Conscience, October 31, 2008

Conscience, October 31, 2008

"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.
"But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other...
And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts...
...I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.
"I have hope in God...
"This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Matthew 6:22-24, Luke 16:15, Acts 24:14-16, www.solascriptura.com

Father, the world presents a great array of sinful opportunities. You have permitted Satan to tempt man in these times in bold and public ways. Help us not fall victim to "joining in" simply because everyone seems to be willfully sinning, more and more. Help us, as you did Joseph, to flee from sinful opportunities as a person truly escaping the clutches of sin.

Our flesh is disposed to sin but Your Spirit in us trumps sin if we will but call up on You. Teach us to call out, constantly, for Your Holiness in us. Give us a clear conscience before You about the events of this day, knowing that yesterday's sin, once forgiven, is as separate from You as the east is from the west, never to be remembered against us again. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Joy, October 30, 2008

Joy, October 30, 2008

The humble ... shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
You shall have a song as in the night when a holy festival is kept, and gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the Mighty One of Israel.
...the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing...

Isaiah 30:29, 29:19, 35:1-2

Father, we know that the proud stand afar from You and You honor those with a humble and contrite spirit whose riches lie in eternity, not in this temporal place.

Thank You for the evidence of Your love both in our lives and in that which You have created for our use. The earth does indeed blossom abundantly, even when man turns his back on You and on the opportunity to rejoice in You.

Strengthen our resolve to serve You and to acknowledge Your presence in all things. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, Part I, October 29, 2008

Prayer, Part I, October 29, 2008

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

James 5:13-16

Father, Your word teaches that when we suffer, or when we pray, or when we are cheerful and singing unto You, or when we are sick, we should turn to believers, to our pastors that they might pray over us and for us, laying on hands of assurance and compassion.

You then teach us that the prayers of believers have power, that there is a miraculous strength in one believer praying for the needs of another person. Father, lead us, today, to trust in the power of prayer. It is Your stated desire that we bring our concerns and needs to You and that You want to bless us for doing so. What a wonderful truth when You say, "the prayers of a righteous man availeth much". Help us to be a prayerful, righteous person, seeking to serve You and intervening for the needs of others.

We know Jesus that our perspective regarding eternal matters is limited and that You see the picture in its completed entirety. Help us not to feel disappointed when our prayers are not answered in what we feel is the right way. We trust that You know each of us and our circumstances. We pray that Your will, not ours, with our limited view, be done. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Joy, January 5, 2009

Joy, January 5, 2009

(Jesus said)"A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."
Then some of His disciples said among themselves, "What is this that He says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'?"
They said therefore, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not know what He is saying."
Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'?
"Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
"A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:16-24, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, You taught Your disciples of Your impending crucifixion and they, at first, did not understand. We now stand on the other side of that event. You likened the depth of Your pain to childbirth, in that while it seemed unfathomable. Shortly thereafter the joy of birth turned the pain into rejoicing in a new life, a child created in Your image. Jesus, You have gone through pain, disgrace and separation for each one of us and have emerged our risen Savior. Your suffering has led us to the portal of eternal life, to our Spiritual birth. Now we rejoice, not in the suffering, which we too will occasionally experience, but in the resurrection and redemption, first of You, then of us.

You then teach us that as Your children, You want to endow us with gifts. We know, because Your word teaches us, what the gifts of the Holy Spirit are; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faith, goodness and self-control. Father, we beg You to fill us afresh, this day, with the fruits of the Spirit. These attitudes are so unlike the nature of this world. Help us trust and obey. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Revenge, October 28,, 2008

Revenge, October 28,, 2008

He rules by His power forever; his eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves...
O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever?
Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand? Take it out of Your bosom and destroy them.
O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs—O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth! Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud.
LORD, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph?
They utter speech, and speak insolent things; all the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.

Ps 66:7, Ps 94:1-23, Ps 74:10-11 www.solascriptura.com

Father, the enemy does blaspheme Your Holy name. Help us never to use Your name and the name of Jesus except reverently. Your hand is not shortened that it can not both heal and destroy. We seek the healing of our hearts and minds this day that we might say, do and think that which is acceptable in Your sight.

Father, pride and boasting represent a mistake for us. You tell us they are insolent, sinful mistakes yet we persist in this error. Forgive us and let us not be the enemy upon whom You will exercise judgment. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Mind of Christ, October 27, 2008

Mind of Christ, October 27, 2008

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.
Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.
"Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say."

Ps 25:8-9, 12, 14, Exodus 4:12, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You say that Your secrets are revealed to those that fear of the Lord. Help us to know what You mean here by "fear". We know that being afraid of Your power is a natural reaction. When you literally move the earth we are fearful. Teach us to know the difference between that kind of fear and fear that comes upon the disobedient.

Help us this day, to transition from temporal, here and now fear, to a sense of security that no matter what happens, we are Your children, promised an eternity of safety, security and goodness with You.

Give us a quiet assurance of Your presence in our hearts when it seems everything here, in this temporary place is falling apart. Place answers in our mouth to those who need to hear our witness. In Your name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Law of God, October 26, 2008

Law of God, October 26, 2008

"Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
"that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
"For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
"And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 5:42-48 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, These verses, from the Sermon on the Mount, are Your direct, personal teaching to us. We are not reading and listening to the words of man, but of You. We know that when You call us to perfection that it does not mean, even as we take on the mantle of Your Spirit in dealing with others, that there will be no rain, no difficulty, in our lives.

Help us, with Your counsel and guidance, to persist in doing good, even when our fleshly nature is pulling us in the opposite direction. We could never be as You without humbly and contritely dedicating our lives to Your service. We pray for the refreshment of the Holy Spirit in our lives, every day. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, October 25, 2008

Peace, October 25, 2008

Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the
sun: and look! The tears of the oppressed, but they have no comforter—on the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter.
Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.

Ecclesiastes 4:1, 4-6 www.solascriptura.com

Father, Solomon sees the oppressors and the tears of the oppressed, but sees no comforter. Had Solomon been a prophet, as well as the wisest man that ever lived, he would have capitalized Comforter and assured us that You, Jesus, were coming. The Scriptures refer to You, Jesus, in many ways, including Comforter, Counselor, Savior, Redeemer and Son of God. We know there are oppressors and always will be until the day of judgment but thank You God for our Comforter, the Holy Spirit sent, by You, to help us every moment of every day.

Solomon teaches us that admiring the work of others and being envious of them is vanity, a pursuit of what is not for what might be. Father, You give each of us gifts. Help us to never worry about what we do not have, in the way of talent, but to embrace and run forward with that which we do have.

Solomon also helps us understand that idleness leads to consumption of what we have, without replenishment. Yet, if both hands are "full" without quietness and peace, we have achieved vainly and without a good end. You have taught us Jesus, that if we possess all the riches of the world and have not Your love, we have nothing. This day, help us to work hard, to value obedience to You and to enjoy Your peace and comfort in every circumstance. You are our Comforter. We praise You for Your presence. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Courage, October 24, 2008

Courage, October 24, 2008

I cry out with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes.
I cry out to You; save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word.
My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.
Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.
They draw near who follow after wickedness; they are far from Your law.
You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are truth.

Psalms 119:145-151 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we see that the Psalmist cries out to You, with his whole heart. When God, have we felt such anguish, such concern? Jesus Himself talks about the times he "rose up early" to talk to You, to cry out for the needs of Your people. Here the Psalmist does the same and is sometimes awake through the entire night, meditating on Your word.

O' God, it seems the Scriptures point to a people that earnestly sought You, day and night and their words are here before us now. Would You have us be more like them, more diligent and courageous? You are truly near to us and Your commandments are truth. Help us appropriately respond to Your love. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Children, October 23, 2008

God's Children, October 23, 2008
...they brought young children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."
And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

Mark 10:13-16 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, those who would keep a child from coming to You are as those You scolded in this passage. Help us, as parents, to bring the children to You, to Your Holy word, to prayer and discussion of Your love.

You teach us that a child is a perfect example of perfect love, the kind that You hope characterizes our love for You. Jesus, thank You for teaching us that we are to come to You as a child comes, perfect in our faith and our trust.

When we observe the purity and innocence of a child, You tell us that these children and their innocence are a representation of persons who will inhabit Your kingdom. How, Jesus, can we ever achieve that kind of innocence? The answer comes from You. "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Amen

Bruce Caldwell

The Narrow Gate, October 22, 2008

The Narrow Gate, October 22, 2008

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.
"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see;
"for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it."

Luke 10:21-24 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, being wise and prudent would seem to be a very good thing. How is it that here You say that Your teachings are hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed to babes? We know the answer from Your word. Prudence and wisdom, of which Solomon had abundance, did not necessarily lead to a closer walk with You.

Our eternal future is not linked to our earthly attributes, those gifts that You have given us as resources upon which we can draw. As good as these resources are, they only accrue to our eternal benefit when we use them to glorify and serve You.

We pray that the gifts You have given us serve as launching pads, not anchors. To the extent that we cling to them and not to You, to the extent that they bring glory to us but not to You, assets become liabilities. Pride and self-centeredness distance us from You. Give us great blessings and wonderful resources that we might be a conduit of Your love to the world. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Gifts, October 21, 2008

God's Gifts, October 21, 2008

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, You know that when I made a decision to commit my life to loving You and serving You that these words, spoken by You, captured my full attention. I pray these words will be indelibly impressed on the heart of each one of us.

Jesus, we sometimes, in our immaturity, fear committing our lives to following You because we think we are giving up degrees of control, we are yielding our will and our agenda to Your will and Your agenda.

That is not an easy thing for a strong-willed person to do or for any person that fears yielding control. Jesus, when we feel that way, we have clearly misunderstood Your will for us. You declare here that You did not come to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, which is Satan's agenda. You came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

When we yield our hearts to You, the abundant life is guaranteed to follow. We know, Jesus, that abundance here does not mean material things, although You bless us in so many ways. The abundance You provide is both eternal and right now.

You fill us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit and we become equipped to yield the fruit that leads to eternal happiness. This same fruit makes life worth living, here and now. You promise us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

When we come to You, we give up nothing of enduring value (and escape from a life leading to eternal suffering) and we gain Your perfection as we experience Your presence. Bless us richly that we might be a blessing to others, we pray in Your name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Temple of God, October 20, 2008

Temple of God, October 20, 2008

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?
... he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6:15, 17, 19-20 www.solascriptura.com

Father, elsewhere You have taught us that when we invite You into our heart, that we become one with You, just as when a man and woman come together, their union makes them "as one". Here we learn that when we decide to acknowledge and accept Your grace in our lives, we become as one with Jesus.

Father, it is clear that fidelity to You, the Holy Spirit in us, is of utmost importance. We were bought at a great price and if we say we love You, and in fact do love You, at least for a while, and then decide to kick You out of our lives, then we have committed the unpardonable sin which You defined in Hebrews 6:4-6.

So it is Father, with a man and a woman. Fidelity is not an option because if it was, we would be going against Your stated will, for a man and a woman. O'God, teach us, right now, how much fidelity to You and fidelity to those we make vows to here, matters.

Bruce Caldwell

Mind of Christ, October 19, 2008

Mind of Christ, October 19, 2008

... 'Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.'
But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.
Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Job 32:7-9, Proverbs 3:5-6 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we see here that age should teach wisdom but it is not always so. Neither great men nor aged men are always wise, but men whose spirit has been breathed upon by Your Spirit, are given understanding, Your understanding.

We are to trust in You, Lord, with all of our heart, knowing that Your view of our circumstances is from an eternal perspective. You see the end, we do not. Help us this day to not lean on our own understanding, our own wisdom, but to seek to implement Your Holy plan for our lives. We pray that each of us acknowledge You before men, knowing that direction is promised to those who do so. In the Holy name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Lukewarm, better than being cold? October 18, 2008

"Lukewarm" better than being cold? Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com

Is it possible that the average Christian thinks of an "evangelical", one who proclaims their faith to others, as a little radical? We know that the Scriptures say that a person should not stand on street corners or in the church or synagogue, praying aloud, in order that they may be seen by men. It appears that Jesus was condemning their motive for witnessing, "so that they could be seen by men". What is your reaction to people who seem to be witnessing in order to bring attention to themselves?

Is there a risk in keeping silent when you should be witnessing of your love for Jesus, either verbally or by your actions? Listen to the words of Jesus on this matter: "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad". Matthew 12:30, NKJV. Have you ever felt you could be "scattering", that is pushing people away from Jesus by your inaction?

What things could you do that would indicate to Jesus that you are a "gatherer"? The list you are about to make, in writing or otherwise, is a critically important list. Take your time and think carefully about what you, personally, could do. It may be useful to also list the things you could do wrong, not especially sinful things, but things that make you appear to be prideful, "that you can be seen by men".

Let's read a quotation from Jesus: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,* I will vomit you out of My mouth". Revelation 3:15-17, NKJV.

This teaching is extremely blunt. It hits us hard because we see that "drifting along with the crowd, singing the songs in church, doing good things on occasion", all are works, by themselves, that could place us in the lukewarm category. Why would Jesus say these words? Are you able to list things that are good works but which may place you in a "lukewarm" position, especially if you do not get around to doing those things that really matter to Jesus?

What are the things that really matter in our relationship with Jesus? Think about when you first discovered that Jesus loves you and how you felt when you responded positively to His love. Did you, in all humility and contrition (define those words carefully for the family), confess your sins and ask for forgiveness, cleansing and inner strength? Listen to the words of Jesus about how your "first love" for Him, was such an important moment.

"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place — unless you repent". Revelation 2:4-6 NKJV
Our first love and the way we felt when we were first embraced by the love of Jesus, is of great importance.

Core Christian Value: The intensity of our first love, the moment that we first knew that Jesus loves us, was a key moment. Is being lukewarm toward Jesus acceptable?

Bruce Caldwell

Law of God, October 17, 2008

Law of God, October 17, 2008

Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?"
Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
'And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.
"And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.
"And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."...

Mark 12:28-34 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, the scribe (lawyer) in this quotation of Your words, is often referred to as being a member of a group that doubted that You were the Son of God. Here the scribe says to You, after You answered his question, "Well said Teacher". Jesus, help us to never speak to You as if You were a mere man, offering our opinion of Your words, as though we were in a position to evaluate what You say.

Yet, You say to the scribe who endorses Your words, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." Jesus, we know that knowing the truth, such as the two greatest commandments, which summarize the 10 commandments, is not the entire issue. Help us today to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that the truth can become a pivot point for a daily commitment to love You with our whole heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Move us, Jesus, from agreeing with You to being empowered by You, to be renewed by your strength, mercy and grace as people committed to fulfilling Your laws. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, October 16, 2008

Peace, October 16, 2008

"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, Your exact and specific words tell us that we are never alone, never forgotten and never without Your eye upon us. This is impossible for us to grasp. Our perspective stems from our experiences and we are not able to fully understand the concept of omnipresence. We know You have many angels (perhaps more than we could ever imagine) and that if you know every single aspect of our physical being, Your attention to us exceeds our understanding.

It does give rise to the fact that we should trust You and wait patiently upon Your responses to our needs. It is not as if You do not know our needs, even better than we do, it is just a fact that You do. As to whether You have the same level of concern about those who do not profess to know You, we are unsure. We do know that You desire that all persons love You and that they seek a personal relationship with You.

Help each of us to, as Paul puts it, "apprehend" a relationship with You. Until we are with You we will not quite be there but we continue to run the race set before us. Thank You for giving meaning to the pursuit of life eternal.

Bruce Caldwell

Courage, October 15, 2008

Courage, October 15, 2008

Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.
Consider my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget Your law.
Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word.
Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes.
Great are Your tender mercies, O LORD; revive me according to Your judgments.
Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.
I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your word.

Psalms 119:152-158 www.solascriptura.com

Father, the Psalmist reminds us that he has known for a long time that Your testimony to us, the Holy Scriptures, will last forever. Father, there is so little in our lives that will last forever. It all seems so transitional as we move through life with constant change ever present. Thank You for being the same, forever.

You, Jesus are our anchor, You plead our cause. What a magnificent truth. Our advocate is the Son of God!

The Psalmist says a person is wicked if they do not seek Your statutes. That is such a harsh statement but please, Father, have it not apply to any of us. Draw us unto You and Your word every day. Grant us Your tender mercies this day We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Children, October 14, 2008

God's Children, October 14, 2008

"He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
"He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
"And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."

Matthew 10:40-42, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, You teach us that there is a domino effect in our relationships. As we receive one of Your children, it as though we were receiving You and when we receive You it as though we received the Father. We know, from other teachings You have given us, that if we do not receive Your children we are rejecting You. What a vital lesson Jesus. Loving others is how we show our love for You.

Then, Jesus, again you explain to us that caring for the needs of a child, and doing so from a grateful heart, is an act of kindness that will not go unnoticed. We know every child has their own angel and we have truly entertained angels without being aware of it. Bless the children and help us show Your love to them. We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Gifts, October 13, 2008

God's Gifts, October 13, 2008

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:5-7 www.solascriptura.com

Father, Paul reminds us once again that it is Your grace, extended to each of us, that enables us to be apostles of obedience, witnessing of Your love to all the nations.

We are told that we are "called" by Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. O'God, how could we refuse this invitation to eternal life and being full of peace and joy forever? Strengthen our resolve to seek You this day.

Paul says we are called to be "saints". Father, You know how frail and impotent we feel, at times. Help us today, to know that when we are full of the Holy Spirit seeking to be as You Jesus, that we are, in that moment, saints. Not because we, in our own nature, deserve that kind of designation but when we are wrapped in Your righteousness, we are as You. That is our goal Jesus, to be as You. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Temple of God, October 12, 2008

Temple of God, October 12, 2008

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.
For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.
He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Romans 14:1-3, 6-9 www.solascriptura.com

Father, our bodies are the place where the Spirit abides and therefore we are the Temple of God. If we decide to be vegetarians, or not, Your word teaches us not to let that become an issue. We are told that we need not worry about the other person's eating habits.

You teach us elsewhere that it is not what enters into the stomach that defiles a man, it is that which proceeds from the heart. What we eat and what we drink may or may not be healthy (we get to make choices) but what we say and the way we behave must be consistent with Your expectations.

Your word says that if we eat, we eat as unto the Lord, if we speak, we speak as unto the Lord. Help us, today, to take care of the body you have given us and to be an effective witness, one that presents ourselves as a Temple of God. Give us, we pray, the self-discipline, buoyed by the power of the Holy Spirit to be as You Jesus, full of joy, humility and love. In Your name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Angels, October 11 2008

Angels, October 11 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."
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
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 91:1-6,11-12, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we read of Your protection and how we abide under the shadow of Your wings. How is it Father that You can be so aware of our needs and be so ready to help us?

Here, You answer the question; Your angels have charge over us, they are present, they are the ever present reality, sent by You to bear us up, to keep us from stumbling.

Father, that is why we are unafraid when others may be afraid. Pestilence and destruction may come but Your angels are escorting us through every anxiety. We may trip on the pitfalls of this earth but if we do and if we are Yours, we are taken to Your side, we are escorted by angels into Your presence.

Father, can death be joyful? Certainly not for those left behind but Your word tells us that heaven is a perfect place of peace. We do not seek to leave this place before our service to You is complete, so help us today to take every advantage You offer us to love You and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Thank You for sending Your angels to look after us. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Forgiven, October 10, 2008

Forgiven, October 10, 2008

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:7-9, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, for these promises, we are thankful. We see that we must be merciful to others in order to receive mercy from You. Clearly, Jesus, if we do not show mercy to others when we have the opportunity to do so, we are declaring that we do not expect to receive mercy from You. But that is such a bad game plan, who would behave in that way?

In the same way Jesus, You tell us if we are pure in heart, a challenge we can not meet every moment of every day, we shall see God. Thank You for teaching us that it is not our purity, but Your purity in us, that carries the day. We shall see God because You have allowed us to stand before Him in Your purity.

Jesus, we know what a peacemaker looks like. We see people trying their best to smooth out rough circumstances where other people are not getting along. Those who do so, in Your righteousness, are called sons of God. Grant us the opportunity, today, to be a peacemaker, to be a son of God. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Salvation, October 9, 2008

Salvation, October 9, 2008

"... as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:
"They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
"Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;
"but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.
"Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
"In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back.
"Remember Lot's wife.
"Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
"I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left.
"Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left.
"Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left."
And they answered and said to Him, "Where, Lord?" So He said to them, "Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."

Luke 17:26-37, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, You teach us that it will be business as usual on the day that You take your saints to Your side. You also teach us that wherever we are in our relationship with You, on that day, that will be the basis upon which we are judged. If we choose to disobey You, as Lot's wife did, Your judgment will be rendered and it will all happen in the twinkling of an eye.

Jesus, it is also clear, from this teaching, that some will look back, trying to hold on to that which they have accumulated here. You tell us that trying to hold on to earthly treasures, earthly relationships, is a mistake. Our eyes, at that moment, must turn to You. You teach us that we must immediately recognize what is happening and that we must look only to You and cling to You, not our earthly circumstances.

Jesus, we will be very frightened when the moment of Your arrival signals our departure from all that we have known and experienced. Our faith will be severely tested, due to our lack of understanding, our inability to grasp what is happening. Help us in that moment to know that You have called us to Your side and that our eternity with You is at hand.

Jesus, we still have time to sort all of this out by turning from sin, studying Your word and praying for discernment. We know we will never succeed in grasping the entire scope of this without the power and clarity of the Holy Spirit in us. That is what we pray for today, Jesus, is more of You in our lives. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Providence of God, October 8, 2008

Providence of God, October 8, 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."
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
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.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."

Psalms 91:1-16, www.solascriptura.com

Father, such promises should serve to bring us to the foot of the Cross, accepting your forgiveness and claiming a personal relationship with You, our Friend, our Redeemer, our Comforter and Strength.

Thank you for placing Your angels in our life, protecting our souls and guiding us into righteousness. We pray this day for clarity of purpose. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Humility, October 7, 2008

Humility, October 7, 2008

The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked down to the ground.
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; he takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. The humble shall see this and be glad; and you who seek God, your hearts shall live.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; you will prepare their heart; you will cause Your ear to hear, The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Psalms 147:6,10-11, 69:32, Proverbs 11:2, Job 5:11, Psalms 10:17, 25:9-11, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You have repeatedly told us how important it is to You that we come to You in all humility and contrition. Help us this day to know how humbling it is to stand in Your Holy presence.

We want to be righteous in Your sight yet we know that any righteousness we might have is not ours at all. Only as we take on Your mantle can we experience Holiness and then only for too short a moment, it seems. We pray for more consistency.

We often wonder why, given the millions of persons on this earth, that You would notice us, individually. The fact that You do is both humbling and challenging, indeed. May we experience the enabling power of Jesus, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Industriousness, October 6, 2008

Industriousness, October 6, 2008
LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
You turn man to destruction, and say, "Return, O children of men."
For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.
You carry them away like a flood; they are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up:
In the morning it flourishes and grows up; in the evening it is cut down and withers.
For we have been consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are terrified.
You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.
For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; we finish our years like a sigh.
The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants.
Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, the years in which we have seen evil.
Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children.
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalms 90:1-17, www.solascriptura.com

Father, for these Holy and wise words we are grateful. Help us O' God to fulfill Your expectations and to use each day to Your glory. Life is truly finite; we see the end approaching quickly for ourselves or for others and we realize that our opportunities to serve You and others, on this earth, will be gone.

Help us Father, to make the most of what You have given us. Point us to a reunion, to an eternal life, with all those who love you and in the meantime help our work be meaningful and joyful. In Christ' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Conscience, October 5, 2008

Conscience, October 5, 2008

... as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law
(for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves,
who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Romans 2:12-16 , www.solascriptura.com

Father, Your chosen people, some of whom have not yet claimed the Messiah as their Savior, are now being judged by the law, the same law that you gave Moses on Mt. Sinai. We know Father that no man that ever lived, aside from Jesus, Yourself incarnate, is without sin and that You will not let sin or sinful people enter into Your presence. Yet Father, Israel belongs to You and man will not frustrate Your plan of redemption for Your people. We pray for Your chosen people in this time of testing for them and acknowledge our faith as coming from the truth which You revealed to them.

Now Father, You have told us that the truth is written on the hearts of Gentile believers. We, unlike Israel, who were given the truth by the law, have been given it in an indelible way; it is written upon our hearts. We, and Israel, may choose to look away from the truth of the new covenant, brought about by the healing sacrifice of Jesus, but if we do, we shall remain in our sin and will be judged by the law, a frightening, no a terrifying prospect.

You have said that our conscience (the truth inscribed on our hearts) either accuses us or excuses us. We never wonder whether we are sinning. We always know and because this is true You have sent the power of the Holy Spirit to help, comfort, counsel and teach us how to deal with temptation and sin. Father, this day, help us come to Jesus and to be as much like Him as possible. We must decrease; He must increase, in the affairs of our lives. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Joy, October 4, 2008

Joy, October 4, 2008

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
"For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Isaiah 35:10, 55:12 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, we know that you paid the ransom to redeem us, to rescue us from the captivity of the flesh. We honor and esteem our flesh daily but forgive us for doing so more than we honor Your Spirit in us.

You have taught us that the flesh is a tool of Satan and that a war exists between the instincts of our flesh and the spirit we have within us. Help us to look at our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and not as a body that we should overly esteem and worship.

Your word says that sorrow and sighing shall depart and be replaced with joy and gladness as we draw near to You. What a wonderful truth. When we retreat from the cares of the world and come to you there is comfort and peace where there had been anxiety and stress.

If we were not to witness of Your love, the very rocks would cry out and the hills would literally be alive with the sound of music. The evidence of Your love abounds. Help us this day to acknowledge You. In Christ we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, Part I, October 3, 2008

Prayer, Part I, October 3, 2008
In You, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness.
Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me.
For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me.

Ps 31:1-3, www.solascriptura.com

Lord and Father, it is not a small thing to say that we put our trust in You. We do not know what the next moment will bring but we know that You do. Help us to never be ashamed of our "dependence" on You. To whom other than You could be we turn? We seek Your righteousness, in each of us, this day.

We know Father that we can not have it both ways, our worthiness, our wisdom, our independent achievements and at the same time Your righteousness. We confess that our lower nature doggedly pursues us. It is Your perfection in us that we seek.

Help us not only to lean upon You but to be lifted by You to a heavenly nature here in this earthly place. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Revenge, October 2, 2008

Revenge, October 2, 2008

He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct, he who teaches man knowledge?
The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.
Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, and teach out of Your law,
That You may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked.
For the LORD will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance.
But judgment will return to righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence.

Psalms 94:9-17, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that You formed all things, including us. We acknowledge that you are ever present. We thank You for both teaching us and correcting us.

You give us a constant choice as to whether to declare You to men or to stand in silence. We know that adversity is coming. We choose this day to leave judgment to You and to stand as witnesses in the midst of a world filled with iniquity. May our acquaintances this day know we are Christians by our love? Your response to our question is a resounding yes!

In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, October 1, 2008

Peace, October 1, 2008

Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness...
For I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before Your eyes"; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You.
Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person.
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Ps 31:21-24, www.solascriptura.com

Father, No one has shown us the marvelous kindness that You have shown us. None of us feel worthy of Your concern for us. Even when we cry out in despair, doubting Your love for us because of our circumstances, You ignore our immature attitude and You bring us back to You, stronger.

You call us saints but warn us that pride is our enemy. Even after we have committed our lives to You, pride remains a problem. When we do good works, even then, pride lurks and You do not want us to be prideful. Help us today to focus on the joy of serving You and not have it spill over into self-congratulatory feelings.

You tell us repeatedly, to be of good courage, that You strengthen the hearts of those that seek to serve You, all who have hope in You. In whom else could we possibly place our hope; none but You. Thank You for loving us even when we are imperfect. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell