Daily in the Word

Your Daily Devotion for April 27, 2009

2009-04-27T00:12:00.001-07:00

The Significance of Salt

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Matthew 5:13

Christians are more influenced by the world than the world is influenced by Christians.

Have you ever wondered why some salt sticks to foods and some doesn’t? A catalyst is applied that causes salt to crystallize with small triangular “hooks” that allow it to cling better to your food. So if you pour salt on your fries and it falls off and pools at the bottom of the plate, you probably have unrefined salt. If your salt clings to your fries, coating them like delicious crunchy snow, then probably you have refined salt that has been engineered to stick to your food.

Salt is a staple to human life. It is a dietary mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride that is essential for animal and human life. Salt flavor is one of the basic tastes, an important preservative and a popular food seasoning. Salt is so vital to our bodies that a section of our tastes buds were designed just to taste salty items. Just as salt is vital to the health and growth of a human being, so Christians are to be the salt of the world, elements of growth and change in the world.

Our verse today gives us a short command: “Ye are the salt of the earth.” As Christians, we are the salt or the preserving agent of the earth. We saw that our purpose statement should be to show Christ through all we do, but our duty is to slow the corruption of the world by staying faithful to the Lord.

We can help preserve others through our testimony. Your testimony right now is either helping people come to Christ or it is turning them away from the Gospel. You’re either preserving others or spoiling them. God’s plan is that the church be a preserving agent, opposing the spread of evil in the world by being a beacon of light. Are you helping preserve others?

God’s command to be salt is more about a lifestyle than about mere actions. God uses the word are to describe our preservation efforts. We are to guard ourselves from the spoilers of this world and be the preservers God desires.

Sadly, today Christians are more influenced by the world than the world is influenced by Christians. Many Christians have lost their “savour” or testimony. Remember Lot? He moved into the heart of sin and rather than having a mighty preserving effect, he allowed sin to affect him. He lost his savour.

Has your testimony been preserving others or spoiling them? You are affecting the people around you. They see your testimony and are changed by the way you live. Do they see the effects of the world in your life or do they see your affect on the world? Be salt today. Don’t allow the world to steal your savour, but act as God’s preserving agent in the lives of those around you.

To find out more about Pastor Paul Chappell visit his blog or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading

1 Kings 1-2 • Luke 19:28-48

==========================================================================================================
IF YOU'D RATHER NOT RECEIVE EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS FROM LANCASTER BAPTIST CHURCH, PLEASE SEE THE LINKS BELOW
==========================================================================================================
Manage your online subscriptions at
http://www.lancasterbaptist.org/email/user-login.aspx

To Unsubscribe from this list please follow this link
http://www.lancasterbaptist.org/email/user-unsubscribe.aspx?s=6262&l=26&e=jphilipson.dailyintheword@blogger.com&p=jph30068

Your Daily Devotion for April 25, 2009

2009-04-25T00:05:00.000-07:00

Deliver Us from Evil

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Matthew 6:13

The choice to either give in to temptation or to run away from it will affect your life forever.

John Paton was a missionary to the New Hebrides Islands. One night hostile natives surrounded the mission station, intent on burning out the Patons and killing them. Paton and his wife prayed during that terror-filled night that God would deliver them. When daylight came they were amazed to see their attackers leave. A year later, the chief of the tribe was converted to Christ. Remembering what had happened, Paton asked the chief what had kept him from burning down the house and killing them. The chief replied in surprise, “Who were all those men with you there?” Paton knew no men were present, but the chief said he was afraid to attack because he had seen hundreds of big men in shining garments with drawn swords circling the mission station.

God promises His children that He will protect them from evil. Just as Missionary Paton was protected as he prayed, so we can be protected from evil and temptation when we seek God through prayer.

The last portion of the Lord’s Prayer deals with the subject of temptation. Why does temptation come to God’s people? Is God to blame for it? Many unsaved people blame the bad things of the world on God. They question how a loving God could allow such tragedies. Yet as Christians we know that temptation comes from the devil.

James 1:13 says, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” God does not lure people into sin. The Bible also says in James 1:14, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” No matter how much people would blameshift their own sin on God, God has promised that He stands ready to deliver us from evil, not draw us into it.

First Corinthians 10:13 shows us that God is willing to help us escape evil, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Everything we experience, Christ has already experienced while He was on earth. He endured temptation and escaped, and He will help us escape temptation as well.

Too often we view temptation as a nuisance or a weak ploy made by the devil. Make no mistake; the devil’s temptations are nothing to take lightly. The devil is a powerful being, bent on destroying lives. As Christians, he cannot keep us from Heaven, but he can keep us from serving God. Therefore, we must take every temptation seriously and ask God’s help to flee from it.

How do you view temptation? Do you take the devil’s subtle enticements lightly or do you flee them immediately? While the Lord showed His pattern for prayer, He made a point to remind us to flee temptations. God is willing to help you avoid temptations but you must daily ask Him for protection. You cannot face the devil alone; you need God’s help. Take a moment right now to seek God’s protection from the devil. Each time you face temptation, remember the choice to either give in or run away will affect your life forever.

To find out more about Pastor Paul Chappell visit his blog or follow him on twitter.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org.

Daily Bible Reading

2 Samuel 21-22 • Luke 18:24-43

Your Daily Devotion for April 24, 2009

2009-04-24T00:12:00.001-07:00

A Prayer of Forgiveness

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

Matthew 6:12

Our job isn’t to get revenge, but to follow God’s pattern of forgiveness.

When the first missionaries came to Alberta, Canada, they were savagely opposed by a young chief of the Cree Indians named Maskepetoon. But he responded to the gospel and accepted Christ. Shortly afterward, a member of the Blackfoot tribe killed his father. Maskepetoon rode into the village where the murderer lived and demanded that he be brought before him. Confronting the guilty man, he said, “You have killed my father, so now you must be my father. You shall ride my best horse and wear my best clothes.” In utter amazement and remorse his enemy exclaimed, “My son, now you have killed me!” He meant, of course, that the hate in his own heart had been completely erased by the forgiveness and kindness of the Indian chief.

Have you ever wondered why forgiving someone is so difficult? Forgiveness is free, it doesn’t cost us anything, and it helps us feel better. Yet forgiveness is probably one of the hardest commands for people to obey. As the Lord was giving His guideline for our prayers, He made a note to include forgiveness. He desires that seeking His forgiveness and forgiving others would be a part of our daily prayer time.

First, God desires that we would seek His forgiveness. Our relationship with God relies on pure hearts, and harbored sin can hinder our communication with Him. He desires that as we seek Him, we would pray for forgiveness.

When we were saved, we were pardoned from eternal punishment. God paid the price for our sins. Yet, we will still sin because we are human beings, and God desires that when we do sin, we seek His forgiveness right away. Nothing hinders prayers more than hidden sin. Before God will hear our prayers, we must make sure our hearts are pure before Him.

Second, the last part of our verse shows us that God desires we would show forgiveness to others. Christ mentions forgiving others again in verse 14, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” God’s desire is that we would forgive those who wrong us, even as He has forgiven our wrongs against Him. Because He has forgiven us, we can forgive others no matter what the offense.

Forgiveness isn’t always easy. Our human nature desires revenge, yet God commands us in Romans 12:9, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Our job isn’t to right the wrong, but to follow God’s pattern of forgiveness.

Who do you need to forgive today? Don’t harbor unforgiveness against someone, no matter what they may have done to you. You cannot know peace with God unless you have forgiven those who have wronged you. Make things right with others today and allow God to bless you because of your forgiveness.

To find out more about Pastor Paul Chappell visit his blog or follow him on twitter.

To hear Daily in the Word, the daily radio broadcast of Dr. Paul Chappell, or to subscribe to the daily podcast, please visit dailyintheword.org.

Daily Bible Reading

2 Samuel 19-20 • Luke 18:1-23

Your Daily Devotion for April 23, 2009

2009-04-23T00:05:00.001-07:00

Prayer Requests

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

Matthew 6:11

Depending on God for our daily supply keeps our trust in the Lord.

A missionary to Zaire once told the following story. “A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby. We tried to improvise an incubator to keep the infant alive, but the only hot water bottle we had was beyond repair. So we asked the children to pray for the baby and for her sister. One of the girls responded, ‘Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won't feel so lonely.’

That afternoon a large package arrived from England. The children watched eagerly as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to dig deeper, exclaiming, ‘If God sent that, I'm sure He also sent a doll!’ And she was right! The heavenly Father knew in advance of that child's sincere requests, and five months earlier He had led a ladies' group to include both of those specific articles.”

During His earthly ministry God took time to show His disciples how to pray. In Matthew 6, He gives us an example of a “model prayer” or a guideline for how we ought to pray. First, He tells us to reverence and respect His name. Second, He tells us to pray for His will to be done. Now, as we see in our verse, the Lord tells us to approach Him with our request.

We all have daily requests. Whether we need strength to get through the day, patience to deal with someone, physical provisions, or spiritual protection; we all need God’s help to make it through each day. God knows we have needs and has provided to meet them as He says in Psalm 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” God promises that as we are faithfully following Him, He will provide for us.

Let’s take each word of our verse today and see what it means. The word give means “to grant.” It asks God to grant our wish, desire, or prayer. The word us means “to us, not to me only, but to others in common with me.” The requests we take to God can be requests from those we love and know. Also, the words this day speaks of daily renewing the desire of our hearts toward God. It may take daily persistence in prayer before God answers our requests. Next, the words our daily bread represent all the needs and requests we have in life. Whether spiritual, physical, or emotional, God desires to hear our petitions and pleas daily.

E. M. Bounds once said, “What the church needs today is not more or better machinery, not new organizations, or more novel methods; but men whom the Holy Spirit can use—men of prayer, men mighty in prayer.” Prayer makes the difference between a mediocre Christian and a Christian God will use. And God desires that during our time of prayer, we openly lay before Him our petitions and the petitions of others.

For what do you pray? Do you have a list of requests you bring before God each day? Christ shows that He desires to hear your requests. He wants you to daily depend on Him for your spiritual and physical sustenance. Take time now to seek God in prayer. Open your heart before Him and let Him know you are completely dependent upon Him today. Depending on God for our daily supply keeps our trust in the Lord.

To find out more about Pastor Paul Chappell visit his blog or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading

2 Samuel 16-18 • Luke 17:20-37

Your Daily Devotion for April 22, 2009

2009-04-22T00:05:00.001-07:00

Praying for His Will

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Matthew 6:10

As you obey God’s written will He will reveal His personal will for you.

Gen. William Nelson, a Union general in the Civil War, was consumed with the battles in Kentucky when a brawl ended up in his being mortally shot, in the chest. He had faced many battles, but the fatal blow came while he was relaxing with his men. As such, he was caught fully unprepared. As men ran up the stairs to help him, the general had just one phrase, “Send for a clergyman; I wish to be baptized.” He never had time as an adolescent or young man. He never had time as a private or after he became a general. And his wound did not stop or slow down the war. Everything around him was left virtually unchanged—except for the general's priorities. With only minutes left before he entered eternity, the one thing he cared about was preparing for eternity. He wanted to be baptized. Thirty minutes later he was dead.

The desire of every believer should be to serve and prepare for the day the Lord calls us home. General Nelson was not prepared and I’m sure had regrets as he was dying. Compare that to the young Confederate soldier who, as he was dying, broke out in singing, “Great Jehovah, we adore thee, God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, joined in glory on the same eternal throne: Endless praise to Jehovah, three in one.”

Being ready to meet the Lord when He comes means praying for His will and accomplishing it today. The second part of Christ’s “model prayer” shows us how to pray for His will, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” In the context of this time period, this petition references the doctrine which Christ preached at this time—the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. God desires that we would be ready for His return by praying for His will to be done.

God’s will for your life is the task He has designed specifically for you to accomplish to aide in the furtherance of His work on earth. It is your piece of the puzzle of His plan. Have you ever thought about the fact that when God designed His plan for reaching the world He included you? He wants you to be a part of that plan!

In order to be prepared for God’s return, you must faithfully follow God’s will for your life. What is God’s will for you? It is different than any one else’s path, but it includes God’s general will—basic Bible commands such as reading God’s Word, praying, attending church faithfully, giving, and telling others of Christ. Just by reading this devotion, you are obeying God’s command to spend time with Him! While you may not know the specifics of God’s will for you right now, you do have His general will which you can obey.

Are you prepared for Christ’s return? Do you pray for His will to be done not only in the world, but in your heart personally? Each time you meet with God, take time to ask for His will to be accomplished in your life. Seek to follow the path He has prepared for you so that others will come to know Him. And as you seek His will for you, faithfully obey His general will. As you continue to obey God’s general will He will reveal His specific will for you.

To find out more about Pastor Paul Chappell visit his blog or follow him on twitter.

To learn more about Pastor Chappell's books, Sunday school curriculum, and spiritual leadership resources, please visit strivingtogether.com.

Daily Bible Reading

2 Samuel 14-15 • Luke 17:1-19

Your Daily Devotion for April 21, 2009

2009-04-21T00:05:00.001-07:00

Respecting His Name

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Matthew 6:9–10

God’s name is above all names, so treat it as such!

Clark Clifford shares this reminiscence of his former boss, Harry S. Truman: Every morning at 8:30 the President would have a staff meeting. One day the mail clerk brought in a lavender envelope with a regal wax seal and flowing purple ribbons. Opening it, the President found a letter in protest of the admission of Jews to Palestine from King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia, whose salutation began, “Your Magnificence.” “Your Magnificence,” Truman repeated, laughing. “I like that. I don't know what you guys call me when I'm not here, but it's okay if you refer to me from now on as ‘His Magnificence.’” Not feeling the same way as King Saud, Truman sent a message to the United Nations supporting the admission of 100,000 Jews into Palestine. Soon afterward he received a second letter from King Ibn Saud. This one began: “Dear Mr. President.”

Many times respect is faked in order to gain something. Like King Saud, people pay obeisance to someone in authority to get what they want. But true respect is not said from the lips, but felt in the heart.

As Christians, we should show respect in every area of our lives. God shows us this principle when He says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). We should be kind and respectful to everyone we meet.

But taking that further, God desires us to be respectful in our prayer life. Notice God’s pattern of prayer, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:9). The word hallowed means “To make holy, consecrate, sanctify.”

God’s name is to be revered and respected for whom it represents. Too many times the name of God is taken lightly, said flippantly, or attached to ungodly things—not only in cursing but in everyday speech as well. Have you ever said the name of God offhandedly about something? Maybe you jokingly attributed something to God that was not His. God’s name is holy and consecrated. His name should be more than a joking reference to us; it should be an honored name, used in reverence and respect.

How much do you respect the name of God? In Bible times, scribes respected His name so much they would bathe and put on new clothing before writing the name of Jehovah. God’s name was so honored to them that they wanted to make sure they were clean before writing it.

God desires that you would treat His name with respect and honor whenever you mention it—prayer, conversation, singing. He said in Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Make sure that whenever you mention the Lord’s name, you say it in reverence and respect. God’s name is above all names, so treat it as such!

To find out more about Pastor Paul Chappell visit his blog or follow him on twitter.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org.

Daily Bible Reading

2 Samuel 12-13 • Luke 16

Your Daily Devotion for April 20, 2009

2009-04-20T00:16:00.001-07:00

Pray in Thanks

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.”

1 Chronicles 16:8–11

God’s goodness does not depend on your outward circumstances but on your position as one of His children.

William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony and a devout believer, made this proclamation to the early settlers of America:

“To All Ye Pilgrims: Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as He has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience; now, I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November ye 29th of the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and twenty-three, and third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor, and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings. “

Governor Bradford realized the reason they were alive was a result of the protective hand of God. He ordered that everyone show God their thanks through gathering together and lifting up their voices to Heaven in praise.

If the Pilgrims—who faced religious persecution in England, storms and sickness on the Mayflower, and bitter cold and death during the first winter—could praise God for His goodness, we should so much the more!

God’s goodness does not depend on your outward circumstances but on your position as one of His children. If you are saved, you have been blessed with eternal life. No storm of life or trial can ever take that away. You should thank and praise God each day for salvation alone.

You have so much to be thankful for, and God wants to hear you thank Him. Each time you meet with Him in prayer, He desires that you would take time to praise and thank Him for His goodness. Rather than always asking from Him, why not give praise to Him?

How is the “thanksgiving” part of your prayer life? Do you daily spend time reflecting on His goodness and praising Him for it? God has been so good. Take time to look around and reflect back on what He’s done for you. Spend time in prayer right now simply thanking God for all He’s done. When you’re focused on how good He’s been to you, you’ll find that life’s trials do not compare to His goodness.

To find out more about Pastor Paul Chappell visit his blog or follow him on twitter.

To hear Daily in the Word, the daily radio broadcast of Dr. Paul Chappell, or to subscribe to the daily podcast, please visit dailyintheword.org.

Daily Bible Reading

2 Samuel 9-11 • Luke 15:11-32

Your Daily Devotion for December 19, 2008

2008-12-19T00:11:00.001-08:00

December 19, 2008

One Little Fib

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”

Colossians 3:8–10

No matter the fancy name attached to it, lying is still a sin.

Someone once listed a few famous American fibs:

“The check is in the mail.”

“I'll start my diet tomorrow.”

“We service what we sell.”

“Give me your number and the doctor will call you right back.”

“Money cheerfully refunded.”

“One size fits all.”

“This offer limited to the first 100 people who call in.”

“Your luggage isn't lost, it's only misplaced.”

“Leave your resume and we'll keep it on file.”

“This hurts me more than it hurts you.”

“I just need five minutes of your time.”

“Your table will be ready in a few minutes.”

“Open wide, it won't hurt a bit.”

“Let's have lunch sometime.”

“It's not the money, it's the principle.”

It seems as if lying has become an art. Good salesmen, successful car dealers, and even politicians need to know how to lie to advance themselves. Sadly, many Christians have perfected the art of lying as well.

We make up fibs and cover them as “little white lies” or necessary, but God still calls it lying. Not telling the truth no matter how small or what circumstance is still considered a lie.

Around the holiday season it is easy to get a little more relaxed in our life. We’re planning for parties, getting ready for relatives, traveling to see people, or just enjoying the season. But don’t let that distract you from continuing to live for God! No matter what season, remember that God wants us to serve Him first and foremost.

Don’t allow the devil to distract you from living for the Lord this season. Realize that lying is sin and even though others may laugh it off, God says it grieves Him. Remain focused on God this season in all you do. Make Him your number one priority and you will be able to enjoy this holiday season!

To learn more about Pastor Chappell's books, Sunday school curriculum, and spiritual leadership resources, please visit strivingtogether.com.

Daily Bible Reading

Jonah • Revelation 10

Your Daily Devotional for January 17, 2008

2008-01-17T00:07:00.000-08:00

January 17, 2008

Consider His Cross

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God."

John 19:7

Christ was not forced to go to the Cross; He chose it. He was held to that rough wood, not by iron nails, but by His love for us. He was fulfilling prophecy of the Old Testament. Isaiah 53:4 says, "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted." We see here the Cross' foretelling.

Just like it was God's will for Christ to bear the Cross, it is sometimes His plan for His children to bear a cross as well. First Peter 2:21 says, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." When we are tempted to think God has placed us on a path that is rough and unforgiving, remember that His own Son was called a Man of sorrows. Never forget that you are to be following the Saviour—even if it means bearing a cross.

Most blessed, however, is the Cross' forgiving. The Cross is the point at which mercy and truth met; and forgiveness is made (Psalm 85:10). Although the Cross is a symbol of suffering and death, it is also a point of forgiveness and hope. The Cross holds the key to a new life in Christ.

Consider the forgiveness and healing power of the Cross. No matter what we have done, when we kneel at the Cross, God offers mercy and forgiveness.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 41-42 • Matthew 12:1-23

================================================
THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE PLEASE DO NOT REPLY
================================================
Manage your online subscriptions at
http://www.dailyintheword.org/email/user-login.aspx

To Unsubscribe from this list please follow this link
http://www.dailyintheword.org/email/user-unsubscribe.aspx?s=4159&l=1

Your Daily Devotional for January 16, 2008

2008-01-16T00:27:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2008

Consider His Salvation

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

John 10:9

On May 1, 1830, George Wilson and James Porter were sentenced to a public hanging for six charges of robbing the US Mail. The justice system was much different then, and penalties were harsher. However, George Wilson had some influential friends who convinced President Andrew Jackson to give him a pardon.

Rather than being overjoyed, Wilson resolutely refused to accept the pardon. The case was sent to the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Marshal and the rest of the court ruled that a pardon could not be forced on anyone, so the execution was carried out.

Although we may never know what caused George Wilson to refuse his pardon, we could certainly all learn how important it is to accept ours. In this passage Christ uses a door as a picture of the salvation He can give.

Perhaps the most important word of the whole verse is the two-letter word if. The door of God's forgiveness is open to everyone, but only those who choose to enter will be saved. Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Thank God for His salvation and consider all He has done for you in giving you eternal life.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 39-40 • Matthew 11

Your Daily Devotional for January 15, 2008

2008-01-15T07:15:00.001-08:00

January 15, 2008

Consider His Word

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you."

John 8:37

God's Word must be given place in our hearts. It is not enough to hear the Word; we must heed it. Because these Hebrews rejected Christ's Word, they disqualified themselves from the blessings God had intended for them to receive.

First, they missed out on the confidence of hope. Many times while on foreign soil, Americans are leery of drinking the local water. In a third-world country, there is often a lot of pollution in the water supply. There is no confidence because it has all been contaminated. Praise the Lord that His Word has never been contaminated! First Peter 1:23–25 says, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 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."

Second, they missed out on a change in their hearts. In the next verse, Jesus said, "I speak that which I have seen with my father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." Because they had rejected the Word of God, they were stuck in their sinful ways. Many people feel trapped by sin. They may have had high ambitions of not falling into the same sin as other people, but in rejecting the help of God's Word, they cut the only rope that could rescue them from this world's storm of sin.

Third, they missed out on the course to Heaven. Romans 10:17 plainly tells us that the Word of God is vital to salvation, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." How many mansions in Heaven will never be prepared because someone simply would not give place in their hearts to God's Word?

Consider the promises God's Word offers you today. Only as you are faithfully reading His Word and diligently obeying His commands will you be able to see revival in your life.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 36-38 • Matthew 10:21-42

Your Daily Devotional for January 14, 2008

2008-01-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2008

Consider His Witness

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

John 3:7

For over thirty years, the Salvation Army and General William Booth were subjected to terrible persecution. But Booth would live to see the day that his organization would receive widespread recognition. In 1904, he was invited to Buckingham Palace, where King Edward IV honored him.

The difficulties that Booth had endured through the years must have seemed to grow small as he heard the words of the king: "You are doing a good work—a great work, General Booth." When the king asked Booth to write in his autograph album, the seventy-five year old man bent forward and wrote: "Some men's ambition is art, some men's ambition is fame, some men's ambition is gold; my ambition is the souls of men."

Jesus Christ, the greatest witness to walk this earth, has given a model for the believer to follow. Jesus was called a friend of publicans and sinners (Luke 7:34). He summed up His purpose in coming to earth in Luke 19:10: "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Jesus Christ was filled with compassion for the souls of men, and He remained steadfast in His witness.

Though Christ came to preach the Gospel, He also came that there might be a Gospel to preach. Some indications of revival are the conversions of souls, and the stirring of the believer's heart toward repentance and surrender to God. Just as Christ did, take time to see those with whom you come in contact today not simply as people, but as souls, heading toward a final judgment and an eternal destination.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 33-35 • Matthew 10:1-20

Your Daily Devotional for January 13, 2008

2008-01-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

January 13, 2008

Consider His Doctrine

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."

John 7:16–17

Doctrine is another word for teaching. In Titus 2:7 the man of God is admonished, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness…." When doctrine or teaching becomes tainted, one's philosophies, principles, and ethics follow suit.

The Bible is truth (John 17:17), and applying its truths produces a solid foundation on which life is developed. The Bible warns of deceivers who would turn the believer from sound doctrine in Ephesians 4:14: "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."

Jesus Christ, while teaching in the temple, said that the doctrine He taught was not His own (John 7:16). What He referred to was that He spoke that which was given to Him of the Father, and changed nothing. It was 100% truth.

In order for revival to come to the heart of the believer, it is imperative that his doctrine be true and his heart pure. John Wesley said, "Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world." Diligent study of God's Word and a firm resolve for holy living are crucial elements in the believer's life for God to work.

As you consider Christ's doctrine, spend time in prayer. Pray that souls will be saved and lives changed. Pray that God would bring spiritual revival to our nation.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 31-32 • Matthew 9:18-38

Your Daily Devotional for January 16, 2008

2008-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2008

Consider His Salvation

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

John 10:9

Thank God for His salvation and consider all He has done for you in giving you eternal life.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 39-40 • Matthew 11

Your Daily Devotional for January 12, 2008

2008-01-12T08:38:00.001-08:00

January 12, 2008

Consider His Holiness

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

John 1:29

Donald Barnhouse once said, "If we look through a piece of red glass, everything is red; through blue glass, everything is blue; through yellow glass, everything is yellow; and so on. The glorious truth is that when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, God looks at us through Christ. He sees us in all the white holiness of His Son. That is the great New Testament doctrine of imputation of our sin to the account of Christ, and His righteousness to our account."

A sinless sacrifice was required to satisfy the just demands of a holy God. Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a sinless life, and gave His life as that Holy Sacrifice. First Peter 1:18–19 says, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

"Be ye holy; for I am holy." This is the plea found in 1 Peter 1:16. The manner in which a Christian lives his life ought to reflect Jesus Christ. C.S. Lewis said, "How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible. If even ten percent of the world's population had it, would not the whole world be converted and happy before a year's end?"

Consider the holiness of our Saviour. We ought to reflect that same holiness in our lives each day.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 29-30 • Matthew 9:1-17

Your Daily Devotional for January 11, 2008

2008-01-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

January 11, 2008

Consider His Miracles

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."

John 3:2

Daniel Webster asserted his faith in Christ when he said, "I believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God. The miracles which He wrought established, in my mind, His personal authority, and render it proper for me to believe whatever He asserts. I believe, therefore, all His declarations, as well when He declares Himself to be the Son of God, as when He declares any other proposition. And I believe that there is no other way of salvation than through the merits of His atonement."

Jesus Christ's life was, in itself, a miracle. He was God manifest in the flesh. John 1:14 says, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." He performed His first public miracle at a marriage celebration in Cana of Galilee (John 2:11). The passage states that His miracles demonstrated His glory, and caused many to believe.

Christ's miracles continue today. Through His redemptive work on the Cross, the lost sinner can experience the miracle of salvation. The believer can experience the miracle of revival in his own heart and witness God's moving in the lives of many.

The same God who moved on the day of Pentecost, is the God we serve today. He is still able to impart His great salvation to the lost sinner, and He is still able to bring revival to this generation. Pray for God to send a miracle and to turn the hearts of His people back to Him as we seek revival.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 27-28 • Matthew 8:18-34

Your Daily Devotional for January 10, 2008

2008-01-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

January 10, 2008

Consider His Integrity

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

John 15:10

Sometimes it is difficult to think of Jesus as a man. As Christians we rightfully view Him as Lord and God. At the same time Jesus also faced every challenge that we face. Hebrews 4:15 speaks of Christ's temptations, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." He was not divinely protected from the trials and temptations of life. He met each of them head on and conquered them all.

We will never be disillusioned with Christ's life. Despite the many books that have been written that try to paint Jesus as a fornicator, polygamist, or just a man, the real Jesus of the Bible is the only person who lived a perfectly sinless life, and He left us an example to follow. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" (1 Peter 2:21–22).

Consider Christ's integrity. We will never reach perfection in this life, but we can strive to be genuine and faithful. A.P. Stanley wrote, "Give us a man of integrity, on whom we can thoroughly depend; who will stand firm when others fail; the friend, faithful and true; the adviser, honest and fearless; the adversary, just and chivalrous, such an one is a fragment of the Rock of Ages." Strive for integrity in your life today.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 25-26 • Matthew 8:1-17

Your Daily Devotional for January 9, 2008

2008-01-09T00:08:00.000-08:00

January 9, 2008

Consider His Spirit

Revival Readings for the New Year

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him."

John 1:32

A child begins his life wholly dependent upon his parents. Food, affection, and clean diapers all come from the parents. An adult is a person who takes responsibility for his own life. He feeds himself, dresses himself, and lives mostly independent from the care of others.

Spiritual growth is just the opposite. Many times baby Christians will want to rely on their own abilities and wisdom. As they grow in Christ they become more dependent upon their Saviour. They recognize their deep need for God.

Even Jesus was dependent upon the Holy Spirit. He did not begin His earthly ministry until the Spirit came to abide upon Him (Matthew 3:16). How much more do we need the Holy Spirit to guide our lives! Jesus told His disciples in John 16:12–13, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

The disciples were commissioned by Jesus to be witnesses, but He told them to wait in Luke 24:49 "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Spiritual victories cannot be won without the Holy Spirit.

Revival is only a work of the Holy Spirit. It will be obvious when He is present. Gordon McDonald said, "One quickly gains a sense from the Bible that wherever the Holy Spirit is found in the lives of people, strange and wonderful things are likely to happen at any moment." Ask God today to send His Holy Spirit to you as you seek to draw closer to Him through revival.

Daily Bible Reading

Genesis 23-24 • Matthew 7