ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 27, 2011)

Gracious Words
Colossians 4:2-6

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
(COLOSSIANS 4:6)
Paul - who knew all about rules - wrote to the Colossians to fortify them against false teachers who were imposing rules about eating, drinking and religious festivals. Showing the superiority of Christ over all human philosophies and traditions, Paul concludes with, "let your conversation be always full of grace."
Paul tells his readers then and us now that we died to the elemental things of the world. So why cling to rules about eating or not eating or anything that promotes self-made religion? Showy means of asceticism may give an admirable outward appearance, but they do not get at the heart of the matter: our sinful selves that need washing in God's grace.
In the turmoil of nations at war, financial ruin, and the fear of natural disasters, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom..." (Colossians 3:16), so that the overflow of your heart would be gracious words which draw you and those around you nearer to Christ, the Creator and Sustainer of all.

INSIGHT
It seems our world is inundated with fear and threats. Let us hold forth God and His gracious Word for every situation.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 21-22
Psalm 114
1 Corinthians 3-4
Colossians 4:2-6

Further Instructions
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 26, 2011)

Grace Given
Isaiah 53:4-12

"He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed."
(Proverbs 3:34)
We read that the humble and oppressed receive God's favor; to them grace has been given. Opposite are the proud mockers. "The proud and arrogant person - 'Mocker' is his name - behaves with insolent fury" (Proverbs 21:24).
Jesus spoke of the "blessed" ones who receive God's grace: the poor in spirit, mourners, meek, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart and peacemakers.
When things go well, there is a danger that we will become like the Israelites of whom God said, "I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat. When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me..." (Hosea 13:5-6).
Let's mourn over our pride and rejoice at His grace which comes to us freely through the work of Jesus Christ, the One whose humility and oppression knew no equal. Proud mockers spit at Him all the way to Calvary. How sobering to think we may have found ourselves among them, yet He shed His blood for us anyway.
INSIGHT
If you have arrogantly taken God's grace for granted, repent quickly and take your place with the humble where grace abounds.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 19-20
Psalm 113
1 Corinthians 1-2

Isaiah 53:4-12
4 Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression[a] and judgment he was taken away.
Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was punished.[b]
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes[c] his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11 After he has suffered,
he will see the light of life[d] and be satisfied[e];
by his knowledge[f] my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,[g]
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,[h]
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 53:8 Or From arrest
b. Isaiah 53:8 Or generation considered / that he was cut off from the land of the living, / that he was punished for the transgression of my people?
c. Isaiah 53:10 Hebrew though you make
d. Isaiah 53:11 Dead Sea Scrolls (see also Septuagint); Masoretic Text does not have the light of life.
e. Isaiah 53:11 Or (with Masoretic Text) He will see the fruit of his suffering / and will be satisfied
f. Isaiah 53:11 Or by knowledge of him
g. Isaiah 53:12 Or many
h. Isaiah 53:12 Or numerous

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 25, 2011)

Gracious Agony
Psalm 22

"It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:31) "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me...?"
(Psalm 22:1)
As he hung on the cross, Jesus became the object of God's wrath. For centuries God had seen the sins of the people. "...in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished" (Romans 3:25). His wrath had been stored up for the crucial moment of all time, the time it would be unleashed on His own Son.
Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" It was for the joy set before Him that He en-dured the cross. Why was God so far from His cries of anguish? We cannot begin to fathom the full weight of the wrath of the God of the entire universe poured out on one man... the sinless One, the One who took the agony for us sinners. Oh, the magnitude of this grace!
Then, at the right moment, when the wrath of God was satisfied, He gave up His spirit to the Father and died. He cried in victory, "It is finished!" The perfect plan was carried out. With that, the grace of God was extended to you and me and all who believe the gospel. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, paid it all.
INSIGHT
The dreadful anger of God is hard to contemplate. Recognizing it makes His grace more glorious to us who deserve it.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 17-18
Psalm 112
Romans 15-16

Psalm 22[a]
For the director of music. To the tune of "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David. 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest.[b]
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the one Israel praises.[c]
4 In you our ancestors put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried out and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
8 "He trusts in the LORD," they say,
"let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast on you;
from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring lions that tear their prey
open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted within me.
15 My mouth[d] is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs surround me,
a pack of villains encircles me;
they pierce[e] my hands and my feet.
17 All my bones are on display;
people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.
19 But you, LORD, do not be far from me.
You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver me from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my people;
in the assembly I will praise you.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or scorned
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you[f] I will fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness,
declaring to a people yet unborn:
He has done it!
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 22:1 In Hebrew texts 22:1-31 is numbered 22:2-32.
b. Psalm 22:2 Or night, and am not silent
c. Psalm 22:3 Or Yet you are holy, / enthroned on the praises of Israel
d. Psalm 22:15 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text strength
e. Psalm 22:16 Dead Sea Scrolls and some manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Septuagint and Syriac; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text me, / like a lion
f. Psalm 22:25 Hebrew him

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 24, 2011)

Christ's Obedience by Grace
Romans 5:12-20



"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men."
(Romans 5:18)
When asked, "How much money is enough?" John D Rockefeller famously quipped, "Just a little bit more." Never satisfied...seems to be the human condition, doesn't it? We are always imperfect, lacking, and in need of fixing in some way. It's no wonder even mature followers of Jesus Christ often ask, how much is enough to gain heaven? Perfect obedience - nothing more - is required. Do you have that?
What we need is what Christ has done for us. We would like to live perfect, sinless lives, but cannot. Jesus has provided exactly that for you. He died to pay for your sins, and He lived to impute to you His totally righteous conduct. When you live (and therefore sin), what the Father sees is the righteous conduct of Jesus. Can it be? Yes, it is!
For all who believe the gospel, God, by His grace and with no effort on your part, has put the righteous obedience of Christ in your account. We have been made the righteousness of God in Christ. The deal is complete. Not even a "little bit more" could have been done.
INSIGHT
Blessed are they who know they are spiritually bankrupt and rely solely on the righteous obedience of Christ in their place.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 13-14
Psalm 110
Romans 11-12
Romans 5:12-20
Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 23, 2011)

Future Grace
Isaiah 11:1-16



"The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them."
(Isaiah 11:6)
There is a fascinating video on YouTube of two young men who rescued a lion cub and raised it until it grew too big to keep. At that time they took it to Africa and released it into the wild, hoping it would survive. A couple of years later, they returned to Africa to see if they could find their lion friend and if so, would he recognize and accept them. To their great delight they were able to relocate that lion. He came running to them, just as play-fully as he did when he was a cub. What a joyful reunion!
I was struck with the divine message that the video brought to mind. A brief glimpse of future grace was re-vealed in nature. One day, as Isaiah says, the lion will lie down with the lamb and the King of Kings will rule over all. Animosity at all levels will be no more. All "wildness" will be tamed.
Nature provides glimpses of the gospel, sky and tree and rock testifying to His greatness. These revelations do not replace Scripture but provide beautiful illustrations of gospel truth.

INSIGHT
There is a future that the hearts of all mankind long for: the Kingdom of God in its fullness.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 13-14
Psalm 110
Romans 11-12
Isaiah 11:1-16
The Branch From Jesse
1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—
3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together;
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. 11 In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush,[b] from Elam, from Babylonia,[c] from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean.
12 He will raise a banner for the nations
and gather the exiles of Israel;
he will assemble the scattered people of Judah
from the four quarters of the earth.
13 Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish,
and Judah’s enemies[d] will be destroyed;
Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah,
nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim.
14 They will swoop down on the slopes of Philistia to the west;
together they will plunder the people to the east.
They will subdue Edom and Moab,
and the Ammonites will be subject to them.
15 The LORD will dry up
the gulf of the Egyptian sea;
with a scorching wind he will sweep his hand
over the Euphrates River.
He will break it up into seven streams
so that anyone can cross over in sandals.
16 There will be a highway for the remnant of his people
that is left from Assyria,
as there was for Israel
when they came up from Egypt.
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 11:6 Hebrew; Septuagint lion will feed
b. Isaiah 11:11 That is, the upper Nile region
c. Isaiah 11:11 Hebrew Shinar
d. Isaiah 11:13 Or hostility

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 22, 2011)

The Good Works of Grace
Titus 3:1-15



"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy."
(Titus 3:4-5)
Paul was able to address behavior among the believers when he wrote to Titus who was ministering among folks known as liars, evil brutes, and lazy gluttons - not exactly exemplary Christian qualities. Paul understood that even the "perfect" behavior of his life before conversion was unacceptable to God. What he worked from now was a "knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness" (1:1), faith and knowledge that were direct results of the grace he'd been shown.
Stress these things, he told Titus. "When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life" (v. 4-7).
We, too can see that the grace of God - not legal restrictions - is the motivator for behavior that honors Him.
INSIGHT
Constantly being reminded of how God loves us will always motivate us to actions that are pleasing to God and good for people.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 9-10
Psalm 108
Romans 7-8
Titus 3:1-15
Saved in Order to Do Good
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
Final Remarks
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 21, 2011)

The Grace Magnifying Glass
Luke 7:36-50




"'Two men owed money to a moneylender...Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?' Simon replied, 'I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.'"
(Luke 7:41-43)

There is nothing quite as satisfying and fulfilling as loving God deeply and intimately. It is, afterall, our human purpose to glorify God by fully enjoying Him forever. If I am not experiencing that kind of love, I ought to consider these: First, either I have an inadequate appreciation of how totally depraved I am; or, second, I have an inadequate appreciation for the unfathomable and unsearchable depths of God's grace to me.

The sinful woman in Luke 7 somehow knew how sinful and undeserving she was and yet also knew that there was forgiveness for her at the feet of Jesus. She has left us with a powerful image of what it is to worship and love this Savior - pouring perfume on His feet and wiping them with her hair, mingled with tears.

The solution to both the inadequacies noted above is to see Jesus better. The psalmist asks us to magnify the Lord. Put a magnifying class on Jesus and you will see both your own profound sinfulness and His unsearchable grace. And you will love much.


INSIGHT
A good vision of Jesus will cause you to be repulsed by sin and lovingly drawn to Him who knew no sin.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 11-12
Psalm 109
Romans 9-10
Luke 7:36-50
Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman
36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."
40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.
41 "Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."
48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49 The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Footnotes:
a. Luke 7:41 A denarius was the usual daily wage of a day laborer (see Matt. 20:2).

LIFE IS MORE
Jesus says that life is more than simple necessities, like food and clothing. He knows we need these things, but His agenda for our lives is far more significant. We must learn to trust Him.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 20, 2011)

Grace-Filled Encouragement
2 Thessalonians 2



"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal en-couragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
Fear is unfortunately the default for many of us as we consume the news of global unrest, especially in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Confusion about biblical prophecy abounds. Still, we stand firm on the sure Word of God.
The believers at Thessalonica were shaken by the news that the Lord had already come and the fear that they missed out. But Paul urged them to not become easily unsettled or alarmed by false teachings. He goes on then to correct those teachings and bring his friends back to the marvelous truth that "God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 13-14).
Be comforted because your Lord "by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope." Therefore we may receive from God encouragement for our hearts and strength for every good deed and word. We will share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT
Rejoice in the fact that the Day of the Lord will bring judgment to God's enemies and final redemption of His people.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 7-8
Psalm 107
Romans 5-6

2 Thessalonians 2
The Man of Lawlessness
1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[c] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Some manuscripts sin
b. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts because from the beginning God chose you
c. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Or traditions

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 19, 2011)

The Guarantee of Grace
Romans 4:1-25



"Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring..."
(Romans 4:16)
Grace guarantees salvation because it is given by promise rather than as a wage earned. What is at issue is the integrity and ability of the One whose promises never fail.
In the investment world the return on a US Treasury note is considered the "risk-free rate." That is because it is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. The United States government guarantees the investment with a promise to pay. Even though the US government is strained, investors world-wide still believe the promise of the US government to pay its obligations.
The promise of salvation is given by the Creator of the Universe. The Father promised to give a people to the Son who died in our place so the Father's promise would be guaranteed. Those who believe the gospel are in Christ, not because they earned it, but because the Father promised it. Our salvation is by grace, given to us freely and worked out for us by Jesus. No greater guarantee - nothing more certain - could ever be given!
INSIGHT
Your eternal salvation depends on nothing less than the promise of the Father, Creator and Sustainer of the universe!
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 5-6
Psalm 106
Romans 3-4
Romans 4:1-25
Abraham Justified by Faith
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."[a] 4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 "Blessed are those
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord will never count against them."[b]
9 Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! 11 And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."[c] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."[d] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23 The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Footnotes:
a. Romans 4:3 Gen. 15:6; also in verse 22
b. Romans 4:8 Psalm 32:1,2
c. Romans 4:17 Gen. 17:5
d. Romans 4:18 Gen. 15:5

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 18, 2011)

Supremacy of Grace
Acts 20:17-38



"'Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.'"
(Acts 20:32)
Imagine you've been commissioned to a remote village in an area hostile to Christianity. For three years you've been teaching and preaching to establish a church. Several people have believed the gospel. But now the government has informed you that in 24 hours you must leave, never to return. What would your final message be?
The Apostle Paul faced something like that, knowing he would never see the people of the church in Ephesus again. His simple and profound admonition was first, to commend them to God, and second, to commend them to the word of grace. Notice, he didn't provide them with a rule book for the Christian life. He said the word of grace will build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who have been set apart by God, those who are sanctified.
Christianity is both deeply profound and very simple. Its essentials are God and the Word of His grace. They and they alone will build you up. The "rule book" for life was already kept perfectly for us through the work of Jesus.
INSIGHT
Consider a devotional time to worship and enjoy God, to study the Word of His grace. It can build you up for the journey ahead.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 3-4
Psalm 105
Romans 1-2
Acts 20:17-38
17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
22 "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
25 "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he bought with his own blood.[b] 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ "
36 When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Footnotes:
a. Acts 20:28 Many manuscripts of the Lord
b. Acts 20:28 Or with the blood of his own Son.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 17, 2011

Enabled to Encourage
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

"...think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you...We have different gifts, according to the grace given us... if it is encouraging, let him encourage."
(Romans 12:3, 6, 8)
The message of the encourager comes out of and goes back to the grace of God in Christ. Encouragement is not just "steps to success," though it may sometimes include those. Bookstore shelves are filled with "top sellers" outlining success strategies. But the heart that has been moved by and captured by Christ has the encouragement that surpasses all others.
Paul tells us to encourage others if, by the grace of the Lord, we have been given the ability to do so. Take every opportunity to be an encouragement to others and not tear them down. "Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Perhaps you've been the recipient of encouragement from a friend. Thank God today for him or her. But even if that is not so, know that you have been the recipient of encouragement coming from the Word of God. Where you find Christ's words of encouragement, love and hope, you find the Bible outshining any book you could buy.
INSIGHT
"May our Lord...who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts..."
(2 Thessalonians 2:16)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 61-62
Psalm 101
Acts 24-25
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[a] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[b] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts because from the beginning God chose you
b. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Or traditions

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 16, 2011)

Enabled to Give
Luke 18:18-30

"If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously."
(Romans 12:8b)
God is sovereign, even in the uneven distribution of wealth, just as He is sovereign in the distribution of His gifts of grace. Some people seem destined to financial success while others are not.
There is a temptation for those with above average wealth to use it as a means of power. That alone is not necessarily bad if the power is used in submission to Jesus Christ and for His glory. Often, however, our wayward hearts use wealth to manipulate others to our own ends. We are naturally controlling. The love of money grows great, making it very hard to keep Jesus as our first love (see Matthew 6:24).
Paul says to give generously. He means that we should give "with no strings attached." When you give, allow the receiver to be accountable to God and not to you. It requires faith, a measure of which God has given to the giver. We can give with no strings attached because Christ's love for us came not with strings attached, but with overflowing grace and with nails attaching Him to a cross.
INSIGHT
Regardless of material wealth, you are rich in Christ. Give freely of the treasure of the gospel that you have in "clay jars"
(see 2 Corinthians 4:7).
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 63-64
Psalm 102
Acts 26
Luke 18:18-30
The Rich and the Kingdom of God
18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’[a]"
21 "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
26 Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."
28 Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
29 "Truly I tell you," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life."
Footnotes:
a. Luke 18:20 Exodus 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 15, 2011)

Enabled to Lead
Titus 1:5-9, 3:1-8

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is... leadership, let him govern diligently."
(ROMANS 12:6, 8)
The person gifted to lead is, in the words of the Amplified Bible, one who gives aid and superintends. Paul tells some of the traits of those who lead as elders in the church, qualities which would serve a leader well in any setting. He must be hospitable, self-controlled, upright, disciplined, and honest. This is a person who can see just how to get a job done efficiently.
When any of these gifts given by the grace of God are put into action, the devil will seek to barge in and de-stroy. Leaders may even be targeted more than others. Wouldn't Satan love to undermine a higher-profile leader whose work is honoring the Lord? He would try to steer that leader's focus off of his Father and put it on himself. Satan may sow seeds of laziness. It's no wonder some leaders grow weary and apathetic.
Praise God we have Jesus whose leading with humility, kindness, and unswerving focus will carry us through. Because of Him we declare along with Paul that we can do all things through Christ who give us strength.

INSIGHT
Pray for the efficient deployment of the people of God in the mission of God. And pray for our leaders!
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 65-66
Psalm 103
Acts 27
Titus 1:5-9, 3:1-8
Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint[a] elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe[b] and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Footnotes:
a. Titus 1:5 Or ordain
b. Titus 1:6 Or children are trustworthy
d. Titus 3
Saved in Order to Do Good
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 14, 2011)

Enabled to Show Mercy
Matthew 18:21-35

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is... showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
(ROMANS 12: 6, 8)
It is interesting that Paul urges those who show mercy to do so cheerfully. Many of us have known that overwhelming feeling when we've been showing God's mercy on a regular basis. Sometimes it can seem like the more we do, the more there is to be done. The idea of "cheerfulness" slips away as we help again the homeless person, visit our sick neighbor, or bring a meal to a burdened family. It feels like there is more pain to go around than there is salve.
Even if our gift, as Paul says, is showing mercy, we have not been asked to take care of the entire world. Jesus has already done that! Remember that the showing of mercy is a demonstration of His mercy. And that is a joyful thing! It's the gospel we are bringing, the good news. "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor"
(Luke 4:18-19).
INSIGHT
The shower of mercy is God's heart of compassion in the body of Christ. Good news to the broken-hearted is the most cheerful news ever.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 1-2
Psalm 104
Acts 28
Matthew 18:21-35
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]
23 "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[b] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 "At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[c] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29 "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
30 "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 "Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 18:22 Or seventy times seven
b. Matthew 18:24 Greek ten thousand talents; a talent was worth about 20 years of a day laborer’s wages.
c. Matthew 18:28 Greek a hundred denarii; a denarius was the usual daily wage of a day laborer (see 20:2).

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 13, 2011)

Enabled to Serve
Philippians 2:1-11

"...think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you...We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is...serving, let him serve."
(Romans 12:3, 6-7)
God's grace not only saves and provides forgiveness; it also enables us to live as He has called us to live.
Every believer is the recipient of a measure of faith to express the dimension of God's manifold grace given to him or her. Did you realize that the ability to serve is a gift of grace? We may express the grace of God by performing practical acts of support and assistance to others. You may be expressing the life and love of God through baking and cleaning or repairing and doing maintenance!
Servers are hardly ever "in the limelight." They may even be under-appreciated and therefore tempted not to serve. But what is Paul's exhortation? "Serve." In light of God's mercy, serve. It is your gift of grace to the rest of the body of Christ.
In serving we find joy. Christ's love for us enables us to serve others. How fitting, since our Savior who served us ultimately by giving His very life for us, did it all for the joy set before Him. That joy is you and I!
INSIGHT
God's church is an organic body with many members: hands, ears, mouths, etc. Hands don't speak but perform the necessary actions to maintain the body.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 59-60
Psalm 100
Acts 23
Philippians 2:1-11
Imitating Christ’s Humility
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 12, 2011)

10.08.11
Take a Look at Yourself
Romans 12:1-8



"...think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you...We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."
(Romans 12:3, 6)
Self-assessment is not easy. Some of us are prone to think of ourselves more highly than we ought while others are filled with self-loathing. Neither is good, so Paul encourages us to think with sober judgment. He is urging us to be honest with ourselves and really contemplate who we are.
Clearly every human being is unique as a product of genetics, environment, etc. At the core of who we are, however, is a gift from God referred to here as "the faith God has given you." That faith manifests itself in the gifts identified by Paul in Romans - prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy.
Can you identify how God has graciously gifted you? It may be tempting to read over this list and think, "I cannot do any of those things." Yet we know that we as believers are all part of the one body, each contributing as God has enabled us. So look closely. There will be gifts that the Lord has cultivated that you can contribute to the work of the body of Christ.
INSIGHT
Think soberly. Give yourself to whatever ways God presents to you and find joy in His will for you.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 57-58
Psalm 99
Acts 22
Romans 12:1-8
A Living Sacrifice
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 11, 2011)

Stewards of Manifold Grace
1 Peter 4:7-11



"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. ...he should do it with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised..."
(1 Peter 4:10-11)
Peter gives us a broad categorization of gifts of grace as those of speaking and those of serving. He says these are gifts of God's grace of which we are to be faithful stewards.
Paul gives more detail in Romans 12 about this manifold or many-sided grace. Speaking gifts include teaching and exhortation or encourage-ment. The serving gifts include serving, leading or administration, giving and showing mercy.
Peter's instructions are simple: "Use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace." Use your gracious gifting in all areas of life, not just in the church. What God has given you is a gift to the world.
We all have the purpose to glorify God by fully enjoying Him forever, but we also all have specific aspects of God's manifold grace to express to each other and to the unbelieving world. It is in this more precise expression that we find our unique fulfillment and give our best to the One who has in His grace and mercy given His all for us.
INSIGHT
We glorify God when we enjoy Him by joyfully using the gifts of grace He has given us all for His glory.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 53-54
Psalm 97
Acts 20
1 Peter 4:7-11
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 10, 2011)

Covenant Faithfulness
Psalm 136



"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23)
Since we all know that we sin daily - in thought at least, if not in action - why is it that we are not consumed? Lamentations says it is because of His great love. Our English word, love, hardly conveys the power and beauty of the Hebrew word, hesed. It is alternately translated love, loving-kindness, steadfast love, and covenant faithfulness.
The Lord's love that does not consume us is based on a covenant established before the foundation of the world. It is a promise God made with Himself. "...God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time" (2 Timothy 1:9).
Before the ages began God purposed to save us, and He is faithful to His word. That is why we are not consumed. He promised to Himself, and will not falter. We are a gift from the Father to the Son (John 17:6). Because of the Lord's grace and faithfulness, we are consumed only by His love.

INSIGHT
His compassions to us never fail, and they are new this morning because of His great faithfulness and grace.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 55-56
Psalm 98
Acts 21
Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
13 to him who divided the Red Sea[a] asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 09, 2011)

Observable Grace
Acts 11:22-26



"When he [Barnabas] arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts."
(Acts 11:23)
Barnabas observed the grace of God in Antioch. What did he see? The Bible doesn't give us the answer directly. However, there are observable results of the grace of God identified elsewhere. Consider from 2 Corinthians 8, 9: joy, thanksgiving, generosity, love. These are all observable evidences of the grace of God. They grew out of the grace the Corinthian Christians experienced after becoming believers in the gospel, causing the believing Corinthians to stand out from their non-believing brothers.
If I am fretting about "witnessing well" to friends or co-workers, it is at least as important that they observe grace in my life as it is that they hear the gospel from my lips. The message is more easily heard from a grace-filled life. Both communicate God's love and grace.
Do you feel you are lacking in the traits of grace? Listen to preaching and teaching of the grace of God. You can never get too much of that. And learn from Christians around you whose lives have grace spilling out onto others.
INSIGHT
Let your heart be glad in the grace God extends to you each and every day.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 49-50
Psalm 95
Acts 18

Acts 11:22-26
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 08, 2011)

Generosity of Grace
Acts 4:32-37




"With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them..."
(Acts 4:33-34)

Paul explained that trying to coerce human conduct by legal demands will produce just the opposite of the desired outcome (Romans 7:7–8:3). He said, "I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'" The law against covetousness only revealed coveting; it did not produce generosity.

Giving and generosity are not the same things. Giving may be manipulated by guilt. Generosity only flows from a heart that has been touched by grace. If we want to see more generosity in ourselves, then we need to experience more grace. Because of the grace Jesus has shown us, we can generously give to others.

All the references to immense generosity in the New Testament are accompanied by the experience of great grace. Before the foundation of the world, the Father promised to the Son a people. He is graciously fulfilling that promise by redeeming all who believe. Praise Him that you are a part of the abundant generosity which flows from the gracious heart of the Father.

INSIGHT
How can we who have received that grace not be generous to others?

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 51-52
Psalm 96
Acts 19

Acts 4:32-37
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 07, 2011)

Jesus, Mercy and Grace
Hebrews 4:14-5:10



"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize... but we have one who has been tempted in every way...yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace..."
(Hebrews 4:14-5:16)
Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means. He is able entirely to sympathize with our struggles and temptations, no matter how big or small they are. The One we follow has triumphed over every sin! And we all need Him so we can receive mercy (forgiveness) and grace (enablement) in our time of need.
When weakness and sin are about to be exposed, the normal human reaction is to hide, as Adam and Eve did when sin first entered the world. But Jesus says, "Come near boldly because I know your weakness - I've been there. I know what the struggle feels like."
Regardless of our sin, whether we think others can sympathize or not, Jesus can. Carry your burdens to the One who has endured what you have and more. Regardless of your struggles, come to Jesus with grief, humility and great joy; find the mercy of forgiveness and the grace to live free from the dominion of your sin. Your Savior understands.
INSIGHT
Mercy treats us well when we've not earned it. Grace enables us to live well when we can't. Jesus provides both.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 47-48
Psalm 94
Acts 17
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 5
1 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Father."[b]
6 And he says in another place,
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."[c]
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Footnotes:
a. Hebrews 4:14 Greek has gone through the heavens
b. Hebrews 5:5 Psalm 2:7
c. Hebrews 5:6 Psalm 110:4

It’s a beautiful story with a wonderful ending.

A Return is Requested....You'll see why.




Breakfast at McDonald's


This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the St or y, there are some very interesting facts!):






I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.






The last class I had to take was Sociology.






The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.






Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'






The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.






I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake,


Literally.






Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.






It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.






We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then
Even my husband did.






I did not move an inch... An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.






As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.






As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'






His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched f or acceptance....






He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching..






The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.






I held my tears as I stood there with them.






The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.






He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).






Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes..




That is when I noticed all eyes in the


Restaurant were set on me, judging


My every action.






I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.






I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.






He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you..'






I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you.. God is here working through me to give you hope.'






I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son.... When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..'






We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.






We are not church goers, but we are believers.






That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.






I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.






I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it.






Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?'






I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.






She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.






In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.






I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:






UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.






Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to






LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS -


NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.






There is an Angel sent to watch over you.






In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.






An Angel wrote:


Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart






To handle yourself, use your head..


To handle others, use your heart.










God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.






Send it back, you'll see why!












A box of gold


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*






With a secret inside

that has never been told






*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*






This box is priceless

but as I see






*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*






The treasure inside is



precious to me






*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*






Today I share this

treasure with thee






*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*






It's the treasure of


friendship you've


given me..






*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*






If this comes back to you



then you'll have a friend



for life but, if this

becomes deleted, you are



not a friend.






Send this to everyone you

consider a friend!










It will grant you one wish and only one wish,






that is, if you decide to send this to others. You can wish for anything.






Repeat your wish until you have stopped scrolling. Make it count!






FOR YOUR WISH TO COME TRUE YOU HAVE TO share IT TO:






3 PEOPLE - YOUR WISH WILL COME TRUE EVENTUALLY






5 PEOPLE - YOUR WISH WILL COME TRUE IN 3 MONTHS






10 PEOPLE - YOUR WISH WILL COME TRUE IN 5 WEEKS






15 PEOPLE - YOUR WISH WILL COME TRUE IN 1 WEEK






CAN'T WAIT A WEEK???


22 People-Your Wish Will
Come True In 1 Day!










****** MUST BE SENT OUT THE
DAY YOU READ IT FOR
YOU TO GET YOUR WISH

SAVED FESTIVAL 2011

Please watched....

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 07, 2011)

The Uniqueness of Grace
John 1:14-18



"...We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only... full of grace and truth... For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
(John 1:14, 17)
Philip Yancey relates the story of a British Conference on Comparative Religions. World renowned experts were debating what, if anything, is unique about Christianity. Several possibilities were put forth. "Incarnation? Other religions had different versions of gods appearing in human form. Resurrection? Again, other religions had accounts of return from death. The debate went on for some time until C.S. Lewis wandered into the room. 'What's the rumpus about?' he asked, and heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity's unique contribution among world religions. Lewis responded, 'Oh, that's easy. It's grace.'"
Only biblical religion puts forth the grace of God...from Genesis to Revelation, grace reigns. Buddhism has its eight-fold path, Hinduism has its karma, Islam has its code of law. All are ways to earn approval. Only in Christianity is God's love unconditional and unearned.
When you hear people say all religions are the same, remember that only the gospel of Jesus Christ gives salvation freely.

About the writer:
Charles L. Stanley became a believer in 1950 in a little Quaker church in Oklahoma. Later he graduated from Life Bible College and was involved in various ministries and pastoring for 20 years. He and his wife have two grown children and two grandchildren, and they live in Southern California where he is a financial advisor and is active in his community. He enjoys writing, speaking, and continuing to minister to those God puts in his path.

INSIGHT
Salvation is the gracious promise to Abraham and to all who believe the gospel. Do you live as one under grace?
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 43-44
Psalm 92
Acts 15
John 1:14-18
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, "This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’") 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and[a] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
Footnotes:
a. John 1:18 Some manuscripts but the only Son, who

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 06, 2011)

Manifold Grace
Romans 12:1-8



"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is..."
(Romans 12:6)
"Grace" is a nuanced word, moving from shades of abstract meaning to the very concrete. It speaks of justification, being made right with God without our own merit - what an amazing dimension of grace this is, that we are welcomed to rest on the merits of Christ's perfect life rather than on our own attempts at perfection.
Grace also encompasses the favor of God. We have His favor though we have done nothing to earn it. This is not just justification, but favor in all areas of life. It rains down on the just and the unjust alike, delighting us all with His favor through creation, beauty, and life.
And then grace refers to abilities given to us by God, often referred to as gifts of the Spirit or gifts of grace. Paul wrote, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you..." (Romans 12:3). Whatever the gifts that we have, we experience them because of God's gracious design to cultivate them in us. Like the farmer who tills his land, we work to develop the potential of our God-given abilities.
INSIGHT
Our lives are filled with grace. The more we comprehend grace, the more we enjoy God, and the more we glorify Him.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 45-46
Psalm 93
Acts 16
Romans 12:1-8
A Living Sacrifice
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

I LOVE YOU!!
YOU HAVE 20 MINUTES TO TELL
10 FRIENDS THAT YOU LOVE THEM
(INCLUDING ME) Because
TOMORROW'S NOT PROMISED.
SO I LOVE YOU! GO!
I believe in prayer. It's the best way to draw strength from heaven..

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
I thank you for being you!
HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:


YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
PASS THIS ON. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MAY BE IN NEED
The first sentence is pretty powerful!
God determines who walks into your life..,"it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."
Father, God, bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their lives be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen
Now send it on to other people. Within hours you caused a multitude of people to pray for other people.
Make it a wonderful day!!!
A man's character is who you are when there's no-one watching.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 05 2011)

The Priest
Hebrews 9:11-28



"And he says in another place, 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'"
(Hebrews 5:6)
When Adam and Eve sinned, they destroyed the perfect relationship that they had with the Creator. As a result, we cannot come to the Holy God without a mediator, a person to bridge the abyss made between us and God.
Aaron was the first priest of Israel, and a priest's main jobs were making the sacrifices for the people to atone for sin, and going before the Lord on behalf of the people. Aaron was concentrated to his task by Moses. He bridged the gap between God and people of Israel, making an Old Testament picture for us of our priest and mediator, Jesus. But Aaron and all the priests who came after him also needed atonement, being sinners themselves.
Unlike all the other priests, Jesus was born and lived without sin, and therefore He did not need any atonement. Our perfect high priest has paved the way for us to enter the presence of the Holy God. Living for a time as one of us, He truly understands us more than anyone else and lovingly brings us into the presence of God.
INSIGHT
Our great High Priest, Jesus, knows our weaknesses yet welcomes us as His own anyway. How blessed we are!
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 33-34
Psalm 87
Acts 9
Hebrews 9:11-28
The Blood of Christ
11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here,he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
16 In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18 This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19 When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20 He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep."[e] 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.