May 10, 2023

Wednesday

Victory in Him

2 Corinthians 2: 14-15

⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:57

To first-century leaders in the Roman world, the imagery was familiar: A victorious Roman general returning from battle leading his soldiers and their captives into the city. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. Paul uses that image to say that Christ leads His followers in a victory procession through every difficulty in life (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).

The Christian’s victory is through Christ. The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We have victory now and for eternity only because of the victory Christ won for us. Therefore, if we are to experience victory in this life, it will come only as we depend on Him. As Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, the life we now live is the life of Christ in us as we keep our faith in Him.

If you need a victory in your life, begin every day by renewing your faith in Christ in whom all our victories are to be realized.

A point to ponder…

The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought-world.

Francis Schaeffer

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Chronicles 28- 2 Chronicles 1

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

May 9, 2023

Tuesday

Confidence in Prayer

Luke 11: 5-8

¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16

The country music star Vince Gill once gave a small concert in a high school gymnasium. While he was onstage performing, a small girl made her way up onto the stage where she ran over to her daddy—Vince Gill—who scooped her up in his arms.

That little girl was not intimidated by her father’s fame, the bright lights, or the adoring crowd. She had every confidence that she was more important to her father than anything else. And she was right! That earthly illustration helps us understand the words of Hebrews 4:16—we are exhorted to come boldly, with confidence, to God’s throne of grace in prayer to “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” It might be easy to be intimidated by the glory of God. But He is our Father who welcomes us, His children, into His presence.

If there is a need you’re reluctant to ask God to meet, go into His presence with confidence. His mercy and grace are there for the asking.

A point to ponder…

God’s sovereignty does not negate our responsibility to pray, but rather makes it possible for us to pray with confidence.

Jerry Bridges

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Chronicles 25-27

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

May 8, 2023

Monday

Standing

Acts 7:54-60

⁵⁶ And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”

Acts 7:56

The non-profit organization Open Doors published their findings about the persecuted Church from the past year. In the top fifty oppressive countries, 245 million Christians experienced high levels of persecution, and 4,136 believers were slain for their faith—an average of eleven people per day. More than 1,200 Christian buildings were attacked, and 2,625 Christians were detained without trial.¹

In the book of Acts, Stephen became the first believer to be murdered for his stand for Christ; and as he died, he gazed into heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of the throne of God. Since Jesus is typically described as sitting on the throne, it makes us wonder if He stands every time the soul of a martyr ascends to glory. If so, it would appear He has stood up eleven times in the past 24 hours.

God gives the grace we need whenever we’re pressured because of our faith—whether we’re living for Him or dying for Him. Christians are God’s ambassadors in a hostile world. Take courage, be faithful, and stand for Jesus!

A point to ponder…

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.

G. K. Chesterton

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Chronicles 22-24

I love you!!!

¹https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/christian-persecution-by-the-numbers

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

May 6 – May 7, 2023

Confident Hope

¹³ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1 Peter 1:13

It doesn’t take much to see that the whole world has gone crazy.

In the midst of so much chaos, where can we stake our hope? Exhorting us to endurance, the Apostle Peter urged us to prepare “your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

The energy to live the Christian life is found in one place—in our focused, conscious choice to put our hope in Jesus. Hope is the confident expectation that something better is coming tomorrow.

As you look to the future:

Don’t set your hope on your physical health—set your hope on Jesus. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day”(2 Corinthians 4:16).

Don’t set your hope on your stuff—set your hope on Jesus. “And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions’”(Luke 12:15).

Don’t set your hope on people—set your hope on Jesus. “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God”(Psalm 146:3, 5).

No leader, pastor, family member, friend, or spouse can be everything that we hope and dream he will be. People, places, and positions always let us down. Only Jesus is worthy of all our hopes and all our confidence. Maybe you find yourself a little down today. Like Peter standing on the water, the moment you take your eyes off the Lord you start to sink (Matthew 14:22–33). Lift up your eyes; set your hope fully on Jesus.

Our confident expectation is in God, who sees, knows, and will ultimately turn an upside-down world right-side up at the appearing of our Lord. Every righteous decision will be rewarded. Every wrong choice will be judged. Every motive will be revealed.

Is your faith faltering as you look at the world coming unhinged around you? Are you struggling to carry on? Do you need hope that will endure?

Set your hope fully on Jesus.

Points to ponder…

• On what might you be tempted to set your hope—your physical health, your talents, your stuff, other people?
• How can you tell if your hope is in anything other than Jesus?

Saturday’s Reading

1 Chronicles 15-17

Sunday’s Reading

1 Chronicles 18-21

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

May 5, 2023

Friday

Maze Daze

Psalm 102:18-22

⁴⁹ Mine eye trickleth down, and ceaseth not, without any intermission.

⁵⁰ Till the Lord look down, and behold from heaven.”

Lamentations 3:49-50

Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon, California, has the largest corn maze in the world—about sixty acres of winding paths between towering stalks of corn. Every year during maze season authorities brace for 911 calls. After wandering for hours, visitors panic. “I don’t know what to do anymore,” one caller said. “We’ve been in here like four hours.” Another said, “We’re stuck, and they close at 10. We’re very worried, and we can’t find a way out.”

What a parable of life! We all encounter twists and turns, dead ends and puzzling circumstances. But if you took a helicopter over the maze, you would see a distinct route. In fact, the maze often spells out words when viewed from above. The maze is actually amazing.

If you feel lost in your circumstances, remember that God is looking down from above and it all makes perfect sense to Him. His handwriting has spelled out a perfect plan for you. Even when we don’t understand our circumstances, we can be confident in God’s grace and guidance.

A point to ponder…

We do not always understand Thy care, our Father, but Thy great hand of love always covers us. Show us Thy signature, now and then, that we may know that we are on the right road.

John Wanamaker

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Chronicles 12-14

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

May 4, 2023

Thursday

Genesis 8—New Beginnings

Genesis 8: 15-22

²² While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

Genesis 8:22

It’s fun to explore the Bible. Have you ever inspected all the 3:16s in Scripture? Have you noticed the sevens in the book of Revelation? Well, for our weekend devotions this month, let’s focus on some great chapter eights of Scripture, starting with Genesis 8, a story of new beginnings. Here the waters of the great Flood receded, and Noah led his family and animals onto dry land. He worshiped God, and the Lord gave him a promise: The natural order of creation, the cycles of day and night, winter and summer, seedtime and harvest, would remain stable as long as the earth endures.

Scientists marvel at the fine-tuning that allows life to function on earth. Everything about the laws of science on our planet—the atmospheric conditions and terrestrial nature—is designed to bless us. The sun rises every morning, making every day a fresh start. Look up into the sky and praise Him for His faithfulness.

A point to ponder…

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Thomas Chisholm, in his hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Chronicles 9-11

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

May 3, 2023

Wednesday

Ready and Willing

1 Timothy 2: 3-4

⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

A leper approached Jesus and said, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus touched the man, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed”—and he was healed (Mark 1:40-42).

That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. In fact, there are no instances of Jesus being asked to help or heal and Him answering, “I am not willing.” There is a place where the Bible says God is “not willing,” and that is 2 Peter 3:9. In writing about the timing of the Day of the Lord (the end of the age), Peter says God is waiting for all who will be saved to come to Him. He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Said another way, God is willing for any who want to be saved to come to Him (John 6:37; 7:37). The question is never whether God is willing but whether man is willing.

Have you responded to God’s willing invitation to come to Him?

A point to ponder…

God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved.

J. C. Ryle

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Chronicles 7-8

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

May 2, 2023

Tuesday

Never Alone

Matthew 28:19-20

⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Hebrews 13:5

Technology now exists that allows us to track the location of a particular smartphone. Let’s say parents are concerned about their daughter driving alone back to college, in stormy weather, after a visit. Via their phone, the parents can track their daughter’s journey until she arrives safely. In case of car trouble, they know her exact location. “I’ll be there with you all the way” takes on new meaning in the digital age.

In the Old Testament, that security was expressed another way: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” That was God’s promise to the Israelites as they prepared to cross the Jordan River and move into Canaan—and face the Canaanite tribes that occupied their land (Deuteronomy 31:6). God’s presence was one of protection. But in the New Testament, the same promise of God was applied to provision. The writer of Hebrews told his readers not to be covetous but to be content with what they had. Why? Because God would be their provision. He would be with them and never leave them.

Whether you need protection, provision, or something else—you have it in the God who has promised to always be with you.

A point to ponder…

The best of all is God is with us.

John Wesley

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Chronicles 6

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

May 1, 2023

Monday

A Constant Invitation

Luke 15: 11-31

²⁰ And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

Luke 15:20

The prodigal son was still a far way off. There was no guarantee of his repentance. Perhaps he was returning to demand more money? Yet, in this parable, we see the father rushing toward his son, as soon as he is within sight.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is compassionate. His words and power transform and heal one person at a time. Even in His rage and harsh words to the Pharisees and Sadducees, He is motivated by a heart broken over their dead faith and the heavy burdens they are inflicting on others.

Jesus proclaims His desire that no one should perish. As Christians, we not only receive Christ’s compassion for ourselves, but we also get to share it with the world through our actions and words, inviting others to experience Christ for themselves. Who will you show compassion to today?

A point to ponder…

No matter how low down you are; no matter what your disposition has been; you may be low in your thoughts, words, and actions; you may be selfish; your heart may be overflowing with corruption and wickedness; yet Jesus will have compassion upon you.

Dwight L. Moody

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Chronicles 3-5

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

April 29 – April 30, 2023

Bless this Mess

¹⁰ When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.

¹¹ I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.

Psalm 69:10-11

We all know what David did involving Bathsheba, the one-night stand, the cover-up, the conspiracy to commit murder . . . a really bad stretch for a guy who, up until that point, had been the model of character, valor, and unusually noble self-restraint.

What’s not as well known about this part of David’s life (since the Bible doesn’t come right out and say it, although it’s quite easy to calculate) is that he proceeded to keep his secrets hidden for roughly a year. Except for the people on the very inside, no one knew or probably even suspected the evil their king had done. And if God through the prophet Nathan hadn’t called him to account (2 Samuel 12:1-15), he’d likely have been content whistling through life with his sin undiscovered for the rest of his days.

But give him some credit. When confronted with his sins face-to-face, he didn’t balk. “David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD’” (2 Samuel 12:13). He wept and humbled himself with fasting. And if his Psalm 69 is any indication, he “made sackcloth [his] clothing” (Psalm 69:11) --the common Old Testament uniform of the remorseful and repentant.

Sackcloth and ashes. What kind of person, especially someone of David’s public stature, would be willing to walk around in such an embarrassing state of shame and confession? What kind of person, exposed in scandal, even goes so far as to write a personally unflattering song about his sin (Psalm 51), baring the pitiful weakness of his own soul, so that people can stand up and sing it in church?

The only person who does it is someone who’s sick of the lies, who’s sick of the cover-up, who doesn’t care anymore what he looks like or what anybody else thinks about him. He’s adopted a new and radical rejection of externals. Instead of being so careful and cautious with his defenses, he’s now indiscriminate in his confessing. No more filter. No one’s left to wonder what really happened or what this person was really like, because he’d be the first to tell you. Yes, I did it. I was like that. I hate it, and I wish I’d hated it more then, but I don’t mind you knowing it now.

Wow. Sound too messy for you? Too revealing? TMI? Would you never dream of letting people in on some of the things you’ve done and how you’ve failed?

Then maybe you’re not truly repentant yet . . . because when you’re genuinely repentant, you have a strong need for letting people know who you really are. In fact, that part--the telling part--is not the part that sounds so messy to you anymore. What’s messy to you was all that wasted time, all the tactics you deployed and juggled to avoid being exposed, all while knowing full well exactly who you were and what was actually going on.

That’s the freedom that only repentance can generate. “For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment” (2 Corinthians 7:11)! When you’re finally ready to “clear yourselves”--to give an explanation of the truth, to set the record straight without concern for reputation or fallout--that’s when you’ll know God is doing something in you that no hard-hearted person would allow. Something you’d never have done before. Something that only happens to people who’ve been truly saved, truly changed, and are truly His.

Points to ponder…

• What would be a modern-day equivalent of “sackcloth and ashes”?
• Repentance is messy. What happens when a church doesn’t want to be a messy place? How can you help contribute to ensuring that the culture in your church is one where even the messiness of repentance is embraced?

Saturday’s Reading

2 Kings 23-25

Sunday’s Reading

1 Chronicles 1-2

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 28, 2023

Friday

Don’t Be Conformed

Psalm 119:11

² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Romans 12:2

We’ve all used the phrase “cookie cutter” to describe things other than cookies: cookie-cutter houses, cookie-cutter apartments, cookie-cutter customer service solutions, and cookie-cutter haircuts on new military recruits. In other words, the design is set and applied in every instance so the results are according to the design—like when star-shaped cookies all look the same.

The English Bible translator J. B. Phillips used the cookie-cutter idea in his paraphrase of Romans 12:2: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.” The world (empowered by the devil) wants to conform every person into a godless image. Instead, we are to renew our mind with God’s Word daily so we can resist the pressures of sin, the world, and the devil.

The truth of the Bible is our protection. It defends us against being made into a cookie-cutter image of the world.

A point to ponder…

The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.

D. L. Moody

Read the Bible through in a year

2 Kings 20-22

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 27, 2023

Thursday

Emmaus Sunday

Luke 24:13-35

³² And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”

Luke 24:32

Some of the best-known words in Christian hymnody were penned by John Newton in his poem, “Amazing Grace”: “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.” Many Christians have expressed similar sentiments upon believing in Christ: “I finally saw Christ for who He really is.”

One wonders whether John Newton had in mind the experience of two followers of Jesus on the day of the Resurrection. The resurrected Christ joined them on the road to Emmaus, though they didn’t recognize Him. They expressed confusion over events in Jerusalem, how the leaders had put Jesus to death. So “beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). As they broke bread together, “their eyes were opened and they knew Him” (verse 31).

Have your eyes been opened to the reality of who Jesus is? Don’t let this Easter season pass without encountering Jesus through faith in Him.

A point to ponder…

The heavens declare Thy glory, Lord, in every star Thy wisdom shines; but when our eyes behold Thy Word, we read Thy Name in fairer lines.
Isaac Watts

Read the Bible through in a year

2 Kings 18-19

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 26, 2023

Wednesday

Permanent Joy

Acts 5:40-42

¹⁶ Rejoice evermore.

¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.

¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Through the modern musical era in the West, there have been many songs written about happiness—but fewer written about joy. Most people would see those two subjects as synonymous but, biblically speaking, they are not. And the Bible puts far more emphasis on joy than on happiness. “Joy” and “rejoice” occur more than four hundred times while “happy” and “happiness” and similar words occur slightly more than twenty times.

What is the difference between the two? Generally speaking, happiness is an emotion that is dependent on circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is a deep-seated conviction that is based on truth and faith, not circumstances. Joy is specifically listed as part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Paul illustrates the permanence of joy when he writes, “Rejoice always . . . in everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Some things in life don’t create happiness or laughter. But the conviction that God is in the midst of our circumstances can lead to joy and contentment. Even if our circumstances lead to tears, “joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Don’t let anything steal your joy. Trust in the Lord, be filled with His Spirit, and trust His sovereign will for your life.

A point to ponder…

Doubt breeds distress, but trust means joy in the long run.

C. H. Spurgeon

Read the Bible through in a year

2 Kings 15-17

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 25, 2023

Tuesday

Joy of Discovery

1 John 1: 3-4

¹⁶² I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.”

Psalm 119:162

Among new platforms and pursuits made possible by the digital revolution and smartphones, one of the most interesting is geocaching. Think of a treasure hunt—there are millions of “treasures” (caches) hidden by people all over the world. When you get directions via your smartphone and find the treasure, you make a record of your presence and leave the treasure for others to find and enjoy.

In the case of geocaching, the joy is more in the pursuit than in the treasure itself. Still, participants love the experience. The idea of a treasure map has always been the anticipated joy in discovering the treasure. In that way, the Bible is like a treasure map leading to the discovery of truth-based joy. In fact, the psalmist rejoiced at the anticipation of finding “great treasure” in God’s Word. And what is the treasure? Salvation, security, the promises of God, instructions for living a joyful and godly life—who wouldn’t rejoice at discovering such treasures?

The joy of discovery awaits all who read and obey the Word of God. Don’t miss out on that joy by failing to know His Word.

A point to ponder…

The more reverence we have for the Word of God the more joy we shall find in it.

Matthew Henry

Read the Bible through in a year

2 Kings 12-14

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 24, 2023

Monday

In the Presence of Royalty

Psalm 73: 25-28

⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

Philippians 4:5

A few years ago, when Queen Elizabeth II visited a children’s charity in London, she met nine-year-old Nathan Grant and his adoptive parents. He was dressed for the occasion in a suit and tie. With cameras running, the boy was star-struck and overwhelmed. He suddenly fell to all fours, crawled away from the Queen, and exited with a nervous “Bye!”

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the presence and glory and demands of a holy God, and we’re tempted to crawl away and exit through the door. But in Jesus Christ, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and when we behold His glory, we are filled with grace and truth.

Try to develop the habit of practicing the presence of the Lord Jesus. By His Spirit He is with you constantly, and the Holy Spirit even dwells within you. Christ is a sanctifying influence in our lives as we realize who He is and what He has called us to be. Learn to frequently whisper to yourself, “Christ is with me, around me, inside me.” Learn to be comforted by His royal presence.

A point to ponder…

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise.

St. Patrick

Read the Bible through in a year

2 Kings 9-11

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

April 22 – April 23, 2023

The Way God Wins

¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

¹⁴ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

¹⁵ And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Colossians 2:13–15

When God wins, He wins big time! We’re not talking an overtime, squeak-it-out victory. And we’re not talking about a soccer game where there’s a shootout win because one ball dribbles in, but otherwise it would have been a tie. God doesn’t operate like that. When He wins a battle, His victory is decisive.

As God was pouring out His wrath on His Son, we were there in His mind. From each painful step to Calvary, to His last breath on the cross, Jesus was taking on the ultimate battle—“the rulers and authorities” who were waving “the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.”

Satan had an open-and-shut case against us; left to ourselves, we were toast. But Colossians 2:15 declares that when Jesus won the victory on the cross, “He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” When it came to settling our eternal destiny, God wasn’t offering an obligatory “good game.” He was triumphing over the principalities and powers, including the enemy himself: “You lost! Just like I told you!” That’s the way God wins.

Long before the cross, the Israelites who escaped the bondage of slavery witnessed one such victory. Imagine their joyful shouts when they looked back and saw the miraculously-parted Red Sea close over the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously . . . ” (Exodus 15:1). Game over!

Some two-thousand years later, after what looked like a devastating defeat by the enemy, came the ultimate triumph: “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6). Neither death nor the grave nor Satan’s plans stood a chance against the risen Savior!

Today, Jesus lives to further His victory through the lives of His followers. In fact, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). In Christ, we aren’t just conquerors, we’re super conquerors—because God doesn’t just win, He crushes the enemy (Romans 16:20). That’s why you don’t want to take on this battle yourself. It is the reason the transaction at the cross was entirely out of our hands.

Jesus took on your debt, your sin, your condition, and defeated the condemning, eternal hold those things had on you. Because of His death and resurrection, all who trust in Christ for salvation are granted a place in the conquering band that will rejoice in His victory forever!

Consider your battles in light of this truth. Express your heart to the Lord and pour out your adoration. Every day we have the ultimate reason to celebrate.

Points to ponder…

• How does the concept of victory fit the way you think about your relationship with Christ?
• Where does the truth that “we are more than conquerors through him”need to intersect your life today?

Saturday’s Reading

2 Kings 4-5

Sunday’s Reading

2 Kings 6-8

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 21, 2023

Friday

Are Your Pots Holy?

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

²¹ Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts…”

Zechariah 14:21a

Even the most basic duties of life—like cooking a meal or washing the dishes—should be an act of holiness, for our entire lives are to be characterized by purity, reverence, service, and a desire to glorify God in all we do. How can we cultivate such a holy lifestyle?

Nothing will bring holiness to our lives like studying God’s Word. Psalm 119, the longest chapter of the Bible, reveals the change that comes over diligent Bible students. According to this chapter, when we devote ourselves to the daily study, memorization, meditation, and obedience of Scripture, we learn how to cleanse our way (verse 9); we avoid sinning against God (verse 11); we are inwardly revived and strengthened (verses 25, 28); our hearts are enlarged (verse 32); our eyes turn away from worthless things (verse 37); and we are comforted in affliction (verse 50).

Nothing can compare to the habit of meeting with God over His Word each day. All it takes is a Bible and a dedicated time (and maybe a pen and notebook). Don’t miss this blessing!

A point to ponder…

You and I can walk in obedience to God’s Word and live a life of holiness.

Jerry Bridges, in The Pursuit of Holiness

Read the Bible through in a year

2 Kings 1-3

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 20, 2023

Thursday

Win-Win

Philippians 2: 1-4

¹¹ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”

John 17:11

Most young children eventually encounter the “heads I win, tails you lose” trick. It’s a lose-lose situation, a coin-flip that can only benefit one party—and it’s not them! Eventually, they learn that the best kind of negotiation is one in which everyone benefits: a win-win situation for all.

Christ’s final prayer for His followers would result in a win-win for all involved. First, He asked the Father to protect His disciples from the world in which He was about to leave them. He asked that they might “be one as We are [one].” Surely, Church unity would be a win for believers: peace, harmony, love, and fellowship. But secondly, the unity of the Church would be a benefit for the world that would be antagonistic toward the Church. Christ said that through the demonstration of their loving unity, the Church would cause the world to see the character of the Savior who came to save the world—a win-win, for the Church and the world.

Do all you can to be part of God’s answer to Jesus’ prayer. Do all you can to strengthen the unity of the Body of Christ.

A point to ponder…

Unity is the essence of the body of Christ.
R. B. Kuiper

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Kings 21-22

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 19, 2023

Wednesday

The Stranger of Galilee

Psalm 5: 11-12

¹⁷ And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?”

Luke 24:17

The two disciples of Jesus were downcast as they trudged home from a Passover gone terribly wrong. Their Lord had been slain on Friday. Saturday had been a miserable Sabbath as they were unable to return to the comfort of their homes, and on Sunday they began the journey to Emmaus, discussing the tragic events.

A Stranger joined them and asked, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” The Stranger proceeded to give them a tour of the Old Testament, showing them God’s plan of redemption. He explained from the Law, Prophets, and Psalms how the Messiah had to die and rise again. Arriving in Emmaus, the Stranger revealed Himself. They had been walking with the Risen Lord!

The greatest encouragement we will ever know is the encouragement of knowing the Christ who rose on Easter Sunday. He walks with us and talks with us and tells us we are His own. What indescribable joy is ours—to know our Risen Savior.

A point to ponder…

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing / eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

Alfred H. Ackley, in the hymn “He Lives!”

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Kings 18-20

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 18, 2023

Tuesday

Since We Have Hope

2 Corinthians 3: 12-18

¹² Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:”

2 Corinthians 3:12

In his book On Losing Faith, Filipino artist Danny Sillada said, “Perhaps the most humiliating condition in life is when you no longer feel that there’s still someone or something worth waiting for and that, worst of all, no one or nothing’s waiting there for you in the twilight of your existence.” That’s a sad perspective—just the opposite of how we feel as Christians! With the hope of Christ and His eternal life, we can say:

• Since we have such hope, we are optimists and eager for the future.
• Since we have such hope, we deal with the troubles of life by focusing on the eternal joys of heaven.
• Since we have such hope, we go to sleep every night with confidence in heaven and awaken each morning eager for the Lord’s return.
• Since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech and look for every opportunity to share with others the reason for the hope within us.

Because Christ is alive, we have a certain hope that carries us through life on earth to heaven above.

A point to ponder…

Where there is no hope in the future, there is no power in the present.

John Maxwell

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Kings 15-17

I love you!!!

2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 17, 2023

Monday

Diversity and Unity

Ephesians 4: 3-6

⁷ But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:7

To illustrate the Trinity, some have suggested a three-leaf clover; others offer the three points on a triangle. Some say the three forms of water—as liquid, ice, and steam—reveal the essence of “three-in-one.” But all these suggestions fail to illustrate the biblical notion of the Trinity’s diversity within unity.

Interestingly, in a passage where Paul refers to the members of the Trinity—one Spirit, one Lord, one God the Father (Ephesians 4:4-6)—he illustrates diversity and unity. The members of the Trinity are in unity, yet they are diverse in their ministry. And Paul uses that illustration to appeal to unity among Christians. We are called to be unified as a Body of believers, yet we are also called to manifest the unique grace given to us as a gift. The human body is a unity, yet all its parts are diverse. And so is the Body of Christ.

Are you blending your unique grace-gifts into the Body of Christ in a manner that strengthens the unity of the Church?

A point to ponder…

You have a unique position in the body of Christ, with an ability to minister as no one else can.

John MacArthur

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Kings 12-14

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

April 15 – April 16, 2023

Shouldering the Government

⁶ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

“And the government shall be upon his shoulder.”

Why is this simple sentence such good news? Because human government is flawed and failing. Even in our country, the system is broken; the purposes set out in the Constitution are not always being accomplished. In all human government motives are suspect and hearts are sinful. Instead of a constantly improving society, we have a continually deteriorating one.

If the sad answer to “What’s wrong with human government?” is “Almost everything,” we desperately need an answer to “Who’s going to fix it?”. And that answer is found in this verse written thousands of years ago, prophesying two advents—one of which has already happened.

Although human government has its place, the church’s hope must be always and only in the promises of God. He said a child would be born—a Son would be given—and two thousand years ago in Bethlehem the child was born exactly as prophesied. That was the first advent. But Isaiah also tells us that Jesus will come again, this time to reign in power. That will be the second advent, for which we wait eagerly as God’s children.

Jesus Christ is going to return to earth, and He will establish a kingdom of permanence, promise, perfection, and power. This kingdom—this government—will be upon His shoulder. No wonder the apostle Paul calls this our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13)!

In Isaiah 9:7 we are told, “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” God will not bring about this kingdom just because He can (His ability), or even because He said He would (His integrity). God tells us that His most foundational attribute which will bring about His government is His zeal—the fact that He cares with holy passion about doing it.

We use the term shoulder to describe carrying weight. Asking someone to “put your shoulder into it” is a call for extra effort. “A shoulder to lean on” implies physical and emotional support. And if we “don't think we can shoulder that,” it’s just too much for us.

But nothing is too much for the Lord. Not only will Jesus Christ completely shoulder the government of His kingdom with permanence, promise, perfection, and power; He will do so with absolute sovereignty and glory to spare. This is the second advent we await, to which the first advent drew us nearer.

The baby born in Bethlehem will come again as King. And this time the government will be forever and finally upon His shoulder.

Points to ponder…

• What are some of your disappointments in human government and how does the reality of God in your life overcome them?
• What are some things you need Jesus to shoulder today? Pour out your heart to Him over these matters.

Saturday’s Reading

1 Kings 8-9

Sunday’s Reading

1 Kings 10-11

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 14, 2023

Friday

Spiritual Heredity

John 17: 20-23

³⁵ By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

John 13:35

As parents and grandparents, neighbors and relatives, gather ‘round a newborn, one of the first topics of discussion is usually, “Who does the baby look like?” Sometimes the family resemblances are immediate; sometimes they appear in time—especially likenesses based on personality and temperament.

It’s expected that biological children will manifest likenesses of others in their family tree, whether in appearance or personality. And the same thing is true—or should be true—when it comes to children of God. When Jesus gave His disciples a new command to love each other, He also gave them a reason: By such love, all the world would know that they were His followers (John 13:34-35). And the same is true for us. The world will know we belong to Christ when we demonstrate His love. Love is the only familial marker Jesus mentioned that would tell the world of His followers’ spiritual heritage.

When we demonstrate Christlike, unconditional love—especially to those who don’t know Jesus personally—we are telling the world to whom we belong. The longer we live with love toward others, the better idea the world will have of who Christ is.

A point to ponder…

The business of the church is to demonstrate God.

Bruce Hurt

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Kings 6-7

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 13, 2023

Thursday

Palm Sunday

Revelation 19: 11-16

⁹ And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:”

Mark 11:9

t’s hard to know which travels faster: good news or bad news. Sometimes, the same news is both good and bad depending on who hears it. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11), it was good news to Lazarus’ family but bad news to those who opposed Jesus since it would only increase His popularity.

The same happened shortly thereafter when Jesus entered Jerusalem and the crowds hailed Him as the Son of David who came in the Name of the Lord. But His entrance was bad news for those seeking to stop Him. Palm Sunday, the day we commemorate Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, was a foreshadowing of the day He will arrive, not on a donkey but on a white horse. It will be good news for those who have loved His appearing but bad news for those who refuse to bow before Him as King of kings.

On this Palm Sunday, remember the good news that Jesus Christ is coming to judge the nations and establish His Kingdom for all who believe in Him.

A point to ponder…

The subject of the second coming of Christ has never been popular to any but the true believer.
Billy Graham

Read the Bible through in a year

1 Kings 3-5

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

April 11, 2023

Tuesday

In His Word

Psalm 119: 8-96

³¹ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;”

John 8:31

According to Architectural Digest, the most expensive private home on earth is in Mumbai, India—a 400,000-square-foot tower owned by Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man. It requires 600 employees to maintain the residence. Every floor is the height of two floors, giving it lofty ceilings. It contains a garage for 168 cars and has 3 helipads on the roof. Super-fast elevators whisk family and friends up and down the tower.

But there’s a far better house each of us can afford. Jesus told us to abide—to live in, to dwell, to settle down and be at home—in His Word. His Word has 66 rooms, all with a clear view of eternity. Its foundation is anchored into the truth of God, and its front door is the cross of Christ.

When we receive Jesus as Savior and begin studying our Bibles each day, trusting His Word and obeying His commands, we are abiding in His Word. And as we abide in His Word, we are learning to abide in Christ. That’s the best address in the universe.

A point to ponder…

The way to get back to reading the whole Word of God, and to reading it with understanding, is to live in Bible territory—to regulate one’s life and experience in every detail by God’s revealed law.

Oswald Chambers

Read the Bible through in a year

2 Samuel 22-24

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich