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.

2016-09-07T09:00:00+00:00September 7th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|0 Comments
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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.

2016-09-01T09:00:00+00:00September 1st, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: |0 Comments
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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)
<
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.

2016-08-24T09:00:00+00:00August 24th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: |0 Comments
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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.

2016-08-17T11:53:39+00:00August 17th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: |0 Comments
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Marriage Supper of the Lamb

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and asthe voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth’’ (Revelation 19:6)
It had been beautiful, though long (two hours!), ceremony. Now, the wedding party and guests had gathered at the home of the bride's family. In the night twinkled Christmas icicle lights. Tables, decorated beautifully, were arranged on the patio and in the pavilion, next to a swimming pool in which balloons were floating. Romantic music punctuated the night air. The servers began distributing the four-course supper. First served was Seven Seas soup. Next the guests ate tamales, then nachos. Finally (after many were already stuffed), the main course was served - chicken, beef, rice, salad, bread. The guests enjoyed the food, milled around visiting and congratulating the bride and groom. Finally, toasts were made, the newlyweds kissed, and early in the next morning's hours, the guests departed, having celebrated seemingly to their last ounce of energy.
Someday, Christ will present us, His Church, His holy Bride, to Himself - blameless, without spot or any blemish. And we will feast! Can you even imagine the beauty and glory of this great marriage supper? Won't all the trials and trouble we experience on earth seem more than worth it then?

Knowing Christ's intention for us, His Bride, how should you prepare for this soon coming event? (David Woods)

This devotional is the Sunday, August 7, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

2016-08-03T09:00:00+00:00August 3rd, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: |0 Comments
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The Character of Antichrist Depicted

“And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people” (v. 24).

“God is my Fuehrer!”
These words sprang from the lips of Martin Niemöller, pastor of one of the largest churches in Berlin when Adolf Hitler was chancellor of Germany.  Well loved, articulate, and a faithful pastor, his congregation included many soldiers, government officials, and individuals of all kinds.  However, when Pastor Niemöller stood up to Hitler by refusing to proclaim him as the head of the Christian church, he became a marked man.  This statement finally resulted in his confinement to a concentration camp until the end of World War II.
We must remember that the spirit of an antichrist will always be exposed.  Truly, his character will be revealed.  In the last days another Antichrist, a world leader, will come who proclaims himself to be both Lord and Saviour.   He will deceive many, yet he too shall fall when the King of Kings returns! (James Baker)

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.
(Martin Luther; Public Doman)

*Are we strong enough to stand and say, “God is my Fuehrer”?*
This devotional is the Monday, July 25, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Image Credit: "Martin Niemöller (1952).jpg" by J.D. Noske / Anefo
from Nationaal Archief (CC BY-SA 3.0 NL). Image resized, cropped.

2016-07-27T09:00:00+00:00July 27th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: |0 Comments
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The Servant’s Reward

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (v. 42).
Twice, we have sold everything, and gone overseas to do mission work. Both times we sat on the airplane and wondered whether the people of the host country would accept us.
Acceptance in these cases was more critical than just our comfort. We knew both times that, were we accepted, we could more easily present Jesus. As mentioned in Matthew 10:42, sometimes our ministry has included giving a cup of cold water or a little food to someone, in the hopes of showing to him how much we care. Sharing Jesus has repeatedly meant cooking for hundreds of people. It has included gift giving, carrying baskets of food and other necessities into a village, fixing meals for national, Christian workers, preparing snacks for students, and making cookies for neighbors. But all the time the goal was to either eventually, or to show consistently the love and care that IS Jesus.
Yes, ministry is often most effectively done in the little things- with the cups of cold water. Certainly we have taught and preached, but so often it was our attitude of service that spoke the loudest according to the testimonies later heard. Do not be discouraged when your ministry is reduced to a cup of cold water. (Christina Black)

Let my hands perform His bidding…
…All for Jesus, all for Jesus
All my days and all my hours.
(Asa Hull; Public Domain)

This devotional is the Monday, July 18, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

2016-07-20T09:00:00+00:00July 20th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: |0 Comments
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God’s Judgment on Irreverence

“And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed” (Numbers 12:9)
Last Christmas, my manger scene took center stage on top of my piano.  Joseph is about 10 inches tall and carries a lamp and staff.  The baby rests in a manger of hay, while a lamb and a donkey lie nearby.  Everyone is overshadowed by a watching angel.  Mary kneels, hands crossed over her heart, gazing on her baby.  But what always stands out to me is that the Mary depicted in this scene is blonde.
You do not have to look long in our world to see that mankind in his natural, sinful state is prejudiced.  We see the world from one viewpoint (ours), which of course must be the best.  Now, perhaps the artist who created my manger scene set was simply uninformed, since it isn’t likely that a Jewish girl was blonde-haired and blue-eyed, but it still illustrates my point.
It’s even worse to find prejudice among God’s people.  I have to wonder how long Miriam and Aaron had allowed their racism against Moses’ Cushite wife to fester until finally it displayed itself in an ugly show of disrespect.
But the same God who created an unfathomable amount of variety in plants and animals in our world, also loves the variety and diversity of humanity.  He heard Miriam and Aaron’s complaints spoken out of prejudice against one of his own and judged them. (Ashlee Englund)
Where can prejudice be found in your life?
This devotional is the Tuesday, July 12, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

2016-07-13T09:00:00+00:00July 13th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: |0 Comments
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Giving Adoration to the Lamb

“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (v. 12).
Here and now, even before we arrive at that moment, we are overwhelmed. This Lamb is worthy! Through the corridors of time humanity has worshipped at the feet of the unworthy. And, as God warns, “they followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves” (Jeremiah 2:5).
Our Redeemer is worthy! He humbly condescended to become one of us, to be our Kinsman. He alone was sinless and thus qualified as the spotless, innocent Lamb of God. He paid the price no one else could pay; He satisfied the just demands of the holy God and rose triumphant over mankind’s terrifying enemies - sin, death and hell. He is worthy!
Did you notice the “loud voice”? It actually means shouted! Could it be that this angel will begin in clear, dignified, resonant tones, but in the awesome presence of our mighty and glorious Redeemer he is captured and conquered by wonder and his angelic voice will crescendo in uncontrollable adoration, “Worthy is the Lamb…!!!”

For all eternity, we will be endlessly overwhelmed and worship with unashamed abandon our worthy Redeemer.
Don’t you think we should begin such worship now? (Phillip Gumbs)

This devotional is the Sunday, July 10, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

2016-07-07T09:00:00+00:00July 7th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: |0 Comments
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The King of Glory

“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory” (v. 10).

Cassius Marcellus Clay, one of our nation’s boxers of renown, said of himself, "It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am." Athletes are not the only segment of society that hold high opinions of themselves or are worshiped by people who do. A singer who was popular in the 60's was and still is referred to as the King. Both boxer and singer reveled in the adulation given them. But their fame does not begin to compare to that of the King of glory! In that comparison, all the praise, honor, and fame of man’s history would look like a teardrop compared to the world’s oceans.
Who is the King of glory? He is the Lord of hosts. Is He only Lord over the angels of heaven? No. More. He is the Creator and Sustainer of this tiny terrestrial ball called Earth, but He keeps all the orbits of the planets in proper alignment so as to compliment and keep this world functioning. He is the designer of every atom of every living thing. But more than that – He so loved that He planned and executed His redemptive purpose to allow us to be in right relationship with Him now and prepared to live in His house eternally. He is the King worthy of all glory! Amen and Amen! (Lonnie Witt)
<
p style="text-align:center;font-style:italic;">“All the praise and all the glory,
Of earth’s most noted men
Pales before the splendor
Of the coming King of Kings.” (Gordon Snider)
This devotional is the Tuesday, June 28, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

2016-07-02T16:15:00+00:00July 2nd, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: |0 Comments
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