Daily Devotional

Read Matthew 4 -- 6

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jesus begins His inspired-of-God teaching with nine blessings (5:1-12) — notice the similarities to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). He explains the meaning of the Commandments (5:21-48). Jesus covers all the basic issues in this model prayer to our Father . . . Hallowed be Thy Name (we should never use His Name in vain). Our life's focus should be: Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done (6:9). It is of utmost importance that we never hold any bitterness toward anyone but forgive all offences from our heart. Then, as evidence of relationship to Christ, we are assured that our Creator will forgive our multitude of sins against Him (6:12). Only to the extent that we forgive others will we be forgiven of our sins (Ephesians 4:32); but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:15).

The self-seeking world supposes that physical satisfaction, personal recognition and successful achievement are three indispensible characteristics of contentment.

Many books tell us how to attain "material" success, but few set forth what it means to be emptied of self-confidence, self-importance, and self-righteousness. Our Lord reveals how false and deceptive the philosophy of the world is and He leads us to recognize that in ourselves we have nothing, we are nothing, and we can do nothing of eternal value. Jesus gave us the key to spiritual success when He said: Without Me ye can do nothing (John 15:5) of eternal value.

The poor in spirit will not take offense, and they are very careful not to give it. The centurion who desperately desired Jesus to heal his servant said: I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof (Matthew 8:8). The Syrophenician woman was content to be numbered with the dogs to see her daughter healed (Mark 7:26-30). Jesus leads us to recognize our poverty of spirit without Him. It was often said by Him, I do nothing of Myself (John 8:28; compare 6:63). It is because of His sacrifice that now we can say: I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me (Philippians 4:13). Poverty of spirit is a consciousness of our emptiness without Christ. Jesus said: Blessed are the merciful. . . . the peacemakers . . . the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3-9). The word Blessed means happy, satisfied, content.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).

Thought for Today:

Some teachers today only feed our ego, but our real joy and privilege is to share the mercy and peace of God.

*Taken from: //www.biblepathway.org/English/InDepthDailyDev.html *

As We Sow, Shall We Also Reap?

It’s a basic principle of life: What goes around comes around. The Bible refers to it in terms of “sowing and reaping”. Sometimes it’s stated in the form of a warning:

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” - Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)

Fair enough. Let any who would scoff at the Almighty take heed; they won’t get away with it forever. But what about non-scoffers, without desire nor intention to ever mock God? Thankfully, the concept is still valid in the other direction. As the next verse explains:

“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.“- Galatians 6:8 (NKJV)

There is, however, something to beware of even in good, spiritual sowing:

Our ability to reap is not guaranteed.

Tragic, but true, and many reap not, because the time for harvest, the time to reap, doesn’t come immediately. Meanwhile, many get discouraged. Many lose patience. Many do not persevere. The enemy of our souls and the trials of life all work together in a vast conspiracy to get us to give up.

As long as we’re wise to this strategy, let’s not play right into it. In every area of life that we await that spiritual harvest, be it with family, friends, work or faithful service to our Master, let’s commit to stay committed. Don’t quit. Our capacity to not lose heart is the thing that guarantees a fruitful harvest.

May the Lord Jesus Christ grant you the grace and perseverance to become an abundantly joyful reaper.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.“- Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

From http://dckoso.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/as-we-sow-shall-we-also-reap/.

Life is Difficult: A Lesson from the Life of Job

Life is difficult. That blunt, three-word statement is an accurate appraisal of our existence on this earth. When the writer of the biblical book named Job picked up his stylus to write his story, he could have begun with a similar-sounding and equally blunt sentence, "Life is unfair."

No one could argue the point that life is punctuated with hardship, heartaches, and headaches. Most of us have learned to face the reality that life is difficult. But unfair? Something kicks in, deep within most of us, making it almost intolerable for us to accept and cope with what's unfair. Our drive for justice overrides our patience with pain.

Life is not just difficult, it's downright unfair. Welcome to Job's world.

Job was a man of unparalleled and genuine piety. He was also a man of well-deserved prosperity. He was a godly gentleman, extremely wealthy, a fine husband, and a faithful father. In a quick and brutal sweep of back-to-back calamities, Job was reduced to a twisted mass of brokenness and grief. The extraordinary accumulation of disasters that hit him would have been enough to finish off any one of us today.

Job is left bankrupt, homeless, helpless, and childless. He's left standing beside the ten fresh graves of his now-dead children in a windswept valley. His wife is heaving deep sobs of grief as she kneels beside him, having just heard him say, "Whether our God gives to us or takes everything from us, we will follow Him." She leans over and secretly whispers, "Why don't you just curse God and die?"

His misery turns to mystery with God's silence. If the words of his so-called friends are hard to hear, the silence of God becomes downright intolerable. Not until the thirty-eighth chapter of the book does God finally break the silence, however long that took. Even if it were just a few months, try to imagine. You've become the object of your alleged friends' accusations, and the heavens are brass as you plead for answers from the Almighty, who remains mysteriously mute. Nothing comes to you by way of comfort. It's all so unfair; you've done nothing to deserve such anguish.

Pause and ponder their grief - and remember that Job has done nothing to deserve such unbearable pain. If it had been you, how would you have responded?

Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, "Life Is Difficult," in Great Days with the Great Lives (Nashville: W Publishing, 2005), 226. Copyright © 2005 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved.

Lessons on Living

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture Reference: Esther 1:17-18

Esther 1:17-18

"For the queen's behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, 'King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come.' This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media will say to all the king's officials that they have heard of the behavior of the queen. Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath."

Keep Your Cool

Overreacting can have unexpected results. One mother related that she came home from a shopping trip to find her five children in a huddle. Curious as to what could be so intriguing, she slipped up behind them and peeked over their shoulders. To her horror she saw the kids had captured five baby skunks. "Quick, children, run!" she shouted. Thinking some disaster was about to happen, they scattered to all parts of the house--each with a baby skunk in his arms. The mother's overreaction insured that every room got its share of the spray.

When King Ahasuerus' advisors overreacted, they created an equally odious situation. What could have been merely a personal family matter was blown into an issue of national security. Consequently, their suggestion to remove Vashti as queen (v. 19) far exceeded the crime.

Often the intensity of the moment causes situations to loom far larger than they really are. When we overreact to such circumstances, sometimes justice gets trampled in the stampede. Then we regret our responses when we later view them more objectively.

Are there things in your life that seem unbearable? Does someone always rub you the wrong way? Before you overreact, ask God to show you His purpose in your frustrations. View them with eternity's telescope. Get God's viewpoint before you react.

A moment of prayerful reflection can prevent a lifetime of bitter regret.

Faith Walk

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference: Romans 2 Psalm 51-53

Robbed

Psalms 51–53, Romans 2
Key Verse: Psalm 51:12

We have a constitutionally guaranteed right to the pursuit of happiness. Notice, however, that the right is not to happiness but to the pursuit of it. Many people seem to miss that fine line of distinction. They live as if happiness is a right and nothing should ever stand in the way of their having it.

What God gives us is not temporary happiness, something dependent upon the current situation, experiences, possessions, activities or feelings. He gives us joy, an abiding inner sense of well-being that is not dependent upon anything other than our relationship with Him. The biggest difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is temporary and dependent on other things, while joy is permanent, coming from our relationship with God. The one comes and goes while the other stays—unless we allow ourselves to be robbed of our joy.

David was robbed and wanted his joy restored. The robber was himself—specifically, his sin. Covering up his sin instead of confessing it brought pain into his life, the result of God at work bringing David to the point of repentance.

Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance. Finally, he confessed. Now he would find relief and joy.

Joy is not a right but a blessing. It is not fleeting like happiness, but we can be robbed of it. Joy can be restored, however, when we repent before God, crying out like David, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (v. 12).

Do you have joy? If something in your life has robbed you of it, follow the example of David. Read again Psalm 51, praying it as your own prayer before God.

Lessons on Living

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Moses
Scripture Reference: Exodus 20:12

Exodus 20:12

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Honor Your Parents

On her 80th birthday, a woman from Brooklyn decided to prepare her last will and testament. She went to her pastor to make two final requests. First, she insisted on cremation.

"What is your second request?" the pastor asked.

"I want my ashes scattered over Bloomingdale’s."

"Why Bloomingdale’s?"

"Then I’ll be sure that my daughters will visit me twice a week."

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of truth in that humor. In Japan, for instance, a company is offering actors to play the part of family members. The actors will visit elderly parents as surrogates for the real family members. In Oakland, California, a 62-year-old man who could neither walk nor talk was found abandoned on a flight from El Paso, Texas. A note was pinned to his clothing saying he needed medical attention.

Such disregard for one’s parents is directly contrary to God’s instructions. He exhorts us to show respect and concern for our parents and even attaches promises of longevity for those willing to obey.

As life becomes crowded with a multitude of commitments—at school, at church and at home—don’t forget that the ones who gave you life may now require your attention as well. Check to see if they have needs that are going unmet; if they live close by, invite them to join you in your family’s activities. Most of all, demonstrate your love and respect for them by simply taking time to be with them and listen to them. If you can’t do that, pick up the telephone and call them often. Let them talk as long as they want. Their days may not be long now, but God promises that your days will be long upon the land if you honor your father and mother. Don’t allow this treasure to pass by your life unenjoyed.

Honor your parents and the Lord will honor you.

An excellent essay about honoring your parents can be found here.

Desperate for Answers

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 18:9-14

When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. —Deuteronomy 18:9

A popular afternoon television program a few years ago was hosted by a self-proclaimed medium. He supposedly received messages from spirits of the dead to give to their family members in his studio audience. His readings prompted many people to believe in this occultic practice.

We live in a culture where people are desperate to know their future, and they’ll turn to psychics and mediums for answers—a practice expressly forbidden in the Scriptures.

The ancient Israelites were desperate to know their future, and God knew that they would be tempted to consult ungodly sources for answers. So He warned them to stay away from mediums and those who contact the dead (Lev. 19:26,31; 20:27; Deut. 18:9-14).

God knew that these practices would prevent ancient Israel from being a holy, set-apart people who would be a blessing to all nations. The future for Israel was determined by their faithfulness to God’s covenant, not the words of soothsayers and psychics. Reliance on these evil practices indicated a failure to trust the Lord with their lives.

When you are desperate for information about your future, turn to the sovereign God of heaven. He is the only One who holds the answers you seek.

The what of our future is determined by the who of eternity.

**Taken from http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml.**
To see the original, click here.

Devotional

In the daily trials that you face, you begin learning more about yourself and your desires. You learn how much you can handle without God at your side. Soon, you will learn how to let him take control of your entire life. He has given free will to choose and dream like everyone else in the world. However, he is waiting for you to choose him and allow him to know your innermost desires. By allowing him to guide you, he can deliver the things of which you never dreamed.

The first memory verse is Psalms 23:1"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."(KJV)

Your spiritual father knows exactly what you want, even when you aren't sure yourself. However, you must believe that he is capable of fulfilling your needs. So, rely on your faith and he will give you all of your dreams and desires. But, he will provide them in his own time and in his own way, which means you must stay faithful to him. Just allow your faith to grow and become stronger, by leaning on him throughout the daily trials in your life.

No matter what you want, you will be able to achieve it with faith and belief in God's promises. He is there holding you, throughout your life changing lessons. However, rely on him to pull you through, as he promised that he would if you just believe. He will never forsake you or leave, so let home take over and hold steadfast to your faith. Life is a struggle each day, as you try to manage work and personal responsibilities.

The second memory verse is: 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (KJV)

Recite this verse everyday and believe it, because you are fighting the good fight. You must keep your faith, in order to finish your journey here on earth. Once you have finished, you will be given your reward by God himself. So, slow down and enjoy what your life has to offer and continue fighting for what you believe. Always remember to take time for your spiritual father and he will gently guide you through the obstacles in your life.

**Click here to view the original.**

Lessons on Living

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Moses
Scripture Reference: Exodus 18:22 Galatians 6:2 1 Peter 5:7

Exodus 18:22

And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.

Burden Bearers

Andrew C. Davison wrote about an encounter with Dr. Albert Schweitzer at Lambarene, on the banks of the Ogowe River. It was about noon and the sun was beating down mercilessly as a group walked up a hill with Dr. Schweitzer. Suddenly the doctor strode across the slope to where an African woman was struggling with a load of wood for the cooking fires. The 85-year-old doctor took the entire burden and carried it up the hill for the relieved woman. When they reached the top of the hill, someone asked Dr. Schweitzer why he did things like that, implying that in that heat and at his age he should not. Albert Schweitzer pointed to the woman and said simply, "No one should have to carry a burden like that alone."

That was Moses’ problem—he was trying to carry his burden alone. It took the wise insight of his father-in-law, Jethro, to point out the fact that others "will bear the burden with you."

God’s people were never meant to carry their burdens alone. That’s why we have the privilege of prayer. Peter urged us to cast "all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:7). Bearing burdens is also the role of the Church. Paul instructed believers, "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2).

Are you willing to help others bear their burdens? Perhaps even today there is someone who needs you to pray with him, cook a meal or provide transportation for him. It’s not hard to spot burdens that need to be borne when you are looking for them. Our responsibility is to do whatever it takes to make a burden lighter. That’s a responsibility that brings great satisfaction now and eternal reward in the future.

A burden shared is a lighter load.

Life Lessons from the Inspirational Study Bible

Do not be ashamed to serve others because of your love for Jesus Christ, or to appear poor in the world's eyes.

Do not count on your own strength; trust God. Do what you can, and God will supply the difference...

Take glory neither in money, if you have some, nor in influential friends, but in God who gives you everything and above all wants to give himself.

Avoid boasting about the size or the beauty of your body, which a little illness can disfigure or destroy.

Have no pride in your native wit and talent; that would displease God who gave you every good thing you naturally possess.

Reject the thought that you are better than anyone else. If you think such haughty thoughts, God (who knows what is in you) will consider you worse than they.

Pride about our own good deeds is pointless. God has his own ideas regarding what is good, and he does not always agree with us. If there is anything good about you, believe better things of others. This will keep you humble.

It will not hurt you at all to consider yourself less righteous than others, but it will be disastrous for you to consider yourself better than even one person.

The humble are always at peace; the proud are often envious and angry.

(From The Imitation of Christ by Thomas á Kempis)

APPLICATION:

Pride and ambition may creep in and sweep away our devotion to God. Success often tries to squeeze God out of our mind. Check your attitudes. Resist pride. Focus on Christ.

EXPLORATION:

Pride--Numbers 16:8-10; Judges 8:1-3; Judges 17:6; Mark 9:34; Luke 18:11-14; Ephesians 2:11-13

Click here for an article about pride.


**Taken from The Inspirational Study Bible edited by Max Lucado.**

Rabbi believes he has unveiled a secret of God

This rabbi believes he has discovered a new way to read the unreadable Hebrew name of God, and it means the Creator is a dual-gendered entity. After reading the article, I hope that you will realize that this man is, simply put, a fool. God is not and cannot be assigned any gender, and it is only someone who refuses to acknowledge the truth that will see it as such. In the Bible, God is referred to throughout as "He" and "Father", thus embodying the qualities He has--like loving and caring for His children and chastising them when necessary---but not implying that He is in fact a man. A more logical thought to be pursued is:

Since we were made in God's image, does that mean each gender reflects a certain portion of the attributes of God? If so, what Biblical proof is there to help substantiate that claim?

Take that, rabbi!

Read the article here

Faith Walk

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference: Acts 23:16-35 Psalm 31-32

The Path

Psalms 31–32, Acts 23:16–35
Key Verse: Psalm 32:5

Someone once said, “Better the world on the shoulder like Atlas, than God’s hand on the heart like David.” This statement was in reference to Psalm 32:4, where David wrote, “Your hand was heavy upon me.” He described that experience with words of pain—bones wasting away, groaning all day long, strength sapped. All of these phrases contrast sharply with the opening verses of the psalm, which describe the pleasure of forgiveness. David could write personally about both the pleasure and the pain. He also could write of the path that takes one from God’s heavy hand to His blessing.

David had sinned, covered it up and experienced the pain that results. God sent his prophet Nathan to confront David and put him on the path to forgiveness. David took the needed steps. He acknowledged his sin to God.

We, too, must admit our sins to ourselves and to God. David confessed his transgressions, which goes beyond saying, “Yeah, I did wrong,” to saying, “I see that I sinned.” There is a difference in attitude between admission and confession. The difference is seen especially in the outcome. God forgives the one who truly confesses.

To the reader David says, “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding” (v. 9). To state it bluntly, “Don’t be like a dumb animal.” At times God does put the bit and bridle in our mouths, but it is far better to heed His Word than wait for His rebuke. Choose to take the path that takes you out of the pain of unforgiven sin and returns you to the pleasure of forgiveness.

David hid his sin for a long time, a time he described in painful terms. Are you experiencing God’s hand heavy upon you? Right now you can confess your sin, receive forgiveness and know again the pleasure of forgiveness.

Faith Walk

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference: Acts 22 Psalm 26-28

Blessing of a Blameless Life

Psalms 26–28, Acts 22
Key Verses: Psalms 26:2–3

Test me, O Lord, and try me,
Examine my heart and my mind,

For your love is ever before me,
And I walk continually in your truth.

A candidate stepped out of the race and another stepped in to take his place. What was called a battle of titans now took on a different flavor. A relatively unknown candidate was now on the ballot against the well-known one. Unfair? Not really, the political analysts speculated. In fact, it became a much more difficult campaign for the well-known person. You see, there was plenty of mud to sling about the previous opponent, but nothing bad was known about the newcomer. Oh, the value of a blameless life when in a race for office!

Of far greater value is the blessing of a life that is considered blameless by God. David knew that blessing when he wrote this psalm. He even invited examination by the deity Himself. His actions, he was confident, would withstand the scrutiny.

The list in Psalm 26:4–8 is not exhaustive but is representative of the actions found—or not found—in the blameless life. They are good to review, reflect upon, remember and emulate. We should desire to be blameless in the sight of God and man. Lists like this help us evaluate ourselves.

Of course, David was not without sin. But the intent of his heart was to do the will of God, whom he trusted without wavering.

We do sin, but our lives must be focused on living to please God. Make no excuses. Repent. Change. Seek to live a blameless life.

If you were running for office, what mud would your opponent find to sling at you? When you answer that question, you will have a list of the areas in which you are not blameless. Determine to remove all such things from your life.

The Misery of Halfway Christianity

“There is only one way to live: all-out, go-for-broke, risk-taking, pedal-to-the-metal, ferociously joyful and grateful enthusiasm for the Lord Jesus Christ. "Halfway Christianity is the most miserable existence of all. Halfway Christians know enough to feel guilty about themselves but haven’t gone far enough to get happy in Christ. Wholehearted Christianity is very happy.”




Ray Ortlund, Sr.

Click Here to view the original.

Closet Christians--Are You One of Them?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

A businessman gave his heart to Jesus as a result of a Billy Graham evangelistic event. When he told his co-workers, his Christian business partner was elated. But the new believer hadn't known about his faith, and said, "You know, you're one reason I resisted becoming a Christian for several years. I figured that if someone like you could live a good life and not be a Christian, there was no need for me to become one."

A friend of mine and I were doing business in a local bank. He needed to change a $100 bill. By mistake the teller counted out six $20 bills. When my friend discovered the error, he walked back into the bank and quietly told her what had happened. The teller said, "I can't thank you enough. I would have had to make up the difference. Obviously, you are an honest man." He replied, "The reason I am honest is that I'm a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Giving you back the money is something He would want me to do."

Christians should lead exemplary lives, as shown by James 2:26, in which it is postulated that "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." But it's also important that we reveal the Source of strength and life who enables us to be different. As Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

It's the life behind the words that makes your testimony effective.

**Taken from http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2004/11/22/devotion.aspx.

Randy Pausch: The Last Lecture

This is an inspirational video, one that can be applicable to everyone's life--including Christians. A clear-cut message whose nuggets of wisdom should be accepted by all, Randy Pausch helps to give an eye-opening perspective on life while on the threshold of death.

Enjoy! :)

Life Lessons from The Inspirational Study Bible

What poses the greatest risk to not continuing in Christ? The greatest risk is the crisis of values which inexorably comes when we follow hollow and deceptive philosophy. It may not come until we have traveled for many years down the road of self-deceit, but it will come.

The crisis of values is no less than a bad case of the -ism's--materialism, relativism, humanism, legalism, secularism, and so on. I doubt few of us ever set out to become a materialist or a relativist or whatever. It is more that without self-examination we atrophy from the Christian value system into something less. Not that we abandon the spiritual connection, but slowly, almost imperceptibly, we undo the moral knowledge to which we pledged ourselves. When once we redraw the line, there is less pressure against redrawing it, and less and less each time thereafter...

God wants us to make a comeback. He wants us to make a comeback more than we do...

How can someone start a comeback? From the belly of the great fish Jonah cried out, "When my life was ebbing away I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols [the -ism's] forfeit the grace that could be theirs" (Jonah 2:7-8). Jonah could not know it, but when he humbled himself, God initiated his comeback. when we humble ourselves and turn back, God initiates our comeback.

At the point Jonah turned back, how did God respond? Did he call for a celebration? No, He did not. Once we have been swallowed up, the first step back is merely to make it back to dry land. "And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land" (Jonah 2:10).

When we start on the comeback, we start from where we have been--in the belly of the world which swallowed us up. God spits us up onto the shore by His grace; it is an inauspicious starting point from which to make a comeback.

The comeback will be embarrassing. The odor of where we have been remains until we have cleansed ourselves. The people we hurt will not trust us at first. We must still work through the human consequences of having untied the moral knot--of being taken captive b y hollow and deceptive philosophy. Painful and embarrassing it may be, but He does let us come back.

Do you have a case of the -ism's? Have you been taken captive, swallowed up into the belly of the world? If you have been swallowed up, are you ready yet to humble yourself? Are you ready to start your comeback? If you are willing, he is willing.

(From Walking with Christ in the Details of Life by Patrick Morely)

APPLICATION: Have you developed any habits or attitudes that stand between you and God? Are you noticing any of society's immoral values infiltrating your faith? If you have been gradually easing away from God, what can you change to head back in the right direction?

EXPLORATION: Repentance--2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51:17; Psalm 107:10-14; Joel 2:13; Acts 8:22; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:9

Weekly Devotional June 1-7

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Isaiah
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 1:18 Matthew 15:19 1 John 1:7 Hebrews 9:13-14

Isaiah 1:18

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

The Trouble Within

A pastor discovered that the clock at the back of the sanctuary was unable to keep the correct time. Repeatedly he set the hands to the appropriate hour and minute only to find by the next week that it was either too fast or too slow. Finally he gave up and hung a sign above the clock that read, "Don't blame my hands. The trouble lies deeper."

That is where the trouble lies with us when we do wrong. We can blame our environment, our education, or even our parents, but the real trouble lies deep within our own hearts. Jesus said, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" (Matt. 15:19).

Fortunately, God has provided a solution for that heart problem—the blood of Jesus Christ. Even the most crimson sin is washed away when the blood of Calvary's cross is applied. The apostle John wrote, "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). And the writer of Hebrews says, "For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Heb. 9:13-14).

God assures you that no matter how colorful your sins may be, they can be washed white like snow. If you're still struggling with how to be cleansed from your sin and forgiven by God, accept what the Bible says as true. Confess your sins, ask for your heavenly Father's forgiveness and begin to live with a pure heart and a clear conscience. The difference is as striking as crimson and white.

Scarlet sins are no match for Christ's blood.

Weekly Devotional May 18-24

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture Reference: Daniel 5:5-6

Daniel 5:5–6

In the same hour the fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other.

The Fear of God

Man is plagued with many fears, some of them odd. Mysophobia is fear of dirt. Hydrophobia is fear of water. Nyctophobia is fear of darkness. Acrophobia is fear of high places. Xenophobia is fear of strangers. Claustrophobia is fear of confined places. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13. Unfortunately, many people who have learned to fear things that they probably shouldn't have if they had learned to fear God.

Belshazzar was one of those people. Whatever other fears he may have had, a fear of the God of Israel was not one of them. In the midst of a great feast, the king, a grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, ordered the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to be put on display. With utter disregard for the sacred nature of these utensils, and with no concern for God, Belshazzar profaned them by using them in his drunken revelry. It was not until a hand appeared and wrote on the palace wall of God's judgment that this arrogant king began to fear. But by then it was too late. His fate was sealed.

Many people today treat God flippantly. They use His name in vain. They trample His standards of righteousness underfoot. They flout their sin in His face. They treat God's people with disdain and contempt. Yet they show no fear. Only when it's too late for many of them will they realize what fools they've been.

Be assured that one day everyone will fear God. The best course of action is to bow before Him in fear as Savior now so you don't have to bow before Him in fear as Judge later. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

Fear God now and you won't have to fear God later.

Kirk Franklin- Brighter Day

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog of the youth of the Church of God of Francis Lewis Boulevard. Here you will find information pertaining to upcoming activities, youth ministry videos, and interesting news about the Haitian community.

Happy Haitian Flag Day!

For a country’s citizens, the national flag is indisputably a symbol of general pride. They would consider any offense to their flag to be an offense to their country. Beyond being an icon though, a flag’s origin can often say a lot about a nation’s social make-up or history. Haitians feel no different and even reserve a special day to honor it. That day is May 18^th.

In Haiti, Flag Day is a major national holiday celebrated with great fanfare on the grounds of the national palace. Flag Day is also observed by Haitians in the Diaspora. In The United States for example, teenagers whether in High School give homage to the red and blue by carrying it around with them or on their persona for at least a week. Haiti’s flag’s origin is tightly linked to a history of struggle for freedom.

In the early days of revolt in St. Domingue, the slaves did not have a flag. However, they did notice that their former masters were using the French Flag. From 1791 to about 1793, the revolt became more widespread and gave rise to a number of large groups still fighting independently. In those times, each main leader would use any piece of cloth as a flag. Slowly the slave movement found some synergy and came to follow the leadership one main person: Toussaint Louverture. Realizing that you cannot fight three enemies at the same time, Toussaint and the army of revolted slaves fought successively for the Spanish against the French (1793-1794), for the French against Spain and England (1794-1802) and ultimately against France. As such, he carried the color of whichever European power he was fighting for. He later realized that it was silly to use the same flag as the enemies. He then invented his own flag, which was a white piece of cloth with a Negro head to represent the blacks.

After Toussaint’s deportation, The Indigene Army went back to the French flag for a while. A little explanation is needed here: The French flag as we know it now is a product of the French Revolution. It was made up of Red and Blue, the colors of the City of Paris, and a band of white representing the monarchy (La Nation, la Loi et le Roi –). On the white portion of the flag was the emblem of the French Republic. The Revolution of St. Domingue was in some ways motivated by the French Revolution and for years, the masses main objectives were for freedom and better treatment. To them, the French Flag represented the ideals of Liberty and Fraternity. They hoped that those same principles would be applied to them, non-whites According to Thomas Madiou (1814-1884), a renowned historian of the 19^th Century, they also saw in that flag a symbol of blacks, whites and mulattoes living in harmony. Therefore, carrying the French was not stupidity, but rather an expression of their ideals.

As time went on though, a break with France seemed inevitable and to symbolize their resolve of never fighting for the metropolis again, they had removed the French arms from the blue white and red flag they were using. As early as February 1803 however, Petion, leader of the mulattoes and Dessalines had decided to create a unique flag to represent their troops. Thus, starting with the French Flag made up of three blue, white and red bands placed vertically respectively; Dessalines removed the white and created the first unofficial flag with blue and red bands placed vertically. By so doing, he also wanted to impart on the French the message that they had lost that colony forever. To them the blue symbolized the mulattos and the blacks while the red symbolized their blood. While this flag was observed in most part of the country; Cangé, a general in the south used a black and red flag instead.

By 1803 as we saw, the leaders of the free slaves and the men of color had decided to fight for the creation of an independent nation. Before marching on Port-Republicain (Port-au-Prince’s name at that time) Dessalines and Petion needed to make a strong statement. On May 18, 1803, in the city of Arcahaie, not far from Port-au-Prince, they agreed on an official flag , with blue and red bands placed vertically. blue and red placed vertically respectively. Haiti’s first flag was sewn by a lady named Catherine Flon.

On Independence Day however, January 1^st 1804, the flag was modified again. The Blue and Red bands were placed horizontally this time, with the blue band on top of the red band. This was the first flag of the independent republic. In 1805, shortly after Jean-Jacques Dessalines proclaimed himself emperor, the Haitian flag color was changed to black and red bands placed vertically respectively. After the emperor's death, in 1806, the country will be divided into two republics for 14 years. Henri Christophe, in the northern part kept the flag that Dessalines used.

In the south and the western part of the country, Alexandre Petion went back to 1804's flag that was blue and red only this time he added the white squared portion that included the country arms and the famous phrase "L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE", meaning that through unity we find strength.

That flag was in use until 1964 when Papa Doc Duvalier brought back the black and red flag of Dessalines and added a modified version of the arms of the Republic.

On February 25 1986, after the fall of Baby Doc and the Duvalier regime, the people requested that the red and blue flag be brought back. The constitution of 1987 describes the new flag in these terms:

The emblem of the Haitian Nation shall be a flag with the following description:

a) Two (2) equal-sized horizontal bands: a blue one on top and a red one underneath.

b) The coat of arms of the Republic shall be placed in the center on a white square.

c) The coat of arms of the Republic will be a Palm tree surmounted by the liberty cap and under the palms a trophy with the legend: In Union there is Strength.

That is the flag used until today.