Archive for August, 2012
Friday, August 31st, 2012
Providence of God, August 31
I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; he shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.
Psalm 105:15, Psalm 108:12-13, www.solascriptura.com
Father, You have taught us to “look up” as we seek You, that Your glory is in the heavens. There is a lot of stuff to look at as we look down, but even the beautiful flowers will wither. We appreciate the beauty of all Your creation, but help us as we seek to focus on the eternal, the heavenly reward that has been prepared for those who love You.
Here You teach us that in heaven, the sun will not strike us in the day or the moon by night. You have taught us elsewhere that there will be no night and day in eternity. You, Father, will be the Light eternal in this place of eternal joy.
We also learn that in that place we will not encounter evil, our souls will be preserved forever and Your hand will protect us as we move about in this place of eternal peace.
Thank You Father for slipping Your testimony about heaven into a Psalm, teaching us that we must study all of Your word to get the complete picture of what You have prepared for us. You have greatly blessed us and we thank You. In Jesus Holy name we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: earth, evil, Heaven, Lord, moon, Providence, sleep, slumber, sun
Posted in Christianity, Fidelity, Providence of God, Religion | 52 Comments »
Thursday, August 30th, 2012
Perseverance, August 30
How long, LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?
Remember how short my time is; for what futility have You created all the children of men?
What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?
Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You,
For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Remember His marvelous works which He has done, his wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,
Psalm 89:46-48, Psalm 56:12-13, Psalm 105:1-5, www.solascriptura.com
Father, when we are young, time goes too slowly and as we get older, times goes too quickly; Your word teaches us that this life span is as a moment in time compared to eternity. At times we feel we are performing acts of futility, acts that do not make a difference. But You Father record every word, notice every action and are aware of all of our motivations. The record that exists is ours and we are actively creating it every day.
Purify our hearts afresh. Help us bring glory to your name. Our feelings can mislead us and our fleshly hearts often lead us to disappointing behavior. Teach us O’God to be renewed in the Spirit, constantly, knowing that Your Spirit abides in us forever. Teach us today that “feelings” are not facts. We know the facts concerning Your expectations. We are told to “crucify the flesh” that Your Spirit may live in us. This is not a possibility for lukewarm believers!
Help us never make a vow that we are not able to keep. It is only by Your Spirit in us that we can serve and obey You. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: death, grave, Lord, Psalms 56:12-13, rejoice, sing, vows
Posted in Christianity, Courage, God's Gift, Heaven, Hope, Perseverance, Religion | 119 Comments »
Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
Humility, August 29
Though the LORD is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.
The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands.
Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great;
For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.
It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own glory is not glory.
Psalm 138:6,8, Proverbs 3:34, Proverbs 11:2,Proverbs 25:6-7,27 www.solascriptura.com
Father, we thank you for the words of David and Solomon, his son. Just as your mercy perfected that which concerned David, that same mercy is ours. The Wisdom of Solomon, which You gave, can be our wisdom as well.
Father, is there any sin more likely to be in our lives than pride? It seems not as we observe the actions of some of your most committed people. Help us notice how pride can creep into our lives. Show us how to convert prideful tendencies into joy in Your presence, joy in victories made possible by You. We are so tempted to “seek the best seat” but here you teach us how embarrassed, before You, we will be when we are asked to yield that seat to another.
Teach us not to seek our own glory but to look to meeting Your expectations of us. It is Your praise that we desire. Boy, is it hard not to be proud! Bless us, we pray, in all that we do. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: David, Humility, mercy, proud, Proverbs 3:34, shame, Solomon, wisdom
Posted in Christianity, Humility, Providence of God, Religion, wisdom | 51 Comments »
Tuesday, August 28th, 2012
Industriousness, August 28
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler,
Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep–
So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth;
He winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers;
Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord.
Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.
Psalm 126:5-6, Proverbs 6:6-15, www.solascriptura.com
Father, Help us learn from the lowly ant. He who would eat, must work. We know Father of the exceptions for those who can not work physically but even in their case you have provided a capacity to love and to receive love. Help us not only to be industriousness as we are able but to do everything knowing that You are noticing our motives and efforts.
Father, if we could just do “all things as unto You” the quality and consistency of the days of our lives would be improved. We know we can only be our best when it is You in us, guiding and teaching us. We indeed have our bad moments. Forgive us and renew us this day. In Christ’s presence and power we pray. Amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: Industriousness, joy, poverty, Proverbs 6:6-15, Psalms 126:5-6, reap, rejoicing, sleep, sow, weeping
Posted in Christianity, Courage, Industriousness, Perseverance, Religion | 93 Comments »
Monday, August 27th, 2012
Heaven, Part 2, August 27
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4, www.solascriptura.com
Jesus, we sometimes do not focus on the fact that You are at the right hand of God, observing, caring and loving us as friends. We may be looking in the wrong places too many times as we seek Your comfort and presence in our lives. Help us look up and know that what appears to be infinity to us is in fact where you are, far beyond the heavens that we see.
We have no idea how your omnipresence is as it is. We get a hint of it when the gentle breeze moves around us, encircling us at times, reminding us that You told Nicodemus that the Holy Spirit is as the wind, you don’t know where it comes from and you do not know where it is going.
Father, at times it is critical that we set our minds on things above because down here there can be some very cruel circumstances, brought on by sin and neglect, wherein Satan is permitted to tempt us to not look to You. You have told us that You permit the test but that You will provide a way to escape that we may be able to bear it.
Jesus, escaping to Your side is our hope and our aim. We know that when You appear, we will then appear with You, safely comforted and shielded from all sin, all suffering and every weakness that troubled us here. Help us today to set our minds on You, knowing that the present suffering can not be compared to the glory that awaits. Bless us we pray in Your Holy name. Amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: breeze, Christ, gentle, God, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Nicodemus, omnipresence
Posted in Christianity, God's Children, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Hope | 12 Comments »
Sunday, August 26th, 2012
Heaven, August 26
“For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the LORD, to serve Him with one accord.
You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name.
“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
Zephiniah 3:9, Isaiah 62:2, Revelation 3:12, www.solascriptura.com
Father, where we now speak many different languages we see that when we are with You in heaven we will all speak one pure language. It will be a heavenly language, perhaps unlike any language we now understand. That fact, in itself, gives us additional understanding that heaven will be something much different than we have ever experienced.
We also see that we will be called by a new name, which You will give to us. We can’t help but wonder why you will choose a particular name for each of us. Since that name is already chosen we wonder will there be any duplicates? Probably not but is that because there are not that many citizens of heaven? You have told us before that any of us who acknowledge Your grace and mercy and who place their faith in Jesus, will be “overcomers”. We will be as a “pillar” in Your temple. Now we know where the phrase “pillar of the community” comes from…
Finally Jesus, You tell us that we will have the name of God, Your new name and the name of New Jerusalem written upon us. We are very uncertain how that will all look but we do know right now that we have Your truth written upon our hearts. You have marked us for eternity! Bless us as we wait for that moment. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: eternity, God, Heaven, Isaiah 62:2, Lord, New Jerusalem, pure language
Posted in Christianity, God's Gift, Heaven, Providence of God | 10 Comments »
Saturday, August 25th, 2012
Prayer, Part I, August 25
Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who seek to destroy my life; let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish me evil.
Let them be confounded because of their shame, who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!”
But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.
Psalm 40:14-17, www.solascriptura.com
Father, at times we feel embattled, pressured by our daily circumstances and needs. We have learned to flee from sinful pressure because You are pleased to deliver us, to lift us up in that moment, if we but turn to You. We know that our willingness to be in a relationship with You transports us from helplessness to dependence on You. Our peace and our comfort come from You as we look up and contemplate Your presence.
Father, help us not to be as a foxhole Christian, one that only seeks You when we are being attacked. Instead, encompass us afresh with the presence, comfort and power of the Holy Spirit. Absent a relationship with You we are spiritually bankrupt, the worst possible way to exist. Give us an eternal perspective and keep us from feelings of despair. Our hope is in You. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: bankrupt, deliverer, evil, Father, foxhole, God, Lord, love, Psalms 40:14-17, salvation, sinful
Posted in Christianity, Courage, Hope, Revenge, peace | 3 Comments »
Friday, August 24th, 2012
Revenge, August 24
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns; the world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved; he shall judge the peoples righteously.”
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the LORD.
For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth.
Psalm 96:10-13, www.solascriptura.com
Father, when we see evil having its way in the hearts and minds of people, we get impatient, wanting You to intervene and to restore obedience and love for one another and You. Father, teach us to cope with such feelings while maintaining an inner peace that You are present, You are witnessing the thoughts and actions of evil people. You are coming, Jesus, to judge the earth.
We sometimes want You to destroy evil now, forgetting that we, before our relationship with You was sealed, were evil as well. Father, help us not to judge evil but to look for ways to be a light in a dark place. A soul that is perishing is a devastatingly sad thing to watch. Give us the courage to try, in Your strength, to help others see You as we see You, our Father, Savior, Comforter, Counselor and Refuge.
The field of flowers and the trees and all that is created shout of your joy, if we could but listen. Help us look up and acknowledge your majesty when we are inclined to hang our head, bearing burdens you would have us give to You. We pray for renewal this day, in Jesus’ Holy name. Amen
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: Comforter, Counselor, joy, Lord, refuge, reigns, Revenge, Savior
Posted in Christianity, Courage, Hope, Revenge | 18 Comments »
Thursday, August 23rd, 2012
Mind of Christ, August 23
… I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Professing to be wise, they became fools,
and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.
Romans 1:16-25, www.solascriptura.com
Father, when we say we are not ashamed of the Gospel, help us to be much more than not ashamed and to boldly, and in Your righteousness, proclaim You to men.
We know Your wrath will be revealed against the unrighteous and that it will be just and fair because You have revealed Yourself to all men and those who reject You will be without excuse.
Father, help us today not to hide our Light under a bushel, knowing that when we witness of Your love, made manifest at the Cross, we are witnessing to Your children, created in Your image and that You will that not one single person perish, no not one. In the Holy name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: creator, faith, foolish, Gospel, Greek, Jew, Mind of Christ, Romans 1:16-25, salvation, truth
Posted in Christianity, Courage, Mind of Christ, Religion, salvation | 9 Comments »
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012
Law of God, August 22
“The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.
”And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
“… let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
”and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
John 1:17, Luke 16:16-17, Acts 13:38-39, www.solascriptura.com
Jesus, again You teach us that the law, given to Moses, has not changed. The 10 commandments count! Now we are reminded that through You, Father, comes grace and truth. The law counts but since every man has sinned, absent Your grace and forgiveness, we are lost.
Jesus, help us not look past the fact that Your word is truth. Cause us to seek the truth, daily, as we seek to know You on a personal basis, one that leads to our spending eternity with You and those that love You.
We know, Jesus, that as we love God, completely, and our neighbors as ourselves, that we are no longer judged by the law but we are judged by You. The straight edge of the law magnifies our sins and we need to stop sinning, but Jesus we can not do so in our own strength and wisdom. We seek to serve You and be led by You, every day. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: 10 commandments, God's law, grace, Jesus Christ, justified, kingdom, Moses
Posted in Christianity, Forgiven, Law of God, wisdom | 5 Comments »