'
"So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen." Matthew 20:1-16 , www.solascriptura.com Father, we know, from your word, that our good works and the length of time we serve You, are not, by themselves, the determining factors. We do not "earn" salvation, it is a gift, by Your grace God. Jesus, thank you for teaching us that it is critical that we "finish well". Whether we serve You briefly or for many years, help us, we pray, not to think of ourselves as more deserving than others. Take the pride we sometimes feel as we perform good works far from us and replace it with joy as we experience Your will for our life. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Perseverance, June 6, 2008
Perseverance, June 6, 2008 ...you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
"When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
"A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. "It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!
"Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
"Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
"Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matt 10:22-31, www.solascriptura.com
Jesus, for these words of enlightenment, we are grateful. We do not want to be persecuted or disliked when we tell people we belong to You and have chosen to serve You.
We do not fear those who persecute us even if they were able to sentence us to physical death for loving You. No man can take us from Your eternal protection. Your presence is like a protective shield around us, encouraging us to persist in our love. Father, we are overwhelmed to realize that You know when a hair falls from our head or a bird falls from the sky. Such omniscience and omnipresence exceed our understanding, but not our appreciation. O'God, if we could but acknowledge and respond to Your unending presence, how much smoother our day would go. Give us the perseverance this day to witness of Your love and to endure whatever comes, knowing that some will be encouraged, not all. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Humility, June 5, 2008
Humility, June 5, 2008 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
"Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "... whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 18:2-4, 23:12, www.solascriptura.com Father, we are Your children but we have in most cases lost our innocence. Thank You for teaching us that real innocence is in the heart of a child. You show us that children are trusting and dependent and that You want us to be the same. Help us as parents and grandparents to teach these innocent children, Your gifts to us, how much You love them. The truth is truly written on the heart of every man and we see it in the children. We also know, that as we mature, we are able to erase our names from the Book of Life by drifting from innocence to unforgiven guilt. A name could never be blotted out, by our own actions, Father, unless it was first there. Help us today to reassure our children of their innocence and their opportunities to grow in Your grace. We thank You Father for the simplicity of the Gospel. Help us, this day to humbly enter into Your Holy presence with a faith that is like a child's faith. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Industriousness, June 4, 2008
Industriousness, June 4, 2008 "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:8-11 Jesus, You have taught us that God is glorified as we bear fruit as Your disciples. It is Your love for us, just as it was the Father's love for You, that is the enabling factor. Help us, this day, to trust and obey and to abide in Your love in such a way that it is obvious to everyone that we seek to serve You. The result you promise is that Your joy will fill us and that our joy will be complete. There is no way to have joy in this troubled world, Jesus, but to seek to be Your disciples, no matter what happens. The world will perish that a more perfect existence may come to all of those who name You as their personal Savior and in clinging to that fact we are able to possess joy. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Conscience, June 3, 2008
Conscience, June 3, 2008 ... it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 4:6, Proverbs 26:2, 2 Corinthians 7:1 www.solascriptura.com Father, You, who created light in the darkness also gave us the Light that abides in us. You call it the "light of knowledge". Help us to know today that Your knowledge is in us if we would but turn to that Light within. Your Light is like a built in lie detector wherein every thought, action and vision is evaluated by You and taught to us. We are truly without excuse when we fail to turn to the Light. You have taught us that curses, like a flying bird, do no light on people without a cause. Help us this day to be obedient to your laws and to receive blessings, not curses. Your promises are to those who seek You. May we flee from sinful thoughts or deeds knowing that if our own heart condemns us we will be without excuse before You. Please perfect Your Holiness in us this day, in Jesus' name. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Joy, June 2, 2008
Joy, June 2, 2008 For this reason we... do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; Colossians 1:9-11 Father, Paul instructs us not to cease in our prayers for others and then tells us what specific things to pray for. These things Father, we also need to receive from You, daily. Do fill us with knowledge of Your will with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Requests like this are so encompassing that we must linger Father over the depth of meaning. If You grant us this prayer our works will become fruitful and pleasing to You. Paul then teaches us that we will be strengthened in all might and spiritual power and that we will joyfully be patient with others. Father, does our witness seem to be joyful and patient? Can those words be in the same sentence? Are we able to do both at the same time? Yes, but only by Your power and in Your grace. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Prayer, Part I, June 1, 2008
Prayer, Part I, June 1, 2008 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.
I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.
But certainly God has heard me; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me! Psalms 66:16-20 www.solascriptura.com Father, the way that David states this Psalm makes it seem like only those who fear You can be heard by You. Is this true? Father, we do fear You but not in the way people usually define fear. We know that when You created the earth, flooded the earth, shook the earth and parted the seas for Your people that Your power is beyond our understanding and that when we enter into Your presence we are approaching Omnipotence, Omniscience and Omnipresence, words that we can define but not truly grasp. Our fear will be as awesome reverence. Those who do not serve You, will, on the other hand be truly fearful. What a wonderful truth that Your mercy endures forever for those that trust You and that You extend Your loving hand toward us, even when we were and are in sin. Father, we want to be more like Jesus and for sin to move farther and farther from us. Sanctify us this day and every person we know. We will testify of Your love this day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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