GOLDEN WORDS
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give
his life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:28 NIV
The Greek word [for ransom] was used most commonly for the price paid to redeem a
slave. Similarly, Christ paid the ransom price of his own life to free
us from the slavery of sin.
— NIV STUDY BIBLE
Daily Meditations by Pat Nordman
January 1
"For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11.
"My dear children, even if you still are not aware of My love, I know what
My plans are for you: plans--thoughts--of peace and prosperity. You think I am apathetic
and cruel. You have Me mixed up with the world. How could I possibly will you evil when My
character is goodness--and good will toward all of you."
What a joy and relief it is to know that God Himself has a plan for us, plans with faith
and a future. Here God gives us a firm foundation simply because God tells us that it is
so. We may have days this year when we won't believe this. After all, we are smart enough
to handle our own lives--until something unexpected breaks our hearts and the hearts of
those we cherish.
Imagine knowing that our gentle God has us in His thoughts constantly; that they
are thoughts of harmony. It hurts Him to know that our life is full of commotion and
competition. He never meant for it to be that way, for He is not the author of confusion
but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). If life is wrong, perhaps we are doing or thinking
something that interrupts His purpose of goodness for us.
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace" Isaiah 55:12; "Many, O
Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can
recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare"
Psalm 40:5; "Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future
be" Job 8:7.
Father, forgive our unbelief, our prejudices, and our fragmentations that put blinders on
our understanding of your truth and purity and loveliness. They are praiseworthy and
excellent! And thank You for Your plans for this new year.
Pat Nordman ©
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Excerpts from today's Spurgeon's Devotions |
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Spurgeon's Morning for January 1 |
Spurgeon's Evening January 1 |
| "They did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year." -Joshua 5:12 |
-Song of Solomon 1:4 |
Unbelief shudders at the Jordan which still rolls between us and the goodly land, but let us rest assured that we have already experienced more ills than death at its worst can cause us. Let us banish every fearful thought, and rejoice with exceeding great joy, in the prospect that this year we shall begin to be "for ever with the Lord." |
We, the called and faithful and chosen, we will drive away our griefs, and set up our banners of confidence in the name of God. Let others lament over their troubles, we who have the sweetening tree to cast into Marah's bitter pool, with joy will magnify the Lord. |
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The
Right Molten Moment My first pastorate was in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, which was famous at that time for having the world's largest steel-tube rolling mills. They created a seamless tube there which was unparalleled. Many was the time I stood in one of those great machines (the command module was called the pulpit, incidentally) with the man operating the machine. Many times I asked the men directing those machines, "What's the most important ingredient in the process?" The answer was always the same: "It's the temperature of the metal. If it is too hot, it will fly apart; if it is too cold, it will not open as it ought. Unless you catch the molten moment, you cannot make the perfect tube." Unless we catch those molten moments when character can develop, we miss our opportunity just as the disciples did. — Bruce Thielemann, "Tide Riding," Preaching Today, Tape No. 30. |
Today's' fact about Time and its measurement, a time quotation and a New Year Inspiration.
But my mouth would encourage you; comfort
from my lips would bring you relief. Job 16:5 (NIV) by Cathy Vinson Other Whispers from the Wilderness Devotions are found
HERE
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Today's Devotion
Return
Oh, the love that's been lost within us! What did our first love look like? In
childlikeness it opened its wings only to be scorched by life's payment and to become
caged. We're now stable, untouchable...that's survival. The only problem is that it isn't
first love.
Does love diminish by degrees? Is it a measure? "You've LEFT your first love"
(Rev 2:4). In that case, the solution isn't regaining a measure, but RETURNING to our
first love: Jesus.
Ann Herring sings: "I believe in dreams now, now that I'm holding You. And I believe
in love now; I believe in You." This is first love recaptured.
Israel was captive for 70 years and was able to return. Even if our love has been caged
that long, we, too, can return. Their song can be our song:
"When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the South.
Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy
carrying sheaves with him." (Ps 126:1-2a, 3-6)
You've paid. Now return.
"The
love that was lost in the payment of life comes again."
Ann Herring
sings: "I believe in dreams now, now that I'm holding You. And I believe in love now;
I believe in You."
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