Peace, July 31, 2008
Peace, July 31, 2008 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. John 16:33, Gal 5:22-25 www.solascriptura.com Jesus, we know that having Your presence in our lives and hearts brings us peace. Yet, we do not always feel at peace. We sometimes say the wrong things, do the wrong things and think the wrong things. We know, Jesus, there is no peace in disobedience. Help us today to do Your will at all times, knowing that when we do, peace comes as a gentle breeze and encompasses, even in the midst of tribulation. Jesus, the fruits of the Spirit are always before us as measuring sticks. We either bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit or in failing to do so we experience a sense of defeat, brought on by our own mistakes. You speak of those who follow You as having crucified the flesh. Jesus, the instincts of the flesh, which are the very opposite of the fruits of the Spirit, need to be extinguished and You provide the enabling power for us to do so. We need to know that the fire extinguisher is always full and ready and that we are able to use it over and over and not run low on the resource of Your power. Help us, today, to not walk away from the victory You have provided. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Courage, July 30, 2008
Courage, July 30, 2008 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 28:1, 4, 29:25, www.solascriptura.com Father, Solomon teaches us something that is not always obvious. The wicked know they are being wicked and they are always looking over their shoulder, worrying about getting caught! Those who love You prefer to seek You in righteousness and obedience and we know that when we do, we are comforted by You, not apprehended by the law. The wicked applaud the wicked and in spite of the fact that each of them know they are sinning, they look away from Your impending judgment. Help us never to develop a hardened heart, one that tries to dismiss You, God. We know, Father that even with the clear evidence that sin will be harshly judged, men and women ignore You and go on sinning. Your word teaches us that eventually, on judgment day, they will drop to their knees and confess, they will be overtaken with fear and they will plead for Your mercy. We hear Solomon say "...whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe". Help us to trust You and to stop willfully sinning if any of us are doing so. Grant us Your mercy. Oh how we pray for Your mercy. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Gods Children, July 29, 2008
God's Children, July 29, 2008 ... as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:14-17 www.solascriptura.com Jesus, we know that those who do not proclaim their love for You, will experience fear when You judge them. On the other hand, if we love You, we have a Spirit of adoption. You are our Savior, our Friend. Your Spirit bears witness to our spirit, confirming Your presence. We may or may not be suffering for having declared our faith in You, but if we do, and it seems we will, we know that is confirmation of the fact that we are heirs with You. You suffered for us and if we suffer for You, we should consider it as an opportunity to bring glory to You. Jesus, we never want to suffer but help us to take the risks associated with declaring You before our family, friends and neighbors. It is our great privilege to do so. We pray in Your Holy name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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The Narrow Gate, July 28, 2008
The Narrow Gate, July 28, 2008 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Romans 1:22-25 www.solascriptura.com Father, Here the Apostle Paul describes how some of mankind changed Your glory into images of man, birds, four-footed animals and creeping things. Since Paul wrote these words, men have invented additional images to worship. Paul says, "You gave them up"; You allowed them to pursue their own form of worship wherein they worshiped and served things that you created, instead of You. Father, help us today to examine ourselves and see if we are lifting up anyone or anything above You. Do we, in a sense, worship success, money, acclaim and the achievements of others, more than You? Help us not to elevate anything or anyone above our relationship with You. We pray in Jesus' Hoy name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Gods Gifts, July 27, 2008
God's Gifts, July 27, 2008 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-7, 12-14, www.solascriptura.com Father, Paul was addressing a divided congregation when he taught them these words. They were arguing over such things as which preacher was best, which gift was best and whether some were "in" and others "out". We thank You for Paul's straightforward teaching. We see that there is one Spirit and when we have You in our heart, we are equal but our differences, in terms of gifts, remain. No matter what gift we have, we only have it because of You. Keep us from pride, especially the kind of pride that divides, elevating us to the level of judge. Father, You do not ask us to abandon our personal identity and the gifts You have given us as we seek to serve You. You have said the opposite; the Body of believers, the Church, is made up of different parts and it is the breadth of our gifts that contribute to the effectiveness of the whole. We are truly One Body, made up of many parts. Thank You Father for encouraging us to seek our gifts, our special callings, as we seek to serve You. Bruce Caldwell
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Temple of God, July 26, 2008
Temple of God, July 26, 2008 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 www.solascriptura.com Father, Paul reminds us that we are the temple of God. He teaches that if we defile the temple that You will destroy us. What is it that we might do Father to defile the temple? That is a question that each of us needs to answer as individuals. If we were to make a list of things that we think "defile the temple", what would our list include? God, help us know what it is that You would have us stop doing. We pray for the Holy Spirit in us to give us the resolve to make any changes in our lifestyle and habits that are necessary. Help each of us to be Holy in Your sight; we pray in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Joy sent; joy received, July 25, 2008
Joy sent; joy received, July 25, 2008 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com How can I feel joyful when my life and the world around me are falling apart? First, let's understand what God prescribes in a Psalm from David: "…let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield." Psalms 5:11-12 NKJV In the midst of difficult circumstances how can you possibly be "full of joy"? If you are not a Christian, empowered by the Holy Spirit in you, the answer is that, in all probability, you can not. Look carefully at the verse above. Those who put their trust in the Lord, rejoice. Those who are defended by God shout for joy. Those who love the name of God are joyful, in Him. The verse says that the Lord will bless the righteous and surround you with a shield and favor you. Yes, trials will come but you are never going through them alone if you love the Lord. What can you focus on if you feel alone and are hurting? People who are depressed and sad, even though they love the Lord, are sometimes experiencing pain, mental and/or physical and the pain is real. Jesus experienced pain and rejection. Listen: "…(Jesus Christ) made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:7-11 NKJV He who suffered for us, joyfully presents us to the Father, cleansed of our sin. These verses tell it all: "… when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Acts 5:40-42 NKJV Again, we are taught, "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?" It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore He has also risen; who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…….. Romans 8:33-39. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 NKJV Jesus knows our circumstances. Do you feel His presence in all things at all times? Whether you do or not, His Spirit is always present. Is it o.k. to feel sad? Listen to James, Jesus' brother: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Yes we will feel sad and depressed but the power of the Holy Spirit will lift your spirit. Core Christian Value: Joy is the condition of a believer's life. Not joy in suffering or rejection, but joy in knowing that through every circumstance the Holy Spirit is with you, comforting and guiding you. Bruce Caldwell
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Angels, July 24, 2008
Angels, July 24, 2008 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."
For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Psalms 91:1-2, 11-12 www.solascriptura.com Father, dwelling in the secret place, with You, and abiding under Your protective and loving shadow, gives us a perfect retreat in times of trouble. It is easy to be joyful, in You, when things are going right but when there are difficulties, we need to be reminded that You are our refuge, our fortress and in You we must trust. To whom else can we turn? Father, You tell us that Your angels have charge over us to help us get through the difficulties as well as to take advantage of the opportunities to serve You. Surely the angels are there for us even when we don't realize it, keeping us from evil influence. When we see evidence of Your protective love directing our lives, help us to acknowledge You and to thank You. You remind us in so many ways that we never walk alone. Strengthen our faith, we pray, in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Forgiven, July 23, 2008
Forgiven, July 23, 2008 ...forgive all my sins.
Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. Psalms 25:18, 20-21, www.solascriptura.com Father, when King David asked you to forgive all his sins, he meant all. That includes thoughts and actions of every kind which he knew displeased You. We too, Father, have committed sins of every imaginable type. There is no way we cannot be ashamed but we know from other references that David trusted You to remove his sins from him as far as the east is from the west, never to be remembered against him again. That being done, in the case of a repentant believer, we too can say, "let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you". Help us today to understand Your expectations better and better. Sanctify us we pray, in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Salvation, July 22, 2008
Salvation, July 22, 2008 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Romans 10:13, 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20, www.solascriptura.com Father, This topic of Salvation is both pivotal and challenging. The scriptures leave us no "wiggle room". We are either in Your Holy hand, being cared for, for eternity, or we remain what we may have considered a safe distance. Father, we know You would rather have us hot than cold in our Spiritual life and that you detest a lukewarm response. Detest, seems like too strong a word but Revelation 3:16 says it so graphically as to not need repeating. Your counsel Father is to have us not conform to the world's standards but instead to look to Your eternal standards for direction. Father, it is not easy to conform to Your expectations all of the time. We pray for wisdom and discernment in our daily lives so our witness may be seen as a positive thing, not a negative thing, by our friends, family and co-workers. Father, we do want to join with believers everywhere and to be able to say "I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me". It is truly a miracle that You have allowed us to take on Your Spiritual nature, at times. Help us to get to that point more and more often. Sanctify us, this day, we pray in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Providence of God, July 21, 2008
Providence of God, July 21, 2008 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments.
His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
...How precious... are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.
...Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 112:1-4, 139:17, 18, 23-24
Father, Your promises are both complex and wonderful. Help us each day O'God to know You as You know us. Draw us to Your well of knowledge and wisdom, Your Holy Word, daily. Clarify Your expectations of us, individually, that we might serve You. Keep us from anxieties and depression we pray. Help us to know that Your thoughts towards us are greater than the sand. When we tend to drift away from You, allowing the world around us to establish our agenda, forgive us. Teach us to seek Your will in every circumstance. Keep us from evil relationships and a worldly focus that we might serve You in the perfection of Jesus. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Perseverance, July 20, 2008
Perseverance, July 20, 2008 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation and Your righteous word.
Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold!
Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.
Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments.
Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name.
Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law.
Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments.
Your testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful.
My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. Psalms 119:123-140, www.solascriptura.com Father, Your Son came and was the Word and dwelt among us. It was Jesus, who when He was about to be crucified for our sins, who told us that when He went to be with You, that the Holy Spirit would be sent to us. Father, this pivotal event makes us able to come to You in the righteousness of Christ. Your word teaches us that our righteousness is as filthy rags. We are able to approach you as a friend of Jesus, our Advocate, as disciples seeking to serve. Oh that our eyes would fail because we spent so much time in Your word. Thanking you for the reality of Your Holy presence is much too trite a response. Breathe upon us afresh and empower us this day to be like You, Jesus. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Humility, July 19, 2008
Humility, July 19, 2008 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them":
While the sun and the light, the moon and the stars, are not darkened, and the clouds do not return after the rain;
In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men bow down; when the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look through the windows grow dim;
When the doors are shut in the streets, and the sound of grinding is low; when one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of music are brought low;
Also they are afraid of height, and of terrors in the way; when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper is a burden, and desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets.
Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well.
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
"Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "All is vanity." Ecclesiastes 12:1-8, www.solascriptura.com Father, life is only futile if we believe that this life is all there is. We know that dust returns to dust and that our physical bodies are as nothing. It is only our spirit, united with Your Spirit, which gives meaning to life now and life forever. If so, Father, teach us this day what it is that matters. Whether we are young or old Father, help us learn why we exist and how our spirit can exist forever. Help us never to experience a day in which we say "we have no pleasure in our days as we grow old". Each day draws us nearer to You and the joy in knowing that fact lifts our spirits, whether we are young or old. Father, thank you for teaching us that life is not about three score and 10 years but instead showing us that it is a "proving ground" where we are able to be tested by You and where You will help us overcome evil spirits, spirits which are as real as you are Father and which we can not overcome by ourselves. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Industriousness, July 18, 2008
Industriousness, July 18, 2008 I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down.
When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest;
So shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man. Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds;
For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.
When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
The lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field;
You shall have enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants. Proverbs 24:30-34, 27:23-27, www.solascriptura.com Father, Solomon observed and made logical deductions. Give us the wisdom to do the same. We know that endeavor, in Your name, is rewarded, but as clear as we are on that fact, we sometimes think that what we have personally accomplished will endure. Help us not to overly value the transitory. Help us to see that our industriousness here is simply one more important part of Your plan for our lives. We sometimes work hard here but our treasure is there, with You, forever. Strengthen our resolve to do the right thing, every day. In Christ' name we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Conscience, July 17, 2008
Conscience, July 17, 2008 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.
For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. I John 3:18-24, www.solascriptura.com Father, help us this day, not to publicly portray ourselves as Your children and then privately, in our hearts, go right on thinking wrong thoughts and doing things in private that are clearly sinful, as judged by our own hearts. It is so hard Father to be "perfect" and none of us are. You have taught us that it is the perfection of Jesus, in whom we abide, that makes us acceptable in Your sight. Teach us to meditate on Your truth, Your commandments and Your compassion for our circumstance as we move through this day. It seems a miracle Father that You would love us at all, given our sinful nature. Without the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit in us, we stand no chance of pleasing You. Help us this day to love You with all of our hearts, mind and soul and to love our neighbor as ourselves. In Jesus name we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Joy, July 16, 2008
Joy, July 16, 2008 ... be filled with the Spirit,
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Eph 5:18-19, Phil 4:4, 2 Corinthians 12:10, www.solascriptura.com
Father, Your word says rejoice always. Sometimes Father we feel that true rejoicing in the midst of the trials of this earth is nearly impossible. Thank You for reminding us that we rejoice in the victory of Your presence in all situations. We never suffer or go through trials alone.
Father, we expect our joy in You not to always be accepted by others. Help us not to take offense if our pursuit of a relationship with You makes others feel we are rejecting their values and beliefs. Help us, this day, to honor You, no matter how "out of step" we appear to be. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Prayer, Part I, July 15, 2008
Prayer, Part I, July 15, 2008 Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor.
Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God.
Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work. Psalms 62:9-12, www.solascriptura.com Father, You have taught us that these physical bodies will age, die and decay and that they are as a vapor that disappears. That would be a pitiful site to behold if this life was all there was. Praise You Father for creating us in Your image. There were other choices but You have chosen to offer us redemption and new bodies, neither young nor old, in a joyous New Jerusalem where our spirits are united with Your Spirit, for eternity. We do seek riches, comfort and security in this life but it is clear enough Father that if we gather these things to ourselves for ourselves that we have missed Your will. Help us to be as a heavenly conduit, transmitting Your love to others. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Revenge, July 14, 2008
Revenge, July 14, 2008 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.
"Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.'
"And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man,
'yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'"
Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said.
"And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
"I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:1-8 www.solascriptura.com Jesus, here You teach us that fervent, constant prayer, from we who cry out to You, day and night, in the midst of our persecution, is commended. You tell us You will avenge, speedily, but we know from other things that You have told us that with You, a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day. Help us keep the time we spend here in perspective. It is but a moment compared to eternity. We sometimes act as though whatever we want will be addressed immediately when, in fact, You are using our circumstances to teach us to be patient. Your word says, "Wait, wait I say, upon the Lord". There are times, Father, when we thought there was something we really wanted You to do, and as it turns out, it is something that we are glad you did not do. Teach us to not lose heart when events here seem hopelessly difficult. Help us, this day, to trust in Your judgment, to keep the faith and to know that You have shown us how much You care. We never go through trials, as Your children, alone. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Mind of Christ, July 13, 2008
Mind of Christ, July 13, 2008 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,
"as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.
"And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
"I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
"And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.
"Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You.
"For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
"I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
"And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.
"Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
"While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition (Judas), that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
"But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
"They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
"As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
"And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
"that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
"And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:
"I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
"Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
"O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.
"And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." John 17:1-26 www.solascriptura.com Amen and amen. Thank You Jesus for Your love and for personally teaching us this day. Bruce Caldwell
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Law of God, July 12, 2008
Law of God, July 12, 2008 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."
But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead.
I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.
And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death.
For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.
Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.
Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. Romans 7:7-13 www.solascriptura.com Father, help us not to recoil from difficult teaching such as this. We know that everything written in the Bible has a purpose and that we should seek to understand. Here, Paul is emphasizing that if the law did not exist, we would not know that we were breaking the law. But when the law was given to Moses, it became our judge and we were all guilty. The law, Father, can never save us. It convicts us and only by dying to the dominance of our fleshly instincts can we be saved. Paul asks; how can something good, like the law, destroy us? You have taught us that it is because our flesh is disobedient and can never be obedient, to the letter of the law, and that we need forgiveness and cleansing by the power of the Holy Spirit, sent by You. Father, if Jesus had never come and if He had not died for us, becoming a sacrifice for our sins, then our sins would still be with us. We do not trust in our obedience to the law for our salvation. Only by the redeeming blood of Jesus, shed for us, can we ever hope to stand in Your Holy presence. That Father is what separates Christianity from every other belief system. We can not enter into Your presence stained by sin and Jesus takes away our sin, forever. Such a simple fact should not be ignored by other faiths. Without Jesus there is no cleansing and forgiveness. Help us to understand, we pray, In His name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Peace, July 11, 2008
Peace, July 11, 2008 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--
...ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
...who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever... Eph 3:1, 13-21 www.solascriptura.com Father, Paul, a Jew, tried, as we know, to preach to the Jews about Jesus. They, for the most part, would not listen. It was no surprise to You that the Jews would not listen. You then sent him to preach to the Gentiles. Paul did so under great pressure and distress but here he tells us that his tribulations bring glory to us; salvation to us. If and when we suffer for declaring You, Jesus, among men, we know that our tribulations bring glory to You. We never can out give You. What You did to redeem us exceeds anything we could have hoped for. Our manifest love for You is our response to Your love for us. May we, this day, be strengthened in the inner man, be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit and willingly love and obey You. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Courage, July 10, 2008
Courage, July 10, 2008 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
"Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish.
You shall seek them and not find them—those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' Isaiah 41:10-13 www.solascriptura.com Dear God, what powerful promises these are. Even in the midst of fear, You lift us up, You extend Your hand to us, in a very personal way. You are our God! You clearly teach that those who choose to try and bring us down, to upset our faith, will be as non-existent. Their taunts and derisive comments will be silenced and we who endure, through faith in You, will know eternal peace. Father, even though these words are true, we pray for the enemy; we seek to experience the truth of the New Covenant, wherein Your truth is written upon our hearts. Yes, if the enemy chooses to remain Your enemy as well, they will perish but help us to help them. Give us a heart to love those who do not deserve our love just as we, when we came to You as sinners, did not deserve Your love. Strengthen us. We can never be as You in our own strength. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Gods Children, July 9, 2008
God's Children, July 9, 2008 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. And 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. 1 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 4:6-7 www.solascriptura.com Jesus, we know the children are Yours but we also see that they, at some point, must stop thinking as a child. What is it, Jesus, to put away childish things? We can guess; we begin to choose, to seek the truth, to cope with sin and to make decisions about our relationship with You. We stop being hand fed and we begin to invest our lives in bearing fruit in the lives of others. We know this earth is Satan's domain and that You have given him great latitude to bring us and our children down. We are born into sin with hearts of flesh but Father, thank You for sending Jesus to us and teaching us that we can stop being a slave to sin. We are able to become Your children, heirs of Your kingdom. Help us not to waiver in our choice and to wholeheartedly seek a perfect, mature relationship with You, this day. We pray in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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The Temple of God, July 8, 2008
The Temple of God, July 8, 2008 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Food is for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. 1 Corinthians 6:9-14 www.solascriptura.com Father, You have taught us that we are Your Temple and that you reside in our hearts. It does not surprise us that this temple should not be dragged into sinful situations. If we claim we are Yours, help us to not desecrate the temple, to not embarrass You, and eventually ourselves, by our bad choices. We know that You hate sin and will not let it into Your midst. Is there any way Father that we can willfully sin and still expect Your presence? There may be a way but it seems like a childish expectation. Father, the sins listed are more or less "sins against our bodies" but are sins of anger, pride and envy any less irritating to You? You have taught us the answer many times; we are to be as Jesus and that was the embodiment of perfection. Since we are in a state of "becoming" in terms of our sanctification, we realize that sin will pursue us, relentlessly. Strengthen our resolve to look to You for the solution. You did resurrect Jesus and the last verse of this quotation says You will lift us up. We are, at times, very burdened here and can't wait for the perfection You promise. In the meantime, help us to use the days You have allotted to us wisely that we may bring glory to You. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Gods Gifts, July 7, 2008
God's Gifts, July 7, 2008 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:25-33, www.solascriptura.com Jesus, to have You, personally, teach us is no small thing. Is there anyone, anywhere whose words could be more important to us? On many occasions You teach us not to be anxious about anything. Given the number of deep sighs, hands wringing, and perplexed looks we manifest, it seems anxiety and stress are more common than not. But what do You say Jesus, about anxiety? You say, repeatedly, "don't worry" and then You teach us why. When we abide in You and You in us, You fully understand our needs. You tell us that if we seek a relationship with You, seeking first the kingdom heaven, that all the things we need will be added unto us. You ask us to have faith in the fact that You are there for us, a friend for eternity. We do not always get everything we want Jesus but we do get everything we need. Help us today to know that if you bless us with more, much more than we need that Your expectations of our service to others, goes up. Truly, to whom much is given, much is required. We seek both Your blessings and Your Spirit in us, enabling such blessing to inure to the benefit of all. We pray in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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The Narrow Gate, July 6, 2008
The Narrow Gate, July 6, 2008 ...(they) worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Rom 1:26-32 www.solascriptura.com Father, Paul is not mincing words when he tells us what upsets You, what causes You to give up on those who choose to live their life pursuing things that You say are not fitting, not right. What we notice Father, is that You place pride and disobedience in the same list as sexual immorality and murder and say the same penalty awaits all sinners. Father, we know that sin is sin and that all sin separates us from You. You have told us that You will not permit sin to come into Your presence. How do we get to come into Your presence? It certainly is not as one who has never sinned. Regardless of the sins that we have committed, you tell us that our faith and belief in the redeeming act of Jesus, can, at our election, wipe away every sin, as far as the east is from the west, never to be remembered against us again. That is truly a miracle and none of us is worthy of such grace and mercy. Help us to stop sinning and to claim a victory over sin by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit in us, we pray. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Gods Gifts, July 5, 2008
God's Gifts, July 5, 2008 ...love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 1 Corinthians 13:5-10 www.solascriptura.com Father, this much quoted "love" chapter has some wonderful promises. When we immerse our spirit in Your Spirit, this gift of love lifts us to levels of caring and commitment well beyond anything we can achieve in the flesh. Help us today to better understand the meaning of these verses as they apply to our everyday relationships. You have told us that love never fails. We know, that when it does, it is not Your love for us that fails, but love seems to fail when we forget to access the power of the Holy Spirit, that one source that is able to cause us to focus on our commitment to the needs of other persons. Help us today not to be envious, prideful, rude, possessive, argumentative, lustful, or envious of sin. Let us rejoice in Your word, be kind and patient, hopeful, and able to endure difficult people and circumstances. Surely they will know us by our love. We await perfection. We pray in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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The Narrow Gate, July 4, 2008
The Narrow Gate, July 4, 2008 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast. ... to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Ephesians 2:8-9, 4:7 www.solascriptura.com Father, we celebrate Independence Day in the United States as a way of marking our freedom from the control of others. When we accept, by faith in Jesus, Your grace and salvation, we celebrate a different kind of freedom. We believe that freedom from dominance by Satan marks that day as the most important day in our existence. It is on that day Father, that we place our trust in You, forever. We confess that it is not our good works that place us in Your hand, but the redeeming act of Jesus, lest any of us feel we can boast about being in Your care. Our grace from You was made effective by Jesus. Absent our faith, we can not draw near to You. We know that when we draw near to You, it was facilitated by Jesus and that You respond by drawing near to us. It is nearer to You that we want to stand, this day. Independence from the heavy weight of sin is a result of our dependence on You. Bless us this day, we pray in Jesus' name. Bruce Caldwell
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Temple of God, July 3, 2008
Temple of God, July 3, 2008 ...the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
"And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
"For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.
"And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Luke 1:13-16 www.solascriptura.com Father, if we were to ever wonder about Your level of control in the affairs of man, here You allow us to listen in to one of Your angels as John the Baptist's parents were being told of his miraculous birth and pivotal mission. You ordained John before he was born. You set him apart and Father, when he proclaimed the coming of Jesus, You had already seen the entire scene. It is Your omniscience, Your knowledge of the beginning and the end that we are witnessing. Father, we realize You have already seen who we are and how we are going to live our lives. Nothing we do surprises You. Yet, everything we do seems new and unrehearsed to us. We do not know how tomorrow will turn out and we sometimes have anxiety and fear about what will happen. Help us O'God to trust You and to have faith in the fact of Jesus' redemptive power. We know that if we seek You, if we hunger and thirst for Your word and Your Holy presence, You are there for us. No one, ever, could be to us what You are. Help us, today, to know that we are enveloped by Your love. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Prayer, July 2, 2008
Prayer, July 2, 2008 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. Psalms 8:3-5 www.solascriptura.com Father, as we look upon the beauty of Your creation, we are overwhelmed at the breadth and depth of the universe and both humbled and overjoyed as we see our children, created in Your image, born. The purity of a child is a representation of Your perfect will for us. Give us the faith and purity of a child as we seek to be as You Jesus. Your creation, given to us as a gift, is a testimony of Your omniscience. As we contemplate our place in the universe, we have a hard time understanding how You can know and love each of us. We often underestimate how complete Your understanding is. You tell us that our lives count, that You notice our trials and triumphs. You have crowned Your children with glory and honor. Help us as parents to be as hopeful for our children as You are for us. Bless each of us and all of our loved ones this day, we pray. We pray in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Angels, July 1, 2008
Angels, July 1, 2008 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Hebrews 13:2, Psalms 34:7-8 www.solascriptura.com Father, are angels for real? Your words confirm that angels are indeed real and that we interact with them and are observed by them more than we know. It is sort of a scary thing, at first, because we don't know when we are entertaining an angel unaware or if we are just in the presence of a person that seems a little more interested in us than we would expect. Father, your advice seems to be that we should treat all encounters with an expectation of hope and love because some of those encounters are ordained for our own good. Your word tells us that angels are encamped all around those who love You. Are angels only serving, leading, protecting and nurturing believers? Your word says "The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him." That seems to answer the question. We should not expect deliverance if we do not fear You (reverently love, honor and obey). The Psalmist says, "taste and see that the Lord is Good." This free sample wasn't provided without cost. We know the price You paid, Father. Your grace is sent to us, constantly, and the "taste" turns into a daily feast and an eternal banquet. May we draw near to You, today? Your answer is yes! We pray we do so, in Jesus' name, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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