Posts in category Daily Devotions

A Family Guide to Holy Week Holy Wednesday

Apr20
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Warner Smith

Opening Prayer

Singing Together

Bible Readings

4 What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? 5 And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. 6 I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. 7 For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry! 8 Woe to those who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no more room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land. 9 The Lord of hosts has sworn in my hearing: “Surely many houses shall be desolate, large and beautiful houses, without inhabitant.     Isaiah 5:4–9 (ESV)

To the choirmaster. Of David, for the memorial offering. 1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me! 2 Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life! Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! 3 Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!” 4 May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!” 5 But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay! Psalm 70 (ESV)

21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. 31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.  John 13:21–32 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:1–3 (ESV)

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40 Days of Preparation Day 39

Apr19
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Warner Smith

Today, Tuesday April 19, 2011, is the thirty-ninth day of preparing our hearts, souls and minds for the most high of all Christian holy days, Easter Sunday. Today I need to “put off” retaliation (getting even) and “put on” returning good for evil.

The Old testament law provided a principle for retaliation. This principle as it came to be passed down to us through our legal system is referred to by the Latin phrase lex talionis. The principle is that a punishment inflicted should correspond in degree and kind to the offense which the wrongdoer has committed. The Mosaic law states:

17 “ ‘If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death. 18 Anyone who takes the life of someone’s animal must make restitution—life for life. 19 If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured. 21 Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death. 22 You are to have the same law for the alien and the native-born. I am the Lord your God.’ ” Leviticus 24:17–22 (NIV)

Yet even though this was the Jewish law, the writers of the Old Testament still struggled to square the concept for retaliation with the concept of forgiveness.

29 Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did.” Proverbs 24:29 (NIV)

Jesus’ taught us that in reality the desire to retaliate is human, and of the flesh, but that the willingness to forgive is from God.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43–48 (NIV)

Whenever you and I are harmed we have the right to retaliate up to the point where we inflict an equal amount of pain upon the person or persons who have harmed us. This is right, just and equitable. As Jesus says, however, even tax collectors and pagans can live by this form of justice. The kingdom ethic is different and higher than this form of retaliation. Those who will follow Jesus are called to be perfect as God is perfect.

If God is the standard by which we are to measure our desire to retaliate or to forgive those who harm us, then each of us who have ever been guilty of harming another have only one legitimate course of action in this regard. As a recipient of God’s forgiveness, and as one who has received forgiveness from others whom I have harmed, it is only just and right for me to forgo my right to retaliate and to instead choose to forgive.

How is it possible to forgive rather than to retaliate? Jesus answers this question when He tells us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” If I am practicing this love and prayer for my enemies then it will be much easier for me to extend grace and mercy to them whenever they harm me. The desire to retaliate or to forgive is a choice. You and I need to choose to “put off” retaliation (getting even) and “put on” returning good for evil.

Followers of Jesus Christ are to be known for extending grace and mercy more than for retaliating against those who have harmed them. Paul explains this concept practically to the church at Rome.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:17 – 20 (NIV)

I am not to repay evil for evil. When I forgo my right of taking my own revenge I am leaving room for God’s wrath. Whenever I forgo my rights and instead act as Christ would have me behave I am subjecting my rights to God and trusting Him to avenge.

Paul does recognize, however, that everyone will not be able to meet this very high standard. Paul gives us a qualifying statement, “if it is possible, as much as lies with in you” then live at peace with all men. This is one of those biblical principles whose application is left up to each individual person. Some will be able to bear much, others will be able to bear less, but the goal of each is to live at peace with all people. Today you and I need to “put off” retaliation (getting even) and “put on” returning good for evil for to do so makes us more like Christ.

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A Family Guide to Holy Week Holy Tuesday

Apr19
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Warner Smith

Opening Prayer

Singing Together

Bible Readings

1 Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. 3 And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” 4 But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God.” 5 And now the Lord says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength— 6 he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” 7 Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”     Isaiah 49:1–7 (ESV)

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 (ESV)

1 In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! 2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! 3 Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man. 5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. 6 Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. 7 I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. 9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent. 10 For my enemies speak concerning me; those who watch for my life consult together 11 and say, “God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is none to deliver him.” 12 O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! 13 May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt. 14 But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.
Psalm 71:1–14 (ESV)

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.     John 12:20–36 (ESV)

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40 Days of Preparation Day 38

Apr18
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Warner Smith

Today, Monday April 18, 2011, is the thirty-eighth day of preparing our hearts, souls and minds for the most high of all Christian holy days, Easter Sunday. Today I need to “put off” the love of money and “put on” love of God. The American and world economy are increasingly causes for concern and prayer among Christians. Many people today are concerned about their 401k, decreasing home values, increasing gas prices and a whole host of other financial concerns. The Bible has much practical wisdom from which each of us will profit if we simply read, learn and obey.

The first principle we need learn regarding finances is that we do gain as much security as we think from having money in the bank.  True security, security now and security throughout eternity comes not from having money in the bank but from knowing and trusting God on His throne.  Some have perverted the golden rule which Jesus taught, from “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31) to “he who has the gold makes the rules.” Were this perverted golden rule correct, God would still be in charge, because in heaven gold is so plentiful He uses it for pavement.

21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass. Revelation 21:21 (NIV)

The desire to be rich is a sin which ensnares many people preventing them from loving and serving God. Remember that in Jesus’ parable of “The Sower” the seed which is sown among the thorns is choked and becomes unfruitful because “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” (Matthew 13:22). Paul gave his understanding of how the desire for riches negatively impact many in Timothy.

9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:9–10 (NASB)

Have you ever known anyone who felt that they were worth more dead than alive? Such feelings reveal that someone has fallen into this snare. Whenever we measure a persons worth by their bank balance we have wandered away from the faith. When an individual measures their own worth by their bank balance or net worth they are setting themselves up to pierced by many griefs.

This miscalculation of the value of one’s life has led many to commit suicide. I have lost family members and friends due to this faulty and foolish belief that began simply by someone trying to get ahead in this life resulting in their failing to comprehend the true purpose of life. I hope you understand that you are of much more worth to God, your family, and your friends than the balance in your bank account on any given day. You and I need today to “put off” the love of money and “put on” love of God.

The remedy for this malady of desiring riches is to instead desire God. Jesus taught us to;

33 “. . . seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NASB)

Desiring God’s kingdom and His righteousness is the desire which God’s Spirit gives to the seed which is sown on good soil.  This is how the psalmist could say that God would give us the desires of our hearts.

4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

When we are converted God changes our worldly desires into the desire to delight in Him. One of the best barometers for this change is our desire for riches and how we spend the money we do have.  When I spend everything on myself and my family I am acting from selfishness. When I spend my resources on others, especially on the things necessary to advance God’s kingdom I am doing so from my selfless desire to see His will done upon the earth as it is done in heaven. This lifestyle, know as being a good steward, results in their being treasure stored up for me in heaven.

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:19–21;24 (NASB)

The problem with most of American Christianity today is that we are trying to do what Jesus said was impossible, serve two masters. It is time that we recognize the impossibility of our situation and take the steps to rid the garden of our heart from the thorns which are choking out the power of God’s word in our lives. The first step in this process of reclamation is  to “put off” the love of money and “put on” love of God.

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A Family Guide to Holy Week Holy Monday

Apr18
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Warner Smith

Opening Prayer

Singing Together

Bible Readings

5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. 6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord. 7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. 10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart! 11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.     Psalm 36:5–11 (ESV)

1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. 5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”     Isaiah 42:1–9 (ESV)

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” 9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
John 12:1–11 (ESV)

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