ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 20, 2012)

The Adoption Picture

John 14:15-21


"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
(JOHN 14:18)

Layered on top of God's birth and marriage pictures of His perfect love for us is another image, that of adoption. I understand being born again; after all, I was born and have seen many babies who were born. For 25 years of marriage, I have understood more clearly how God is our groom and we are His bride. But the image of Christ's deep, unsearchable love reached me at new levels when my husband and I became adoptive parents. His assurance to us of comfort through the Holy Spirit carried us through long years of waiting. But when that first baby was placed in our arms and our love was immediate, we grasped deeply what it means to be placed in the family of God, to be wanted and to belong, to be grafted into a new life that we hadn't earned, to have our place in His family finalized and irreversible.

These facets of our lives as believers in Jesus are made richer through the reality of adoption. Perhaps you know of an adoption story; let it point you to your heavenly Father who has not left you orphaned.


INSIGHT
WE HAVE A FATHER, AND HE CALLS US HIS OWN!

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezekiel 21-22
Psalm 141
Colossians 3-4

John 14:15-21
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Footnotes:
a. John 14:17 Some early manuscripts and is





A PRAYING LIFE [PART 3]
with Paul Miller

With more Americans behind on their mortgages and in danger of losing their homes, people are looking for answers. Where is our security? Where do we go for help?

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 19, 2012)

God, the Jealous Husband

Deuteronomy 4:23-24


I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul."
(JEREMIAH 32:41)

"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God."
(DEUTERONOMY 4:24)

Our culture's emphasis on freedom and the right to privacy makes jealousy seem a purely evil notion. But fervent, passionate, single-minded love for a spouse creates a natural and godly jealousy. When his wife of many years left him, one man I knew put his fist through a microwave oven door! God loves His bride so intensely (with all His heart and soul!), that when her heart turns to other gods (idols), He is rightly angry and jealous.

But the intensity of that love also drives Him to pursue His bride, to win her back. God chose to illustrate that patient pursuit by asking the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute and to continue loving her faithfully in spite of her subsequent infidelities. God's intense, burning, faithful love for us is what sent Jesus into our world, through suffering and mockery, all the way to death on the cross for us, the unfaithful ones. He rose again, triumphant and vindicated, and now prays for us constantly. May our hearts burn with intense love for such a heavenly Husband!


INSIGHT
GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HIS INTENSE LOVE THAT HAS BROUGHT US INTO HIS FAMILY.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezekiel 19-20
Psalm 140
Colossians 1-2

Deuteronomy 4:23-24
New International Version (NIV)
23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.


A PRAYING LIFE [PART 2]
with Paul Miller

We know we need to pray. Yet sometimes we are reluctant to begin and delighted to finish. And distraction comes easily. This is a problem, but is there a fix?

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 18, 2012)

The Cloak of Protection

Psalm 17:1-8


"...I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered you...and you became mine."
(EZEKIEL 16:8)

"Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you..."
(Psalm 17:7)

In the Lord of the Rings, Sam and Frodo hide under an elvish cloak whose magical qualities protect them. Under it they cannot even be seen by their enemy! The Bible speaks of a man spreading his cloak over his wife as he takes her in marriage and protects her. A Christian husband protects his wife not only by investigating strange noises in the night. He also watches over her physical and spiritual state daily; he works to provide a salary; he slows her down when she is overworked or urges her on when she lacks confidence. He insists that the children respect and obey her. He listens to her, anticipates her needs and protects and guards her reputation.

These qualities are mere human reflections of the protection Jesus provides for us. We have a cloak far more powerful than the elvish cloak. Our heavenly Husband has taken us under His cloak of protection and blessing. Though the devil prowls, seeking to devour, he has no power to drag us out from the protection of Jesus' mantle of righteousness.


INSIGHT
"KEEP ME AS THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE; HIDE ME IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS."
(PSALM 17:8)

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezekiel 15-16
Psalm 138
Philippians 1-2

Psalm 17:1-8
New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 17
A prayer of David.
1 Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;
listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2 Let my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.
3 Though you probe my heart,
though you examine me at night and test me,
you will find that I have planned no evil;
my mouth has not transgressed.
4 Though people tried to bribe me,
I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
through what your lips have commanded.
5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not stumbled.
6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show me the wonders of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings


HOPE FOR YOUR PRODIGAL
with Barbara Juliani

Have you tried to bring a prodigal child or friend back to faith? In your own strength, it may seem impossible. But don't be discouraged because God is in the business of leading prodigals home.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 17, 2012)

Jesus Listens to Us

1 John 5:13-15


"Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered."
(PSALM 60:5)

A wife often has to drop rather huge hints about what she'd like for her birthday. You may have experienced that sometimes even blatant clues do not do the trick! Our heavenly Husband needs no such hints, because He resides in our hearts by His Holy Spirit. He knows our every whim, discouragement or joy. Out of His deep love, He listens to us.

Perhaps you are thinking that we need not bother to pray then, if He knows everything already. Not so. Jesus instructed us to pray, not because He needs it, but because we do. We pray because it is natural for us to talk to our husband! Conversation is one means by which relationships grow. God loves to hear us pray and as we pray, He meets us and gives us His strength, peace and wisdom. As we reflect on His Word and pray to Him, we receive everything we need for "life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). We cannot weary Him with our sincere prayers. He always has time for us and always answers in ways that do us good and bring glory to His name. No hints needed!


INSIGHT
WHEN YOU THINK NO ONE CARES TO LISTEN TO YOU, THE EAR OF YOUR SAVIOR IS TUNED IN TO YOU.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezekiel 13-14
Psalm 137
Ephesians 5-6

1 John 5:13-15
New International Version (NIV)
Concluding Affirmations
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

HOPE FOR YOUR PRODIGAL

with Barbara Juliani

Have you tried to bring a prodigal child or friend back to faith? In your own strength, it may seem impossible. But don't be discouraged because God is in the business of leading prodigals home. 

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 16, 2012)

Jesus Prays for Us

1 Peter 3:7-12


"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives...as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
(1 PETER 3:7)

A small circular smudge began mysteriously appearing on our fridge door every day. I would wipe it off, but each day it re-appeared. I finally discovered that my husband was using the fridge door as a vertical prayer mat, leaning his head against it while filling the kettle for our morning tea. I never wiped that smudge off again! It reminds me how blessed I am to have a husband who is faithful in prayer for me.

The Bible tells us that the prayers of a righteous man are effective. We must remember, however, that even a "righteous man" - your godly husband, father, pastor, brother, sister, mother - is not truly righteous. The only truly righteous man is the church's husband, Jesus. He it is who leaves His prayer mark at the throne of the Father as He intercedes for us daily and for those who will hear His good news through us. His Spirit takes our every sigh and transforms it into a prayer, acceptable to God the Father. Jesus' prayers are never hindered, for He loves His bride perfectly and forever.

INSIGHT
FIND A COMMON TIME EACH DAY TO PRAY FOR YOUR SPOUSE OR A LOVED ONE IN YOUR LIFE.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezekiel 11-12
Psalm 136
Ephesians 3-4

1 Peter 3:7-12
New International Version (NIV)
7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Suffering for Doing Good
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[a]
Footnotes:
a. 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16


HOPE FOR YOUR PRODIGAL [PART 5]
with Barbara Juliani

Have you ever run away from home? You may not have left mom and dad, but we all are runaways in a spiritual sense. We have all run from the Lord, but nothing can compare to the feeling of coming home.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 15, 2012)

What's in a Name?

Matthew 22:23-33

"So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." 

(NUMBERS 6:27)

Some find offensive the custom of a woman giving up her maiden name to take her husband's, but in the Bible, Jesus seeks a bride (the church) and gives her His name. Christians are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. That name shows us to be part of the family, the church. 

Yet we are not absorbed into God's name the way a Hindu is absorbed into nothingness, because, amazingly enough, God takes our individual name into His as well! Jesus argued with the Pharisees that if God calls Himself "the God of Abraham," then Abraham must still be alive, for God is the God of the living, not of the dead (Matthew 22:32). God even promises to give us a "new name" and to write His name on us when we are welcomed to our heavenly home. How proud we are to bear the name "Christian," especially because we know that such a privilege was bought for us. And at the very same time, Jesus took on Himself our name, "Sinner," when He "became sin for us" on the cross (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).

INSIGHT

PROVERBS 22:1 SAYS A GOOD NAME IS MORE DESIRABLE THAN GREAT RICHES. THE ONLY TRULY GOOD NAME IS THAT OF JESUS, AND HE GIVES

IT TO US!

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Ezekiel 9-10 

Psalm 135 

Ephesians 1-2

Matthew 22:23-33

New International Version (NIV)

Marriage at the Resurrection

23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?”

29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 31 But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’[a]? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”

33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.

Footnotes:

a. Matthew 22:32 Exodus 3:6

HOPE FOR YOUR PRODIGAL [PART 4]

with Barbara Juliani

Christians have read the parable of the prodigal son for centuries. Many can relate to the younger son. Some can relate to the older brother. But how can we identify with the father in this parable?

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 14, 2012)

The Best House Ever

Psalm 84


"I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells."
(PSALM 26:8)

Close your eyes and think of "home." Does a particular house come to mind - the one where you felt the safest, most comfortable, and happiest? I have sweet, strong memories of a cream-colored stucco home, sprawled in a sunny valley in the South of France. Some of you may never have known a safe, happy home. You can only imagine something that never was a reality for you. Take comfort in knowing that our heavenly Husband creates a safe home for us.

First, it is a home characterized by the safety of His loving arms. Nothing can take that home from one of His children! He also gives us Christian families, where intimacy and trust reign. Those families make a larger home - the church, where we sense God's presence and learn of His love. Finally, our heavenly Husband has gone ahead of us to a country we've never seen, to make us a home so glorious we can't even imagine it. God has opened His front door and invites you in. If you are not already enjoying that hospitality, let Jesus carry you over the threshold!


INSIGHT
"BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS THAN A THOUSAND ELSEWHERE."
(PSALM 84:10)

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezekiel 7-8
Psalm 134
Galatians 5-6

Psalm 84[a]
For the director of music. According to gittith.[b] Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.[c]

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.[d]
7 They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

8 Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;
listen to me, God of Jacob.
9 Look on our shield,[e] O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.

10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

12 Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 84:1 In Hebrew texts 84:1-12 is numbered 84:2-13.
b. Psalm 84:1 Title: Probably a musical term
c. Psalm 84:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 8.
d. Psalm 84:6 Or blessings
e. Psalm 84:9 Or sovereign

HOPE FOR YOUR PRODIGAL [PART 3]

with Barbara Juliani

Are you able to relate to the story of the prodigal son? If not, maybe you are more like the older brother who did not recognize his own sin. No matter who you are, we all need the Father's grace. 

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 15, 2012)

Where in the World Are They?

Isaiah 43:1-7



"I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons... and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name..."
(ISAIAH 43:6-7)

Friends with seven children told us a classic big-family story. While on vacation they took a lunch break, then headed down the road again. But Dad forgot to take roll call, and sure enough, one young son had been left behind. Everything turned out fine, but you can imagine Dad making the world's quickest U-turn!

God, of course, never overlooks His children. He calls for them with authority, issuing a command that cannot be refused. In Isaiah's day, God called His people home from exile. But the summons goes beyond that: He is calling people from around the globe whom the Holy Spirit is regenerating - those who have been "born again," as Jesus said. These renewed sons and daughters are called by His name. Not one will be lost; every child will be brought into the family.

In verse 3 of our passage, God calls Himself "Savior." This is Jesus who died for us. Verse 4 tells us why: "you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you." Born again, called, loved - what greater security is there?


INSIGHT
THE SAME GOD WHO SPOKE THE UNIVERSE INTO EXISTENCE IS THE ONE WHO SAYS, "I HAVE SUMMONED YOU BY NAME; YOU ARE MINE."

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Lamentations 1-2
Psalm 128
2 Corinthians 9-10

Isaiah 43:1-7
New International Version (NIV)
Israel’s Only Savior
43 But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 43:3 That is, the upper Nile region

WAS ABRAHAM LINCOLN REALLY A CHRISTIAN

There are few people in US history more revered than Abraham Lincoln. Many look to him as a model of faith, but did the 16th president of the United States really have a relationship with Jesus?

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 14, 2012)

Everything is New

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 

(2 CORINTHIANS 5:17)

A dear friend once told me about her family coming to Christ. She was a teenager when it happened; someone shared the gospel with her parents, they believed it, and they began living for Jesus. I'll never forget the way she described the change: "It was as if the world went from black and white to living color." In their home there were new behaviors, new goals, and an entirely new way of seeing the world. 

Paul writes that a Christian is "a new creation." The old identity is gone. A hopeless, futile life has been replaced with purpose and fruitfulness. We have, in a sense, new eyes that can see new beauties, such as righteous living and communion with God. We enjoy new things, such as Christ's love. In fact, a believer has an entirely different worldview from an unbeliever. We have a new motivation: Christ's love and not people's approval. We have a new goal: to live for God and not ourselves. Most wonderful of all, we have a new account: the credit of Christ's righteousness and not the debt of our sins.

INSIGHT

HOW DOES YOUR WORLDVIEW, AS A CHRISTIAN, DIFFER FROM AN UNBELIEVER'S? HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED BECAUSE OF JESUS?

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Jeremiah 51-52 

Psalm 127 

2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

New Living Translation (NLT)

We Are God’s Ambassadors

11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us,[a] so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us.[b] Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.[c] 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,[d] so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Footnotes:

a. 2 Corinthians 5:12 Some manuscripts read proud of yourselves.

b. 2 Corinthians 5:14 Or urges us on.

c. 2 Corinthians 5:14 Greek Since one died for all, then all died.

d. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or to become sin itself.

GOD IN CHARGE [PART 3]

Politics tend to bring out the worst in people. But for Christians there is an even greater danger ... we are tempted to put our ultimate hope in the kingdom of man rather than in the kingdom of God. 

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 13, 2012)

Prostitutes in a Wedding Dress

Hosea 2:16-3:1


"...to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word..."
(EPHESIANS 5:26)

A photographer once offered prostitutes a free portrait at his studio. Interestingly, the women almost unanimously chose from the proposed wardrobe a white wedding dress for the photograph. We, too, are prostitutes in a wedding dress. We are prostitutes in God's eyes, since spiritually we run after other "husbands," lusting for what idols offer us-fame, fun, money, or respect from the "in crowd."

But Jesus does so much more than the photographer could do! A photograph cannot change our inner state. The women's desire for purity is very moving, but only our husband Jesus truly purifies us, washing our hearts clean and clothing us in His white robe of perfection. "You were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen and silk and embroidered cloth... You grew exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty" (Ezekiel 16:13).

By faith in His death and resurrection, we spiritual prostitutes can become His pure bride! If you have never accepted Jesus' wedding dress, there is still time.

INSIGHT
OF ALL THE ITEMS YOU COULD PUT ON, CLOTHE YOURSELF, MOST IMPORTANTLY, WITH JESUS CHRIST.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezekiel 5-6
Psalm 133
Galatians 3-4

Hosea 2:16-3:1
New International Version (NIV)
16 “In that day,” declares the Lord,
“you will call me ‘my husband’;
you will no longer call me ‘my master.[a]’
17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips;
no longer will their names be invoked.
18 In that day I will make a covenant for them
with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
and the creatures that move along the ground.
Bow and sword and battle
I will abolish from the land,
so that all may lie down in safety.
19 I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in[b] righteousness and justice,
in[c] love and compassion.
20 I will betroth you in[d] faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the Lord.
21 “In that day I will respond,”
declares the Lord—
“I will respond to the skies,
and they will respond to the earth;
22 and the earth will respond to the grain,
the new wine and the olive oil,
and they will respond to Jezreel.[e]
23 I will plant her for myself in the land;
I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.[f]’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,[g]’ ‘You are my people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”
Hosea’s Reconciliation With His Wife
3 The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”
Footnotes:
a. Hosea 2:16 Hebrew baal
b. Hosea 2:19 Or with
c. Hosea 2:19 Or with
d. Hosea 2:20 Or with
e. Hosea 2:22 Jezreel means God plants.
f. Hosea 2:23 Hebrew Lo-Ruhamah (see 1:6)
g. Hosea 2:23 Hebrew Lo-Ammi (see 1:9)


HOPE FOR YOUR PRODIGAL [PART 2]
with Barbara Juliani

Have you tried to bring a prodigal child or friend back to faith? In your own strength, it may seem impossible. But don't be discouraged because God is in the business of leading prodigals home.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 12, 2012)

Resembling Christ

1 John 2:28-3:3


"Now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him..."
(1 JOHN 3:2)

A child is born, and what does everybody start asking? "Who does he/she look like?" Daddy? Big sister? Grandpa? It's an irresistible game, part of the joy that everyone shares (except for the jaded fellow who said, "Face it. All babies look like Winston Churchill.").

The apostle John writes repeatedly about our new, spiritual birth. In the middle of his first letter, he suddenly breaks into an expression of wonder: "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" It's as joyful as anything uttered by a physical parent, a truth almost too good for words.

Then he tells us more about being a child of God. We are growing in resemblance to Christ. We won't physically look like Jesus; we'll resemble Him spiritually. We are being renewed, healed, and eventually perfected to have the moral excellence of the Son of God. He is coming back for us, says John, and when He returns, we will be able to look at Him, unashamed, because "we shall be like Him."

INSIGHT
"THOSE WHO LOOK TO HIM ARE RADIANT; THEIR FACES ARE NEVER COVERED WITH SHAME." (PSALM 34:5)

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Lamentations 4-5
Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 12

1 John 2:28-3:3
New International Version (NIV)
God’s Children and Sin
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.
3 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Footnotes:
a. 1 John 3:2 Or when it is made known

THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Abraham Lincoln is one of America's most beloved leaders, but did he know the Lord Jesus Christ? The topic has been hotly debated, but the best answer is found in his own words at the end of his life. 

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 11, 2012)

Born for Love

1 John 4:7-20


"Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God....God is love."
(1 JOHN 4:7-8)

I use the word "love" a lot, and often frivolously: "Love those pictures!" "Love your emails!" "Love that chocolate!" I use it for things that bring out certain emotions: excitement, satisfaction, amusement.

In our passage, John uses the word "love" twenty-three times, but never frivolously. He writes of God's love for us and our love for fellow believers. It's hard to drum up a natural love for everyone in the church. Too often feelings of indifference, resentment, and jealousy rule our relationships.

But John isn't appealing to our natural tendencies. He is speaking to us as born-again children. We are new people who have a new ability to love, because "we live in Him and He lives in us." John isn't telling hopeless sinners to love hopeless sinners; he's telling Spirit-birthed children to love Spirit-birthed children. We're not a bunch of unlovable wretches trying to feel good about each other. We're a family brought to life by the work of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for our sins.


INSIGHT
LOVING EACH OTHER BEGINS BY LOOKING AT THE CROSS.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Lamentations 3
Psalm 129
2 Corinthians 11

1 John 4:7-20
New International Version (NIV)
God’s Love and Ours
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Abraham Lincoln is one of America's most beloved leaders, but did he know the Lord Jesus Christ? The topic has been hotly debated, but the best answer is found in his own words at the end of his life.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 10, 2012)

Jesus, Our Brother

Luke 15:25-32;
Hebrews 2:10-13



"Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers."
(HEBREWS 2:11)

In the parable of the prodigal son, there is one unhappy person at the party: the older brother. He's disgusted with his brother, and he's furious with their father. Don't you realize, he says, that you're rewarding terrible behavior? He even claims that his own behavior has been perfect. Where's his reward?

Jesus, your older brother, is the only son who has always obeyed His Father. Hebrews 2:10 tells us that His perfect earthly life was completed by suffering. He lived and suffered for His brothers. We are the ones who deserve accusations for our ungrateful, proud and sinful living. But Jesus let Himself be accused. We deserve to perish for our sins. But Jesus gave Himself in our place, took the judgment, and was crucified.

Jesus, "the one who makes men holy" (v.11), will never be ashamed of us. We are "of the same family" with Him. Yet unlike the brother in the parable, He has no animosity towards us. In fact, He invites us to a celebration: praising God with countless brothers in heaven.

INSIGHT
THE BROTHER IN THE PARABLE WOULD HAVE UTTERLY REFUSED TO SHARE HIS PART OF THE INHERITANCE. BUT YOUR OLDER BROTHER, JESUS, FREELY SHARES WITH YOU!

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 47-48
Psalm 125
2 Corinthians 4-5

Luke 15:25-32
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Hebrews 2:10-13
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says,
“I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.”[a]
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”[b]
And again he says,
“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”[c]
Footnotes:
a. Hebrews 2:12 Psalm 22:22
b. Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:17
c. Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:18

GOD IN CHARGE [PART 1]

with Eric Metaxas

Whether in the time of the Old Testament prophet Elisha or today in 2012, it's easy to forget who rules the nations. We can be encouraged that, no matter what happens, the Lord reigns. 

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 9, 2012)

Welcome Home!

Luke 15:11-24

"...While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him...." 

(LUKE 15:20)

The holidays are coming, and with them comes time with family. But for many, "family" means broken relationships. They dread walking through that front door because inside, shame, abuse, and criticism are waiting. 

No one dreaded going home more than the lost son in Jesus' parable. He knows he's wrecked the family fortune and offended his father immeasurably. He thinks, if I offer to be a servant, maybe I'll be taken in. If I just work really hard, maybe I can make up for the dishonor I brought to the family name. 

Before he can even make it to the front door, his father comes running down the road to greet him. "Let's celebrate!" he cries. Quickly, he orders the best for his son: a robe, a ring, a feast. And he says nothing about his son's sins. 

You have a home like this. In fact, you have an honored place there, because God has chosen you to receive His love and to share His wealth. You may feel your life is a wreck. But God, like the father in the parable, says, "Everything that I have is yours."

INSIGHT

IF YOU ARE HESITATING TO READ HIS WORD OR PRAY, REMEMBER YOUR HONORED PLACE. YOUR FATHER REJOICES TO HAVE YOU IN HIS FAMILY.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Jeremiah 45-46 

Psalm 124 

2 Corinthians 2-3

Luke 15:11-24

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[a]’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Footnotes:

a. Luke 15:21 Some early manuscripts son. Make me like one of your hired men.+

THE LIFE OF OSWALD CHAMBERS

He's famous for writing "My Utmost for His Highest," but have you ever heard the life story of Oswald Chambers? His story is one that every Christian should know. 

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 8, 2012)

Born Again

John 3:1-8


"Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'"
(JOHN 3:3)

The Bible gives us word pictures to grasp how we are a part of God's family. The first image we'll look at is rebirth. Nicodemus pictured Jesus' words graphically: a grown man crawling back up the birth canal and into his mother's womb. What a disturbing and impossible image! If seeing the kingdom of God depends on that kind of human act, no one will ever make it.

For a long time I understood salvation the way Nicodemus did, that it depended on some effort of my own. I longed to be a different kind of person, but no matter how I tried, I failed. My goodness wasn't consistent enough; my will-power wasn't strong enough. At best, I was frustrated; at worst, despairing.

Jesus listened to Nicodemus and said, "I tell you the truth." He was describing a very different kind of experience, one of spiritual birth, done by the Holy Spirit Himself. Nicodemus misunderstood, yet in a way, he was right: no man can give himself new life. But God can, and it's a life far greater than the one that happens in the flesh.


About the writer:

Days 1-10 of this issue are by Rhonda Telfer, mother of four and former missionary in Eritrea, writer and piano teacher. Days 11-20 are by Rebecca Clowney Jones, full-time volunteer for truthXchange, mother of seven, and former missionary in France. The final ten days are by Kathy Daane, mom of two, former teacher and current editor. All three pastors' wives are glad to share in the family of God.

INSIGHT
WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU IS MORE AMAZING THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, AND BEYOND ANYTHING YOU COULD ACCOMPLISH ON YOUR OWN.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 39-40
Psalm 121
1 Corinthians 15

John 3:1-8
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]
Footnotes:
a. John 3:3 The Greek for again also means from above; also in verse 7.
b. John 3:6 Or but spirit
c. John 3:7 The Greek is plural.
d. John 3:8 The Greek for Spirit is the same as that for wind


THE LIFE OF GEORGE WHITEFIELD

He has been described as the greatest preacher in the English language, and that was quite a compliment coming from Charles Spurgeon. His one theme was everyone's need to find new life in Christ.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 7, 2012)

Attitude of Gratitude

Luke 17:11-19


"One of them....threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him - and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, 'Were not all ten cleansed? ...Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?'"
(Luke 17:15-18)

If we were to count all the requests the Lord has granted to us, would they equal all the times we have expressed our gratitude? Probably not.

Of the ten lepers who asked to be healed by Jesus, all ten took Him at His word. They obeyed His command to show themselves to the priests, even though they had not yet been healed. However, only one returned to say thank you when the healing actually occurred. It's not that the others were ungrateful. They just seemed more concerned with getting on with their lives than they were with honoring the One who made it possible.

Before we criticize these nine men, perhaps we should examine ourselves. Do we thank the Lord as often as we present our requests? If we spend a month appealing to God for a particular request, do we thank Him for at least that long? Or do we move on to our next appeal, His mercy taken for granted without a second thought?

Gratitude is not just an attitude. It is an antidote against seeking God's hand without also drawing near to His heart.

INSIGHT
HOW OFTEN DO YOU THANK THE LORD FOR HIS MERCY? ADD A "GRATITUDE LIST" TO YOUR QUIET TIME AND DRAW NEAR TO HIS HEART.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 35-36
Psalm 119:121-176
1 Corinthians 13
Luke 17:11-19
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a] met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Footnotes:
a. Luke 17:12 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin.

THE BATTLE

The greatest warrior in history was a gentle man who was humiliated, beaten, and mocked as he was led to his death. And this warrior's battle can make all the difference in your life today.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 6, 2012)

Tasks or People?

Luke 13:10-17


"On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit....Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God."
(Luke 13:10-11, 13)

Are you task-oriented or people-oriented? In any situation, do you first think of getting the job done? Or is your priority the people involved?

As long as Jesus stuck to the teaching agenda, the religious leaders in this passage were fine. But Jesus was more concerned with people than with rules and tasks. He never seemed to mind getting "sidetracked." He saw a woman who had been crippled for 18 years. With a word and a touch, Jesus made her whole.

The leaders were annoyed that their rules had been disrupted. They rebuked the people for wanting to be healed on the Sabbath. But Jesus rebuked them. If their legalism made an exception for watering animals on the Sabbath, surely one of God's chosen people was just as important, if not more so.

Most of us have daily to-do lists that grow and spill into the next day. The result can be a concern for agendas and tasks while neglecting the people in our lives for whom Jesus died. God is more concerned with people than with tasks. We should be, too.

INSIGHT
IS YOUR MINISTRY SCHEDULE SO FULL THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TIME FOR INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE? ALLOW THE LORD TO INTERRUPT YOUR SCHEDULE WITH HIS PRIORITIES.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 31-32
Psalm 119:1-64
1 Corinthians 11
Luke 13:10-17
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath
10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”
15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”
17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.


THE COMING FIRE

Does the judgment seat of God fill you with fear? It ought to. Jesus was very clear about that, but you don't have to live in fear either. There is something else you need to know.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 5, 2012)

The Light of the World

John 9:1-11


"'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' said Jesus, 'but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.'"
(John 9:2-3)

Why do bad things happen? The easy - or not-so-easy - answer is sin. Because of sin, God's perfect creation, including humanity, has been corrupted.

So it was natural for Jesus' disciples to blame this man's blindness on sin. But who sinned, they wanted to know. Since the man was born blind, could he have sinned in his mother's womb? If he was not the guilty one, then was it his parents? The disciples took this difficult question to Jesus, the One who had answered other questions about God's nature and His ways.

Jesus told them there was one more option to consider. In this case, the reason for the man's blindness was not the consequence of his or his parents' sin. This blindness was to illustrate the glory of God in a powerful way. Jesus would bring light to one man so that all men would give glory to God.

You and I still have an opportunity to give glory to God. We may not be able to cure physical blindness, but by our words and deeds we can point people to the Light of the world each day.


INSIGHT
IS THERE SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT SEEMS PURPOSELESS? ASK GOD TO USE IT FOR HIS GLORY, THEN WATCH HIM DO IT!

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 29-30
Psalm 118
1 Corinthians 10

John 9:1-11
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was.
Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”
But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”
10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.
11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”


THE COMING FIRE

Does the judgment seat of God fill you with fear? It ought to. Jesus was very clear about that, but you don't have to live in fear either. There is something else you need to know.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 4, 2012)

Seeing Clearly

Mark 8:22-26

"He looked up and said, 'I see people; they look like trees walking around.' Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly." 

(Mark 8:24-25) 

Digital autofocus cameras have made it easier to take flawless photos. The camera locks onto the subject and the result is a picture that is perfectly focused. 

Today we read about another kind of focus. In the Bible, physical blindness often signified spiritual blindness. Unlike some other people healed by Christ, this blind man received his sight in stages - a picture of our own spiritual lives. 

Young or old, when we come to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, most of us don't fully understand all that this new life entails. God justifies us at the moment of new birth by declaring us righteous. But for the rest of our earthly lives, the Holy Spirit works to sanctify us - to make us more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18), we understand more of His Word; our trust in Him increases. 

Like this blind man, the Lord's touch in our lives brings increasing clarity to our spiritual sight until we, too, can "see clearly." 

INSIGHT

IS THERE AN AREA IN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE THAT IS UNCLEAR? SURRENDER TO CHRIST'S TOUCH AND ALLOW HIM TO BRING SPIRITUAL CLARITY IN THAT AREA. 

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Jeremiah 23-24 

Psalm 115 

1 Corinthians 5-6

Mark 8:22-26

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”

24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into[a] the village.”

Footnotes: 

a. Mark 8:26 Some manuscripts go and tell anyone in 

Cross references: 

A. Mark 8:22 : S Mt 11:21 

B. Mark 8:22 : Mk 10:46; Jn 9:1 

C. Mark 8:23 : Mk 7:33 

D. Mark 8:23 : S Mk 5:23 

FIGHTING THE ENEMY 

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Instead, the Bible tells us it is a spiritual battle. How do we fight our battle effectively? 

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 3, 2012)

The Ultimate Miracle

Matthew 28:1-10



"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'"
(Matthew 28:5-6)

During His earthly ministry, Jesus revealed His identity, authority, and power through teaching and miracles. For more than three years, He showed the people God in flesh as He met their physical and spiritual needs.

Still, our greatest need was for One who would save us from sin and death, and restore the broken relationship with our holy Creator. Jesus is that Savior. While some believe, others do not. But how could those who believe be sure Jesus is who He said He is? What guarantee do we have that the payment for sin is paid in full?

The proof is in Christ's resurrection - the ultimate miracle. Death is conquered, sin is atoned, and the tomb is empty. Even more, His resurrection assures us the grave is not the end. We can also look forward to resurrection.

Until that day, the power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that dwells in us through the Holy Spirit. We can spend our lives searching for signs, wonders, and miracles, or we can rest in the greatest miracle of all!

INSIGHT
HAVE YOU BEEN SEARCHING FOR A MIRACLE IN YOUR LIFE? CELEBRATE AND WALK IN THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION - THE ULTIMATE MIRACLE!

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 37-38
Psalm 120
1 Corinthians 14


Matthew 28:1-10
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Has Risen
28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Cross references:
A. Matthew 28:1 : 28:1-8pp — Mk 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-10; Jn 20:1-8
B. Matthew 28:1 : Lk 8:2
C. Matthew 28:1 : Mt 27:56
D. Matthew 28:2 : Mt 27:51
E. Matthew 28:2 : Jn 20:12; S Ac 5:19
F. Matthew 28:2 : Mt 27:60
G. Matthew 28:3 : Da 7:9; 10:6; Mk 9:3; S Jn 20:12
H. Matthew 28:5 : ver 10; S Mt 14:27
I. Matthew 28:6 : S Mt 16:21
J. Matthew 28:7 : ver 10, 16; Mt 26:32
K. Matthew 28:9 : Jn 20:14-18
L. Matthew 28:10 : Mt 12:50; 25:40; Mk 3:34; Jn 20:17; Ro 8:29; Heb 2:11-13, 17


DON'T BE A DEMAS

The people who traveled with the Apostle Paul are lifted up in the Bible as examples to follow. But there is one exception. His name was Demas and we don't want to make the same mistake he made.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 2, 2012)

Hunger Pangs

Luke 9:10-17

"He replied, 'You give them something to eat.' They answered, 'We have only five loaves of bread and two fish - unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.' (About five thousand men were there.)" 

(Luke 9:13-14A) 

You've probably felt some degree of hunger before. Your stomach grumbles, you're unable to focus on the task at hand, and the only thing you can think of is food. 

During Jesus' earthly ministry, He satisfied many hungry and thirsty people. But their cravings were not limited to a desire for bread and water. They were hungry - starving, in fact - for something more. They needed to hear that their heavenly Father loved them, that He cared for them as a shepherd cares for his sheep. 

In this passage, Jesus taught the people "about the kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing" (v. 11). He healed their bodies and fed their spirits with the knowledge of Yahweh, the one true God. 

Jesus took a boy's meager lunch of five rolls and two sardines, and multiplied the limited offering into a meal that filled the stomachs of five thousand men, with left over besides. It was a miracle. 

But the greater miracle is that the One who was the Bread of Life fed their bodies and their spirits, indeed to overflowing. 

INSIGHT

ARE YOU HUNGRY TO KNOW GOD BETTER? FEED ON HIS WORD AND SATISFY THE HUNGER OF YOUR SOUL. 

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Jeremiah 15-16 

Psalm 111

Romans 13-14

Luke 9:10-17

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.”

13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.”

They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

SIMPLY LIVING IN CHRIST ALONE (WEEKEND EDITION)

with Keith & Kristyn Getty 

We often focus on the big events of life, but our lives are really lived in the moments in between. Our normal day-to-day thoughts and decisions need the light of Christ more than we think.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 1, 2012)

Wrong Conclusions

Matthew 9:32-34


"And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, 'Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.'"
(Matthew 9:33)

When I moved to the south, I loved the year-round greenery. But that first winter, a cypress tree near our home lost its green needles. The bare branches stood in sharp contrast to the lush palm trees and shrubs. I concluded that it died, but soon learned I was wrong. This type of cypress loses its leaves each winter and grows a new, green canopy in the spring.

When Jesus healed the mute man, the crowd drew some conclusions. Clearly, a marvel had occurred. They may have seen other exorcisms, but this one was special. Still, Matthew did not say they believed Jesus was the Messiah. They concluded that He worked wonders, nothing more.

The Pharisees also drew some very wrong conclusions, saying Jesus' power came from Satan. They preferred this deduction to the truth that Jesus was the Son of God.

As God is at work in our lives, we can draw conclusions based on our limited view. But those inferences will often be wrong. Right conclusions will be based on the truth of who God is, not on who we think He is.

INSIGHT
WHAT DIFFICULTY ARE YOU EXPERIENCING THAT MIGHT LEAD YOU TO WRONG CONCLUSIONS? BASE YOUR CONCLUSIONS ON GOD'S CHARACTER RATHER THAN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 13-14
Psalm 110
Romans 11-12

Matthew 9:32-34
New International Version (NIV)
32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”


TAKE OFF THE MASK
with Keith & Kristyn Getty

Masks aren't only for Halloween. Many Christians wear one on a daily basis and don't even realize it. How does a Christian take off the mask? Click "LISTEN" and be encouraged!