+Dev+ Michael D. Inman

Date: June 21, 2010 10:37 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Rivers of Water
God and Rivers of Water
"You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it" (Psalm 65:9).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 65: 9-11
It is easy to read passages like these and either pass over them with a quick mental assent or pause and picture the opposite: droughts, animals dying of thirst, scorched fields, dried up river beds, cracked ground. How they glare at us and seem at variance with what God's Word declares. But these are the exceptions, not the rule. Remember, creation is as ravaged by sin as we are. The abundant, bountiful nature of God and His order for the earth are reflected here. That has not and will never change.
What does this have to say about our own lives? We have all experienced spiritual drought. No matter how confused and exhausted our parched souls feel, our Father is in the process of making them rich and fertile; it is in His order that our lives yield the fruit of a rich and bountiful harvest. Let us keep faith with God during our arid times, even when they seem to endlessly continue. The river of God has plenty of water, and He will once again slake our thirst. He has ordered it so.

Insight: Maintaining perspective on God's natural order will help you keep hope through difficult dry seasons. Plenty of living water breaks drought!
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

I do hope every "Dad" had a great Fathers Day.




Date: June 20, 2010 8:32 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and the Earth's Wonders

God and the Earth's Wonders

"Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy" (Psalm 65:8).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 65:5-13

From the North Pole to Antarctica, the place God created for His children to dwell is stunning. We may travel in person or view photography to behold it all. We have seen beneath the sea and from impossibly high, snowy mountain peaks; we have seen life-teaming rain forests and wind-swept desert sands; we have seen islands surrounded by aquamarine waters; we've seen glaciers, tundra, verdant valleys. And even for those whose views are limited: clouds, sunsets, sun rises! Everywhere, everywhere, everywhere-all people are surrounded by the beauty of creation and the colorful creatures that inhabit it.

Imagine if our world had been sepia-toned and monotonous. We would have never known the difference. Impossible! Our glorious planet issues from our glorious God! Furthermore, all the splendor of the earth is only a hint of the new heaven and earth of which the Bible foretells. Creation is awe-inspiring now and foreshadows even more wonders later. Our hearts indeed erupt with shouts of joy!

Insight: Make it a point to see what is around you. Notice the details, the colors, the shapes. God made it all for you!
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: June 16, 2010 10:07 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and the Heavens
God and the Heavens
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge" (Psalm 19:1-2).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 19:1-6
We sometimes forget that this magnificent world and everything in it were created by God as a fitting setting for the jewel of creation: us! We are the ones made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), which means we are more beautiful than the most glorious sunset you have ever seen.
We were not created for nature; it was created for us. God passionately loves us and wants us to be constantly surrounded by the witness of the heavens. Day after day and night after night they make Him known. Think of sunrises, sunsets, a clear starry sky or galaxies. These are extravagances that were meant to put us in mind of God. He does not want to be forgotten! He's like a lover who showers his beloved with jewels. They symbolically speak volumes about his love.
Most people are enthralled by the skies, yet remain indifferent to their Creator. They see glory but are deaf to its voice. Pray for people's ears to be opened as wide as their eyes, and do not unwittingly become like them. Listen!

Insight: Do you realize how loved you are? The heavens proclaim God's love for you every single day. He, in return, desires you!
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 15, 2010 10:09 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and the Stars
God and the Stars
"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth" (Psalm 33:6).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 33
I recently viewed an inspiring series on the Science channel about the universe. It showed a photo of the earth called The Pale Blue Dot, taken by Voyager as it left our solar system. Earth was a tiny blue speck in the lower corner of the screen while the rest was filled with billions of other stars in our galaxy. We saw a phantasmagoric array of dying stars, new stars and planets so fantastically huge that our sun seems to disappear in comparison.
Scientists tell us that a star is born every two seconds. Imagine, daily, our Father speaks; new stars are born; and the heavens are filled with incomprehensible creative energy and power that no human will ever see or experience. Yet daily, God suffers our accusations and unbelief. We must not choose to lay the limitations of our finite minds upon Him and doubt His ability to care for us in our particular situations. Our infinitely creative Father is more than able to speak dynamic life into our own seemingly dead circumstances and create something as new and glorious as a star in the sky!

Insight: Pray with confidence, no matter what you are facing. God created new stars today; trust Him to speak creative power into your circumstances, too.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 14, 2010 9:25 PM
Topic: +DEV+ High Hopes
High Hopes
"...Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27b). "For in this hope we were saved. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:24-25).
Scripture Focus: Colossians 1
Listening to the evening news or reading the newspaper headlines can be depressing. War, the economy, moral failures in leadership-it all combines to make us feel hopeless.
Hope. The way we use this word today is very different from the original Biblical meaning. Today we say things like, "I hope it won't rain," or "I hope my team wins," or "I hope I don't have cancer." We don't know if the event will or won't happen, so we express hope in the midst of our uncertainty.
But Biblical hope is not an if; it's a when. Biblical hope refers to something that will definitely happen. It's a confident anticipation. We may not know the timing, but God does.
In Scripture, one of the names of Jesus Christ is the Hope of Glory. Christ is our hope. Our future in Him is certain. There's nothing "iffy" about it. We may not know when He will return, but we know He will, and someday we will be with Him. Because of our salvation in Christ, He is our glorious Hope, and He will never disappoint.
Insight: What is causing you to worry or be anxious? Have a confident anticipation of God's promises as you view the future.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 13, 2010 11:39 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Payment Accepted
Payment Accepted
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die'" (John 11:25-26).
Scripture Focus: John 20:1-31
What is so important about the Resurrection?
After all, wasn't it Jesus' crucifixion that paid the penalty for our sin? Wasn't it His death that satisfied God's wrath against sinful man?
When Jesus Christ was dying on the cross, one of the last things He said was, "It is finished." His death paid our sin-debt in full and satisfied God's justice. "Paid in full" means that God demands nothing more for our salvation other than what Christ has already done for us.
The Son's crucifixion paid our debt in full, and His resurrection is proof that the Father accepted the payment. Nothing else is required.
Jesus Christ declared Himself to be the Resurrection and the Life as He looked beyond His approaching death to the victory He knew would follow. It's the victory He gives to us when we trust in Him. You and I need never worry that God will demand an extra payment. The debt really is paid in full, and the empty tomb is our receipt.
Insight: Is your motive for serving God to earn "extra credit"? Become aware of Jesus Christ as the Resurrection and change your motive for service.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 10, 2010 10:51 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Wedding Bells
Wedding Bells
"The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice" (John 3:29).
Scripture Focus: Revelation 19:4-9
Whether you are married or single, male or female, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are engaged.
The Bible contains repeated wedding references to describe the relationship of Jesus Christ to the Church. John the Baptist called Jesus the Bridegroom. In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul speaks of marriage between man and woman, then reveals that he is really speaking of the mystery of Christ and the Church. 2 Corinthians 11:2 reminds us that we have been promised "to one husband, to Christ."
But do we behave as one who is engaged? An engaged person typically wants to spend as much time as possible with the one they are about to marry. They make a point to learn everything they can about their loved one's interests. They go out of their way to do things that will make the one they love happy. Their thoughts are never far from their love, and they make detailed plans to spend the rest of their lives together. Jesus Christ is our Bridegroom!
Insight: How much of your time and energy is devoted to getting to know your Bridegroom? What needs to change? Be eager to please your Bridegroom.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 9, 2010 10:22 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Man in the Middle
Man in the Middle
"Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood" (Hebrews 7:24). "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 7:11-28
When God gave the Law to Israel, He established the role of the High Priest. As the spiritual leader of the people, the High Priest represented them before God by offering sacrifices for their sin.
But before the High Priest could atone for the people's sin, he first had to deal with his own sin. His consecration included cleansing, anointing, and various sacrifices for his sin and consecration. Then he was anointed again with the blood of the sacrifice. Only then could he enter the Holy of Holies to sprinkle the blood of the nation's sacrifice on the Mercy Seat to cover their sin. When he died, a new High Priest replaced him.
Jesus is our perfect High Priest. Because He was sinless, He did not need a sacrifice for His sin. Instead, He offered Himself as the spotless sacrifice whose blood atones for our sin. We do not need to fear death when we enter the presence of God. Jesus Christ goes before us as both our permanent High Priest and our permanent sacrifice. We need no other mediator.
Insight: What is the role of a mediator? Jesus Christ's role as both our High Priest and our sacrifice qualifies Him to be our mediator.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 8, 2010 10:51 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Love or Justice?
Love or Justice?
"Our Redeemer-the Lord Almighty is his name-is the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 47:4).
Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 1:1-25
God doesn't forgive us because He loves us.
If God forgave us because He loves us, He would violate His own character, because the love of God cannot accept what His holiness cannot tolerate. The one, true, living God is holy, and His holiness cannot tolerate sin-no matter how small it might be or how much He loves us. His justice requires that all sin receive the penalty first declared to Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:16-17). That penalty is physical and spiritual death.
The penalty holds us fast in its grip. So God sent a Redeemer, Jesus, One who would free us from the clutches of death and purchase us back-redeem us-by taking our punishment. He is the only one able to pay the price and live.
The world wants us to believe that "all you need is love," but they're wrong.
God doesn't forgive us because He loves us. God forgives us because His justice has been satisfied by the sacrifice of His Son...and He sent His Son to be our Redeemer because He loves us.
Insight: How does focusing solely on God's love provide an incomplete view of God? Dwell not only on God's love, but also on His justice and holiness.
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 7, 2010 9:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Branching Out
Branching Out
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
Scripture Focus: John 15:1-8
My schedule is usually filled with places to go, people to see, and things to do-and not enough time to do it all. Sitting still is rarely on my agenda. Does that sound familiar?
But Jesus Christ taught His disciples that the simple act of remaining or abiding in Him is the first step in becoming fruitful for His kingdom. Jesus said that He is the Vine, we are the branches, and God the Father is the Gardener. Branches draw life and nourishment from the vine's trunk and will die if they are separated from the vine. So too, we must remain connected to Jesus by spending time in prayer and in His Word, and obedient to the Holy Spirit's prompting as we apply what we learn on a daily basis. Our Heavenly Gardener will care for us and prune us to produce abundant fruit.
This means making a conscious choice to rest and remain in Christ. The Lord reminds us in Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." It is a choice of our will, but the result is fruitfulness that will last for eternity.
Insight: How do you respond when God "prunes" you to increase your fruitfulness? Evaluate your fruitfulness for Christ and any areas of your life that require pruning.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 6, 2010 9:49 PM
Topic: +DEV+ What Is Truth?

What Is Truth?

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
Scripture Focus: John 14:1-6

What is truth? Pontius Pilate's question still echoes two thousand years after he asked it, and the world is still searching for the answer.

But the world's answers are far from the mark. We hear things like, "There are no absolutes. Truth is relative-what's true for you may not be true for me." If this is correct, however, then the very statement implies an absolute-and contradicts itself!

God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us Truth. His name is Truth. He said of Himself, "I am the way and the truth" (John 14:6), and He told us that knowing the truth sets us free (John 8:32).

Knowing Jesus Christ reveals the truth of Who God is, who we are, how God sees us, how God sees our sin, and what God's answer is to restore our broken relationship with Him. Truth requires that we surrender to God and stop denying our rebellion against Him.

Pilate asked the wrong question. The question is not, "What is truth?" The question is, "Who is truth?" And the answer is, "Jesus Christ."

Insight: In what areas of your life have you compromised or rationalized God's truth? Let knowing the Truth set you free from the world's lies.
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 3, 2010 10:13 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Shine the Light
Shine the Light
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'" (John 8:12).
Scripture Focus: John 9:1-12
Children are frequently afraid of the dark. They imagine bogeymen in the closet and monsters under the bed. The simple act of turning on a nightlight is often enough to banish their fears.
Imaginary fears aren't the only things that reside in the dark. The Bible tells us that the spiritual forces of this world also operate in darkness. Without our Heavenly Father's assistance, we would be helpless and groping to find our way to Him.
But God didn't leave us to stumble around, helpless and alone, searching for Him in the dark. He invaded our darkness with the light of His presence when He sent His Son. Jesus called Himself the "light of the world." The Source of light sent His Light to show us the way to the Father, and the world would never be the same.
He didn't stop there, however. During His earthly ministry, Jesus told His followers that we also are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Just as the moon reflects the sun, we are to reflect His light - all to give glory to the Father.
Insight: In what area of your life do you need Christ's light to shine? Shine the light of Christ in your world today.
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 2, 2010 9:30 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Saved from Myself
Saved from Myself
"I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior" (Isaiah 43:11). "We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world" (1 John 4:14).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 1:18-21; Romans 10:9-13
Some of us have no trouble asking for help. Others will jump through hoops before we ask for assistance, no matter how much we need to be saved from difficult situations. We don't want people to think we can't take care of ourselves.
Whether we admit it or not, there is one area where we all need saving. No effort of ours can save us from sin's penalty: eternal suffering and separation from God. That's why God sent His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
But what about after our salvation from sin's penalty? I've found I also need saving from living the Christian life in my own strength. It's easy for me to fall into the trap of thinking that now it is my hard work that will keep me saved.
Salvation-a restored relationship with the Father-is about trusting the Son, Jesus Christ, to provide our salvation, and surrendering to the Holy Spirit for the strength to walk in that relationship. He saves us from our sin, and He saves us from ourselves.
Insight: How have you been relying on your own strength to fight sin's power in your life? Consider all you have learned from this experience.
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: June 2, 2010 12:17 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Hunger Pangs

Hunger Pangs

"Jesus said to them, 'For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life'" (John 6:33, 35).
Scripture Focus: John 6:5-15, 25-40

I am amazed at how quickly I can become hungry. More than a few hours without food and my stomach noisily reminds me that it's time for my next meal.

God understands our physical need for food. He also knows that we have another kind of hunger. You and I have an emptiness-a spiritual hunger-that only God can fill. That's why He sent His Son. Jesus declared Himself to be the Bread of Life. He gives us spiritual life, and He nourishes that life with His Holy Spirit and His Word.

Sustaining life, both physical and spiritual, requires on-going nourishment, but we need to be careful how we satisfy our hunger. Filling our bodies with high-calorie food that has little or no nutritional value is not healthy. In the same manner, we can dull our spiritual appetite for God's Word and godly things by filling our lives with activities that do not have eternal value. The world works hard to tempt us away from feeding on the Bread of Life. Let's not be distracted by spiritual "junk food."

Insight: Are you diminishing your appetite for godly things by filling up on worldly junk food? May our hunger be to spend time in God's Word.
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: May 31, 2010 9:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+ It's Personal

It's Personal

"He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).
Scripture Focus: Exodus 12:1-13

The nation of Israel observed Passover each year. It reminded them of how God used a substitute so that death would "pass over" them. Every family selected a year-old, unblemished, male lamb for sacrifice. The family kept the lamb for four days, from the day they chose it to the day it was killed.

Imagine feeding and caring for the lamb, knowing that in a few days it would give its life for you and your family. Your children might even play with it until that day. You'd warn them not to get too attached, knowing that their new playmate would soon be sacrificed for them. It would be a sacrifice that had become personal.

The Passover lamb pointed to another Lamb. God chose a Lamb to pay the penalty of death for our sin. His Lamb, Jesus Christ, was perfect-sinless in every way. His Lamb is also personal-because He has inscribed our names on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16).

God provided our salvation when the Shepherd became the Lamb: a sacrifice that became personal.

Insight: How do you think God felt to see His precious Lamb-His Son-killed for your sin? Know that Jesus Christ's sacrifice is for you.
--
Michael D. Inman- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: May 30, 2010 9:14 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Enter Here

Enter Here

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Scripture Focus: John 10:1-9

In Bible times, sheep were kept in pens at night to protect them from thieves and wild predators. Depending on the location, the shepherd might use a cave, or a natural stone formation to form a wall. He might build a sheep pen using branches, thorn-bushes, or rocks for a fence. One opening served as the entrance and exit.

The shepherd would lie across the opening, using his own body as the door or gate to the pen. He put his life on the line to protect his sheep. A predator or thief would have to get past him.

Jesus said of Himself, "I am the Gate." Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. The only way to God is through God.

The world today accuses Christians of being narrow-minded. How could there be just one way to God? But the more we know of God's holiness, righteousness, and justice, and the more we understand our own sinfulness, the more we realize the extent of God's mercy in permitting there to be a way at all!

Insight: Why do some people find it difficult to believe Jesus is the only way to God? Share the way of salvation with someone today.
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis


--

Date: May 27, 2010 10:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Familiar Voice
A Familiar Voice
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:14-15).
Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 34:1-16
If I had to pick any animal to compare myself to, sheep wouldn't come close to making the list. Sheep are helpless, stubborn and fearful. They are weak, frail and require their shepherd's constant care. Not a flattering picture, yet God compares us to sheep over and over again in His Word.
If we are sheep, then the LORD is our shepherd. The 23rd Psalm describes what it means to belong to Jehovah Raah, the LORD My Shepherd. It is a personal relationship-my shepherd-in which the shepherd cares for all the needs of His sheep: food, safety, comfort, correction and security.
When Jehovah Raah sent His Son, Jesus, He sent us a shepherd "with skin on." He's a shepherd whose voice we can recognize and follow...Who fought the wolf and won the victory for His sheep . . . a loving, faithful shepherd strong enough to hold each of us in His safekeeping until the end.
Being compared to a sheep may not seem flattering, but I wouldn't trade belonging to the Great Shepherd for anything!
Insight: Amid the world's noise, how well do you recognize the voice of your Shepherd? Become more and more familiar with His voice.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: May 26, 2010 11:58 PM
Topic: +DEV+ His Name Is Not Christ
His Name Is Not Christ
"These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name" (John 20:31).
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:22-36
"Christ" is not Jesus' last name. Actually, "Christ" is His title-the Greek translation for the Hebrew title "Messiah." It means "the anointed one."
By the time of Jesus' birth, the nation of Israel longed for the coming of the Messiah. The Messiah was to be a descendent of King David, who they thought would throw off the shackles of Roman rule and restore Israel to her former exalted status among the nations of the world.
Scriptures such as Daniel 9 and Psalm 2 spoke of His coming. But a close examination of the Bible shows that God had another purpose for the Messiah. Before Israel could be restored to her position of glory in the world, she needed to be restored to her God. And the only one who could do that was God Himself.
Throughout Israel's history, God's prophets spoke of the coming of His Anointed One-His Messiah. He would first come as a suffering Servant. Then He would return as a victorious King. But Israel did not recognize the One Whom God had sent. Do we?
Insight: What is your motive for following Jesus Christ? Focus not on what God can do for you in this life, but on eternity.
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: May 25, 2010 9:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Speaking Our Language
Speaking Our Language
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:1, 14).
Scripture Focus: John 1:1-18
Sentences...conversation...communication. It all starts with words.
How could a holy, righteous God communicate with sinful man in a way that we would understand? He did it with words-with the Word, to be specific. He sent His Son, the Word who was with Him from before time began, to communicate with us.
He sent the Word, fully God and fully man, to bridge the gap between God and man.
He sent the Word to communicate His holiness by living a sinless, spotless life among us.
He sent the Word to shine His light on people living in darkness.
He sent the Word to pour out His love on the unlovable.
He sent the Word to bring truth to people who have believed a lie.
He sent the Word to give life to those living in the valley of the shadow of death.
He sent the Word to extend His forgiveness to people trapped in sin.
He sent the Word to save those who could not save themselves.
He sent His Word. Why is it so hard for us to understand?
Insight: How has God spoken to you through His Son this week? Communicate the Word to someone who has not yet heard God's message.
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Topic: +DEV+ Always There

Always There

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them" (Revelation 21:3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:1-12
Feeling lonely is not the same as being alone. We might feel lonely, but Scripture tells us we are never alone. God's presence is always with us.
That wasn't always the case. At one time in Israel's history, her disobedience caused the glory of God to leave. But Ezekiel 48:35 tells us God promised His presence would return to dwell with His people, and Jerusalem would be called Jehovah Shammah-the LORD is There.
The coming of the Savior marked the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise. The gospel of John tells us God dwelt with men in the person of Jesus Christ. After the resurrection, the Holy Spirit dwells in each believer.
Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, encouraged us to practice the presence of God in all we do, no matter how secular or trivial the task may be. Doing so brings a comforting awareness of God's presence. Still we realize that the body used as the temple of the Holy Spirit can dishonor His presence. The choice is ours.
Insight: How can you "practice the presence of God" today? Consider behaviors you should change in light of your awareness of God's presence.
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: May 23, 2010 10:31 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Don't Try Harder

Don't Try Harder

"May God himself sanctify you. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ . . ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
Scripture Focus: Galatians 5:16-26

God has declared that we are righteous through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. But most of us would admit that our thoughts, words, and deeds don't always match what God has declared us to be.

So we make resolutions to change. We want to be more loving, more patient, more kind, more self-controlled. We purpose to try harder, work smarter, and do better. And...we fail, over and over again.

Just as we can't declare ourselves righteous by our own efforts, we also cannot make ourselves righteous without surrendering to the Holy Spirit.

God first revealed Himself as Jehovah MeKoddishkem, the LORD who Sanctifies us, when He instituted the weekly Sabbath day of rest for His people. It's a reminder to rest in Him as He works in our lives to make us all He intends us to be.

As we surrender to Him, He works on us and in us so that our behavior begins to match what He has already declared us to be: a new creation.

Insight: Which fruit of the Spirit are you lacking? Surrender to the Holy Spirit so that He may produce that fruit in you.
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: May 9, 2010 9:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Rags to Riches
Rags to Riches
"All our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 23:1-8
The nation of Israel had come to depend on religious ritual to remove the stain of sin and provide a righteous covering as they worshipped God. They thought that if they kept His commands, they would earn His favor.
No one can fully keep the law. A chasm exists between sinful men and a holy God. Sacrifices temporarily covered sin, but couldn't permanently bridge the gap. The rituals revealed their need for God's righteousness and the futility of trying to earn it.
The sacrifices also pointed to God's coming Messiah, the only One who could permanently pay for and cover their sin. Jehovah Tsidkenu, the LORD our Righteousness, provided the gift of His Son for them and for us. Through Jesus, God declares us clean by giving us His righteousness.
There is nothing we can do to cover our sin, but at the same time, there is no sin too big for Him to cover. Our only solution is the righteousness God gives us in Jesus Christ-a righteousness that turns our rags to riches.
Insight: Is there a stain of sin in your past that you think God won't forgive? Don't try to cover your sin and earn God's approval.
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: May 6, 2010 10:06 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Sign of Peace
Sign of Peace
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
Scripture Focus: Judges 6:1-24
Gideon was a fearful man. He hid in a winepress to thresh wheat, fearing that marauding Midianite raiders would steal the grain. He was afraid God had abandoned Israel and wondered if the LORD could still be trusted to protect them. When Gideon realized he was speaking directly to God, he feared he would die because he had seen the LORD Himself.
But God told him not to be afraid. Reassured, Gideon built an altar in the place where he met the LORD, calling it Jehovah Shalom, the LORD is Peace. Once he knew he was at peace with God, Gideon was then free to obey.
More than a thousand years later, God once again spoke words of peace to frightened men. Jesus said in John 14:27, "My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Peace is much more than the absence of hostility. Peace is the presence of God Himself, the result of our reconciliation with Him.
Insight: How are you allowing worry and fear to steal your peace? Tell someone today about the peace that the LORD has given you.
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: May 5, 2010 9:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Living Under the Banner
Living Under the Banner
"Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. He said, 'For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD'" (Exodus 17:15-16a).
Scripture Focus: Exodus 17:8-16
Joshua had his hands full leading the Israelite ex-slaves against the Amalekites. But the victory wasn't won on the battlefield. It was won on the hill overlooking the battle as Moses held up his staff.
God had used that staff to part the Red Sea and to bring water from a rock. Now he used it to remind Israel their leader was Jehovah Nissi, "The Lord is my Banner."
In ancient times, a banner was a flag or an ornament held high as an army went into battle. It rallied the soldiers, giving them hope to continue fighting as long as the banner was held aloft. If the banner fell, so did their hope.
Israel marched out of Egypt under the banner of Jehovah. He led them and upheld them. In this battle their dependence on Him was signified by Moses' staff held high.
In the on-going battle between our flesh and spirit today, God is still the One who leads us in triumph and upholds us. Our banner is the Cross lifted high. Our victory has already been won!
Insight: What competes with the Cross of Christ for preeminence in your life? Remember how Jehovah Nissi has previously led you in triumph in a battle.
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...