Make No Mistake—Christmas is Cosmic!

Revelation 12: 1-6

Ann Graham Lotz, Billy Graham's daughter, in her book, "God's Story," shares the following observation—"On Christmas Eve, 1968, Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders, while orbiting the moon in Apollo 8, were so aware of the Presence of God in space that they publicly read the first ten verses of Genesis to the listening world thousands of miles away. When James B. Irwin, an astronaut with Apollo 15, actually walked on the surface of the moon...he was overwhelmed with the conscious awareness that God was present on the surface of the moon! And God was! And God is!"

Praise God—our God is a cosmic God, and, make no mistake about it, our Christmas is cosmic, too. As we come to this Christmas Day, you might think that we have come to the end of the road. so to speak. But nothing could be further from the truth—Bethlehem, the Cross of Calvary, the empty tomb, and everything God has done since, are not just historical events. They are that, but they have tremendous cosmic implications. The Apostle Paul said of Jesus, "And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist...that in all things He might have the preeminence." (Col. 1:17,18b) But He didn't just bring it all together then; God is about to do it again—"That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him." (Eph. 1:10) This cosmic event is pictured in Revelation 12—"And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads." (vss. 1-3)

Make no mistake—the woman is not Mary! Yes, the baby about to be born is Jesus, and all who would be spiritually born of Him, and, the dragon waiting, "...to devour her child as soon as it was born," (vs. 4b) is certainly Satan, but this "woman" refers to the faithful of Israel—from Abraham to Joseph and Mary—the lineage of the Messiah! When would Mary be clothed with the sun, or have the moon below her feet? The sun, moon, and stars refer to Israel, as we saw on December 4^th . This is so cosmic, Satan would have to attack on four fronts—against Christ and His work of redemption (vv. 1-5); against the faithful of Israel in the last days (vv. 6, 13-16); against heaven itself (vv. 7-9); and against all true believers (vv. 10,11,17)—read the whole chapter to see it! Praise God—"And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne." (vs. 5; cf Ps. 2:9) Make no mistake—through a Holy Spirit empowered growing and going, Jesus will bring back God's cosmic order!

~ Rev. Roy D. Warren, Jr.

Good Tidings of Great Joy

Luke 2:8-20

This section of Scripture has always fascinated me. Jesus, God's only Son, who had been in Heaven in eternity, set the foundations of the earth, and built everything on it, was now born in a forgotten, lowly stable. What were the angels thinking on this very night? The Christ had always been with them; they knew no differently. They saw Him create the earth, create man, destroy with a flood, and now He was a man just like everyone else (in a sense). For nine months, He was inside Mary, His earthly body forming within her, and suddenly he was thrust upon this earth, and alas, there wasn't even room in the inn! Were God and the angels so excited and thrilled that they could no longer contain themselves? Is that why, in an almost empty pasture, close by Bethlehem, on a cool dark night, the angels, who were bursting at the seams, suddenly manifested themselves to some shepherds? Wait, shepherds? The Prince of Peace, the King of kings, omnipotent, was just born a man to take away the sin of the world, and the first people to know of it are shepherds? Like I said, this is one of the most fascinating Scriptures! (But I digress.)

So these poor (literally), lonely shepherds were out in the fields, living the life as they had been raised; the only life they knew. Suddenly, without warning, something happened for the very first time ever. Angels appeared out of nowhere, and declared, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!" (vs. 11), followed by a whole Angelic chorus praising God. Now if this isn't the quintessential "growing and going," because, as if that weren't remarkable enough, these shepherds actually got up and left their sheep (something I am sure they were taught never to do). They then went into town to see, with their own eyes, this miracle of miracles, and not only that, but afterwards, they went out and spread the message around town (something I am positive they were not told by the angels to do). But how could you not tell everyone? How could you hold it inside of you?

For the angels and the shepherds, this was an unprecedented event. Never before or after, in all of eternity, has it been, or will it ever be, duplicated. And yet, isn't it easy for us to be lazy, and just sit around? After all, it happened about two thousand years ago—this is all we know; we were brought up this way. Isn't that more reason to go out and spread the Gospel around? To be ready, in season and out of season, to give an answer for the hope that lies within us? Do we—do I— really believe this happened? Do I really believe that Jesus is the Son of God? So why would I not go out and tell everyone?

~ Jason A. Frantz

And It Did Come to Pass

Luke 2:1-7

Today, as I start writing this devotional, Sept. 30th, my real estate taxes are due. I will jump in my car and drive a couple miles down the road to hand over my payment with joy (another testimony of God's deliverance). But in my Scripture, here today, Joseph and Mary traveled approximately 90 miles, probably on foot, or possibly on a donkey, to be taxed in Bethlehem. Mary, we are told, was great with child. "So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." God has shown me that this young couple was committing their lives and family to God.

First, they journeyed from the heathen nation of Galilee to Bethlehem, to be assessed and taxed, as the census required. Letting God assess us, and show us our due, is important. This had to be a very humble walk, but I see it as a prayer walk for the future that laid before them. Step by step, commitment and trust in God was their only hope, to lead them through life as a family. And while they were there, completely committed to the Lord, the baby came. Deliverance! Their Son, Jesus was born, and the first thing done, was to wrap Him in swaddling clothes. I remember my mom telling me that she always prayed that she would be a good wife and good mother, and that she was. Here, I also see the same desire in this young wife and mother. The swaddling clothes were strips of linen cloth that they wrapped the child in, piece by piece, prayer by prayer. This child would be kept warm and knowing the secure place that God had given him; two God-loving parents that were trusting God through every situation in life, to direct their paths. My mother's life-long Scripture was: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:56

The child is then gently and lovingly laid in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. These parents recognized the importance of the manger and the daily feeding of God's Word. God made the place for this new family, apart from the inn, separate from the hustle and bustle of the frantic, busy, chaos in this world. A world that is full of advice and activities that will in short time, no doubt, break apart the family, as they run here and there, looking for deliverance. Joseph and Mary wanted better for their family. They wanted a family unit set in God's holy order, separated from worldly chaos, to be alive, growing, flourishing, and truly blessed by God. This family would now go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit of God, to reveal to the world, the wonderful works of God, and to call others to the same. And it did come to pass. Amen and amen.

~ Ruth Ann Ward

It Is a Matter of ‘Is’

Matthew 1:18-25

As we move closer to Christmas, it is important to remember how the conception and birth of Jesus came about. Joseph was a young man, engaged to Mary, and before they were married, it was found that Mary was pregnant. In the culture, Mary would have been stoned for adultery, if Joseph spread the word that she got pregnant out of wedlock. Joseph loved Mary and didn't want any harm to come to her, so he decided to quietly leave her, so that her and her baby's lives would be spared.

God spoke to him in a dream, and revealed that Mary was with child, but that he should stay with her because the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He knew the consequences of having a baby before marriage, and he knew his reputation would be tarnished, but he trusted in God's plan for his life.

"…Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." Matt 1:20. The child is conceived, and it is of the Holy Spirit, and it is a good thing! God's plan had already been put into place…it wasn't pending Joseph's reaction. God's ways are higher. He doesn't make His decisions based on our obedience to Him. God trusted that Joseph would obey, but he didn't have to. Joseph made the choice to stay and endure the trial and see what would come of it. He became the man he was called to be!

Even when we go through something difficult that we didn't see coming, we must remember that God has His hand on our lives, and that He is in control. We may never see all that God is doing and how our lives affect others, but our job is to obey and learn what God wants to teach us. He doesn't want us to ever be content where we are, because He always has more that He wants us to know. Joseph was a just man, but God wanted him to go further. He had more to teach him. He could have rejected God's plan for his life, but he was humble enough to obey, and that obedience was what enabled him to learn and grow.

~ Kimberly Frantz

A Very Sure Thing

Luke 1:39-56

The time is now. God's order has been given, the way is prepared, and the Holy Ghost is ready to move in. Are we ready, Church? Today, let's look at two women in the New Testament who were ready and willing to go God's way.

Mary, for one, is not consumed with an agenda of avoiding shame or embarrassment of her situation. Rather, she responds with an attitude of one who loves, respects, and honors God. Mary runs miles and miles to greet her cousin Elizabeth in the hill country. She runs with joy to share the grace of our Lord Jesus with one whose desire is to know the way of Jesus. Do you see the gathering of the Church to glorify God? What is the result? Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Ghost as she is greeted by Mary. Hallelujah! Mary is filled with Jesus; Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Ghost. They feed each other, encourage each other, and see Jesus in each other. The baby in Elizabeth's womb even leaps with joy. Today, we can surely leap for joy as we see Jesus in another.

Now Elizabeth, being the priest's wife, and well advanced in years, could easily entertain feelings of jealousy and entitlement. Instead, she humbles herself and sees Jesus in Mary. By the grace of our Lord Jesus, Elizabeth sees Jesus, and even her younger cousin Mary, as greater than herself. Mary, in turn, responds with praise to God. As you read her song, note how it grows in thankfulness to Jesus, for not only saving her, but praising Him for the mighty God that He is—praising Him for His mercy, His holiness, His goodness, His righteousness, and faithfulness to His own. Mary gives testimony to how Jesus is growing her, A Very Sure Thing. Psalm 111:9&10.

I never before saw the magnitude in the gathering of these two women. They believe the Word of God. They help grow each other in the Ways of Jesus. They sing praises to God. One carries God Himself, and another carries the one who prepares the way of God. I see this growing today as I gather with my Church. This time is treasured, for sure. Church, it is time to arise, run, go, and grow each other into Jesus Christ. Mary did not leave a Very Sure Thing and return to a separate life. She stayed with Elizabeth three months before going to her own house. Can you imagine the faith, the trust, and the belief in Jesus she took with her when she returned home? Two hearts, content to be with Jesus, in fact, enthusiastically ecstatic to be with Jesus and each other before delivering the fruits of their labor into the world.

Grow and go in the Way of the Lord today. It's magnificent! Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and the true Church – A Very Sure Thing for Sure!

~ Cheryl Helgert

A Sure Thing

Luke 1:26-38

Today, we are taking a look at Mary, at the point when God visits her to tell her the most exciting, and yet most frightening, news of her life. He gives her the news that she will give birth to the Savior of the World! Wow! Talk about a shocking revelation!

Luke tells us at the beginning of the story that Mary was afraid, though who can blame her? She, a young woman, who had never given birth before, engaged to be married, has just had an angel appear before her, and tell her that she will give birth to The Christ, the Savior of the world! She must have had all sorts of questions running through her head – What does this mean for my marriage? What will people think of me? What will my family think of me? She would be experiencing thoughts of doubt, uncertainty, fear, etc. How could she do this?

But the angel assures her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." It would be very easy for Mary to get upset and start questioning God at this point, but she just seems to take it all in. The only question she asks is, "How can this be?" The Angel's reply in a nutshell: "With God nothing is impossible." God is telling her, "Do not be afraid, for this is a sure thing, and I will be with you; you just need to trust me and rely on me." You see, this is coming from God, who created the Earth and everything in it; she can surely know that nothing is impossible with Him.

How many times has God given us direction in our lives, but we drown out His call with our incessant doubting questions, fears, cries, and ignorance. We cannot hear God's call if we don't listen. God assures us that He has a plan; He is in control; He will give us the strength; and He will guide us along the way—all He wants from us is a willing vessel, who will allow Him to have control of our lives. Listen to God's call today, surrender to His call, and know that He will be there to lead and guide, for it is a sure thing. Only in this surrender can we truly let God's love grow in us, so that we can go forth in His will!

~ Eric Frantz

Setting Things Forth in Order

Luke 1:1-25

We have just spent the last week exploring the life and ministry of Jesus, but now it is time to turn to Christmas and its message of growing and going. John MacArthur, in Truth for Today, writes, "Here's a side to the Christmas story that isn't often told: those soft little hands, fashioned by the Holy Spirit in Mary's womb, were made so nails might be driven through them. Those baby feet, pink and unable to walk, would one day walk up a dusty hill to be nailed to a Cross. That infant's head, with sparkling eyes and eager mouth, was formed so that someday men might force a crown of thorns onto it. That tender body, warm and soft, wrapped in swaddling clothes, would one day be ripped open by a spear. Jesus was born to die." Yes, I think that is true—the connection between the Manger and the Cross is seldom made in churches today, because, quite frankly, many do not want to hear anything of the Cross and self-sacrifice.

But we do, and we hope you do, too, for it is the truth of the Gospel. However, before we can even get to the manger, we must see the order—before Jesus, there was John the Baptist. The story begins in Luke 1—"Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed." Luke's purpose is order, and–Praise God—so is God's! Order! Before Jesus would come, His cousin, John, would become the forerunner to His ministry. The subsequent verses would spell out how it all came to be—an old priest, named Zacharias, and his barren wife, Elisabeth. But how can that be the start of anything? Simple! God had promised one who would prepare the way for Jesus, and God aways keeps His promises. Malachi wrote, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet (a picture of John) before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (4:5-6) Even Jesus would speak of him and his time—"The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:15)

It would all be a time to grow—from John, to Jesus, to the Cross. As John MacArthur connected these dots, he continued—"Don't think I'm trying to put a damper on your Christmas spirit. Far from it—for Jesus' death, though devised by and carried out by men with evil intentions, was in no sense a tragedy. In fact, it represents the greatest victory over evil anyone has ever accomplished." And now, let's go on into Christmas!

~ Rev. Roy D. Warren, Jr.

By What Authority?

Luke 20:1-8

The question that is at the heart of today's devotional is "by what authority?" There is not a day in any of our lives that we don't come into contact with some form of authority. Our Lord, like all those who preach His gospel after Him, faced much confrontation. Christ, in this story, went into the temple to teach the people. There He was confronted by the chief priests, scribes, and elders. Jesus is confronted by these leaders with the question, by what authority is He under? They are trying to get Him to say He is under God's authority, and charge Him with blasphemy. But Christ, knowing their plan, asked them a question of His own, first. That question was whether John's baptism was from heaven or man. In other words, was John doing God's work or his own? Whether they knew the answer or not, although I think they did, it did not matter. They did not care about the truth; all they cared about was how this answer was going to best serve their purpose.

As I write this, we are in the midst of an election season. At these times, both sides, and even the voting public, seem to set truth aside. Politician after politician makes statement after statement, which many times, contradict statements made before, and nobody cares. The campaign goes on, and the money flows in, and the votes are cast, and the truth is nowhere to be found. And it is not just them out there. As I said in my opening statement, every day we are confronted with authority. Are we the ones confronting Christ with our own answers as to how they will best affect us? Are we honest in our dealings, paying taxes, treating our spouse properly or our children? There is an authority over all these things. How many of these things in our society are in great conflict with God's authority. He calls us to be holy; are we? (1 Peter 1:13-16) He says to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's; do we? (Matthew 22:21) He says, "Husbands love your wives, even as Christ loves the Church;" do we? (Ephesians 5:25) He says, "Wives, submit to your own husband as unto the Lord;" do you? (1 Peter 3:1-2) He says, "Parents bring up your children in the admonition of the Lord;" are we? (Ephesians 6:4) He says not to forsake the gathering together; are we? (Hebrews 10:24) He says that homosexuality is a sin, along with adultery and fornication; do we believe that? (Romans 1:28-32) God says that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; do we submit to His authority? (Hebrews 13:8)

Matthew Henry, in his commentary on these Scriptures, concludes, "those who imprison the truth they know, in unrighteousness are justly denied the further truth they inquire after. That stops all forms of growth in our spiritual lives." Let's submit to God's authority, and go forth in His truth.

~ Jim Frantz

Will Ye Also Go Away?

John
6: 53-71

You've heard the saying "You are what you eat." Everything that we take into our bodies, through eating or drinking, has an effect on our physical health and growth. Certain foods are good for us, and certain foods are not so good for us. Some things, if we choose to consume them, can kill us very quickly, and some things can kill us slowly. In the same way, the things which we take into ourselves spiritually will affect our spiritual health and growth.

In the Gospel of John ch. 6 vs. 53-54, Jesus makes a rather startling statement. He says, "unless you eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." Many of Jesus' followers, after hearing these things, turned away and quit walking with Him, not truly understanding what Jesus meant. In vs. 63, Jesus explains to them, "It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." Jesus is not speaking here of a physical eating of His flesh and drinking of His blood, but that His body and blood are the necessary requirements for eternal life spiritually. The physical acts of eating and drinking do not give eternal life, but only God's grace, through our faith, which lays hold of the righteousness of Christ and feeds upon His flesh and blood. His flesh and blood are His very life. It consists of the life He lived on this earth, completely submitted to the will of the Father, and ultimately, of the willing sacrifice He made for us all on the Cross to redeem us. It is into this very life of submission and sacrifice that we are called to and invited to receive.

Whenever we eat something, we take it into ourselves. Jesus is speaking about taking Him into ourselves spiritually. And just as we need to eat daily for proper physical growth, we need to feed upon Him daily for proper spiritual growth. As Christians, we can grow closer to Jesus, or we can grow apart from Jesus, and whatever we feed upon will determine which way we are growing. We must not reduce Jesus to a Sunday brunch, while we feast on junk food the rest of the week. Make no mistake about it; the world's buffet will cause you unhealthy growth. But God's banquet gives true life, health, joy, and peace. And God's banquet can only be found by coming to Jesus Himself, not in any kind of devotion to religion or self-sufficient spiritual development.

Who else can you go to? Only Jesus has the words of eternal life. Begin to consume God's word and to commune with Him on a daily basis, and you will receive all the nutrition you need for healthy spiritual growth. There are many people in these last days that are growing away from Jesus. Will you also grow away?

~ Jim Krauser

Jesus' True Family

"..For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in Heaven, the same is my brother, sister, and mother."- Matt 12:46-50

I am one that knows the meaning of true family, as I was blessed to be raised in the midst of one. Now, as the steps of my life have moved along, I have found the man given by the hand of God: the man that makes me whole, and we have recently started our own "true family." In May 2009, our daughter Lilia Joy was born into this world and into my heart, and the seams are about to burst because of the love that only grows. At this point, we are now expecting twin boys, who are now adding to that bursting seam of love. There are no words to describe the way these three "additions to our family" have changed our hearts, and feelings that come about when love starts to leak from around those seams! There is no vessel large enough to contain it. And.. in a way...

...This is how it is with our God, and with His "true family." He looks down from above, and with love, draws people to become His own, and to pour their hearts out to Him, like only family can. I have seen a picture of this in my daughter's love. Her Daddy and I are the ones she reaches for when she is hurting; the ones she runs to when she is excited and "laughing and squealing;" the first to see that little face light up in the morning; the first to receive kisses and wiggles of excitement; and the ones that take the biggest place in her little heart, the place just under her Lord. Jesus said that His true family are those who obey Him, those who love Him, and those who choose to give their hearts to Him, and to nothing less. We all have been guilty of giving our hearts, our days, our moments, to things less than our Savior, and He stands alone looking on, with tears in His eyes. He says, "How often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and ye would not." A true family implies "closeness." Let us consider that as we gather at our Savior's feet.

True family begins with a husband and wife, and their open, honest love for each other. It cannot be considered true or right when each goes his/her own way, and leaves no care or thought for the other. This is also a picture of what our God (our Husband in Heaven) wants of His bride and family (the church)—an intimate closeness that never dies, that doesn't run away when the hardships arise. This relationship is about communication and communion, both in natural life, and with our God. Let us consider this also, as we gather at our Savior's feet. All of these words are to call us to consider, to allow our hearts to open up to the One who calls us "family." There is no greater meaning of life, than to stand in the middle of His family circle, and know the feeling and ways of the Highest Love of all. "...Suffer the little children to come unto me... and He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them." Mk 10:14,16

~ Kara Heather Frantz

On Catching the Train Out of Nain

Luke 7:11-17

Yesterday, we were looking at the faith of the centurion, who showed us in the midst of an impossible situation, to believe in the healing power of Jesus Christ. Today, Jesus is continuing to teach us to grow in our belief of Him and to know Him and the power of His resurrection. Philippians 3:10 Jesus wants us to know that apart from Him, we are all dead, and that He alone will give us life.

The very next day, after He healed the centurion's servant, Jesus went into the city of Nain. Jesus was followed by a train of His disciples and a large crowd of people. As they came to the city gate, they were met by a train of mourners carrying a dead man out of town. A widowed mother was crying as she went out to bury her only son, and a large crowd from the city was with her. They were two trains, going in opposite directions, that could have passed each other unnoticed, but they did not—one train of people going into town, full of life and hope, and the other train of people, going out of town, mourning a death. As Jesus saw this mother, He had compassion on her and told her not to weep. He then came near and touched the coffin, and said "Young man, I say to you arise." So this one, who was dead, sat up and began to speak. A mother and a son, touched by the life and hope of Jesus Christ. Two trains becoming one, no longer going in opposite directions, but now going in the same direction with Jesus. A mother and a son, now growing to love this Jesus, who has brought them out of death and has given them life.

Up to this time, Jesus had healed a great many people, but this was the first time He raised anyone from the dead. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:11 We are all dead in our sins, and Christ has the power over death itself. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 The call is for all to arise from the dead, and Christ shall give us light and life. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." John 11:25 When Jesus Christ gives us spiritual life, He opens our lips in prayer and praise, just like the young man and his mother. This is the growth in Jesus Christ that causes us to follow Him, and become one of His train of believers, who fills the temple of God. Do you want to be part of this train? There are plenty of seats available. All Aboard?!?!

~ Debbie Frantz

On Speaking the Word

Matthew 8:5-13

There is power in the spoken Word of God. God spoke and there was light, and in the days following, all things were made by Him. He created all things just by speaking the Word. His creation displays His amazing love, His power and His authority! All that was created grew, flourished, and multiplied, and God said, "It was good!"

When the Roman centurion came to Jesus for the healing of his servant, it is fascinating that he did not expect Jesus to physically go to touch and heal his servant. "Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." In one sentence, this humble centurion believes that Jesus is God, Jesus alone is worthy, and Jesus has all power and authority. This kind of faith was not found in His own people. It is the reason why the church today is not growing, flourishing, and multiplying spiritually. The Holy Spirit did a miraculous work of grace in the heart of this man. He received God's love manifested in creation. Now he is witness to God's love for mankind manifested in Jesus. He understood God's authority over creation.

This Roman centurion, like all who come to true faith, grew from no faith—for no one is born a Christian—to a mustard seed of faith, to a faith that approached the Holy Son of God. He was growing in faith and, with compassion, came with a request of healing for another. When he left Jesus, believing the spoken Word of healing, he continued to grow, for upon returning home, he found his servant healed and his prayer answered, as he had believed. If he continued in faith, not doubting, but believing, he grew even closer to the Lord. After the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, he would go to Jesus in prayer and not in person, approaching the throne of God boldly to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. God's love, power, and authority, working in and through us, will grow every one of us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit bringing glory to God alone.

Jesus commended the faith of this Roman centurion, who maintained a position of authority, yet through faith, understood true authority. He did not challenge the authority of the Son of God, but humbly surrendered and believed, because he knew true authority is always exercised in love. Behind the spoken Word is a faithful God who spoke it, and has power and authority to fulfill His Word, and to hear and answer my prayer and yours. Grow, flourish, and multiply, according to the Word of God and empowered by the Spirit—to be a good testimony of Life. For He alone is good! The Word of God speaks that Jesus is love, and has all power and authority. He is Lord at birth! Merry Christmas!

~ Rosemary Parrotta

The Beginning of Miracles

John 2: 1-11

Why would Jesus Christ—the holy, divine, Son of God—begin His ministry at a wedding feast? If we will come with hearts aflame with holy desire for true revelation of Himself, He delights to answer our question. Hear Him say, "Come, leave all earthly, human reasoning behind, and come up higher with me. See my awesome plan to restore all the universe to Myself in divine order." That perfect order was terribly wrecked at the fall of humanity when Adam and Eve—all of us—left God's will and order for their own. Eve took Adam's role as the head of the household, and Adam took Eve's God-assigned place, and all creation was knocked askew—and so it continues, to this day, in ugly disorder.

But our blessed Lord begins with six stone water pots for the purifying of His people. He calls for them to be filled with water to the brim, for His plan is to restore that lost order—in all creation—to bring the whole universe back into His intended purpose. Now look again—when they draw out that pure water, it is now wine, by Jesus' miraculous touch. See the water of the outward purification of sin under the Old Covenant, changed to the wine of the blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanses every inward, hidden part under the New Covenant. Miracle of miracles! Now look again! Jesus proclaims Himself to be the Divine Bridegroom, and He is seeking a wife. What will she be like? See the true Christian Church restored to God's order, without any mark of the fall of man, entered into Christ's perfection! She's wholly restored by the blood of the Lamb and the fire of the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ will not be unequally yoked! This is the vision that Jesus' mother and disciples saw that day in Cana, and they were then ready to believe in Him fully, and to grow and go, even to the ultimate Wedding Feast at the end of time! (Rev. 19:7) Miracle of miracles!

What about us NOW? In Luke 7, Jesus says we're like the children playing in the market place. They call one another to play "funeral," and no one will respond; they call each other to play "wedding," and again, there's refusal. And Jesus says—"so it is with this church generation." So often we won't respond to the prophet's voice calling for repentance and death to self; neither will we answer the call of the Bridegroom, Jesus, to leave all and follow Him to the wedding altar. Why?—because it's an altar of complete sacrifice of self and all other lovers, and a coming to entire commitment to Him alone. Who will put away all childish things, enter by surrender and fire into the Christian maturity of full sanctification, grow in that full devotion, love and serve Christ alone, and go with Him to call a dying church and a dying world to repentance and resurrection life? Who will give
all for Christ? Who will grow
up in Him? Who will go in His name and power? May we answer His wedding vow with our responding vow to Him--"I will and I do!"

~ Cindy Warren

The Problem with the Hometown Boy

Luke 4:16-30

Yes, darkness is now chased away by the Light. For the last two weeks we have seen the call to grow and go through the eyes of the Old Testament. Jack Countryman once wrote, "Seven hundred and fifty years before the birth of our Savior, Isaiah wrote of the Deliverer and Redeemer that would come out of Zion. He came with one purpose and that was to show us the way and deliver us from our sin...Let us live in such a way that each day may be filled with the power and pleasure of His presence." Today, we begin a look at such a life—the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.

In order for that Light to shine, the covering must be removed—Nazareth had known Him as the carpenter's boy, and the people must now grow into a greater revelation. Right after Jesus identity had been tested by Satan, He went to visit His hometown. The Sabbath found Him in the synagogue, just like always. He was handed the scroll of Isaiah and began to read, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (vss. 18,19) Amazing—this was His mission; this would be His ministry! Yes, a ministry of salvation and deliverance, in order that our lives would reflect that holiness, purity, righteousness, and spiritual growth. It was about time for it—over 700 years had passed and now it was God's approved, and even elected, time. Yes, it was the acceptable year—not necessarily acceptable to the people, but acceptable to the Lord. Jesus rolled up the scroll, and sat down. And everyone was flabbergasted—every one of them sat there gazing intently at Him for His next word—and then it came. He said, "This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears." (vs.21) What? Are you kidding? Is not this Joseph's son? We have a problem with this hometown boy! How can He possibly even imply that He is the Messiah, the anointed of God? How can He possibly suggest that His life lines up with God's—and worse yet—that ours are supposed to do the same?

And that is when Jesus let both barrels unload—Bam, Bam! Remember that in the days of Elijah, in the midst of a famine, there was one widow who was miraculously provided with food? And remember in the times of Elisha, there was one leper healed? Surely, there were many others who needed help, but those two were willing to submit to the timing of God—to His acceptable year! If some won't receive the gifts of God, others will. At this, they were steamed and tried to kill Him, but to no avail. He was in control—he walked through the midst of them, and "went His way." (vs. 30) They would not grow, so He would go. He will always go His way, neither theirs nor ours! Praise God—He is no longer just the hometown boy; know Him as Lord!

~ Rev. Roy D. Warren, Jr.

From Darkness to Light

Isaiah 9:1-7

Every life has a story to tell. Every story begins with darkness. A few lives come out of darkness into light, and go on to multiplication, increase, and rejoicing in a great harvest. Some lives continue in darkness, leaving a legacy of death to their dear family, friends, and precious souls everywhere. Others leave a legacy of the Light and Life in Jesus Christ. What is my legacy? What will yours be?

As I read this portion of Scripture in Isaiah, I see the important elements of my own life story. As with every person born, whether we admit it or not, there I was, walking in darkness. My darkness was a moral life in a dead religion, dutiful church attendance, living in kindness to others, a claim of belief in God and Jesus Christ. Darkness? Why?—because it was in the pride of my own flesh—no life of Jesus—no surrender of my ways and plans—no death to self to let Jesus have His way and live His life in me. Darkness! "When the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Mt. 6:23) But in His great mercy, the Lord Himself confronted me, stopping me in my tracks. Jesus Himself stood before me that day, requesting my permission to look into my heart. With fear and trembling I agreed. What revelation! Black darkness! Everything I thought was good was revealed as wicked in His pure Light. I stood in His piercing Presence, and it revealed my utter depravity and brought me to despairing repentance. Finally, I was in agreement with a Holy God! There I saw Jesus, crucified for my sin. I knew then I was responsible for the death of the perfect, spotless Jesus. I fell before Him in Love and Surrender, giving Him my all and receiving His all. That's when I, who walked in darkness, saw the great Light and that Light flooded my soul, making all things new in my heart and life. I was "translated out of the Kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom (the absolute rule and reign) of Jesus Christ." My life was all new, no longer my own, never to be the same again!

That was the beginning of miracles, and Jesus alone is worthy of all praise and glory! What would be next for my precious Lord and me? Praise God, He always has more to reveal of Himself in order to grow His people in love and service. So He brought me through the holy fires of Pentecost to give me a pure ministry for His glory. This is truly the most exquisite pain ever, but His great refining flame releases my shout of praise: Hallelujah! Wonderful! Counselor! Mighty God! Everlasting Father! Prince of Peace! This is not my story, but His! Is His story evident in your life, too? What does your life say to others? The Lord alone knows how to make our lives a legacy of witness to Jesus Christ! Come, grow and go with me from darkness to Light, and together may we ever give all praise and glory to our awesome God!

~ Cindy Warren

When Kings Usually Go Forth Unto Battle

2 Samuel 11 & 12

Once upon a time, I had a free evening and I planned on working on this devotional. I knew that it needed to be done, and so early in the day, I set it in my mind that I would work on it after dinner. Well, dinner came and went and I found many other things to do. Later that evening, before I was going to get ready for bed, I was checking a couple of things on the computer. As I sat there, I received an email from a friend. I opened it and it was an Advent devotional. Right then and there I was struck with one thought. I was supposed to have worked on my own devotional that evening, but instead had found other things to do. And here was another person that had done that very thing that I also was supposed to have done. I dug out my paper that listed all of the titles so that I could at least look over my Scriptures and jot down some notes. It was getting late and I didn't have time to get much work done, but I could at least start.

And there was the title: "When Kings Usually Go Forth Unto Battle." I knew the story, but I turned to the selection in my Bible anyway. This story spoke to the very thing that I had just experienced, though on a smaller scale. It was the time of year when kings would usually go to battle. But David stayed home. And while he was home, he was walking around on the roof terrace and spotted a woman bathing atop another nearby building. She was beautiful and when David saw her, lust immediately filled his heart and he had to have her. You know the rest of the story—he caved to the temptation, got the woman pregnant, and then went to great lengths as he scrambled to try to cover his sin. In the end, he had her husband killed and took her as his own wife…all of this when kings usually go to battle. And that's where David should have been and what he should have been doing. God had a plan and David followed another.

So there I sat—I knew that God wanted me to work on my devotional (and in fact, that had been my plan), but I, like David, "stayed home." How many times do I do this? How often does it happen to you? God calls us to be in His will. He calls us to be about something in particular. Maybe He wants me to speak to a coworker about His word. Maybe He calls you to encourage a friend. Maybe He calls me to study the Scriptures more in depth. Maybe He calls you to pray more consistently. Maybe He calls us to be, to do, to act…His will. So do we answer His call or are we sidetracked by something else…our own will?

Where was David when kings usually go to battle?—checking out the cute girl next door. Where will you be when Christians usually pray…when Christians usually study the Word…when Christians usually love one another…when Christians usually evangelize…when Christians usually seek God?

~ Joel Warren

So You Think You Can Dance?

2 Samuel 6:1-23

"Oh no! What is he doing? He looks like he's gone crazy," my friend tells me. We had been in her house, chatting about the latest news, when she looked out her window to find her husband David dancing like a mad man in the garden. "Doesn't he realize people can see him out there? Oh, what the neighbors must think of us now," Michal said, "My reputation has been ruined." I comfort her and tell her he must have a good reason, and we should go find out what he's so happy about. As we walk down the stairs and go outside, I remind her of the stress that David has been going through since he was appointed King of Israel.

King David led the Israelites across the countryside with the Ark of the Covenant in tow, with the goal of bringing it to Jerusalem; and as with every journey, they encountered difficulties. Along their journey, the men got tired of carrying the Ark on poles so they constructed a cart, pulled by some oxen. At one point, the Ark started to fall over because the oxen had stumbled, so Uzzah tried to help by reaching out to steady it. Since he acted hastily in his own strength, the Lord struck him down and he immediately died. This struck fear over the Israelites, so they stopped their journey and placed the Ark in the home of Obed-edom. They were unsure if the Lord would continue in His anger or bless the rest of the journey, so they stopped short. As it turned out, the Lord's blessing was still upon them, and He blessed the house of Obed-edom while the Ark was there. When David came to realize that the Lord was not still angry, he brought the Ark the rest of the way to Jerusalem.

"That's right," David says, agreeing with me as we join him in the garden. "I can see that the Lord has done great things for the house of Obed-edom, and I want those blessings for our house, too. My dancing is a praise to God for the great things He has done and has yet to do." But Michal was not convinced. She was too worried about her reputation, and was unwilling to be joyous with him. God saw that she was unwilling to learn from this situation, and punished her by making her barren, which ended her hope of raising future generations.

But David saw the lesson that God was teaching in this event, and he grew from it. He knew the Lord had good things in store for His people, and that he had been given a place of authority to lead them. If his wife had been by his side and praying with him through the situation, she would have grown in the Lord as well. Instead of maintaining independence in our relationships, it is important for us to help each other, and be involved with the circumstances of our loved ones around us. That is the only way we can grow closer to each other and to the Lord, and go on to influence future generations.

~ Kimberly Frantz

David and Goliath: The Battle is the Lord’s

I Samuel 17: 32-58

Have you ever been called into a battle to fight, knowing there's a possibility you won't win, or even come out alive? I think of our soldiers today – that's what they are called to do on a daily basis. They call it loyalty to our country and the military. What about being called spiritually to fight a battle for the Lord, knowing Satan is right there to tear you down? Would you still be willing to fight? Some would take the challenge, others wouldn't. The same goes for David. He was being called by God to fight the Philistine giant. Now everyone knows that physically this would be an impossible fight – David is just a kid – Goliath, the Philistine – a man of war, who has fought many battles and won. The one thing Saul and Goliath didn't count on was that David had God in his corner. David relied on God's strength and wisdom to take him into battle. David knew God would deliver him from the hand of the Philistine. David knew the battle was the Lord's. So he went forth into battle, and spoke to Goliath, saying, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands." And with that, Goliath came forth, and David struck him in the forehead with a stone and killed him. David was asked to go into battle, and he came out victorious – thanks be to God! So the next time you are asked to go into battle, whether spiritually for the Lord or physically to protect something, what are you going to choose? I say, go into battle with God's strength and wisdom. The battle is the Lord's. HE IS VICTORIOUS! Have a Blessed Christmas!

~ Melody Krauser

“Jael and Her Nail”

Judges 4:1-24

In this story, we read of Sisera, the captain of Canaan's army, who oppressed the children of Israel and of God for twenty long years. God does not take kindly to that. God is the true Father, and any harm that comes to His family is not something He sits idly by and watches. So, Sisera fled, thinking he could run from people, an army, and even from God, but he was dead wrong. The tent he thought would provide safety only proved to bring fatal judgment upon him, and this tent was the dwelling of a woman named Jael. Sisera fell asleep peacefully, knowing all would be safe and well, but God had another plan. Remember—God stood in Heaven and watched the oppressive hand of Canaan's king, Jabin, inflict, through his captain, indescribable pain to those God calls His offspring. The Father said to Jael, "It is enough; now is the time." So Jael ended Sisera's life—as well as the horrid reign of King Jabin—with one ringing pound of a tent stake through the captain's temple as he slept.

There is no sense in reading this story if we aren't planning on standing back and saying, "What does this mean for me?" It must be a growing time! To me, the horrid, oppressive king represents anything in our lives that could be considered the "enemy;" actually, anything that God Himself would consider an enemy to us. These kings and enemies can come in any form, but truly, it is anything that takes our hearts, thoughts, and love away from God. In this event, another king has set up a throne in our lives, and we are being oppressed, whether we know it or not. We let our hearts and lives be filled to the brim with "kings" and their rule, and leave God in the dust.

We have many things that our hearts linger on—good and bad, happy things and sad things—and God wishes we could see them for what they are..."evil kings." We may let sad feelings take over, depression, or denied hopes; or they may be things that make us happy—our families, friends, get-togethers, games, jobs, and whatever else fills our days. Do these things affect us more than seeing the face of God, and worshiping at His feet? Do they bring light and smiles to our faces, more than thoughts of God? If so, they are kings to us, and God does not want to witness their oppression any more. He wants to be the King and Father in our lives, and the rest will be brought into submission under Him, in their right place. The Father and Heavenly King loves to see His children happy, and He loves to give good gifts. Let us not worship those gifts, by making them our sole focus and joy. Let us worship the True God and giver of all good things. He is worthy! Let us welcome The King in the lowly manger and into our lowly hearts, as well. Let us grow in making ready His worthy throne, in no other place but the center of our hearts, and go on in Him!

~ Kara Heather Frantz

Joshua Fits the Battle of Jericho

Joshua 5:13-6:27

It may seem counterintuitive to say, but sometimes the greatest opportunity for growth comes in a time of complete destruction… But that is exactly what we see in today's Scripture reading of the battle of Jericho.

Have you ever heard of the Knobcone pine tree? This evergreen can be found growing in mild climates, especially in areas with poor soil. It thrives on the west coast from Oregon to Baja California, with the greatest concentration in Northern California/Southern Oregon. But the most interesting feature of the Knobcone pine is that its seeds are enveloped in a hard, closed cone, which will remain closed for many years until it encounters extreme heat… such as the heat from a wildfire! Think about that—the only way the Knobcone seed can be released to sprout and grow is if the area is consumed by a destructive wildfire. How amazing that God would create a tree that relies on destruction to allow its seeds to be released into the ground!

But what does this have to do with our story of Jericho, you ask? Plenty! You see, Joshua has grown to a point where he bows down in front of the Commander of the Lord's Army, and asks, "What does my Lord say to his servant?" To paraphrase the Commander's statement, he tells him to GO! You see, God had a plan to grow the entire nation of Israel, and to put them into a land where they can live and prosper, but in order to get to that land, there had to be complete, total destruction. This destruction doesn't come by the hand of the Israelites; however, it is through the hand of God! I mean, how else do the heavy walls of a city just fall down flat when a bunch of people shout and blow trumpets? God did it, of course! And the destruction doesn't stop there—the Israelites are commanded to burn everything. Only then, can the seeds of growth be planted so the nation can go forth.

So, what does all of this mean to us? God is calling us to grow up and go forth. But we have spent our lives building up the walls of Jericho around us. We are like the Knobcone pine cone, with a hard, sealed shell that can't be broken. God wants to send His wildfire into our lives, to destroy our own thoughts and desires so His seed can be planted in our lives. He wants to knock down the walls of our own understanding, so we can go forth into His promised land! Surrender to God's consuming fire and grow in His will, then go forth into His will.

~ Eric Frantz

Moses and His Bush of Many Colors

Exodus 3

Moses was born during an oppressive time for the Hebrew people. There was a new king in Egypt, who did not know Joseph, and he was afraid that as the Hebrew people multiplied, they would rise up and fight against him. So the command went out that all the Hebrew baby boys were to be thrown into the river. As time passed, in the house of Amram and Jochebed, a beautiful baby boy was born, and they hid him for three months. By this time, he had grown so that his mother could hide him no longer, and she took an ark and placed him in the river by the water's edge. The king's daughter found him and took him as her own, allowing Moses' mother to nurse him until he had grown. Jochebed taught Moses the ways of God, and then he went to live in the palace and learned all the wisdom of the Egyptians. When Moses was 40 years old, he went out to visit his Hebrew people, and saw the burdens they were living under. He took matters into his own hands, and killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. When the king heard about this, he was going to kill Moses, so Moses, afraid for his own life, left the area and went to Midian. In Midian, Moses grew in his love for his wife Zipporah and his sons, and learned how to take care of his father-in-law's flock of sheep.

Moses was 80 years old when an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a bush that was burning with fire, but it was not consumed. Moses stopped what he was doing, and turned to look at the bush and gazed into the fire. Inside that fire there were many colors, one of which was yellow, like the sun, and the sun is bright and gives us the ability to see and understand. Now God saw that Moses had stopped, and was ready to understand what He would say. God wanted Moses to know that He is alive and real. God wanted Moses to come near and take off his shoes—his own ideas, and he would help him to see and understand things he did not know. Moses was grown up and knew that God had given him direction to lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt, but he must first come to the fire and let God purify his understanding and his actions.

We, too, have to come the way of Moses. We have many ideas of what we think we should be about and how to do it. There is a beauty that glows when we come to God's fire, and let Him purge us of our own thoughts and ideas, and let Him fill us with His thoughts and ideas. We have seen here today, how Moses spent 80 years of his life wandering around, and it took God one day, in front of a burning bush, to grow him up to be able to go and lead his people out of Egypt into the promised land. Let us all come today to God, and pray for humility to stop at His burning bush, and to grow up in Jesus Christ Then, we will be able to go do exactly what God wants. This is Holy Ground! "Grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." 1 Peter 3:18

~Debbie Frantz

Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors

Genesis 37: 1-11

Yes, the years flew by, and "Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan." (vs. 1) During that time, he had many children, including young Joseph, who by this time, is now 17 years old. This huge family would grow into all of the tribes of Israel, and therefore, a very great people of God. The problem at this time, however, is that Joseph was Jacob's favorite, which he shows to the entire family by giving him a very special coat—a coat of many colors. It evidently was a very brightly colored cloak, possibly made like a patch-work quilt. His brothers were less than thrilled—"And when [they] saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him." (vs.4)

I wonder if maybe this coat of many colors would be a constant reminder of the many colors of God's mercy and grace that He would use to grow Joseph into a mighty man of God. At about this time, Joseph had a dream about sheaves of wheat, each one standing for one of the family. And all the sheaves bowed down to the one that represented him. Once again, the brothers were not thrilled. But there was another dream, besides—"Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the son and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me." (vs.9) Wow! Now the whole clan was upset, including Jacob—how dare this young boy suggest that they would all bow down to him! Well, this set a whole series of events in motion. First, the brothers threw him into a pit—that would keep him until they decided what to do next. I know that our first thought would be to lower a rope and get him out of the mess. But, you see, God had a far bigger plan. We often want to fix things for people, when God is trying to use their problems. He was going to use that pit to get him into a palace! What? How could that be? Well, here is how it all laid out—he was sold to a caravan heading for Egypt, while his Dad was convinced he had been killed by wild animals, since the brothers had smeared blood all over the fancy coat. Once in Egypt, he was made a servant in Potiphar's house. Falsely accused of immorality, he was thrown into a dungeon for quite some time.

To make a long story short, God grew him and strengthened him to only want to be loyal to God and God alone. When it was found that God had given him the ability to interpret the Pharaoh's dream, he was put in charge of a coming famine. The whole world had to come and bow down to Joseph in order to get food—including Joseph's whole family, just like the dream said! This would actually preserve the Jewish people for hundreds of years, and for what purpose? You guessed it—the coming of Jesus! Praise God—now the whole world—people of every color, like a patch-work—can come and bow to Him, declaring Him to be Lord of all! Before we can go on in Him, will we let our circumstances grow us?

~ Nancy Faust

Jacob and Esau: A Brotherly Reunion

Genesis 32 & 33

Let us consider the reunion of Jacob and Esau. Jacob had moved away from home to live and work with his uncle Laban for a long time. He hadn't seen his brother Esau in all this time and, as he was coming home, he was a bit leery of how well his reception would go. He had good cause to be anxious about this. You see, Jacob and Esau parted on bad terms. Esau didn't take too kindly to Jacob's trickery. Jacob had used deceit to steal Esau's inheritance: both his birthright and his customary blessing. Consider Esau's initial response: "'Is not he rightly named Jacob (deceiver)? For he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing.' And he said, 'Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?'...And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, 'The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.'" (Genesis 27:36, 41) When Jacob went to live with his uncle Laban, he had fled for his life. After working for his uncle for many years in order to earn his two wives and build up his herds and flocks, he returned to the land of his fathers. During the journey, Jacob, fearing that his brother's wrath was still hot, sent messengers to Esau to feel out the situation and learned that he was coming with 400 men. It seemed Jacob's worst fears had been confirmed: Esau hadn't buried the hatchet; he was coming to make war.

Jacob tried everything to fix the situation. He split into two groups so that, if attacked, at least some could escape. He sent numerous presents to Esau ahead of the reunion. He even ordered his company by least important to most precious to cut down on his losses, should he be attacked. He had speeches prepared and carefully approached Esau. All of this was unnecessary, though, as Esau had a changed heart. When they met, Esau ran to meet Jacob, hugging and kissing him. Esau had forgiven Jacob's deceit and was glad to see his brother. When Jacob had left home, Esau was plotting to kill him. When he returned, Esau had forgiven him. As far as I can tell, that kind of forgiveness can come only from a changed heart. I know a God who can change hearts.

Jacob tried everything he could think of to fix the situation, but without a changed heart, it would have been a mess. Perhaps the gifts and flatteries would have masked the problem enough to keep Esau from killing Jacob, but a changed heart brought forth forgiveness. And forgiveness kept them brothers. Perhaps you have a situation in your life similar to this, where you dread the outcome of a reunion. You can try this and that and a zillion other things, like Jacob did, but I suggest that you pray for your heart to be close to God. And pray for that one that seems to be an enemy. Through fervent prayer, your heart's attitude will change. You'll find forgiveness. And who knows, maybe you'll find a brother.

~ Joel Warren

Things Are Not Always As They Seem

Genesis 29:1-30

Things aren't always as they seem! How often have we been caught in that trap? Have you believed someone because they seemed to care, when, in reality, they don't; or because of personal gain, with no regard of another; or just because? Sadly, it eventually ends in hurt and mistrust. Deception takes our focus and attention off the One who saves and who delivers, Jesus Christ the Lord. If we are honest, we've all fallen prey to someone's deception; in turn, we've all played the role of the deceiver. Jacob is no different. He is well known as a deceiver, only to hurt his father, brother, and even his mother. Thankfully, he left behind a life of scheming deception, and grew into one full of grace. Let's look at Jacob in Genesis chapter 29.

After deceiving his family, Jacob feared for his life. He turned to the Almighty One, and vowed to trust God to keep him, to feed him, to clothe him, and to guide him into peace. God directed Jacob to leave his family, a place of comfort, and go to a distant land to tarry. In response, Jacob traveled to his Uncle Laban's in Haran, and tarried there twenty years. Jacob used this time to let God train him for the future. He grew in the fear of the Lord, in being still before the Lord, and in the joy of the Lord. He grew in God's love, became content with God's way, and trusted God. Seven years Jacob labored for a promise that was not delivered to him. He was deceived by his Uncle Laban. Interestingly, you hear no complaints from Jacob, instead, he vowed to labor another seven years for his love, Rachel. Jacob's response to the seven years of labor was, "it seemed but a few days." You see, Jacob's focus was on the Lord's plan for him. His response was not of frustration, but one of a willing heart to serve. Although he labored another seven years for his beloved bride, the Lord blessed Jacob, and delivered Rachel to him after only one week into the second set of seven years. The Lord was faithful to keep Jacob, to feed him, to clothe him, and to guide him in peace. God was clear and precise and delivered His promise; Laban was not clear, and did not deliver as he had promised.

After twenty years of service to Laban, Jacob returned to the land of his family. How faithful is our God, who after twenty years of caring for Jacob and growing him, called him to "arise, go out from this land, and return to the land of your kindred." He returned not alone as he left, but returned with two wives, twelve children and a huge herd of cattle. He returned with a changed heart that fully trusted Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He returned with a pure heart that knew His Lord. Jacob, the one to be called Israel; the one whom God kept.

~ Cheryl Helgert

Jacob’s Ladder

Genesis 28:10-22

At church camp, when I was a child, I remember sitting around the campfire, singing the song, "We are Climbing Jacob's Ladder." At the time, I misunderstood it to mean that everyone in this life was on a journey up to Heaven. Not true. The real interpretation of this passage shows us the Divine Trinity: God the Father standing above the ladder; Jesus Christ, the Son, depicted as the ladder, touching heaven and earth; and the Holy Spirit running messages to and from those who are yielded to God.

Jacob was a young man who was on the run. He had been deceitful in the past, and now, fearful of God and man, had chosen to run away. But still, deep inside, he really wanted to know God. When he came to a certain place in life, he laid down to sleep and dreamed: "Behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." He saw the Lord standing above it, and heard Him speak directly to him with a promise of peace and blessings for himself and his family, for generations to come. God told Jacob that He would bring him back to this land, and that he, and his seed, would then be a blessing to all the families of the earth. The Lord had vowed to plant him in good soil, and grow him step by step, according to God's direction. The ladder in his dream represented Jesus, the only way to Father God in heaven. "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14) The angels going up and down the ladder was a picture of the Holy Spirit, as He brings messages from God to us and from us to God. This was an awesome place of fellowship with God! When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he was afraid, and he realized that the Lord was in that place, He called that place "awesome," "none other than the house of God," and the "gate of heaven!" Jacob, as a testimony to God, set up the stone he had laid his head on, pouring oil on it as a sign that now the Holy Spirit was a vital part of his new relationship with his Lord. Now God would be able to grow him in his faith as his Lord and Provider.

So, in conclusion, we are not all climbing a ladder to Heaven, but we can stop running, and come to the Gate of Heaven, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is the only way to the Father in heaven. We must confess that we do not know God as we should, and have not let Him direct our lives, but rather, have done what was pleasing in our own eyes. As we turn from selfishness and receive the abundant life, we trust in the only Triune God, and say, as Jacob did, "Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it." Come back, in perfect peace, letting the Lord plant you in the good land, and grow you in faith so that you are no longer running from God, but rather, you and your family will be blessed by God, and be a blessing to God Himself and to all the families of the world.

~ Ruth Ann Ward