FOLLOWING GOD...part two

Acts 7:9-10"Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh King of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace."

Isn't it funny how the first thing we think of when we suffer is that it is because of something we did wrong or a lesson we need to learn? I wonder if Joseph felt that way. That kind of thinking can be a real trap, because many times the calamitous event you experience (like Joseph's) is not for any reason other than -- it is God's way of moving you from where you are to where He wants you to be.

I call this "Following God, part 2 (FG2)" -- all it requires of us is the willingness to grow -- notice I didn't say "learn from the experience." So often when we go through a difficult time, we think it is because God is trying to teach us something -- so we try to learn from the experience and many times learn the wrong thing. If Joseph had done so, he might have "learned" not to trust his brothers, or go places by himself, etc.

The key to an FG2 experience is to watch for and remain open to the opportunity. Joseph did so -- rather than be negative and depressed -- Joseph chose to follow God. As a result God gave him "wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh." Notice the words "enabled him" -- God prepared him with wisdom and created the opportunity for him "to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh." But it was Joseph who acted upon the opportunity.

Have you ever been in a difficult spot, despite doing all the right things? So much so that as you replayed your moves over and over again in your mind, you would have done exactly the same thing? Maybe you had (or are having) an FG2 experience. Maybe God is moving you from where you are to where He wants you to be. Are you open to new opportunities?

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FOLLOWING GOD...part one

Acts 7:3-8"'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you.' So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. God spoke to him in this way: 'Your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,' God said, 'and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.' Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs."

If you look at the Old Testament stories as picture examples of New Testament principles, you will find two major ways that God leads us. To keep it simple, I'm going to call these ways, "Following God, part 1" (FG1), and "Following God, part 2" (FG2 -- will be discussed in our next devotion).

Abraham was definitely a FG1 kind of person -- as reflected in verses 3 and 4. When God directed -- "Leave your country and your people," Abraham followed God without hesitation -- "So he left."

FG1 is usually simple -- "leave" and "go to" are typical instructions. The difficulty is in the second piece or unknown part of the instruction: leave -- your country and your people; go to -- the land I will show you. To put it in more relatable terms, to follow God: Abraham had to leave not just Laguna Niguel or California but the USA as well -- leaving behind family, friends, businesses, etc.; without knowing where he was going (God said He would show him, which didn't mean Abraham knew where he was going when he left). Try explaining that to your wife!

The other tricky component of FG1 is trusting in what appears to be the "crazy" or "unrealistic" promises that God makes. That statement might offend some people who would say with confidence, "I always trust and follow God," but let's face it sometimes it's hard to follow (or trust) when it just doesn't seem possible. Look at Abraham. God told him his descendants would inherit the land despite the fact Abraham was 75 years old and childless at the time. Twenty-four years later Abram (which means exalted father), still childless, was told to change his name to Abraham (which means father of many). Can you imagine the ridicule he must have endured when he did so? Here was a guy, childless at 99, with a wife who was 90, changing his name to father of many -- most people would think he was crazy. You see the problem with an FG1 promise is that God doesn't tell anyone else what he has promised you -- it is your promise only. Paul covers this concept in great detail in the 4th chapter of Romans. He sums it up in Romans 4:3, "Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Fully trusting in God's direction is one of the most difficult aspects of Christian living, as sometimes it's hard to distinguish between an impulse and the direction of God. Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me." The implication is if you know Jesus you will recognize his voice. When was the last time you heard Jesus' voice? Did you recognize His voice? Did you follow? Why or why not?

Learn to recognize His voice by faithfully listening to Him as He speaks to you through His Word. Why not open your Gospel of John now and hear what He has to say to you today?

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WHERE DOES GOD LIVE?

Acts 7:2b-3"The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran."

As Stephen begins his testimony he launches into a full history of the patriarchs from Abraham to Moses. Why? It certainly wasn't because his audience didn't know Jewish history (those listening to him included the Jewish chief priest and Sanhedrin). The purpose and one of the main points he is making relates to his defense of the accusation against him of "speaking against this holy place." Stephen's response is that God doesn't reside in a place -- He is not tied to a particular country or building.

The Jews in Stephen's day were guilty of placing God in a box -- confining God to their locations and ideas. The "God of glory" reference that Stephen makes, indicates God's sovereign nature (He can do anything He wants); and His appearance in Mesopotamia to Abraham, illustrates that God does not confine Himself to a particular country.

So often we do the same thing. We think that God is only at church, or only interested in Christians, or supports only an American agenda. God is as interested in your son or daughter's salvation as He is in the salvation of a drug dealer in Colombia, a prostitute in Paris, or a child with AIDS in Africa. God doesn't have boundaries and no one is a waste of time or effort for God.

We all are guilty to one degree or another of placing boundaries on God. What restrictions do you place on Him? Where have you put God "in a box of your own making?" Intellectually you may agree that God is not only at church, but sometimes we do not have the same "feeling" of being close to God outside of the building where we worship. What thoughts or ideas about God do you need to change?

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IT'S IN YOUR MOUTH

By Bishop Donald Hilliard

Your breakthrough is in your mouth! There are some areas in all of our lives that have been dry for a long time. You might be reading this and your marriage is dry. Perhaps your relationships are dry. Your financial situation is dry. Your health is bad. Your mind is troubled. Your emotions are shattered. Or your nerves are on edge. But God is saying if you are going to be delivered, if change is going to come, if revival is going to come, it's in your mouth. It's not up to God. It is up to you.

What do you say about it? What do you say about the situation you are in? You can prophesy your own destruction or you can declare that you will live and not die. You can declare that health is yours. Prosperity is yours. Joy is yours. You can prophesy that your marriage will work. You will get that job. You will get whatever God has in store for you. No devil in hell can stop it. God said it, so declare it. Your victory is in your mouth.

Precious Savior, I am in a situation in which it appears that there is no hope. I'm pressed on every side; everything seems to be falling apart in my life. But I thank you for the power of declaration. Your word says that I am snared by the words of my mouth. I am taken by the words of my mouth. Your word also says that whatever things I ask for when I pray, I should believe that I receive them, and I will have them. Father, I believe your word because your word is true. I therefore declare boldly that I will have all that you have for me, my situation will turn around, my outlook is bright, and I will live and not die. My future is bright because I trust in you!

Scripture Of The Day: "You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth." - Proverbs 6:2 (NKJV)

IT'S HABIT FORMING

"Pray continually." — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

How often would you say you pray each day? Once a day? Twice? Three or more times, if you include grace before meals? How about 100 prayers or more each day? Sounds a bit over the top, doesn't it? But for the observant Jew, that's exactly how often we pray on a daily basis!

Let me explain. Back in biblical times, prayer was most certainly offered independently, as a spontaneous emotional outburst of thanks or a petition to God, such as Hannah's repeated, anguished prayers for a son in 1 Samuel. Generally, though, prayers in biblical times were offered at the Temple in conjunction with the animal and grain sacrifices. When the Temple was destroyed and sacrificial worship ceased, prayers were substituted entirely for the sacrificial offerings. Subsequently, we Jews hold three daily prayer services – morning, afternoon, and evening – which correspond to the daily Temple sacrifices that they replaced.

This does not mean that Jews only pray in the synagogue or during the three formal worship services. Ideally, personal prayer occurs throughout the day. In fact, the observant Jew usually recites at least 100 mini prayers or blessings in the course of each day. That sounds like a lot until you consider the number of things we pray about.

For example, we recite a series of blessings in the morning to give thanks for our eyesight, intelligence, and strength. We offer blessings before and after enjoying food and drink – even just a snack – and when we hear thunder or see lightning, comets, mountains, or rivers. Both good and bad news will elicit a blessing, as will wearing new clothes or purchasing a new home.

The possibilities and opportunities are endless, but these blessings sprinkled throughout our days enable us to transform virtually every moment of our lives into a prayerful experience. When you think about it, this is just like the apostle Paul's charge to the Thessalonians in chapter 5: "Pray without ceasing" (v. 17, NASB).

The idea is not about getting down on our knees or closing our eyes throughout the day. But rather, it's about cultivating a prayerful attitude throughout the day. As we share our mundane thoughts and events with God, it solidifies our relationship with Him and our day's activities become sanctified, imbued with profound spiritual significance.

That's a habit worth forming, isn't it?

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

YOUR WITNESS BEGINS WITH YOUR PEOPLE

Acts 7:2a"To this he replied: 'Brothers and fathers, listen to me!'"

Stephen stood before the chief priest and Sanhedrin to answer the charge of "speaking against this holy place and against the law." As he began his testimony he addressed them in the familiar terms of brothers and fathers as he pleaded with them to open their minds, and "listen to me!" I really can relate to Stephen's frustration. After all, these were his people (brothers and fathers), yet they missed the Messiah -- the same Messiah they anticipated for hundreds of years and over many generations.

How often do we feel that same way as we listen to a family member or a close friend talk about their life or a crisis they have experienced? We have the solution -- Jesus -- but will they listen? I would suggest that your words will have more impact when your life is an example (testimony) of those words.

Stephen could command: "Listen to me!" -- because his life was a testimony of his words. This is what the Bible says about Stephen: a servant (waited on tables serving food to the Greek widows); full of wisdom; full of the Spirit; full of faith; full of God's grace; full of God's power; did great wonders and miraculous signs; and he spoke and taught about Jesus. You will notice the speaking came after everything else and it began in service. Stephen's heart was in the place God could use it -- committed to His will as expressed through a willingness to serve.

If you want people to pay attention to your words, you must first be willing to humbly and quietly serve them. Do you seek an audience or do you look for opportunities to serve? Your family and friends are watching, is your life a witness to your words? What could you do today to serve others?

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HANDLING CRITICISM...MY PREACHER'S WORDS CONFIRMED AGAIN

Once the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked on a small island, He went to pick up some firewood and a poisonous snake bit him. The people thought he would die immediately. That’s what it feels like when somebody criticizes us, when somebody is talking behind your back, trying to put you in bad light; we can feel the sting of his or her words. I love what Paul did. One translation says, “He simply shook it off.” It was as though he was saying, “No big deal. I’m not going to let this thing bother me. It may be poisonous, it may look bad, but I know God is in control. I know God can take care of me.” Miraculously, the snake didn’t even harm Paul. Many people let negative words or other people’s opinions totally ruin their lives. They live to please other people and honestly think they can be happy by trying to keep everyone else happy. They don’t want anybody to say a negative word about them. That’s impossible. You have to accept the fact that not everybody is going to like you. Some people will find fault, no matter what you do. You can be there for them a thousand times in a row, but they will remind you repeatedly of that one time when you couldn’t show up. Life is too short to try to keep people happy. The Scripture says in Proverbs, “A gossiping, find faulting tongue is like a venomous snake.” A person’s words can poison your life. The longer you think about it, the more venom goes into you. If somebody is talking about you, don’t go home and call seven of your friends and ask, “What did you hear about me?” Just shake it off. Don’t spend all your time trying to win over your critics; just run your own race. Remember, most of the time, it’s not really about you. It’s about the fact that they haven’t dealt with that jealous, critical spirit on the inside. The best thing you can do is ignore the slingers. Do what God has put in your heart and trust Him to take care of the criticism.

AGAPE LOVE DIVINE MINISTRIES

A DEFINING MOMENT

Acts 7:1"Then the high priest asked him, 'Are these charges true?"

Imagine Stephen's predicament, here he was standing alone before the high priest having just heard numerous witnesses lie about what he had said -- they testified that he spoke words of blasphemy against Moses and God. Stephen knew Jewish law, so he knew the penalty for blasphemy was stoning, and he knew these people were looking for an excuse to punish him severely.

This was Stephen's "defining moment" -- the high priest asked the question, "Are these charges true?" Don't miss the significance of this moment -- there are always two paths or choices at times like these -- the one you choose will define who you are in Christ. The first choice is toward safety (reduction of tension, finding common ground, peace making, and blending into the crowd), as Peter did when he denied Jesus 3 times; the other requires the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity.

What would you do if faced with the same choice? How would you answer the question? Not always do we face such direct opposition or dire consequences as Stephen did here; however we still regularly experience moments when we have an opportunity to either stand up and answer in Christ, or walk away. When was the last time you had such a choice? How did you answer the question?

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JESUS IS IN THE HEALING BUSINESS

By Pastor Deborah L. Butler


You can draw the anointing of Jesus into your life to the point that it works all the time.

Jesus is in the healing business. We find that out in Matthew chapters 4, 9, 10, and 14. Matthew 14:14 tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion, and then healed all sicknesses and diseases. Now compassion is a manifestation of love. So He taught, He preached, He was moved with love, and He healed. Now, since He is the Son of Love, then He is Love. And you can't separate Him from love. For He is always moved with love. He is always moved with compassion. So He is continually healing us.

Now, your healing is not based on whether or not someone else failed to receive the manifestation of healing. It is based on God's word.

A lot of us don't have our healing because we know somebody that we thought was a great Christian and they didn't get healed. And because we can't measure up to them then we certainly can't get healed. But we need to understand, that is between them and God. You receiving your healing is between you and God. And God has provided for you His Word to read, meditate upon, believe and receive for yourself. He loves you so much that He sent Jesus, the Son of Love, to save you, deliver you, and heal you. Now, receive your healing today, not based upon another person, but based upon the word of God. Just know that Jesus is still in the healing business.

Scripture Of The Day: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." - 1 Peter 2:24

CELEBRATING THE LORDS SUPPER FAR FROM HOME

On Sunday July 20, 1969 the first people landed on the moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were in the lunar lander, which touched down at 3:17 Eastern Standard Time.

Buzz Aldrin had with him the Reserved Sacrament. He radioed: "Houston, this is Eagle. This is the LM pilot speaking. I would like to request a few moments of silence. I would like to invite each person listening in, whoever or wherever he may be, to contemplate for a moment the events of the last few hours, and to give thanks in his own individual way."

Later he wrote: "In the radio blackout, I opened the little plastic packages which contained the bread and the wine. I poured the wine into the chalice our church had given me. In the one-sixth gravity of the moon, the wine slowly curled and gracefully came up the side of the cup. Then I read the Scripture, 'I am the vine, you are the branches; Whosoever abides in me will bring forth much fruit.' I had intended to read my communion passage back to earth, but at the last minute Deke Slayton had requested that I not do this. NASA was already embroiled in a legal battle with Madelyn Murray O'Hare, the celebrated opponent of religion, over the Apollo 8 crew reading from Genesis while orbiting the moon at Christmas. I agreed reluctantly. Eagle's metal body creaked. I ate the tiny Host and swallowed the wine. I gave thanks for the intelligence and spirit that had brought two young pilots to the Sea of Tranquility. It was interesting for me to think: the very first liquid ever poured on the moon, and the very first food eaten there, were the communion elements."

NASA kept this secret for two decades. The memoirs of Buzz Aldrin and the Tom Hanks's Emmy- winning HBO mini-series, From the Earth to the Moon (1998), made people aware of this act of Christian worship 235,000 miles from Earth.

.....Chaplain Ed Skiba – Treasure Coast Hospices by way of Chaplain's Notes (ChapnotesMail@aol.com) (http://www.chapnotes.org) (t.airportchaplain@verizon.net) and Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

WHERE ARE YOU

"Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" — Psalm 10:1

Doesn't it sometimes feel like God is far away? When you are in the midst of a difficult time — whether you're struggling to find a job, or a loved one is losing a battle against cancer, or your child is involved in ungodly activities — it often feels like God is nowhere to be found.

"Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" At various points in his life, David probably had good reason to question where God was and what He was doing. Where was God when David was running for his life from the jealous King Saul? Where was God when David's own son led an uprising and attempted to take over his father's kingdom? Where was God when David was surrounded by arrogant men who had no room in their hearts for God?

It's at these low points in our lives when God does seem to be far away, hiding from us. And it's times like that when we are tempted to let those doubts come between us and God. We stop praying; we shut ourselves off from the very One who can carry us through these difficulties. We look at our circumstances and conclude that God simply does not care.

But notice what David does in this psalm. Despite his doubts, David continues praying and asking God to come quickly to his aid. David doesn't assume that because of his current situation God does not care or is unwilling to help him. Rather, David affirms what he knows about God from his past experiences — "But you, O God, do see trouble and grief" (v.14). David knew that he was not alone, that God not only knew what was happening, but was also with David in his troubles.

The same is true for us. It is the times when we are most alone, when we are feeling abandoned and oppressed, that we most need to pray to God. Tell Him your troubles. Share with Him your doubts. Cry out for His help. But know, as King David did, that "You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry" (v.17).

Where is God in your troubles? Right there with you.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

DISARMING DECEPTION

by Beth Moore

Deception is the glue that holds every stronghold together. Let’s reflect on this concept: nothing is bigger or more powerful than God; therefore, anything other than Jesus Christ mastering the Christian’s life can keep its grip only through pretension and deception. Remember, Satan is the father of lies.1 No truth is in him. However, his specialty is twisting a lie until it seems true. The list of lies we often believe when we are held in a stronghold can be unlimited. Consider just a few examples:

I can never be victorious over this compulsion. I’ve had it too long.
I can’t help the mess I'm in. I'm caught, and there’s nothing I can do about it.
It may be a stronghold, but I really need it to get by.
I am absolutely worthless nothing but a failure.
I'm in control here. This is not controlling me.
This isn’t doing me any harm. I can handle it.
I’ll know just when to stop.
After all I’ve been through, I deserve this.
There’s nothing wrong with this relationship. People just don’t understand us.
Everyone thinks these kinds of thoughts most of the time. I'm only human.
God may work for other people, but He doesn’t work for me.
I’ll just have to wait until heaven to get over this. Real victory isn’t possible on earth.
God can’t possibly fill the void in my life. I need something more.
I am too emotionally handicapped to ever be OK.
It’s hopeless. I'm hopeless.

Sometimes we’re very aware of tolerating or even fueling a lie. Other times, we are caught in such a web that we can no longer see ourselves or our situations accurately. It’s not always clear when we’re being deceived, but one sure sign is when we begin to deceive. All you have to do to locate Satan in any situation is look for the lie. How do we recognize a lie? Anything we believe or act on that is contrary to what the truth of God’s Word says about us is a lie. Second Corinthians 4:2 tells us how to respond to such things: “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God.” This passage helps us identify four of Satan’s specialties that must be renounced and rejected by the believer in order for him/her to walk in victory: secrecy, shame, deception, and distortion of Scripture.

As you consider each one, you can readily imagine how deception permeates all four and how interrelated they are. Satan’s plans toward the believer are always the antithesis of God’s. Our Redeemer wants to loose us from the closets of secrecy and bring us to a spacious place of joy, freedom, authenticity, and transparency. Satan wants to keep us bound in secrecy where he can weigh us down in guilt, misery, and shame. Oh, beloved, I know from experience that so much of the shame we experience is wrapped up in the secret. In fact, the enemy knows that once we expose the secret places of our lives to the light of God’s Word, we’re on our way to freedom.

I'm not suggesting that the only way to be free is to stand up before our congregations and tell every detail of every sin we’ve ever committed or considered. The King James Version translates James 5:16 far more accurately than several other versions: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (emphasis mine). Some of the other translations say, “Confess your sins to each other…” (emphasis mine). The original word translated “faults” in the KJV and “sins” in the NIV is paraptoma, which means “fault, lapse, error, mistake, wrongdoing.” Contrast 1 John 1:9 where we are told, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” The original word for “sin” in this verse is hamartia, meaning any way in which we miss the mark and any “aberration from the truth.” James 5:16 refers to the confessions we make to others, while 1 John 1:9 refers to the confessions we make to God. Please notice the slight contrast between sharing our faults, weaknesses, and mistakes with others and confessing every detail of every sin to God.

If we’re going to live in freedom, we have no choice but to renounce every single secret place of sin in our lives to God, exposing even the smallest detail to the light of God’s Word. This is the means by which God injects truth in the inner parts.2 I have also found incalculable help and freedom in confessing details of my past sins and strongholds to a few other trustworthy, mature believers for the sake of accountability. There are a couple of people I really trust who basically know every detail of my life.

Living a consistently victorious life takes courage! But this courage leads to a glorious, indescribable liberty! What relief awaits you if you really decide to let God’s truth set you free…then keep you free. Be willing to ask God on a regular basis if you are overlooking or denying a stronghold in your life. Because of my past track record, I’ve had to learn to dialog openly with God about areas of my life that are at risk: areas where I’ve been defeated before or circumstances that suddenly result in anger or insecurity. I also ask Him to help me discern the very first signs of Satan’s deceptions in my life.

Let’s reiterate, however, that the most effective way to veer from deception is to walk in truth. Third John 4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” The wonderful news is: the joy that results from your walk in truth won’t just be God’s. It will be yours, too. As Christ said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

1 John 8:44
2 Psalm 51:6

A DEAD END

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail".
— Isaiah 58:11

Truly, the Dead Sea is one of Israel's most remarkable and most visited geological sites. Situated some 1,300 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the face of the earth. And it is also one of the saltiest places. In fact, it is nearly nine times more salty than the ocean. But because of its harsh conditions, no animal or marine life can survive in its salty waters – hence, the name The Dead Sea.

But do you know why the Dead Sea is so salty? It's because it's a terminal lake with no outlet. That means water can only leave through evaporation. Water from the Jordan River and its tributaries flow into the Dead Sea, bringing with them all sorts of minerals, including salt. Since there is no outlet and because of temperatures that can soar over 100 degrees, the water evaporates, leaving behind the dissolved minerals. With no place to go, these minerals continue to accumulate and become concentrated in the water, making it uninhabitable for any type of life.

As interesting geologically as the Dead Sea may be, the conditions of the Dead Sea can also teach us an important life lesson. For sometimes we can become just like the Dead Sea. We can do this in any number of ways. For example, we may immerse ourselves in very good biblical teachings that are truly enriching. But if we don't incorporate those teachings into our daily lives in practical ways, that knowledge becomes useless, dead.

The blessings that God has poured out upon us — whether it's in material things, wealth, talent, or wisdom — are not just meant for our own benefit, to be kept to ourselves. As God's Word says in Deuteronomy 15, we are not to be tightfisted, but open-handed, giving freely. What flows into our lives through the grace and blessing of God needs to flow outward to those around us. That's what pleases and honors Him.

As the prophet Isaiah told the people of Israel, if they looked to the interests of others, as they fed the hungry and helped those in trouble, God would guide them and satisfy their needs. Their lives would be like a "spring whose waters never fail."

And wouldn't you rather be an ever-flowing spring than a dead sea?

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

LOVE LIKE JESUS LOVES

By Bishop Keith Butler

You are a covenant person because you walk in love, not because you go to church. You are a covenant person not because you can quote the scripture. You are a covenant person because you have made a decision to walk like Jesus, and walk in love with the brethren. Your brothers are Jesus’ brothers; and that is who He cares about. And whatever He cares about, you care about. You therefore resolve that you will love like Jesus loved.

Jesus said to continue in His way of love, in His style of love. If you keep His commandment – that is, if you love one another, as he loved us - then you are His disciple. He didn’t say just love, He said love like He loves.

He said love like Him. It takes the power of God to do that. If most people had the ability to manifest divine power like Jesus did, they would heal people and minister to them. Then when they turn on them like they turned on Jesus, they’d be ready to zap them to ashes. But that is not what Jesus did. He didn’t render evil for evil. He rendered love for evil, and blessings for contrary words. He prayed for those who used Him despitefully. And because of it He had divine power and protection so that what they said and what they did had no affect on him.

That is what He wants you to do. When you walk in love, people may come against you, but they will not have any affect on you. When you walk in love you are kept in covenant and blessings are released on your behalf. So prepare yourself now to decide what you will do every time you come up against adversity. What is the love way to go? Well, that way is the protection way. That is the way that will turn out and cause you to win in the middle of the test and trial.

Scripture Of The Day: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12 (KJV)

MISSING THE POINT

Acts 6:9-10
Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called) -- Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

In the mid 1800's as the west was settled in our country, families would pack their entire homes on covered wagons and join other groups as they ventured west. These wagon trains would follow well established trails. To this day these trails remain visible, because after years of rain, wind, sun, snow, (freezing and thawing) the tracks were eventually hardened into stone. So much so that a wagon had to be built to certain specifications so it would fit in the width of the track including a high center of gravity to not bottom out.

There is nothing wrong with being in a rut or following a path. After all, like in the western days it can serve a very useful purpose in helping us to reach a destination. The problem is when if we stay in the rut despite having arrived at our destination -- we miss the point of why we do what we're doing. The Jews from our story were like that. They had so long been on the path to the Messiah -- that when He came and went -- they completely missed Him because they were so focused on their own established routines and thought processes.

How do we avoid a similar situation? I think the key is in verse 8, "they could not stand up against his wisdom or the spirit by whom he spoke." Every on

Take a break from your routine and consider for a moment: Has God been allowing interruptions to get your attention? When that happens, ask yourself: Do I have the right focus and priorities established? What is the goal? Have I missed Jesus? Am I on the right path? What needs to change?

ce in a while, God breaks into our daily routine with a person or a word that shakes us up because it challenges us or is in opposition to the way we are used to doing things. The question is will we pause long enough to listen and adjust?

Take a break from your routine and consider for a moment: Has God been allowing interruptions to get your attention? When that happens, ask yourself: Do I have the right focus and priorities established? What is the goal? Have I missed Jesus? Am I on the right path? What needs to change?

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A NEW BEGINNING

By Billy Graham

Although thousands were present, he seemed to be speaking directly to me—even when I hid behind the large hat of the woman in front of me! I realize now that God’s Spirit was working in my heart, convicting me of my sins and convincing me of my need for Christ.

One night as he gave the invitation for people to commit their lives to Christ, I knew I had resisted long enough, and I finally went forward (although I held out until the final verse of the last hymn). A kindly man explained how I could invite Christ into my life, and at his suggestion I prayed a simple but sincere prayer of repentance.

When I got home, I went upstairs to my room, sensing something important had happened to me—although I wasn’t exactly sure what. I didn’t feel any strong emotion or dramatic change, but looking out over the moonlit fields of my father’s farm, I thought about the step I had just taken. Then for the first time in my life, I spontaneously got down on my knees and prayed: “Lord, I don’t know what happened to me tonight, but You know.”

Only gradually would I understand my commitment and what it meant. Decades later I am still learning, for the Christian life is one of constant growth.

What really happens to us when we believe in Christ? Let me list seven gifts God gives you when you commit your life to Christ.

A New Relationship

The first thing that happens when we give our lives to Christ is that God gives us a new relationship.

Once we were separated from God because of our sins—and not just separated, but alienated from Him. The Bible says we were “excluded. … without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).

But Christ took away all our sins—not just part of them, but all of them! You are forgiven! The one thing that separated you from God—your sin—has now been removed, and therefore you are reconciled to Him. Instead of being God’s enemy, you are now His friend. The Bible says, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). We aren’t only His friends, however. We are also His children.

The Bible uses two vivid images to illustrate this. First, it tells us we have been born again. A second image the Bible uses is adoption. If we have given our lives to Christ, God has adopted us into His family. He is now your loving heavenly Father, and you are now His child, spiritually born into His family.

A New Citizenship

The second thing God gives you when you commit your life to Christ is a new citizenship. You are still a citizen of a particular country—but now you are also a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

In Jesus’ day, one of the most coveted privileges a person could have was Roman citizenship. A Roman citizen paid fewer taxes, and if he went into the army, he automatically became an officer. A Roman citizen couldn’t be flogged or put to death by crucifixion (except in very rare cases, such as treason). If found guilty in a Roman court, he had the right to appeal directly to Caesar.

But Jesus said His followers possessed something far greater than Roman citizenship—and that was citizenship in the Kingdom of God. In His first recorded sermon, Jesus declared, “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15). God’s Kingdom, He made clear, wasn’t an earthly political kingdom, but a heavenly spiritual kingdom—the realm over which God rules. The Bible says, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).

As long as we are on this Earth, we possess dual citizenship. On one hand we owe allegiance to our nation and are called to be good citizens. But we are also citizens of the Kingdom of God, that invisible Kingdom of which Christ is the head. Our supreme loyalty is to Him, and if someone demands we do wrong, “we must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29). And someday, the Bible tells us, this world’s kingdoms will become “the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).

A New Family

God also gives us a new family. You aren’t just related to God; you are now related to other believers. Everyone who truly believes in Jesus Christ is now your spiritual brother or sister. We are bound together in God’s family, not by an organization but by a spiritual relationship. The Bible calls us “members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19). One of the most frequent terms for Christians in the Bible is “brothers,” underlining our family relationship.

In my travels, I have often met men and women who were very different from me. And yet after a few minutes it was almost as if we had known each other all our lives. Why? Because we both knew Christ. Our common spiritual bond cut through the barriers that separated us, and we enjoyed fellowship as members of God’s family.

A New Purpose

When we come to Christ, God gives us a new purpose. Now we want to live for Christ and not just ourselves. We begin to see other people differently—not for what they can do for us, but for what we can do for them. The Bible says, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

When I came to Christ, I had little inkling of what I might do with my life, but I knew something was different. Before my conversion, for example, I tended to be touchy and irritable. Now I deliberately tried to be considerate and courteous. Some may not have noticed, but my parents did—and so did I. Little by little I was beginning to have a new purpose in life: a desire to live for Christ. I was learning that “those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

A New Power

One of the Bible’s most comforting truths is that when we come to Christ, God Himself comes to live within us by His Holy Spirit. We are not alone; God is with us!

The Bible says, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9). If you know Christ, you don’t need to beg for the Holy Spirit to come into your life; He is already there—whether you “feel” His presence or not.

But why has God given us the Holy Spirit? One reason is to help us live the way we should. God has given us a new purpose—but without a new power we’ll never be able to achieve it. We are too weak!

But the Bible says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26). Jesus promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8). We aren’t meant to live the Christian life in our own strength. God has provided His Spirit to help us.

A New Destiny

The word conversion means “change” —and the most radical change of all when we come to Christ is that God gives us a new destiny. Once we were headed for hell; now we are headed for Heaven. Once we were bound for eternal separation from God; now we will live with Him forever. Once we had no hope of eternal life; now we do. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Note carefully what this verse says: Eternal life is a gift. Many misunderstand this (even some Christians). They still think they must earn their salvation by their own good works.

But we can never be good enough to earn our way into Heaven, because God’s standard is perfection. Our only hope is Christ, who purchased our salvation at the cost of His own blood and now offers it to us as a free gift. The Bible says, “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3–4). What a gift!

A New Journey

God gives us one final gift: a new journey—a whole new path to follow until the day He takes us to Heaven.

In other words, your decision for Christ isn’t an end but a beginning—the beginning of a whole new life. We aren’t only called to become Christians; we are also called to be Christians. Don’t ever think that faith in Christ is just a type of “spiritual life insurance,” something we obtain and then put away until we need it to get into Heaven. The Christian life is a new journey—one that will take us the rest of our lives.

And the best part is this: We never walk it alone, for Christ walks with us.

LET YOUR FACE REFLECT YOUR THOUGHTS

Acts 6:11-15 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God." So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us." All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Previously, Jews of various synagogues within Jerusalem were arguing with Stephen's teaching. But when they couldn't "stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke," they began to lie about what he said and influenced other people to testify against him as well. How did Stephen handle this? "They saw that his face was like the face of an angel."

The famous pastor C.H. Spurgeon once said when teaching students regarding ministry, "When you teach on heaven, let there always be a glow on your face, a gleam in your eye, and a smile on your lips. When you teach on hell, your normal face will do just fine."

I think Stephen saw a glimpse of heaven as he was persecuted. During my most difficult trials, when I've been attacked from every corner, that is when I've had my most riveting and awakening experiences with God -- when I've had my own personal glimpse of heaven. God has used my most difficult times to reveal Himself to me and make my faith alive and vibrant.

Are you going through a difficult time right now? Stephen's expression reflected his thoughts: "his face was like the face of an angel." What does your face reveal about what you are thinking? Pose that question to a good friend -- you might be surprised at the answer.

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IT'S THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS

The word of God is calling us to come out of our religious rhetoric and placating piety to convey a message to the body of Christ as well as the world that it’s the inside that counts. Enough of just doing “just to do.” Enough of putting on. Enough of walking around, looking good on the outside and torn up on the inside. It’s time to get in proper order, rend our heart and not our garments, and turn unto the Lord our God.

The people of Judah had become prosperous and complacent. They were taking God for granted. They had turned to self-centeredness, idolatry, and sin. In the beginning of the book, Joel has a message from God for the people of Judah. “Tell your children of your history. Tell them how God has been faithful. Tell them how God has never left you nor forsaken you. Tell them how God has had grace and mercy upon you.” Joel declares that the Lord says turn to me now, while there is still time. Give me your hearts. He didn’t ask for our money, he didn’t ask for our marriages, he didn’t ask for our children, he didn’t ask for the car, the house, or anything else. God said give me your heart. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.

Isn’t it interesting that God asks for the heart before he asks for the fasting, weeping, and mourning? God doesn’t want our lip service; he doesn’t want our Oscar- winning, Emmy- qualifying, rhetorical religiosity or pretentious pomp and circumstance. God is not interested in the people’s choice. God said give me your hearts. It’s the inside that counts.

When God has your heart, there’s got to be a change.
When God has your heart, there should be a difference.
When God has your heart, there is no second guessing, there is no hesitation.
If God says Go-- I’m gone. God says Do-- it’s done. When we examine ourselves, we need to look through the person in the mirror to the heart of the person in the mirror.

Just ask Noah – it didn’t look like rain, didn’t smell like rain, rain was not in the forecast, but God said build the ark and it was built.

Just ask Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – God said thou shalt have no other Gods before thee; King Nebuchadnezzar wanted them to bow to him, but they didn’t.

Just ask Job – he lost all that he had, afflicted in his body, dealing with his friends, dealing with his wife, dealing with life, but he kept on serving God; he kept on believing in God,

Job didn’t just serve him with lip service, but Job served him with everything he had – on the inside because everything on the outside was gone.

Moses had a change of heart when he started serving God and stopped making excuses.
Gideon had a change of heart when he stopped hiding on the floor of the winepress thinking he was not good enough.

Jacob had a change of heart when he wrestled with God – I won’t let you go until you bless me.

Rahab had a change of heart when she hid the spies.

Joseph had a change of heart when he could have deprived his brothers while there was a famine in Egypt, but he helped them.

Isaiah had a change of heart – hear I am Lord, send me.

Peter had a change of heart – at first he denied Jesus, but in the end he deified Him.

The prodigal son changed his heart and came home.

The Samaritan woman at the well changed her heart and drank of the living water.

We need to examine ourselves, beginning with the heart.

Scripture Of The Day: "Don’t tear your clothing in grief; instead tear your hearts…Rend your heart, and not your garments, turn to the Lord your God; for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." - Joel 2:13 (KJV)

by Marvin Moss

THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

Acts 6:7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

There is a saying that goes, "You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time." Previously in verse 5, the apostle's "proposal pleased the whole group," however the definition of success is not in whether the whole group is pleased or not (although it's nice when that happens). Rather, the real definition of success is found by the result illustrated in verse 7: "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly…."

The bottom line is you can't have as your sole criteria what is pleasing to the group. Ultimately success is best measured by healthy church growth (including new believers), and that requires teaching of the word. It's funny how it works: where God's word goes church growth appears -- rapidly. Too often we think programs, slick marketing campaigns, or building projects are what we need to grow. All that's really necessary is to preach and teach God's word. We make it complicated and expensive, but it's really quite simple.

The simplistic beauty of this approach is reflected at the end of verse 7: "…a large number of priests became obedient to the faith." You see even priests who have been highly educated and placed great value in their rituals, can change -- recommit, reconnect, and redirect -- once they are exposed or re-exposed to the power of the gospel.

Is your ministry area growing or stagnant? Why? No matter what you're doing -- whether it's parking cars or serving food -- the word should always lead. If your ministry area isn't growing ask yourself: Is God's word leading? If God's word was leading, what would be different?

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AT YOUR COMMAND

"Then he [Moses] took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, 'We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey.'" — Exodus 24:7

At one time or another, we probably have been the recipient — or creator — of the "honey-do" list. You know what I'm talking about — that list of chores that a loved one (no names need be mentioned) has drawn up for you to get done over the next week.

And if you have ever been the recipient of said list, you also know the proper response: "Sure, honey, I'll do it — as soon as I can."

As the people of Israel stood at the foot of Mount Sinai, they were the recipients of God's to-do — and not to-do — list. And as Moses read to the people all the teachings and regulations that the Lord had given to them, their response is recorded: "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey.'"

Isn't that a beautiful response? All the people, unified in purpose and their desire to respond as God's chosen people, agreed to everything God had told them to do. In fact, the Jewish people's response to God's covenantal love and His imparted will is by performing an act of mitzvah, or obeying His commands. Our very acceptance of God's lordship over our lives requires and involves our adherence to God's commands.

The mitzvot (plural form of mitzvah, or commandments) are the vehicles through which the Jewish people are transformed into a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. This is how we as a people can obey the command from God to be holy because He is holy. Daily, we pray, "For they [the mitzvot] are our lives and the length of our days and upon them we will meditate day and night."

Rather than seeing the law as burdensome and punitive, given to us by a God who doesn't want us to have any fun, we see His rules and regulations as the outpouring and expression of His love and concern for us. To such love, there is only one response — obedience.

And isn't that true for Christians as well? As Jesus told his followers, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15).

Our obedience to God, for Christians and Jews alike, is what makes us distinct and different people. How are you making that evident in your life today?

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

THE EYES OF TRUE LOVE

By Sharon Frame

I looked in the mirror yesterday, and focused on what needed fixing. I did admire my disarming smile. But far more time was spent bemoaning my dreary, droopy eyes caused by another hard day’s work. Can you relate?

Funny how God sees something totally different when He gazes at me. I am not quite sure we realize just how crazy God is about us. In Isaiah 49:16, He says “I have inscribed you in the palms of my hands.” Only someone who is madly in love with you would take the trouble to tattoo your name in the palm of his hands!

If that was not enough, Psalm 17: 8 says, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye…” No doubt you’ve heard that scripture before. It sounds quite comforting. But what does it really mean to be “the apple of God’s eye?" Check it out in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. The original Hebrew translation for the word "apple" is not a fruit. It’s “pupil” or “the middle.” It’s also translated, “little man.”

When you look into the pupil of someone’s eyes, what do you see? A small reflection of yourself! Look closely next time. A little you looks back at you.

When God looks at us, He sees a small reflection of Himself! We are a reflection of God. How awesome is that? Just imagine how this one revelation could transform a destructive person’s worthless self-image. Depression, fear, self-defeat would all vanish if we saw ourselves as God does--through the eyes of His pure love.

The pupil is the center of the eye. Since we are the apple (pupil) of God’s eye, it’s reasonable to conclude we are the center of His attention. His daily focus is on us. Psalm 34:15 says “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” This love affair baffled another writer who asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5)

Our Heavenly Father looks at us and sees His undying love for mere mortals. His adoring gaze reminds Him of Jesus’ great victory at Calvary. That act re-united a father with his children who were lost and destitute. He calls us His “Beloved.” That means we are dearly loved. Now the question is what are we calling ourselves?

Take another look in the mirror; not the one in your bathroom. Take a look in the mirror of the Word of God. When you do, you are actually looking into God’s eyes. And when we look into God’s eyes (the Word, the Light), we see a small reflection of ourselves.

That’s one reason why it’s so critical to consistently read and study the Bible. It obliterates darkness and confusion. It reveals who we really are. It describes our worth and value to God, and our responsibility to Him. We learn to see ourselves as God sees us. It’s all written out in His “will and testament.”

There is no need for Christians to walk around defeated. Go back to the mirror and gaze in the Father’s eyes. Be reminded of who you are and “whose” you are. And also remember, “For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8), and there will be hell to pay!

You can’t help but love such a God more dearly.

Scripture Of The Day: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” - Psalm 8:4-5

YOUR HEART FOR SERVICE

Acts 6:5-7a This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

I find it interesting that having delegated the responsibility for food distribution (as a result of complaints involving Greek widows being under-served), that the group would choose seven men to oversee this responsibility -- all of whom were Greek. Who better to make sure a job is done right than the ones who have expressed the concern?

Many times we are more than willing to voice complaints, yet lack the resolve to get involved. In this case, from the same group that was affected by the oversight, came men who were willing to serve in tangible ways to correct the problem.

I really like this excerpt from John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech in 1961, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." It gets to the heart of service -- your heart. Are you just going to complain about injustice and a lack of entitlement or are you willing to do something about it?

God has given you a set of skills (or life experiences) and a heart for a particular ministry area. In this way you are uniquely equipped for service. This may change over the years as well (my ministry area today is not the exactly the same as it was 10 years ago -- it has grown as I have become more mature in Christ). What is your ministry area? What has God uniquely prepared you to do? Will you start now?

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LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS

by Betty Robison

Right from the start, James and I came to a crucial agreement, one we believe is supported by the words of the Bible. We agreed not to indulge in compulsive spending and not to try to impress people with any of the stuff we had. As James likes to say, “It’s okay to have stuff; it’s not okay for stuff to have you.” Never allow the things you possess to possess you.

The Bible tells us plainly in Philippians 2:3-4, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” There simply isn’t room in the Christian life to worry about impressing other people. We should never want anything because someone else has it or because it’s a status symbol. There’s nothing wrong with possessing the things you need or even the things you want. But how can you “take an interest in others” if you’re drowning in debt?

Paul also tells us in Philippians that God will supply our needs. 1 And he says in 2 Corinthians that if we learn to keep God first, even in our giving, He will enable us to give to every good work. 2 In the book of Proverbs, we are told, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase.”3 When we keep God first, it’s amazing how much better we manage our money.

The part of you that wants to impress people and revel in vanity – the part that wants to determine your personal worth based on your possessions — is the part that has to die. You will never be happy if you try to base who you are on what you have. This way of thinking leads only to dissatisfaction and a constant pursuit of “uncertain riches.”4 When you build your self-worth on the foundation of money, you’re foolishly building your house on an unstable foundation.5

Self-gratifying spending never satisfies. Living for earthly treasures and pleasures leads to a show form of death. As Ecclesiastes 5:10 tells us, “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!” This was written by King Solomon, one of the wisest and wealthiest men who ever lived. He was speaking from experience, having discovered in his old age that money and possessions didn’t satisfy him.

If you’re currently pursuing or living for foolish material gain, we encourage you to take these thoughts and attitudes to the Lord and to start living under His control, not out of control. God wants the best for you, but His best often looks much different from what the world thinks is best.

Find your worth in God, and you’ll experience true prosperity. Jesus promises us an abundance of life, which is not the same as an abundance of possessions. If, however, you keep first things first, you can and will enjoy all things richly.6

From Living In Love by James and Betty Robison. Available at www.lifetoday.org.

1 Philippians 4:19
2 2 Corinthians 9:7-9
3 Proverbs 3:9
4 1 Timothy 6:17
5 Matthew 7:24-27
6 1 Timothy 6:17

IN HIS IMAGE

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." — Genesis 1:26

Both the Jewish and Christian tradition affirms that we are created in God's own image. That we can agree on. But when it comes to what that exactly means, and in particular, how that relates to our sinfulness, the Christian and the Jew must part ways.

Christians believe that as a result of Adam's sin in the garden, mankind is "fallen" — that is, shackled by a sinful nature. Humans are incapable of redeeming themselves. But through an act of grace, Christians believe that God sent Jesus to die for mankind's sin so that those who believe in Him will be saved and given eternal life.

By contrast, Jews view sin as human action, not an inescapable part of our nature. We believe that man has both the ability and the duty to change his ways and initiate forgiveness through repentance. We certainly acknowledge that man has a tremendous potential for sin and evil, but we don't believe that this reflects an inborn sinful nature.

In the Jewish view, man is created from "the dust of the earth," but he is also an "inspired being," meaning he has been "breathed into" by God. As a result, humanity is of immense worth and even acts as a partner with God in the creation and fulfillment of the world.

Here, I believe our faiths intersect again because both Judaism and Christianity uphold the intrinsic value of life and the worth of each individual as a God-created and God-imbued being. That fundamental belief should influence how we view ourselves and others, and how we treat our fellow human beings as well.

As important as it is to discuss and recognize our differences, it is as important to seek out and celebrate our commonalities. We are, after all, made in His image — not our own.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

WHAT ARE YOU FULL OF?

Acts 6:8
Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

Stephen was a man who was FULL: Full of faith -- he believed without limits in the promises of the Lord; he was Full of grace -- he received the fulfillment of those promises, he was anointed by the Spirit, and experienced the favor of God; and, as a result, he was Full of power -- by which he was enabled to do great wonders and miracles among the people.

Many times we wonder why God doesn't use us -- it's because of what we're full of. Paul, in Romans 1:29-31 gives us a pretty complete list of what we don't want to be filled by: "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, quarreling, deceit, and viciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, haughty, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to their parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless."

Wait a minute, you say, "I haven't murdered anyone." Isn't it funny how we pick the most extreme from the list to argue about? But what about listening to some juicy talk about a colleague at work (gossip); yelling at someone on the freeway who cut you off (quarreling); showing off your new car for the wrong reason (boastful); ignoring the needs of the family down the street (heartless)?

What do you want to be filled with? The answer for all of us is to be filled like Stephen -- full of God's grace and power. So how do we get there from here? The answer is Jesus -- He has already paid the price (for our sin), there is only one thing we need to do -- have faith (believe) without limits in the promises of the Lord.

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EXCUSES, EXCUSES

"Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, 'Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, 'Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?' No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it". — Deuteronomy 30:11–14

"It's too hard." "I can't do that." "I don't know how to do that." How many times have we heard those excuses from our children when faced with a difficult or unpleasant task? Or maybe you've heard them from a co-worker or an employee who's been given a tight deadline to meet? What about yourself? When have you been known to use these excuses?

If we're honest, we sometimes use excuses like that when it comes to following God, don't we? Do any of these sound familiar — "I would obey God if I knew what He wanted;" "I'm so busy right now — it's really hard to find time to read my Bible." "How does God expect me to obey ALL these rules? It's too hard!"

In Deuteronomy 30: 11–14, Moses gives the people final instructions before entering the Promised Land and he obviously is anticipating the people's excuses. Notice what he says: What God is commanding is "not too difficult or beyond your reach." No one has to search for it; it doesn't take special knowledge or ability to understand. No, says Moses, "the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey."

In other words, they have no excuses. God's laws are clearly written in the Bible. They are evident in the world around us. Obeying them is reasonable, sensible, and beneficial. It is not too difficult or burdensome.

For us Jews, obeying God's laws is the means to redeeming, or "fixing" the world, as we discussed in the previous devotion. Like our ancestors at Sinai, Jews of every generation must "do everything the Lord has said" — which means obeying God's Word and seeking holiness in our lives. If we do so, not only are we personally cleansed, but Israel also is transformed into a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

Christians, too, are called to lives of obedience. Indeed, Jesus taught his followers "blessed… are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

The Israelites, poised to enter the Promised Land, had no excuses for failing to obey God's laws and commands. Neither, my friends, do we.

Take a moment or two to consider your own attitude right now toward obeying God's Word. What are the excuses you typically fall back on when it comes to spending time with God, or to obeying Him? What one step can you take today toward obeying God in one area of your life?

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

WHAT'S YOUR WORTH?

"What is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor." — Psalm 8:45

Did you know that there is a website called humansforsale.com? Based on your answers to questions concerning criteria such as your athletic ability, education, income level, the amount of exercise you do each week, how much you weigh, what you look like, and your sense of humor, this site will come up with a dollar amount that you are worth.

While this site is definitely tongue-in-cheek and not meant to be taken seriously, it does raise an important question: How much do you think you are worth? And what criteria would you use to determine your worth? Criteria such as the website uses — income level or education, where you live? Is it dependent on your physical attributes — how you look, how much you weigh, how athletic (or not) you are? Or is it dependent on what others think of you?

If we're honest, too often we do assess our own worth on those very standards. And we assess others according to the same benchmarks. Is it no wonder that many of us walk around with self-esteem issues?

Thankfully, King David offers us another yardstick upon which to measure our worth — God's! Here we read God's measure of humans — He has made us "a little lower than heavenly beings." He has crowned us "with glory and honor." And to make sure we understand how He views us, God has entrusted us with His very Creation, putting us in charge of everything. Truly, we are highly valued in God's eyes.

So how do we respond to such regard? David reacted with humility: "what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" When we compare ourselves with God and His majesty, we understand the respect and honor due God and acknowledge that our value and worth come from Him.

As we understand that we have great worth because we have been created in God's image, we, then, will see others in the same light. We will recognize that just as we are worth much to God, so is our neighbor, our co-worker, our family member — and we need to treat them accordingly.

We don't need a survey, a degree, a bank account, or the opinion of someone else to determine our value. God knows how much you are worth.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

ARE YOU RUNNING OUT OF THINGS?

When I was a child we had a neighbor who lived right next door to us. I don’t recall times being very poor, but Mrs. Jones was always running out of things. I can recall that often she sent one or the other of her children up to our house to borrow a cup of sugar or a cup of flour or something else. My mother was always very generous and gave her what she needed. Poor Mrs. Jones she was always running out of something.

In keeping with that I thought of the times that we actually run out of something important in life. We are in short supply. We need something and don’t have it. It is difficult to proceed with our life without it.

Have you ever run out of money?

Have you ever run out of a job?

Have you ever run out of food?

Have you ever run out of gasoline?

Have you ever run out of health?

Have you ever run out of energy?

Have you ever run out of time?

I am sure that you must have run out of some of these things once or twice in this life. I sure don’t like running out of gasoline and often remind my grandchildren how important it is to keep gas in the tank. Years ago a young woman ran out of gas on the freeway here in our city. Someone no doubt picked her up pretending to help her. It ended as a very sad story all because she ran out of gasoline.

However there is something that is not limited or in short supply. That is the mercy and faithfulness of the Lord. This scripture below is one of my favorites. It reminds me that while earthly things sometimes run out He never does.

Lamentations 3:2223 – “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning great is thy faithfulness.”

Do we ever stop and thank God for His faithfulness? His mercies are with us when we drive about town. His faithfulness has met our needs and especially our spiritual needs. We never have to run out of His goodness it is always there. He is good even when haven’t been. He is faithful even when we have failed. He is merciful even when we don’t deserve mercy. That is how great His love is toward us.

Maybe you are thinking just now that you don’t deserve His love since you have failed in your walk with the Lord. Banish that from your mind. He loves you in spite of how you have lived. He has never given up loving you. If you don’t know Him personally why not open up your heart and invite Him to come in and dwell with you? Now is the accepted time to receive His salvation.

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

.....2010 - All rights reserved by the ministry of Faith In Action and Lillian B. Wolff of Kansas City Mo. by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)