Opening the Word

The Fruit of Repentance
The Fruit of Repentance

The Fruit of Repentance

Read Psalm 51:1-10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (v. 10).
My mom loved planting trees. Sometimes the trees she ordered arrived looking like lifeless twigs. With proper care in planting and nourishment, however,we would soon have a foliage-filled tree bearing beautiful, delicious fruit. God has a desire for every human being ever conceived to live such a wholesome life with a guilt-free, purified, and loyal heart toward Him.
Why would we remain a "lifeless twig" when we can have an abundant life? This doesn'tmean our lives will always be easy, with no sorrow, health concerns, or broken relationships. Those are often the tools of cultivation and means of nourishment that produce the sweetest fruit. With God's plan of growth through repentance and forgiveness, we can prevail through all this world's storms of sin. We can have a victorious, peaceful, and bountiful life, knowing we have a whiter-than-snow heart, a home in heaven, and a Savior, who has it all under control. (Wanda Skeen)

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
- James Nicholson (Public Domain)

Forsake sin and live free and clean.

This devotional is the Sunday, October 23, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-10-19T09:27:00+00:00October 19th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Repentance|0 Comments

The Persistence of Faith

Read Matthew 15:21-28
"But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us." (v. 23).
The story was told of a great Christian statesman of a previous generation. As a youth, he attended a Christian school, but his rebellious attitude kept him in trouble. Time and again he was brought to school authorities and was often on the verge of expulsion. A teacher in that Christian school had taken this young man to his heart. As often as the boy was in trouble, the teacher interceded to the administration on the boy’s behalf. Eventually, the boy was saved and went on to become a missionary statesman who served his generation well.
Many years later, the missionary statesman preached in a camp meeting I attended. At the close of the service, I responded to the invitation, telling God I would do whatever He wanted me to do. During those minutes at the altar, God called me to preach.
What if they had sent that young man away? My life and many others lives might have been very different. What if we send people away from Jesus? Instead, let us do everything we can to point people to Jesus. He can and will make a difference in their lives. Our faith and theirs will make a difference. (Mark Avery)

Bring them in, bring them in,
Bring them in from the fields of sin;
Bring them in, bring them in,
Bring the wand’ring ones to Jesus.
Alexcenah Thomas (Public Domain)

Don’t send people away from Jesus; bring them to Him.

This devotional is the Thursday, October 6, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-10-12T09:00:00+00:00October 12th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: faith|0 Comments

God, Our Source of Strength
God, Our Source of Strength

God, Our Source of Strength

Read Psalm 27:1-7
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (v. 1).
The Psalmist speaks of darkness and weakness – the inability to see or comprehend and the inability to cope. Both paralyze our lives with fear. In the clutches of each, we are separated from our resources as children of God and rendered useless in our service to Him. It is no wonder that our God says “fear not” so many times in Scripture. He repeats that encouragement and command today.
Without minimizing or altering our circumstances, God offers himself as the antidote to our apprehension. For darkness, he is light – my light! W.T.Purkiser says so beautifully that our God is “shining in a dark place, dispelling the shadows, showing all things in their true colors; . . . driving away the fears that lurk in the dark.” For weakness, he is strength – my strength. I will face the threatening circumstances in the power of His might. Karolina Sandellberg wrote, “Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here. Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.” (Public Domain) Light for darkness and strength for weakness. The Psalmist said, “Of whom shall I be afraid . . . the Lord is.” (William Snider)
Though a host of men were laid against me, yet shall my heart not be afraid
And tho’ there rose up war against me, yet will I put my trust in Him.
Frances Allitsen (Public Domain)
This devotional is the Friday, October 14, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-10-05T09:00:58+00:00October 5th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: strength|0 Comments

God's Greatness in Redemption
God's Greatness in Redemption

God's Greatness in Redemption

Read Colossians 1:14-17

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins (v. 14).
I remember well those early days of ministry in my first pastorate some 35-plus years ago, and I remember an elderly gentleman named Arnold who regularly attended the services. When the congregation was given the opportunity to select a hymn to be sung, Arnold would request No. 247 and then not sing a word. Arnold just sat quietly with tears coursing down his weather-worn, wrinkled, leatherlike cheeks as we sang, Redeemed, Redeemed, Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Arnold had not been raised in the church but had a godly grandmother like mine in his childhood. He had lived a rough sinners life well into adulthood. But one day the Saviour knocked at his heart's door, and Arnold confessed his sin, sought and found forgiveness, and experienced the redemption of saving grace made possible by our Saviour Jesus Christ. Yes, Arnold knew the full price had been paid because our loving God was great in giving redemption through Jesus His Son. (John 3:16)
The greatness of God has been manifested for you in the blood of Jesus that has paid the full price for your redemption. Have you accepted that redemption? (Marshall Mosley)

Redeemed, redeemed,
His child, and forever, I am.
- Fanny J. Crosby (Public Domain)

<
p style="text-align:center;font-style:italic;">The full price has been paid for your soul. Live a redeemed life.
This devotional is the Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-09-28T09:00:00+00:00September 28th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Redemption|0 Comments

Courage Tested
Courage Tested

Courage Tested

Read Jeremiah 38:1-6

“Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon, there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire” (v. 6).
Bringing unfavorable news to the royal court has always had its risks. Kings of ancient times were notoriously bad losers. If they didn’t like the message, they took it out on the messenger. And people still do this today. Many have been the times that an attendee felt the sharp steel of God’s truth against his neck and decided that it was the preacher who was the problem and never came back. Today, sounding forth the Lord’s message might decrease the congregation; in Jeremiah’s day, it decreased one’s life!
Jeremiah offended the high ranking officials in the court of Zedekiah. They felt sure his words would weaken the morale of the military men. When they asked permission to do away with the prophet, the king did not stand in their way. And so Jeremiah found himself in the muddy, slimy bottom of a well – friendless, dirty, and awaiting death.
Have you ever been in that place? Has your courage for Christ been rewarded with a smelly, filthy situation? Don’t despair. Take it from Jeremiah, it’s best to obey the Lord, even if it means sitting in the mud for a while. (Valorie Quesenberry)

Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
(Isaac Watts: Public Domain)

<
p style="text-align:center;font-style:italic;">A test of courage can only be passed through, not gone around.
This devotional is the Thursday, September 22, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-09-21T09:00:00+00:00September 21st, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Courage|0 Comments

Christ’s Suffering
Christ’s Suffering

Christ’s Suffering

"Be not far from Me, For trouble is near; For there is none to help" (Psalm 22:11).
How could a loving God allow ___?. How do we fill in the blank? It could be a tragic automobile accident resulting in death or permanent physical disfigurement. It could be the death of a companion, father, mother, or other loved one. Or perhaps the diagnoses came back and it was the dreaded “C” word. Not only does the devastation bring loneliness from people, but even God, Himself, seems removed. But – He is not!
It is so easy to blame God at these times. So many people do and then turn away from Him. How could a loving God allow such pain, such misery? But, He is a loving God. In His love He allowed His only begotten Son to suffer the weight of the sins of all the world for all time. That is an unfathomable burden. That same love is proffered to all who will believe in Him with grace that is sufficient for our need. (Daniel Lee)

The weight of the sins of the world
On His shoulders were hurled.
But His greatest pain
Was His father’s disdain.
Nevertheless, not My Will,
Thine be done
Daniel E. Lee

Christ’s suffering was for us

Herald & Banner Press2016-09-14T09:00:00+00:00September 14th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: suffering|0 Comments

The Gift of Righteousness
The Gift of Righteousness

The Gift of Righteousness

“For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17).
The story is told of a young African boy who gave his teacher a beautiful sea shell for Christmas. As the teacher was admiring its delicate beauty, she inquired where the lad had found it. He told her there was only one place where such rare gems could be found, a bay several miles away. As she expressed her astonishment that he would go to such lengths to secure a gift for her, He replied, "Long walk, part of gift."
When we consider the great sacrifice that Jesus made for our redemption, it is hard for us to fathom the extent of His journey from heavenly majesty to earthly poverty. "For God so loved…" Not only did He provide redemption for our transgressions, but He also gives us the gift of righteousness as part of the package deal. He is so far above us, yet He came all the way to earth to present himself as a sacrifice for our sins. (Daniel Edwards)

God looked from the throne of heaven,
Saw the clay his hands had formed;
Love flowed from his heart of mercy,
As he viewed man bruised and torn,
So, He wrapped himself in glory,
Tied it with a bow of flesh,

Tucked it in a lowly manger,
Jesus was his Christmas best.
(Daniel P. Edwards)

He came all the way for me!

This devotional is the Thursday, September 8, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-09-07T09:00:00+00:00September 7th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|0 Comments

King of Kings
King of Kings

King of Kings

“The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret” (Daniel 2:47).

Each ancient nation had its own god. These gods were territorial gods who ruled the land in which their worshipers lived. Jehovah is unique. He is not a god; He is the God of gods. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth. The Babylonians considered Marduk as supreme in the pantheon of gods. However, when Nebuchadnezzar saw the power of Daniel’s God, he exclaimed, “Of a truth, your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings.”
In the ancient world, the status of a god gave status to his worshipers. The Jewish people were captives, but they were worshipers of the King of kings. How they must have rejoiced when even Nebuchadnezzar recognized the power and majesty of their God.
Today, Christians face scorn from society’s elites. But never forget that you serve the King of kings. Someday, every knee will bow before Him. Regardless of the opposition of this world, our Lord reigns forever and ever. (Randall McElwain)

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
King of Kings! And Lord of Lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever. Hallelujah!
(Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus: Public Domain)

<
p style="text-align:center;font-style:italic;">Do not live in defeat and discouragement.
You are a child of the God of gods and King of kings.
This devotional is the Saturday, September 3, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-09-01T09:00:00+00:00September 1st, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: King|0 Comments

Christ’s Scepter of Righteousness
Christ’s Scepter of Righteousness

Christ’s Scepter of Righteousness

“But unto the Son he saith, ‘Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom’” (Hebrews 1:8)

The bell rang, boys ran, recess began as we all wanted to be - King of the Mountain. It didn’t matter who started as king, he would be knocked off, and another would follow, and that continued until the bell rang to call us back to the classroom.
Today our thoughts are about One who rules with authority and absolute straightness. It is pointed out that His power is the Word, and the Word is His power (v. 3), that his position is God’s Son (v. 5), that He is praised by the angels (v. 6), and that His prominence will never end (v. 8).
As we sat in the classroom, our thoughts were on a strategy to take the mountain at the next recess. Today my thoughts are on how do I live for Him in love, faith, and purity to reflect His scepter of righteousness in my speech and conduct (I Timothy 4:12). Am I allowing that scepter of righteousness to infiltrate my thinking and guide me to living in “holiness and righteousness”? (Luke 1:74) He has given His life for me to be able to do just that!(Steve Martin)
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p style="text-align:center;font-style:italic;">In loving kindness Jesus came, my soul in mercy to reclaim.
And from the depths of sin and shame, through grace He lifted me.
(Charlotte G. Homer; Public Domain)
This devotional is the Tuesday, August 23, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-08-24T09:00:00+00:00August 24th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Righteousness|0 Comments

Heaven – No More Tears
Heaven – No More Tears

Heaven – No More Tears

"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it" (v. 8)
In her book, Emotional Freedom, New York Times best-selling author Judith Orloff talks about the health benefits of tears. According to this doctor, our bodies produce three kinds of tears: reflex, continuous, and emotional. And each of them has unique, healing benefits. In fact, the good doctor says, "I've been this enthusiastic about crying for years." So why would God do away with something that medicine has found to be so beneficial?
First, let’s thank God for tears, even the emotional kind that seem to be in mind in our text verse. Most of us have experienced times that, without tears, we would simply have exploded like an overfilled balloon. But let us also notice that the purpose for which God gave us tears is for healing. Tears will be wiped away in heaven because our healing will be complete. We will be whole.
If you need to cry today, please do so! Anyone who looks down on you for crying has a bigger problem than you do! But as you experience the healing effects of tears, take a moment to bask in the thought that someday those tears will not be needed. We will be home and whole! (Gordon Snider)

"What soap is for the body, tears are for the soul." Jewish Proverb
In heaven, we will need neither!

This devotional is the Tuesday, August 16, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-08-17T11:53:39+00:00August 17th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Tears|0 Comments