Conscience, February 28

Conscience, February 28

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

1 Peter 3:15-18,21-22

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Joy, February 27

Joy, February 27

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, Part I, Febrary 26

Prayer, Part I, Febrary 26

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Revenge, February 25

Revenge, February 25

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

James 4:11-12

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

Father, some of us are very good at following the first 4 commandments wherein we are to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Some of us are very weak in loving the unlovely, the down trodden, the disobedient and those who do not love You.

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

Bruce Caldwell

Mind of Christ, February 24

Mind of Christ, February 24

… He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will...

Ephesians 1:4-5, 11, www.solascriptura.com

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

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

Father, we earnestly pray that You will help us in what seems like a quest to us, an effort to follow You. If our journey seems uncertain, in terms of events and goals, we can have assurance that all things work to the good for those that love You and obey You. Give us comfort this day that You are present and that You care, constantly. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Law of God, February 23

Law of God, February 23

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

Matthew 5:38-41 www.solascriptura.com

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Law of God, February 22

Law of God, February 22

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, Part 2, February 21

Prayer, Part 2, February 21

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Forgiven, February 20

Forgiven, February 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Courage, February 19

Courage, February 19

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, February 18

Peace, February 18

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

Revelation 7:13-17 www.solascriptura.com

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Children, February 17

God's Children, February 17

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

The Narrow Gate, February 16

The Narrow Gate, February 16

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

Revelation 3:14-22 www.solascriptura.com

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

God’s Gifts, February 15

God's Gifts, February 15

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

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

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

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

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

Temple of God, February 14

Temple of God, February 14

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

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

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

It seems apparent, Father, that Satan does not waste his time bringing down those who already belong to him (You have taught us that he has limitations of time and space). Those people are down!

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

Nothing is as insightful as your word..."may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Prayer, February 13

Prayer, February 13

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Forgiven, February 12

Forgiven, February 12

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

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

Father, we know that when Jesus went to the cross He could have, by Your Holiness in Him, destroyed every person responsible for his being crucified. He chose to do Your will Father and was crucified. His enemies thought they had won the day.
In fact, His choice and His subsequent resurrection paved the way for the redemption of all who will believe. No crucifixion and no resurrection and we would all still be alienated from You, God.

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

Bruce Caldwell

Salvation, February 11

Salvation, February 11

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Hope, February 10

Hope, February 10

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Temptation, February 9

Temptation, February 9

For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;
and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;
and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;
and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked
(for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)--
then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,
"I know ..., my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness...

2 Peter 2:4-9, 1 Chronicles 29:17, www.solascriptura.com

Father, will the sins of the world once again bring the kind of destruction described here? Yes, You tell us it will happen again. But Father, so few were saved, so few were righteous in Your eyes. Help us O'God to be among the faithful whose souls are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, the ultimate and final sacrifice made for our sins.

Father, you have made it clear that judgement awaits the souls that do not love You and obey You. You also have made it clear that in the midst of our being tested, you have pleasure in our uprightness; our obedience to Your Holy Word.

Teach us every day of your expectations and renew a right Spirit within us constantly. Help us bask in the assurance of Your love for Your children, bringing joy and peace to those around us. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

WHAT IS THAT AROMA?, February 8

WHAT IS THAT AROMA?, February 8

Have you ever considered the notion that you give off an aroma! We are not talking about whether you use deodorant or not. Listen to this quotation from the Bible:

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NKJV

Yes, we have a fragrance and if we love Jesus it is discernable, that is, people can tell that we love Jesus. The verses above teach us that the aroma of Jesus, in us, causes other Christians to notice that love but people whose hearts are far from God, also notice and they feel that we are a testimony, a witness, against their life style. The Christian might say that we are the aroma of life and the one who does not yet love Jesus might say, "What is that smell?" meaning you are making them uncomfortable.

The Bible says that it is God's will that no person perish, that is, to be banned from the presence of God forever. Therefore if someone is giving you a hard time because you have the aroma of Christ, it is not time to get into an argument with him or her. God loves them and is waiting patiently for them to repent, to turn from sin, and to have His Spirit and their spirit united. Our job is to love them even if they do not presently respect our love for Jesus.

Listen to one more quotation from the Apostle Paul: "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV

We are that sweet smelling aroma that pleases God as we walk in love. God is love and to be like Jesus is our goal. No one is perfect, as Jesus was, but His Spirit in you gives you a chance to be an "imitator of God."

Discuss whether you think you give off a Christ-like aroma as you live your life. How do you feel about being criticized for trying to be like Jesus? What choices do you have in reacting to someone who thinks you are trying to be too "good"?

Core Christian Value: We are to be imitators of Jesus Christ and in doing so we give off a sweet- smelling aroma, one that pleases God. That aroma may not please a person who does not love and honor God.

Bruce Caldwell

Temptation, February 7

Temptation, February 7

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Providence of God, February 6

Providence of God, February 6

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Humility, February 5

Humility, February 5

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

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

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

We should ask less and less as we become more and more like You, Jesus and if that is not the case help us examine our hearts and make the changes we need to make. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Fidelity, February 4

Fidelity, February 4

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Industriousness, February 3

Industriousness

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Conscience, February 2, 2009

Conscience, February 2, 2009

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell

Joy, February 1, 2009

Joy, February 1, 2009

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

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

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

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

Bruce Caldwell