These September Devotionals originally appeared in my Daily Bible Devotional blog

over the last two years. For more devotions on a variety of subjects, be sure to visit
my website, Devotional Reflections from the Bible.

This eBook is dedicated to my dear husband, David, who is my constant spiritual leader
and encourager. Our anniversary is September 6th; a day which continues to remind me of
God’s faithfulness in providing such a Godly husband.

All the pictures in these September devotions are pictures taken in my beautiful town of
Pella, Iowa, and enhanced using a Kaleidoscope effect.

Thank-you for downloading my free eBook. I pray that you will be as blessed by reading
these devotions as I have been by writing them.

In Christ,
Linda

Check these links to visit my other websites:

Christian Success Institute

Christian Business Advice

Scriptures

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September 1

Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver

11 A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the soul of his masters.

15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and a soft tongue will break a bone.

23 The north wind brings forth rain,

and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

28 A man without self-control

is like a city broken into and left without walls.
Proverbs 25:11-13, 15, 23-24 & 28, ESV

20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,

and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
23 Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel
are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
and harbors deceit in his heart;
25 when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
for there are seven abominations in his heart;

28 A lying tongue hates its victims,

and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Proverbs 26:20-25 & 28, ESV

Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 25:11, King James Version

I love the King James translation of Proverbs 25:11. A word fitly spoken--how hard can that be?

Here is what James had to say about the tongue:

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a
little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth
the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after
the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not
so to be.
James 3:5-6 & 8-10, King James Version

Look at the examples given (both good and bad) by Solomon in the passages shown above.

*With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
*It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
*A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
*As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
*A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

The ability that God gives to us (being able to communicate through speech) comes with both
blessings and curses. If no man can tame the tongue, what are we to do?

No man can tame the tongue, but Christ can! Go to Christ; cry out to Him to help you tame the
most unruly member of your body--the tongue. Ask Him to make you a channel of blessing today
for His glory in your thoughts, your words, and your actions.

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September 2
The Earth Trembles!

3 For the Lord is a great God,

and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;

let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Psalm 95:3-7

1 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;

let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
Psalm 97:1-5

6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn

make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
8 Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
9 before the Lord, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
Psalm 98:6-9

1 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!

He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The Lord is great in Zion;
he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!
Holy is he!
Psalm 99:1-3

[The Scripture shown above is from the English Standard Version of the Bible.]

The Earth Trembles

From the Psalms today comes a side of God we often neglect; instead, we tend to make God
"small" in our eyes. But is this appropriate to God? Today, let us take time to remember who this
God really is!

Look at some of the verses from today's Psalms.

Psalm 95:

For the Lord is a great God,

and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

Psalm 97:

Fire goes before him

and burns up his adversaries all around.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.

Psalm 98:

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

the world and those who dwell in it!
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
before the Lord, for he comes
to judge the earth.

Psalm 99:

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!

He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

Take a moment to pause and think about this--our God is not weak, and He certainly does not
bow down to the whims of man! We do not bargain with God; He has laid down His righteous law
that must be obeyed. Because He knew we could never obey His law perfectly, He sent His
perfect Son, the God Man, to come to this earth and shed His blood to provide a way for man to
come to God.

Can we chip away at that and bend it to more suitably suit our desires? Is this a God we can
simply believe in, but are not required to obey? Our world has created tons of "religions" based
upon half-truths of God's Word.

But, remember, this is the God who makes the earth tremble and quake. Before Him the
mountains melt like wax and His lightning lights up the world. And, before Him we must bow in
humility and praise, for He alone provides a way to enter His perfect rest forever. Nothing on this
earth is more important; nothing on earth will survive God's perfect scrutiny. He is righteous and
holy, and the Lord will return in righteousness and justice.

Praise God, He provided us a way to Him; as His children, we do not need to fear. Yes, before
Him the earth trembles, but His children do not tremble before Him in fear, but rather tremble
before Him in acknowledgement of His perfect holiness and justice.

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September 3
Perfect in Weakness

7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations,
there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I
should be exalted above measure.
8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me.
10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in
distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10, King James Version

Much of what we know about actually living the Christian life to the glory of God, comes from the
Apostle Paul. I think the passage written above by Paul in 2 Corinthians is one of the most
precious Bible passages for the Christian. How can we, in our weakness, ever do much to glorify
God and advance His kingdom?

Paul, a person much like us, had his own affliction to deal with. Though we are never told exactly
what that affliction was, we know it was grievous to Paul. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,
that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
is made perfect in weakness.

How did Paul respond to God answering his prayer by not removing the affliction?

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in
distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

That is the true sign of Christian maturity; I know I have a long way to go to be so content in
Christ that I glory in my physical weakness and pain. Having a proper focus on the real meaning
of life will, I know, help me to come closer to understanding Paul.

God has given us many wonderful things to enjoy, but those things are not what bring us peace,
happiness, and joy. Don't look to others or to things to bring what only Christ can bring to you. As
Christians, we are on this earth for one purpose, and one purpose alone: to bring glory to God
and be a testimony for Him.

Praise God that He did not cast us aside, as He so easily could, because of our sin, but rather,
He provided a way for us to fellowship with Him through the shedding of the blood of His only
Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise God for our afflictions; may those very afflictions be the things that drive us to Christ!

For My strength is made perfect in weakness.

Daily Bible Devotions

This blog features a newly written devotional for each day.

September 4
Lord, Remember Me!

39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ,
save thyself and us.
40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in
the same condemnation?
41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath
done nothing amiss.
42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in
paradise.
Luke 23:39-43, King James Version

The account of the crucifixion of Christ as told by Luke is a very familiar passage to us. How often
have we heard the account of the thief on the cross crying out, Lord, remember me when thou
comest into thy kingdom.

This passage reminds us that it is never too late to cry out to Christ; death-bed conversions are
very real! And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in
paradise. Here was one last task that Jesus Christ needed to fulfill before He could give up His
life willingly for the sins of His people.

One remarkable thing that we often fail to realize is that our death is predetermined by God, and
the life we have, no matter how frail, still has a purpose to fulfill before God takes us home to be
with Him.

My sister-in-law suffered a brain hemorrhage in May of this year and has been in a coma ever
since. In September I had the opportunity to go and visit her; her room at the care center amazed
me. All over the room, in a colorful display, were notes from people who had visited her as well as
birthday cards that had been sent to her. I realized what a testimony to Christ and to her salvation
the room portrayed.

Even though she is in a coma, her life still displays a vibrant testimony to Christ.

We do not know what God has ordained for our future, but we do know that up until the moment
of our death we are still being a testimony for Christ.

Never give up on your unsaved friends and loved ones; where there is life there is hope. Keep
praying; keep crying out to God!
Praise God for the thief who cried out, Lord, remember me!

[This is a very special devotion to me. Because I often write my devotionals several days ahead, I
had no way of knowing that my sister-in-law mentioned in this devotional would pass away the
same day this was first published in my Daily Bible Devotions blog. I have always felt that God
kept her alive until the day this devotional first appeared; this was the last “act” in a wonderful
testimony of her love for the Lord.]

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

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A place to grow in the Lord as you faithfully study the Bible

September 5
I Came to Send Fire!

49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a
baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 51 Do you
suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For
from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53
Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and
daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law
against her mother-in-law.”
Luke 12:49-53, NKJV

These are words which Christ spoke to the His disciples after telling them a parable about the
faithful servant who was ready for his master's return. We much prefer hearing about the love of
Christ toward His people than to think of words that appear to be rather harsh to us.

Why was Christ distressed? What is the baptism he is speaking of in verse 50? Christ never lost
focus of His true mission for coming to this earth. We are so familiar with the crucifixion of Christ
that we forget how difficult it was for Christ to face. In the garden, right before His arrest, He
sweat drops of blood! He was the God Man, and the man part of Him had to go through a horrible
death to bring salvation to His people.

What then is the fire that Christ came to send? Why does He say that He did not come to bring
peace on earth, but rather division? Look around you - as a believer in Christ you do not have to
look very far to realize that there is a great division between true believers and non-believers. As
the years continue to go by, that division is getting greater and greater.

The wicked continue to get more blatantly wicked, openly rejecting Christ and openly rejecting
Christians. Their blindness never ceases to amaze me!

Christ does bring peace, but only to the Christian. That peace, however will not come completely
until we are at home with the Lord. Remember your true mission as a Christian and don't be
surprised by the enmity that is often cast upon you. Remember, Christ said, I came to send fire
on the earth.
September 6
Mission of Christ

17 Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy
but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one
tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks
one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the
kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of
heaven.
Matthew 5:17-20, NKJV

It is most appropriate, when thinking of the subject of missions, to begin with the Mission of
Christ, the Chief Missionary, who came into a world that was not His own, with a mission to save
a people for Himself.

Notice, that in Christ's words shown above, He begins with the Law. Why is that? It is God's Law
that condemns us; it is no wonder that in the United States everything is being done to remove
the Ten Commandments from the visibility of the people. The Law condemns us; we can not keep
it perfectly and are therefore condemned before God. That is why Christ begins here; He is the
only one who can perfectly keep the Law. He, alone, is righteous, and is therefore worthy to offer
Himself as a sacrifice for His people.

How does that affect the Christian? Even though the Christian's sins have been covered by
Christ, he still sins. Yes, that is true; it is a great grief for the Christian to be so plagued by the
curse of sin. That very fact is what gives the Christian his true mission in life; no Christian is
exempt from God's mission!

The Christian's first goal is to love and honor Christ and to keep His commandments. As he sins,
he continues to fall before Christ asking for forgiveness; Christ continues to grow him and sanctify
him so that he becomes more and more like Christ. Only through Christ can the true believer
exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, who attempted to gain their own
salvation by their own works.

The Mission of Christ gives the believer his true mission. Love God; serve Him; fall before Him
every day seeking forgiveness and help to become more and more like Christ. Worship Christ,
your only Savior.
Who is this Christ? I love the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 3:16, from the New English Standard
Bible:

He was manifested in the flesh,

vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.

Yes, that is our Savior!

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing
even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12, KJV

Devotional Reflections from the Bible

September 7
Spiritual Riches from Proverbs

The blessing of the LORD makes one rich,

And He adds no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 10:22

There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing;

And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.
Proverbs 13:7

Through wisdom a house is built,

And by understanding it is established;
By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.
Proverbs 24:3-4, NKJV

Solomon, a man who is acclaimed to be the richest man who ever lived, penned the verses
shown above. Ecclesiastes, another book written by Solomon, tells of his search for meaning in
life. He amassed a great fortune to see if that would give meaning to life (that seems to be what
we spend our lives trying to achieve). In the end he said this:

10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver;

Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.
This also is vanity.
11 When goods increase,
They increase who eat them;
So what profit have the owners
Except to see them with their eyes?
12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet,
Whether he eats little or much;
But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12

Look at the conclusions from Proverbs:

The Lord's blessing makes one rich, and there is no sorrow with it.

The one who tries to get riches has nothing, and yet the one who does not try to be rich, has true
riches.

Through wisdom a house is built,

And by understanding it is established;
By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.

What kind of a house do you want to have? Do you want the riches of this world that never give
contentment, or do you want the spiritual riches from Christ which grant true peace and
contentment and will last for eternity!

There is nothing in this life, apart from God, to which we can cling; everything in this world will
pass away. But, the Word of the Lord endures forever.

Ponder these riches from Proverbs and ask God to grant you His riches from above.

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September 8

Blessed Are All Those Who Wait for Him

3 It shall come to pass in the day the LORD gives you rest from your sorrow, and from
your fear and the hard bondage in which you were made to serve, 4 that you will take up
this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say:
“How the oppressor has ceased,
The golden city ceased!
5 The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked,
The scepter of the rulers.”
Isaiah 14:3-5

12 To whom He said, “This is the rest with which

You may cause the weary to rest,”
And, “This is the refreshing;”
Yet they would not hear.
Isaiah 28:12

15 For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel:
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
18 Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.
Isaiah 30:15 & 18, NKJV

Isaiah spent almost his entire life prophesying against Israel and other surrounding nations. Yet,
in the midst of his bleak words, he never ceased to proclaim the promises of spiritual rest to
God's true people.

Though Isaiah prophesied that Babylon would overcome Israel, he tempered it with the
knowledge that the oppression of Babylon will have an end. In Isaiah 14 he stated that the
Israelites would speak this proverb against Babylon,
“How the oppressor has ceased,
The golden city ceased!
The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked,
The scepter of the rulers."

Notice that the people went into captivity because they were worshiping other gods. Not so,
however, when the captivity ceased; then they understood that it was the Lord who broke the staff
of the wicked.

Not everyone responds to God's promise of rest. It always surprises me how far unbelievers will
stretch reality because they refuse to believe and obey the simple reality of God's Word. Why
would anyone not want the eternal rest that God offers? Apart from the grace of God, their eyes
are forever blinded from the truths of the Bible.

But to those whose eyes have been opened, to those who have returned to God through the
death of Christ on the cross for their sins, He says:

“In returning and rest you shall be saved;

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

I can not say it better than Isaiah did in verse 18:

Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you;

And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.

Go to God today; fall before Him and cry out to Him who, alone, can save you; through the blood
of Christ claim the eternal rest of God.

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September 9
Entangled!

3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one
engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him
who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not
crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be
first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you
understanding in all things.
2 Timothy 2:3-7, NKJV

Entangled!

In Ecclesiastes 1:9 Solomon proclaimed, There is nothing new under the sun! No wonder we find
the Bible so relevant to our daily lives. Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2, calling him to not be
entangled with the affairs of life, giving three examples for us to consider.

Soldier
Just as the soldier is not allowed to become entangled with the affairs of life, so we, as soldiers of
the Lord Jesus Christ, must not allow the world to entangle us. Our focus needs to remain
constantly on our service to God and the war that we fight against Satan and his spirits of
darkness. As a Christian, our goal is to please Christ who gave His life to redeem us.

Athlete
I have always been a great fan of the Olympics, and I love the fact that we no longer have to wait
four years between events. I love the figure skating in the winter Olympics and the gymnastic
competitions in the summer Olympics. Each time a whole new set of athletes appear, often
having been training since they were toddlers. Their grace and competence exemplifies their
dedication to the sport, when for just a few minutes, they stun the world with their grace and
beauty. Yet, what happens to those who have difficulty focusing in such a large arena of
spectators? Sports require both things, training and focus.

Farmer
Living in Iowa, this is an example I can truly understand. In the springtime I see the planters out
from early morning until sunset getting the seed into the ground. Throughout the summer the
farmers cultivate the crops, nurturing them until they reach full maturity. Then in the fall, it is time
for the harvest; farmers in this area often work through the night getting the crops out, being the
first ones to partake of their crops and gain the reward of the fruits of their labor.
Final Lesson
What is the final lesson for us? Just as the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer persevere and
focus on the job before them, so must we Christians not become entangled in the world, but
rather focus on our God-given purpose here on this earth. After all, we should not live as others
who have no hope, but rather should go forth rejoicing, as we labor for the Lord.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with
rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:6, KJV

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September 10
Man of Understanding

6 For the LORD gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 2:6, ESV

27 He who has knowledge spares his words,

And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Proverbs 17:27-28, ESV

Proverbs holds so many nuggets of wisdom that it is only fitting that we should consider a few
verses from this book in our quest to gain spiritual understanding. Proverbs 2:6 gives us the
source of knowledge and understanding, and Proverbs 17 shows the outworking of that wisdom
in our lives.

For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Have you
noticed how many times we are told in the Bible that wisdom and knowledge come from God?
This concept is so foreign in our current day; wisdom and knowledge is thought to come from
education, books, and learning. It is true that one can learn much from education; as a matter of
fact there is so much to learn that one can get a PhD in almost any topic imaginable. But, though
you can gain so much knowledge of a subject, is that true wisdom?

True wisdom teaches us how to properly apply our knowledge in a fallen world ruled by the
Almighty God! With a wise application comes true understanding. If we begin with a false
interpretation, then no matter how much knowledge we gain on that topic, the end result will still
be false!

Proverbs 17:28 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Even a fool is counted wise when he
holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. Just look around you and
see if you think this is true? Very often the one who is first to speak is the one who knows the
least about the topic, or at least we perceive that to be the case.

Backing up one verse, the Bible says, He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of
understanding is of a calm spirit. I saved this verse until last because it really is the theme of this
devotion. When one becomes a true man of understanding (or woman of understanding), they
possess a deep faith in God; none of the outward events of life shake this faith, because they are
truly resting in God and not themselves.
There is no understanding apart from God. God who created the world and holds it in place
knows and understands all things. The plan He has made for this world is continuing exactly as
He planned and will end exactly as He planned.

Learn and study to gain knowledge, but pray to God for the wisdom and understanding to apply
that knowledge correctly!

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September 11
Lord of Peace!

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be
with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:16, NKJV

In this devotion on the subject of spiritual peace we begin with a benediction from 2
Thessalonians 3. Who is the Lord of Peace? The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Lord of peace;
only from Him can we receive peace in every way.

Let's look at some other benedictions that Paul used in his letters to the churches.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 Corinthians 16:23-24

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be
with you all. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14

Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Galatians 6:18

Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace
be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Ephesians 6:23-24

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Philippians 4:23

Just imagine ending all of your conversations, letters, and emails with a benediction like these. It
is so very important that we surround ourselves with the peace of God. It is really quite impossible
most days, because we are so caught up in the stresses of daily living. However, nothing is
impossible with God. Go to the Lord of Peace and ask Him to immerse you in the peace of God
this day.

[All Scriptures shown in this devotion are from the New King James Version of the Bible.]
September 12
Behind the Veil

12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech, 13 unlike
Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at
the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the
same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken
away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16
Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the
Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face,
beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image
from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:12-18, NKJV

When the tabernacle was built under Moses' supervision, a heavy veil was put up in the inner
court. What was behind the veil? The Holy of Holies which included the ark of the covenant was
behind the veil. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year bearing the sins of
the people. When Christ was crucified, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, opening
the way of the Holy of Holies to all believers.

In our sinful state, we cannot even look upon the glory of God without instant death. After Moses
spoke to God his face shone from God's glory so that the people could not even look at him. So,
Moses put a veil on his face when he went before the people.

Today, the veil still blocks the unbelieving heart from God; unbelievers have a veil on their hearts
which can only be removed by the blood of Christ. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the
veil is taken away.

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all,
with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the
same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Just ponder verses 17 and 18 for a minute. The veil is lifted for the Christian; the believer has
complete access to God! That access grants liberty (freedom from the chains of sin) to the
believer. As such, the Christian is being transformed into the glorified image of Christ by the Spirit
of the Lord.

Live today as a glorified saint no longer living behind the veil. Christ is all; pray that you will not
live caught up in the world as those who have no hope in Christ.

Bible Devotions for Women

September 13

God of All Grace

10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after
that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:10-11, KJV

Peter summarizes the book of 1st Peter by telling Christians that God is the God of all Grace,
they are called unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, and that He will strengthen them after a
period of suffering.
God is the God of all grace. What does that mean? How is God gracious to His people? There is
no true grace apart from God; He alone has the power to convict all people for their sin or
graciously pardon them. That pardon has nothing to do with their own goodness or worth;
otherwise it would not truly be grace. Grace pardons the believer in spite of the death penalty due
to them because of their own sin.

What made that grace possible? Christ Jesus, the lamb of God, came to this earth for the sole
purpose of calling a people to Himself by paying the death penalty for their sin. Because He was
without sin as a man, and completely righteous as God; only His death and resurrection could
truly pay for their sin and then bring them to Glory to be with Him forever.

As we learned in 1 Peter 5:8-9, suffering is a normal part of every Christian's life. Though it may
seem to endure forever, Christians know that there is an end. This God of all grace will bring
them to His kingdom in Heaven making them perfect, establishing them forever, strengthening
them, and settling them.

What is the only response a Christian can truly make? To him be glory and dominion for ever and
ever. Amen.
September 14

For This Cause Was the Gospel Preached

3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when
we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and
abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot,
speaking evil of you:
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
6 For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be
judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
1 Peter 4:3-6

If there are those who will not receive the Gospel, why does God desire that the Gospel is
preached to them at all? In verse 6 Peter says, for this cause was the Gospel preached. For what
cause?

Peter reminds us that before we became Christians we were just like the unconverted around us,
loving the same things they loved and hating the things they hated. When we accepted Christ into
our lives and were saved by His grace and power, our desires changed. Instead of running with
the wicked, we now spent time serving God, going to church, reading His Word, etc.

How did our former friends and acquaintances react? They think it strange that ye run not with
them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. But, as reminded in verse 5, our lives are
now set apart for Christ knowing that we will give an account to God who is ready to judge the
quick and the dead. God is angry with our sin; when the time of judgment comes, God will judge
those still alive, plus those who have already died.

Are we exempt? No! However, when God saves us our sins are covered by the blood of Christ
shed on the cross for our sins.

Again, Peter reminds us that for this cause was the Gospel preached. No man will be able to
stand before God and say, I am not guilty because I never heard the Gospel.

Pray today that you will live each moment for Christ, knowing that He who saved you will cause
you to give an account for your life when He comes again.
September 15
Praying for Enemies

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who
hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
Matthew 5:44, NKJV

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
Luke 23:34, NKJV

And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my
spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with
this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:59-60, NKJV

Praying for Enemies

The commands Jesus gave us in Matthew 5:44 are impossible for us to do apart from Christ.
Praying for enemies, as well, is just not part of our natural sin nature. How do you love your
enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who
spitefully use you and persecute you? Two Biblical examples of praying for enemies are shown in
the above verses.

In Luke 23 we are told that while hanging on the cross, Jesus uttered the words, “Father, forgive
them, for they do not know what they do.” Imagine having the weight of the sin of the whole world
cast upon you and yet, still forgiving your persecutors. Christ alone is the only One who could
accomplish such an impossible task. Throughout His entire earthly ministry we find Him to be
hard on those who proudly chose to go their own way, and yet extremely compassionate and
understanding to the poor and broken in spirit. How can we ever fail to forgive our enemies of the
little they do to us, when Christ has forgiven the enormity of our own sins? As followers of Christ
we are called to be praying for our enemies.

Acts 7 gives us the account of Stephen, a Godly man in the early church. Being recognized by
other believers as a very devout man, he was hated by the unbelievers. Remember Jesus'
reminder to us that when we are hated for our beliefs in Him, it is really Christ who the sinner
hates - not you. Stephen understood this principle even to the very point of his death. As the mob
stoned him to death, he cried out, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.”
Both Christ and Stephen said almost the same words; Do not charge them with this sin
(Stephen). Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing (Christ). Look beyond the
immediate circumstances of your life to the broader picture. Those who hate you because of your
faith truly do not know what they are doing! By God's grace, pray that you can look beyond the
terrible deeds that they have do to you, even to the point of death because you understand their
total lack of understanding.

Only by the help of God will we ever be found praying for enemies. Even as Christ forgave us, so
pray that He will forgive them as well, and that they, too, might become believers.

Devotions for Children

September 16
Anna the Prophetess

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She
was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a
virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the
temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very
hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the
redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:36-38, ESV

Anna the Prophetess

When Jesus was eight days old, Mary and Joseph took Him to the Temple in Jerusalem to be
circumcised. Not only was this the time when Jesus was named, in obedience to the Angel who
came to Mary, but two other important people were there as well: Simeon, who had received a
vision that he would see the Lord's Christ before he died, and Anna, who served God day and
night.

The Spirit of God brought Simeon to the Temple at the same time that Mary and Joseph arrived
with Jesus. Holding Jesus in his arms, Simeon blessed God for showing him the salvation of the
Jews and Gentiles alike. Turning to Mary, he prophesied that this Child was destined for the fall
and rising of many in Israel.

Anna the Prophetess had been a widow for several decades and lived at the Temple; the Bible
tells us that she worshiped God with prayer and fasting day and night. She appeared at the
temple when Jesus was brought in, and immediately gave thanks to God for Him. God used her
to proclaim that this Jesus was the Redeemer, the promised Messiah.

Even though Anna was aged in years, she understood correctly that God still had work for her to
do. Because she spent time in prayer and fasting, she was ready, spiritually; to do the work that
God had given her when the time arrived.

It is easy for us to develop that "retirement" philosophy in our spiritual life and our work for Christ
when we reach the age of retirement from our normal daily work. Retirement is a wonderful thing,
but when it comes to our Christian walk and worship of the Lord, there is no retirement. It is true
that as our abilities change, the duties we are called upon to do for the Lord often change as well.
In reality we are never too old, never too disabled, never too poor or too lowly to work for the
Lord.
Most of us are not called to a prominent position in the work of the Lord, but all of us are
equipped by God to serve Him in whatever capacity we are able. We worship God in everything
we do in our daily lives: doing a good job at work, keeping our house clean, taking meals to the
needy, helping young mothers with child care, mowing the lawn or shoveling the snow for our
neighbors, praying for others, visiting the sick, sending cards or letters to the sick or grieving,
visiting nursing home residents, etc. etc. etc.

When I think of Anna the Prophetess, I realize that all of the excuses I tend to use for not being
more involved in the work of the Lord are really not true. Quite simply, serving the Lord is just
living each day as a Christian and taking the opportunities that come our way for service to others
and for proclaiming Christ to those around us.

May God find you living faithfully today like Anna the Prophetess.

Great Women of the Bible Devotions

September 17
Eternal King

The LORD reigns forever; He has established his throne for judgment.
Psalm 9:7

You, O LORD, reign forever; Your throne endures from generation to generation.
Lamentations 5:19

As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the
Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High,
and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 7:21-22

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and
ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to
come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:8

Eternal King

God is the Eternal King. How does that affect a Christian's daily life? How does that affect a non-
Christian's daily life?

For the Christian knowing and trusting God, the Eternal King, gives hope and peace to each day.
The Christian has a King who rules perfectly, listens to his prayers, and is always available. The
focus of the true believer is not on this life, but rather the eternity to come. Does the Christians
struggle? Does the Christian get discouraged? Does the Christian suffer? Yes, but even though
these things are true, the believer knows that everything comes from the hand of His King, and
that perfect vindication and peace will be his for eternity.

What of the non-believer in Christ? Is God his eternal King as well? God's eternal kingdom is over
this world, has been from its creation, and will be until the end of its days. This rule has nothing to
do with whether the subjects of the King love Him or hate Him. Therefore, non-Christians, too, are
under God's rule and will be judged at the end of days. Unfortunately, their judgment will send
them to eternal judgment in hell rather than eternal peace and joy.
Until the end of the world, a war will continue between believers and non-believers; this war is
real. Satan knows that he is already defeated, so his goal is to bring as many people with him as
he can. The end of this war is foretold in Daniel 7:21 and 22: As I watched, this horn was waging
war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced
judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the
kingdom.

That, then, is our hope and comfort as believers. God is the Eternal King; the time will come when
God's children will possess the kingdom, and all unrighteousness will be gone forever.

As Christians let us join Paul in saying, Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God,
be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(All Scriptures in this devotion are from the New King James Version of the Bible.)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under
The shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1, KJV
September 18
Christ is the Door

7 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find
pasture.
John 10:7-9

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through Me.
John 14:6

17 And He [Christ] came and preached peace to you [Gentiles] who were afar off and to
those who were near. 18 For through Him we both [Jews and Gentiles] have access by one
Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:17-18

Who is Christ? Christ is the Door. What does that mean? In the three passages above we
discover that first, Christ is the Door; second, that Door leads us to God the Father; and third, that
Door is for everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike.

Often, God's children are compared to sheep, as in John 14, with Jesus being their Shepherd. As
a shepherd, He is their door of protection; their door of salvation. God's true sheep do not listen to
the voices of the thieves and robbers who pretend to be their shepherd; the true sheep know the
voice of their shepherd.

In John 14:6 we learn that Christ, the Door leads us to God. Not only does He lead us to God, but
He is the ONLY way to God. Man is religious by nature; history teaches us that he has sought
God in many ways. Some have tried to reach God by being stoic or giving up everything they had
to "pay" their way to Him. Others have seen God's works of creation and have worshiped them,
like the Egyptians in the Bible who worshiped Rah, their sun god. Others believed that if they just
led a good, moral life, God would accept them as they were.

John 14:6, however, teaches us that the ONLY way to God is through Christ. He is the ONLY
Perfect One who could pay the payment to save us from our sins. According to Ephesians 2 this
payment is the only payment for sin for everyone; no one has access to God any other way. In
Old Testament times God worked mainly through His people the Jews, but in the New Testament
this Door was opened to everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike.
Pray today that you would fall before Christ your only Door to God; He alone can save you from
the death penalty for your sins.

Who is Christ? Christ is the Door to God; the ONLY Door!

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September 19

Promises to Children

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me.
Psalm 27:10, NKJV

Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
Proverbs 8:32, NKJV

He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry
them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.
Isaiah 40:11, NKJV

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is
the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14, NKJV

Promises to Children

The many promises to children in the Bible show us that children are a "protected species" by
God. Why is that significant? Children are helpless, especially when young; as such they are so
often abused. Abortion runs rampant in many countries; man tries to placate this atrocity by telling
himself that they really aren't people until they are born. There are still societies that offer their
children as sacrifices to their gods. In the war in Vietnam, the American soldiers watched in horror
when little children would come to them bound with explosives.

Look at the promises to children found in the verses shown above. Psalm 27 tells us that even if
parents forsake their children, God will take care of them. Children are not property, but rather
they are given to us by God to raise and nurture to adulthood. They are our future! Take this
responsibility seriously, because God does!

God promises to bless children who keep His ways; just because they are children, they are not
exempt from the commands of God. Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct
is pure and right. (Proverbs 20:11) To obey God's commands, children need to be taught those
commands by their parents; that also means that parents need to live God's commandments as
well!

Isaiah 40:11 is perhaps one of the most beautiful Scripture passages regarding children. When I
was a child, our church had a picture of Jesus holding a lamb (perhaps you've seen that picture
as well). When I learned that I was one of God's little lambs, I often took comfort in that picture.
Notice, that He also gently leads those that are with young; even in the womb, God is protecting
the children.

Matthew 19 reminds me of another picture showing Jesus surrounded by little children. The
disciples were in a hurry and became very impatient with the children who would come up to see
Jesus. Jesus, however, always had time for the children; He would often stop and speak to them.
Matthew 19 is the rebuke He gave to the disciples, and as such is a rebuke we should heed. Do
not forbid your children access to Christ; teach them the truths of the Bible; take them to church
and Sunday School.

God's promises to children are precious; pray, today, that you would take time for the children.

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while staying home with your children.

Devotional Reflections Christian Business Advice

September 20

The Word of the Lord Endures Forever

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto
unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God,
which liveth and abideth for ever.

24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass
withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is
preached unto you.

1 Peter 1:22-25, KJV

The Word of the Lord Endures Forever

The Word of the Lord endures forever! Why, then, do we spend so much time and effort trying to
be accepted by those around who are mere mortals? Verses 22 through 25 of 1st Peter
summarize what Peter has discussed in the rest of the chapter, causing us to rethink our
priorities.

One of the hardest things for us to do is to truly love others. My husband and I have been married
almost 23 years; I am so thankful to God for a Godly husband who truly loves me, as I do him.
Even so, our 23 years have been filled with numerous difficulties along the way. Loving another
person is not easy! Loving other Christians is even harder than loving your spouse; we are
continually faced with their imperfections, as well as ours. Yet, 1 Peter 1:22 reminds us that if we
truly love God, then our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ must be sincere--deeply from
the heart.

Our earthly body is corruptible or perishable, but our new body in Christ is incorruptible or
imperishable. To illustrate this truth Peter quotes from Isaiah 40:6-8:

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness
thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of
the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but
the word of our God shall stand for ever.
The Word of the Lord endures forever; Peter continues, And this is the word which by the gospel
is preached unto you.

How often we need to be reminded to prioritize our lives, focusing on the only things that truly
endure. Pray that your days would be filled with eternal purposes, focused on Christ and
obedience to God's Word and not on those things that will pass away like the grass of the field.

Devotional Reflections from the Bible

Who is God!
September 21

All Your Need

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to
all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace
of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 and 19, NKJV

My God shall supply all your need. I've read this verse many times. So much so, as a matter of
fact, that the meaning almost evades me. In a culture of super-abundance, we easily loose track
of what we really need. Do we need cable? Do we need TV? How about that car we drive, do we
really need it; could we get along without it?

What do we need spiritually? How do our spiritual needs compare to our physical needs? It is
time that we Christians ponder these questions. Paul said he knew how to be content at all times,
whether he was rich, or whether he was poor and in want. Do we?

Verse 4 tells us to rejoice in the Lord always, no matter what our personal physical state. Verse 6
tells us to not worry or be anxious; if you have needs and requests, bring them to God. Then, in
verse 7, we are told that God's peace will guard our hearts and minds through Christ.

After giving more testimony of his faith, Paul goes on to encourage his fellow believers at Philippi.
Coming back to the above theme in verse 19, Paul again reminds us that God will supply our
needs according to His riches in glory.

I was really struck by these verses today; our family has had some huge financial setbacks, and
we are faced with the reality of our income not always covering the essentials in our budget. I
know why God is sending this to me. There comes a time in our lives when we really need to
understand priorities and again be convinced that all we have comes from God, and not
ourselves. I need to be reminded over and over that the spiritual needs of my family are of much
greater importance than the physical needs we may have.
Today, I need God's abounding grace to understand, believe, and claim verse 19. You see, in my
life, I struggle with the Christian life just as you do. By God's grace, in my heart of hearts, I know
that God will supply my needs according to His riches in glory.

So, I hope you don't mind that I wrote this devotional for me; I needed to ponder and reaffirm the
message of these verses in my heart. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given him.

James 1:3-5, KJV

September 22

Crown of Life

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will
receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no
one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil,
nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by
his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and
sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is
from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or
shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we
might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

James 1:12-18

Crown of Life

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the
crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

It is not God who tempts us, but rather our own sin that leads us away from Christ. The end of
that sin is death. How, then, do we endure temptation? Our only hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Every good gift is from God! How can that be true? When we look around us we see people
performing good deeds every day. If they are not Christians, how is that of God? The answer lies
in the heart of mankind. What is the root of that kindness? Are we kind because we truly love God
and desire for His name to be glorified, or are we kind because others will think well of us.

The amazing thing is that God does use our selfish deeds to do His will and bring good things to
others. As long as time endures, this world will not be cast into total darkness; sin, therefore, will
always be tempered with good, which only comes from God.
God saved a people for Himself of His own will; His purpose is that His people would be a kind of
firstfruits of His creatures. In other words, God's children are left on this earth to be a living Word
before the people of the world. All of this happens as the result of Christians, through the power
of Christ, enduring temptation and serving God faithfully. And, for this they will receive a crown of
life. Praise God!

Pray today that you will live this day as a faithful testimony to God's saving grace in your life.

This is a picture of my first Bible, given to me by my parents in 1957.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth,
and the flower thereof falleth away:

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached
unto you.

1 Peter 1:24-25
September 23

Who Has Known the Mind of the Lord?

9 But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things,
yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit
of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of
God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God,
that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the
Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does
not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he
know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all
things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the
LORD that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:9-16, NKJV

Who Has Known the Mind of the Lord?

Today's devotion is a continuation of yesterday's devotion entitled, Mystery of Hidden Power,

from 1 Corinthians 2. God has revealed many things to His children that are not discerned by
people of the world. However, even God's children can not imagine all of the things that God has
prepared for them.

I love the explanation that Paul gives in verses 10 through 12. Man knows the things of man
because of the spirit of man that is within him. The only way Christians can understand the things
of the Spirit of God are because God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit, dwells within them. The Holy Spirit
searches all of the deep things of God, because He is God! When the Spirit of God dwells within
you He has overcome the world and your desire from that point on should be to obey His Spirit as
well as the things He has revealed to you in His Word, the Bible.
The Holy Spirit teaches us by comparing spiritual things with spiritual things; these things,
however, are foolishness to the natural man who lives to glorify man and the things of this world.
He truly cannot understand the things of God!

But he who is spiritual judges all things. Does this mean that it is our job to act as judges toward
everyone else? No, it means we can ascertain the difference between the things of the world
around us and the things of God. No man can judge us regarding the things of God.

For who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of
Christ. There it is! What things are you trying to crowd into your mind and life that don't belong
there? We have the mind of Christ! Everything in our heart, mind, and soul should now be
directed toward God. No matter what our vocation, God has put us there to be a light in the
darkness that surrounds us.

Pray today that you would live with the mind of Christ; pray that everything that doesn't belong in
your mind and in your life would be cast away by the power of God.

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September 24

Lest You Forget

5 “Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded
me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. 6
Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in
the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, "Surely this great nation
is a wise and understanding people.”

7 “For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us,
for whatever reason we may call upon Him? 8 And what great nation is there that has such
statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? 9
Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your
eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach
them to your children and your grandchildren.”
Deuteronomy 4:5-9, NKJV

Lest You Forget

The promises given to the nation of Israel shown above are now the promises granted to all of
God's people as we are taught in the book of Acts and other New Testament books. We are the
new Israel of God!

God knows our hearts and the fact that we are prone to wander and forget the God we love.
Therefore He warns us: Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget
the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.

What things is God talking about in the verses shown above? Surely I have taught you statutes
and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them
in the land which you go to possess. Look at what God then said in the next verse: This is your
wisdom and your understanding.

There it is! There is much learning and knowledge in our world today, but is there much wisdom
and understanding? Learning and knowledge are good; everyday we discover new truths about
this world that God has created. Yet, what good is that learning and knowledge apart from
wisdom and understanding? Often man comes to his own understanding rather than accept the
truths of the Bible. However, only in the truth of God's Word do we gain wisdom and a right
understanding of the world in which we live.
Pray today that you will get wisdom and understanding and that God will graciously help you to
apply it to your life by living in obedience to the commandments of God. More and more we are
put in countries which make their own laws, often completely contrary to God's laws. As
Christians, our duty is to obey God rather than man.

Read and study the Bible daily; learn God's commandments and will for your life, Lest You
Forget! Teach this Word to your children and grandchildren that God's Word may continue in your
family to all generations.

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20 Devotions on Love
September 25

Gospel of Power

5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit
and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much
affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia
and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only
in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so
that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what
manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living
and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even
Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Gospel of Power

The Gospel of Christ is a Gospel of Power. In his letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul
expresses that power as shown through the Thessalonian believers. He states, in verse 5, For
our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much
assurance.

You have all heard the saying, What you see is what you get! How does that relate to the spiritual
power the new believer receives from the Holy Spirit? You can not begin to see all of the
attributes believers receive from Christ, but you can see the effects those spiritual attributes have
on Christians. Look at the effect Christ had on the new believers in Thessalonica.

Verse 6: And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much
affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 7: You became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

Verse 8: For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia,
but also in every place.

Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
Verse 9: For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and
how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

Verse 10: New priorities: [You] wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead,
even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

What do non-believers see in your life? Does the Gospel of Power shine forth in everything you
do and say? Are you a living Bible displayed for all to see?

Pray today that your life will emanate spiritual power, walking with the knowledge and power of
the Gospel of Christ radiating through you.

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September 26

Knowing the Time

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now
our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at
hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and
lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for
the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Romans 13:11-14, NKJV

Knowing the Time

There is a sense of urgency in this Bible passage. As Christians, knowing the time, we must
shake off the tentacles of this world and awake out of our sleep. Think of it, your salvation
(eternity with Christ) is nearer than the day in which you first believed. Often we are so much a
part of this world that we do not realize the works of darkness that still linger all around us.

Christ calls His people to put on the armor of light. Who is that Light? That Light is Christ. Put Him
on, clothe yourself in Him so that every where you go you are being bathed in His eternal light,
where there is no darkness neither shadow of turning.

Does that mean that as Christians we are to drop everything, quit our jobs, sell all of our
possessions and cast ourselves upon Him to provide for our every need? No, God put you where
you are and gave you the abilities to do the job that He has called you to do. However, don't
leave Christ in your Bible at home! Do not separate the world and your love of the world from
Christ. As Christians, wear Christ everywhere you go and in everything you do.

Walk in the newness of life that God has given to you. Knowing the time, that the days are evil
readjust your goals. Instead of temporal goals, adopt eternal goals of service to your God and
King. Wear Christ so that His light will shine on everyone around you.
September 27

Spiritual Armor

45 Then David said to the Philistine, “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. 46 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. 47 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.”
1 Samuel 17:45-47, NKJV

Spiritual Armor

I can not think of a better place to begin a series of devotions on spiritual armor than the story of
David and Goliath. Sometimes, because of its familiarity, we miss the truths God is trying to teach
us. What armor did David use to defeat Goliath?

We immediately think of physical armor, but David did not wear any. He chose only his sling and
five smooth stones. Yet, David was not unarmed! What did he say to Goliath? 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.

Did Goliath's armor save him? Defying the God of Israel, he trusted rather in his own spear,
shield, armor, and physical stature. So, who won?

God used David to teach the army of Israel a very important lesson which they had forgotten,
while they all stood quaking in their boots at the words of Goliath. 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.

What impact does this have on our own spiritual life, especially if we are not a soldier out fighting
for our country? We may not be fighting for our country, but if we are true believers we are most
certainly engaged in a fierce battle to the death! The very fact that we do not think about that or
understand it is a subtle victory for Satan. He understands the battle and is not called the great
deceiver without a reason.

How many days do we as Christians go throughout our life under the strength of our own power?
How many people will be struck down around us because we have not armed ourselves
properly? How much do we selfishly plow forth each day with our own selfish interests paramount
in our thoughts and actions?

You are in a battle, no matter which side you are on! Only, in this battle, the winner has already
been announced. Satan knows that he is already defeated, but his goal is to bring as many
people with him as he can, and he is very effective.

God does not save with spear and sword, but with the blood of His only Son, the Lord Jesus
Christ. Each believer is armed with the almighty strength and power of God. Remember that this
spiritual armor is all that is needed.

Study the Bible every day; pray that God will grow you in the understanding and knowledge of the
Bible so that your life will become more and more like Christ.

David understood the battle! He already knew the outcome! Do you? Pray that God would make
you a faithful soldier, girded with His spiritual armor.

That is the first priority for the Christian!

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September 28

The Blind Shall See

11And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which
men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for
it is sealed: 12And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray
thee: and he saith, I am not learned.

13Wherefore the Lord said, For as much as this people draw near me with their mouth, and
with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear
toward me is taught by the precept of men: 14Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a
marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom
of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. . . .

18And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall
see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. 19The meek also shall increase their joy in the
LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 29:11-14 and 18-19, KJV

The eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

How blind is blind? That may seem like a foolish question, but just think about it for a moment.
We live in a world that is, for the most part, being led by the blind! Who do we look to for
leadership? Who do we exemplify? Who are our heroes? Who or what do we really worship?

And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver
to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed.

God is not fooled! He looks beyond the showy, outward appearance and sees the heart. He sees
a people who draw near to Him with their mouth and honor Him with their lips, but their heart is
far removed from Him. Their fear of Him is based upon precepts taught by men.

In a world that is crashing forth toward doom and destruction, the Christian is called by God to
see! God opens the ears of the deaf and the eyes of the blind. The Christian is called to see
beyond the foolishness of man and the wisdom of this world, because the blind shall see!

Look to Christ today to lead and guide you; do not lean upon the statutes and decrees that are
raised up in defiance to the only wise and true God, our Father. Are you blind? Pray to God to
open your eyes and you, the blind, shall see!
September 29

Here Are Those!

12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God
and the faith of Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed
are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest
from their labors, and their works follow them.”

Revelation 14:12-13, NKJV

Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Many of my devotions have centered around knowing God, but have you ever thought about God
knowing you?

No man is an island (or so the saying goes); before God everything we think, say, and do is
revealed. We spend so much of our life thinking about pleasing those around us. It is important
that we wear the right clothes, join the right clubs, and have the right friends. It is also important
that we do not associate with the wrong people. God calls all of these things hay and stubble,
good only to be blown away by the wind.

The only thing that matters in this life is that we serve the right God! Instead of fashioning a god
more to our own choosing, we must take care to worship and serve the God of the Bible. In John
10:14 we are told, I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
Jesus knows His sheep, and the true sheep know him.

What awaits the true sheep of Christ? “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” What a
wonderful conclusion to these devotions on spiritual rest. We are not saved by our works, but our
works do verify our true faith. Even in heaven our works will follow us; in heaven God will grant us
eternal rest from our labors.

When God says, Here are those who keep the commandments, will that include you? Pray that
God would reveal Himself to you and graciously give you the ability to live in obedience to His
commandments.
September 30

They Shall Not Enter My Rest!

1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem
to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them;
but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who
heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:

“So I swore in My wrath,

“They shall not enter My rest,’”

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in
a certain place of the seventh day in this way:

“And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and again in this place: “They
shall not enter My rest.”

6 Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first
preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7 again He designates a certain day,
saying in David,

“Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”

Hebrews 4:1-7, NKVJ

I live in a "Christian" nation; probably at least 80% of the people would tell you that they are
Christians. Though this country was founded upon Christian principles, not much exists today of
the Godly principles exhibited in that time. Biblical laws are broken daily by the laws of the land.
As we think upon this state of my country; actually, the state of the world, we will look at some
verses from Hebrews 4.

At the beginning of this chapter, the writer immediately challenges us as to our own personal
claim of entering into the eternal rest of God. He goes on to state that the Gospel of Christ was
preached to many, but only those who heard the Gospel mixed with faith truly profited from it.
Only those who truly believe will enter into that rest.
In verses 3 through 5 we are again faced with the timelessness of God. As we read in Genesis,
And God rested on the seventh day from all His works. The point the writer is making is that all of
God's works were completed on the 7th day, even the salvation of men. Do you understand that?
I don't. We can not imagine an existence without time. Your salvation depends entirely upon God,
not upon yourself; don't rest upon your own merits, but go to Christ, who alone can save you.

Peter warns us in 1 Peter 1:10, Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and
election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.

Look at the writer's conclusion in Hebrews 4:7,

“Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”

This is a sobering challenge to all who claim to be Christians. Take some time today to ponder
your own salvation. On what do you base your assurance of salvation; only those who look to
Christ alone for their salvation will truly enter God's eternal rest.

Pray that you will not be among those of whom God said, They shall not enter my rest.

Devotional Reflections from the Bible

Lonely Road of Faith

A devotional look at Hebrews 11

God Bless You,

Linda