Memorial Day

Devotion by Russ Innes

"Memorial Day [which we recently observed] is about remembering those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to defend and protect the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S.A.
"Because of my experience in Vietnam, this day of remembrance has always produced very personal and emotional feelings that I cannot dwell on for very long, since soldiers with whom I served lost their lives during fighting in which I participated. It brings back memories that overwhelm me, which I try to suppress more often than not.
"At Cedarcroft Bible Chapel, on Sunday, 5/25/09, at a service to remember

  the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us,

Steve Kuitems shared his thoughts about some similarities between Jesus’ sacrifice and that of soldiers who have given their lives in battle.
"A light went on in my head, and God showed me that He wants me to tap into those thoughts of soldiers who died next to me when I remember that

  His Son Jesus Christ died for me.

"My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died in my place to give me a freedom that can never be lost or taken away by any force in this world or beyond. The gratefulness, love, and peace that overwhelm me when I remember what He did on the cross should never be suppressed, as I try to do with the memories of the Vietnam war.
So as one who has accepted Jesus’ death as payment for the death penalty of my sin, our memorial service of Jesus’ sacrifice which we hold each Sunday, has a very special meaning for me.
"Jesus said it best in John 15:13: ‘There is no greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.’” – Russ Innes

  American soldiers lay down their lives for their country.
  Jesus laid down His life for you.
  They, to preserve the freedoms we already have.
  Jesus, to offer you freedoms you do not have:
  Salvation from sin.
  Freedom from the power of sin
    now
  and from the presence of sin in heaven.
  Freedom to enjoy the abundant life
  He wants to give you.

    So,
  why not make this day,
  [the day you are reading this],
  a memorable day in your life,
  the day that you receive
  the Lord Jesus Christ
  as your Savior and Lord.
[This devotion is by Russ Innes, a Vietnam veteran who served for one year with the 1st Infantry Division in 1969.]

JUST ONE LETTER

By Kingsley Baehr

Many years ago, before air-conditioning and directional sig-nals in cars, drivers would ex-tend their left arms out the win-dow and make hand signals to indi-cate what they were planning to do. When they made a REVOLVING motion with their hand, it meant that they were turning right. But a 7th grade student of mine wrote in a composition that a driver had made a “REVOLTING” mo-tion!

ONE LETTER MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE!

When one’s life becomes diffi-cult physically, psychologically, or socially, he/she could become either

BITTER OR BETTER.

ONE LETTER MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE!

An “I” stands for ego, self, and pride.
An “E” stands for “Elohim,” the Hebrew name for “God.”
So, if my focus is on the “I” in the problem, I will become BITTER.
But If my focus is on “ELOHIM” in the problem, I will become BETTER.

Suffering is a part of life as a result of the judgment on the human race, because we are try-ing to be gods ourselves.
All the way back in the garden of eden, adam and eve were told by Satan that if they would dis-obey God, they would be like God and know good and evil.
They already knew good, be-cause God had made everything GOOD, so all that was gained by disobedience was evil and all of its consequent sufferings.
Therefore, if I insist on focus-ing on myself in the midst of my suffering, I will only become BITTER

But if, instead, I focus on what God wants to teach me about His goodness through the suffering, I will become BETTER.
Which will it be for you?

GOD CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!
Check out these verses from god’s Word, the Bible:
1 Corinthians 1:3,4 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
1 Peter 4:12,13 - Beloved, do not think it strange con-cerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 5:8-11 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your ad-versary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seek-ing whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
But, how much more important is it that we remember the one MAN who laid down His life out of love for us!
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS?

PEACE AND WAR

By Kingsley Baehr

What though wars may come with marching feet and beat of the drum,
 For I have Christ in my heart!

What though nations rage as we approach the end of the age,
 For I have Christ in my heart!
God is still on the throne--
 Almighty God is He--
  And He cares for His own
   Through all eternity!

So let come what may, whatever it is, I only say
 That I have Christ in my heart!
  I HAVE CHRIST IN MY HEART! - Words and music by Wendell P. Loveless


Jesus Christ said:
"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God-- believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and pre-pare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
"These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but, be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Are you on speaking terms with Jesus Christ?
 Is He filling your life with His presence?
  Have you received Him as the Savior from your sins?
    If so:
  You can experience the peace which Jesus Christ promises!

ARE YOU FORGIVEN AND FORGIVING?

By Kingsley Baehr

After languishing for months in Hitler’s prison Martin Niemoller emerged saying, “It took me a long time to learn that God is not the enemy of His enemies!”
-- Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations. Garland TX: Bible Communications.

Please take careful notice of the following passage from the Bible:
... You were [God’s] enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now He [will] bring you back as His friends... through His [Son’s] death on the cross in His own human body... – Col. 1:22,23a

While the Lord Jesus Christ was hanging on a Roman cross, a bloody mass, in excruciating pain, soon to be separated from His Father God while being made sin for us, He said,
“Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” – Lu. 23:34

God has mercifully and graciously initiated a reconciliation with you and provided the means for it! He certainly is not the enemy of His enemies!

When the Moravian missionaries first went to the Eskimo people many years ago, they could not find a word in their language for forgiveness, so they had to compound one. This turned out to be: Issumagijoujungnainermik. It is a formidable-looking assembly of letters, but an expression that has a beautiful connotation for those who understand it. It means: “Not-being-able-to-think-about-it-anymore.”
—Minister’s Research Service

So what happens when God forgives your sin?
He removes our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west. --Psalm 103:12
[He] will have compassion on us. [He] will trample our sins under [His] feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! -- Micah 7:19

God says:
“I—yes, I alone—am the One who blots out your sins for My own sake and will never think of them again.” --Isaiah 43:25
“I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to Me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” -- Isaiah 44:22

When God forgives sin, He forgets it and will never throw it up into your face again!
But what does one have to do to have God’s forgiveness applied to his/her account?

If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 1 John 1:8,9
...I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. -- Psalm 32:5

And finally, what should be the effect of God’s forgiveness in our lives?
... Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. -- Ephesians 4:32

FEBRUARY, the BIRTHDAY MONTH

By Kingsley Baehr

February is the Big Birthday Month in the Baehr/Hendry families.
 My mother-in-law’s, an uncle’s, and a cousin’s are all on the 1st.
 My mother’s is on the 2nd. My own is on the 5th.
  Two cousins’ and a niece’s are all on the 10th.
 Abraham Lincoln’s is on the 12th. One cousin’s is on the 15th.
A grandmother’s was on the 17th. A grandaunt’s was on the 18th.
   George Washington’s is on the 22nd.
  Charles Lindbergh’s is somewhere in there.
 In fact, all great people are born in February! [Spoken like a true Februarian!]

   Do you know your birth date?
Of course you do! Almost everybody does! It is an important date in our lives.
It began our physical lives lived separately from our mothers’ wombs.
   But do you know your spiritual birth date?
    Do you even have one?
   Have you been born again?
Was there ever a time when you received a new eternal life,
 because you invited the Spirit of God to come to live in you
  through faith in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ,
   when he died in your place, and rose triumphant over death
  so that He could offer you eternal life?

   Which birthday is more important?
   The one that imparts physical life ending in death?
  Or the one that gives spiritual life which never ends?

 If you have never had a spiritual birthday, today [in February no less!] would be an excellent day to be born again. (2 Corinthians 6:2) How?

CONFESS that you are a sinner whose sins have offended the holy God Who created you, and that you deserve nothing less than death. (Romans 3:23)
ADMIT that you are helpless to earn your own eternal life because your sins have separated you from the God Who alone gives life. (Isaiah 59:2)
RECEIVE as a gift from God eternal life, which the Lord Jesus Christ paid for and bought with His bloody death in your place as your Substitute. (Romans 6:23)

January

By Kingsley Baehr

The month of January in the Roman calendar as well as ours, was named for the Roman god Janus, the two-faced god. He was considered to be the keeper of the universe.

Jehovah, the God of the Bible IS the Keeper of the universe.

Isaiah 40:18 – To whom then will you liken God? or what likeness will you compare to Him?

Isaiah 40:21,22 – Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits on the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are as grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens as a curtain and spreads them out as a tent to live in.

Isaiah 40:25,26 – “To whom then will you compare Me, or shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for He is strong in power; not one fails.

Isaiah 40:28 – Have you not known? Have you not heard that the everlasting God, Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint, neither is weary? There is no searching out His understanding.

Janus was considered to be the god of beginnings.

Jehovah IS the God of beginnings.

Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

John 1:1,2,14 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him, nothing was made that was made... And the Word became a human being and lived among us...

Janus was considered to have been a great king before he became a god.

Jehovah IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

1 Timothy 6:15b,16 – He is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light... to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

If a Roman began an endeavor with prayers to Janus, he hoped that he would be ensured a good conclusion.

If you will begin the rest of your life by addressing to Jehovah prayers of: confession, repentance, and pleas for forgiveness, He will deliver you from the bondage of sin, send His Spirit to indwell you, and guarantee to you the best conclusion of all: ETERNITY AT HOME WITH HIM IN HEAVEN.

Romans 10:9,10 – If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes for righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made for salvation.

John 14:16,17 – [Jesus said to His disciples] “I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

John 5:24 – [Jesus said] “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

In which are you trusting: your own “Janus”, or the true God, Jehovah?

ARE YOU A “JUDAS” OR A “JUDAH”?

By Kingsley Baehr

“Which Judas?” you ask.
“Well, who is the most notorious Judas of all?
“That guy that betrayed Jesus.”
“Yes, that Judas!”
“Are you asking me if I am a betrayer? How dare you! And, by the way, aren’t Judas and Judah the same name in different languages? Your question makes no sense and is insulting, as well!”
“Please let me explain. Yes, Judas is the Greek form and Judah, the Hebrew form of the same name. That name in both languages means ‘Let Him [God] be praised.’ So my question really is, ‘Are you betraying Jesus with your life, or are you praising Jesus with your life?’”
“But I’m a good person. I try to do the right thing. I have never betrayed any-body, much less God!”
“O.K. Let’s assume that for argument’s sake. Here is the next question: ‘Is your life praising and glorifying God? As people observe your behavior, do they say, “Wow! Look at what God is doing in his/her life! God must really be real!”?’”
“Um... well...”
“Look at these verses about why God created you:

  Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him. – Isa. 43:7
  This people I have formed for Myself; they shall proclaim My praise. – Isa. 43:21
  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit... – John 15:8
  That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. – Ephesians 1:12
  But you are...His own special people, that you may proclaim the praise of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9”

“So, are you a Judah, praising and glorifying God with your life as He created you to do, or are you a Judas, betraying the God who created you for His glory, and selling out His Son Jesus Christ for your own agenda and goals in life?”

Dear reader, God loves you so much, in spite of your betrayal of Him, that He sent His Son Jesus, to be betrayed by Judas into the hands of those who crucified Him on a Roman cross. There He died as your substitute, taking on Himself all your punishment for your betrayals [sins] and offering you forgiveness, cleansing, and eternal life in their place. So either you accept His loving offer or reject it and keep on being a Judas until the final judgment when you will have to undergo eternal punishment because you refused to accept eternal life. I beg you, accept Jesus’ offer and become a Judah, whose life will praise and glorify the God Who created you and His Son Jesus Who gave His life for you.

Whom are you most often trying to please?

By Kingsley Baehr

Whom are you most often trying to please in your life? Yourself? Your wife or husband? Your parents? Your friends?

  God?
 Hmmm... God--- How does a person please God?

TRUST pleases God.
“But without faith, it is impossible to please [God]; for he who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that he rewards those who diligently search for Him.” – Hebrews 11:5,6

HIS PEOPLE please God.
“For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.” – Psalm 149:4

ASKING FOR AN UNDERSTANDING HEART & DISCERNMENT BETWEEN GOOD &
BAD pleases God.
“Solomon prayed, ‘Give me an understanding heart... that I may discern between good and bad...’ And it pleased the LORD that Solomon had asked for these things.’” – 1 Kings 3:9,10

NOBILITY OF LIFE pleases God.
“That you might walk worthy of the LORD pleasing Him in all things, being fruitful in every good work...” – Colossians 1:10

KNOWING HIS WILL pleases God.
“For this cause we... do not stop praying for you, and desiring that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and understanding... pleasing Him in all things and increasing in the knowledge of God.” – Colossians 1:9,10

SACRIFICIALLY DOING GOOD AND SHARING pleases God.
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16

THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE please God.
“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD...” – Psalm 69:30,31a

One final question:
Is it better to please the God
before Whom you will stand in judgment one day with eternal results or yourself— for the few years you have left here on earth?
It’s your decision.
I hope and pray that you make the wise one.

SHAKY START

By Kingsley Baehr

 Stock market plunging!
  Confidence wavering!
   Citizens worrying!
OCTOBER IS OFF TO A SHAKY START!
  but
CHECK OUT THESE VERSES FROM GOD'S WORD, THE BIBLE:

"My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19. These words were sent to the Christian church meeting in Philippi. They apply to the church today. Are you one of Christ's people? Has He added you to His church? Acts 2:47b says, "… And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Then you won't have to depend on an undepen- dable stock market for your daily needs.

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6. Has Jesus Christ begun a good work in you? Ephesians 2:8-10 say, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." If you have been saved by God's grace, you can have the confidence that He will not desert you, but continue working in you until He takes you home to heaven.

"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:1,3 God has promised that evil men will die away. Do you trust Him enough to believe that promise? Look at these verses also in Psalm 37: 7-16,35-40. God has pronounced judgment on the Saddam Husseins of the world.

"Peace I leave with you; 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." - John 14:27 The peace that Jesus gives does not depend on world conditions or personal situations, but on His presence and power with you Do you have His peace? Then you will never have to worry.

. GIVE CHRIST [THE PRINCE OF PEACE] A CHANCE!

School

By Kingsley Baehr

  September means school!
  And school is way cool!
  So why be a fool?--
  Since you know the rule—
  You must go to school.
  Get out of the pool!
  It’s now time for school,
  'Cause school is way cool!

You have probably guessed that this attempt at poetry was made by a teacher, an old teacher trying to be cool! I doubt that I have succeeded in the “cool” part, but I insist that the message is true. Schooling of one sort or another will always be a part of our lives, absolutely necessary for growth and maturity.

But have you been to God’s school? It also is absolutely necessary for spiritual growth and maturity.

Where is it, you might ask?
ALL THE WORLD-OVER! - John 8:12 – 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.”

How does one register for it?
APPLY TO JESUS CHRIST! - John 6:37 – [Jesus said,] “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away.”

What are the curricula and textbooks?
ALL IN THE BIBLE! - 2 Timothy 3:15,16,17 – ...The Holy Scriptures... are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in [right living], so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

What is the grading scale?
ALL DEPENDENT ON FAITHFULNESS! - 1 Corinthians 4:2 - ...Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
Matthew 25:21,23 - ...”Well done, good and faithful [student]; ... Come and share your Master’s happiness.”

What about the graduation ceremonies?
OUT OF THIS WORLD! – 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 – For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

The Fear of the Lord

By Kingsley Baehr

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 It is a fascinating story. You won’t regret spending time on it.
  1. The Coalition Comes on. – verses 1,2
  2. The Cry Goes Up. – verses 3-12
  3. The Confidence Comes Down. – verses 13-17
  4. The Choir Goes Out. – verses 18-21
  5. The Coalition Comes Apart. – verses 22,23
  6. The Collection Goes Well. – verses 24-26
  7. The Conquerors Come Home. – verses 27,28
  8. .The CONQUEROR Gives Rest. – verses 29,30
[This historical account took place about 840 B.C. Old Testament accounts of battles against physical enemies need to be applied today as battles against our three enemies, Satan, the world system that has set itself against God, and sexual immorality.]

IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD THERE IS STRONG CONFIDENCE – Prov. 14:26

Please notice what the prophet Jahaziel said to King Jehoshaphat and his subjects about the three armies that were threatening them:

"DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISMAYED [DISCOURAGED],... FOR THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS, BUT GOD’S."
Why did the prophet of God say this to the King?
  1. Because the king and his small army were afraid of the massive host march-ing toward them.
  2. Because King Jehoshaphat had prayed
"We have no power against this great multitude;... nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You [God]."
Remember: "Fearing God = Having a reverential awe of Him, trusting Him and loving Him."

As illustrated by this story, what can we learn from the answers to the following questions?
  1. When we are afraid of people, circumstances, or spiritual powers, what can we do?
  2. When we ask God for His help, what should we expect?
  3. How can we show God that we totally trust Him to "win the battle" for us?
Try thinking about these verses along the same lines:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." – Psalm 46:1
"I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’" – Psalm 91:2
"The [Messenger of the LORD = Jesus] encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them." – Psalm 34:7

GOD IS MORE POWERFUL THAT ANY ENEMY WE WILL EVER FACE.
A WISE RESPONSE? YIELD YOUR LIFE TO HIM,
GO FORWARD, TRUSTING THAT THE VICTORY IS ASSURED.

JULY means CAMP to many people

By Kingsley Baehr

Three meanings for CAMP are:
  1. A place...away from urban areas...for recreation or instruction during the summer.
  2. A...group engaged in promoting or defending a theory, doctrine, position, or person
  3. Military service or life.
If you are in GOD’S CAMP, all three definitions apply to you.
If you are in Satan’s camp, all three definitions apply to you also but in opposite ways.
So you must choose which camp you desire to be in, because if you aren’t in God’s camp, you are in Satan’s camp. There is no neutral ground.

If You Are in GOD’S CAMP You Are Encouraged to Act As Follows:
  1. a. Jesus says, “You should not be surprised at My saying, ‘You must be born again [recreated].’” – John 3:7
    b. God says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” [This will happen one day, whether you like it or not.] – Psalm 46:10
    c. Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me...for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:29,29
  2. Jesus says, “...You will be My witnesses [promoters and defenders] ...to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
  3. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” - Ephesians 6:10,11
If You Are In Satan’s Camp, You Are Warned and Challenged As Follows:
  1. Now the parable is this: the seed is the Word of God... Then the devil [Satan] comes and takes away the Word out of their hearts. lest they should believe and be saved. – Luke 8:11,12
  2. If our [good news] is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age [Satan] has blinded, lest the light of the [good news] of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God, should shine on them. – 2 Corinthians 4:3,4
  3. a. Be sober. Be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil walks about like a roaring lion seek- ing whom he may devour. Resist him... – 1 Peter 5:8,9a
    b. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. – Hebrews 6:10,11
In which camp are you?

Fatherhood

By Kingsley Baehr

“And what is so rare as a day in June?” is the first line of a poem by . James Russell Lowell celebrating this month in which the year is full-grown after the forlorn winter, and the fulsome spring.

And what is so rare as a FULL-GROWN FATHER in American society today?

Fatherhood has been vilified by the media’s portrayal of stupid fathers who are clueless about how to fix things, household products, and child care.

Fatherhood means only being a good provider.

Fatherhood has been reduced to the concept that its only function is to cause unwanted pregnancies in innocent women and then to run from responsibility.

Fatherhood is dead in the lesbian notion that it is unnecessary in raising children successfully.

Fathers’ Day is not nearly as lucrative in the merchandising world as is Mothers’ Day.

Fatherhood has been getting a bum rap for years.

As you read this devotional, let your mind and heart be drawn toward what the Supreme Father of all has to say about the importance of fatherhood:

“Honor your father and your mother...” – Exodus 20:12

“Listen to your father, who gave you life... The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.” – Proverbs 23:22a,24

“Anyone who attacks his father or his mother must be put to death. Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.” – Exodus 21:15,17

“ ‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due Me?” says the Lord Almighty.’ ” – Malachi 1:6a,b

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed; He remembers that we are dust.” – Psalm 103:13,14

As we enjoy the full-grown beauty of this month, and as we celebrate Father’s Day, let us remember that the Lord God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth wants to be your Father. He wants to implant in you the seed of eternal life. He wants to bless you and love you and throw His compassionate arms around you.

He wants to guide you into a future which He has planned out for you.
He wants your obedience and love.
He wants you. Do you want Him?

WHICH ARE YOU IN THE GARDEN OF GOD?

By Kingsley Baehr

 TREES GREENING WITH NEW GROWTH!
 FLOWERS PREENING WITH NEW COLOR!
 GRASS SCREENING THE WINTER LANDSCAPE!
 WEEDS SCREAMING FOR ATTENTION!
Yes, I know that “screaming” does not totally fit the pattern determined by “greening,” “preening,” and “screening,” but neither do weeds fit the pattern determined by “trees,” “flowers,” and “grass.”
The first three must be planted, nourished, and cared for in order to flourish.
 Weeds? We just wish that they would perish.
We love it when the first three take deep root and grow.
 Weeds? We just want them to be uprooted and go!
The first three provide pleasure for all.
 Weeds? They just make us want to bawl!

 WHICH ARE YOU IN THE GARDEN OF GOD?

 A TREE?
Psalm 1:3 – He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth it fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

  FLOWER?
Song of Solomon 2:11,12 – For... the winter is past, the rain is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come...

 GRASS?
Psalm 72:16 – There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, on the top of the mountains; its fruit shall wave like Lebanon; and those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

 A WEED?
Matthew 13:37,38 - He answered them, “He Who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares [weeds] are the sons of the wicked one.

Dear reader, is the heavenly Gardener, the God Who created the world, pleased with you? Do you bring Him pleasure as He looks down upon you? Are you beautiful, flourishing, and fruitful in His eyes? Or will He, one day, use His eternal Weed-Be-Gone upon you and you will be cast out of His sight forever?
Please, while He is patiently waiting, turn yourself over to Him and allow Him to transform you into a productive plant, a perfect fit into His purpose, planted in His plan, and for His pleasure. He has said, “Him who comes to me, I will by no means cast out.” [John 6:37b]

CONSIDER

By Kingsley Baehr

THE FIRST WEEK OF APRIL IS “CONSIDER CHRISTIANITY WEEK.”
If you did not know that, you have a lot of company!
Christianity is not very popular these days, at least in the news media, which, for the most part, ignores it except when something sensational happens such as a minister being murdered by his wife.

However, if you are still reading these words, let me encourage you to consider for yourself some things which the Bible says:

CONSIDER it in your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath; there is no one else. – Deut. 4:39
If your god is not the God of the Bible, then your god is nowhere.

...CONSIDER the wondrous works of God. – Job 37:14
If you are attributing the amazing intricacies of the universe to any other source, you are wrong.

CONSIDER your ways! – Hag. 1:5,7
Have you stopped to seriously consider where your present path in life is taking you? Is it satisfying you beyond the immediate gratification which does not last? Do you have lasting joy and peace?

O that ...[you] would CONSIDER [your] latter end! – Deut. 32:29
Have you ever seriously considered where you will be after your life on earth is over? Do you know without a shadow of doubt that you will be in heaven?

CONSIDER what great things [God] has done for you. – 1 Sam. 12:24
What do you consider to be the greatest thing that God has done for you?

Here is how the Bible answers this question:

CONSIDER Him Who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself... - Heb. 12:3
  1. Why would God send His beloved Son to go through rejection, abuse, scourging, shame, crucifixion, untold agony, and separation from His Father, if it were not necessary?
  2. If it was necessary, why was it necessary?
  3. If there were any other way that we sinners could be brought back into a relationship with a holy God, why in the world would He choose this way of extreme suffering for His Son and Himself?
  4. What will happen to you if you choose to reject Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as your Savior, after all that He went through for you?
  5. What is keeping you from choosing to accept God’s loving offer of forgiveness through Jesus’ substitutionary death for your sins?
THIS IS THE GREATEST THING GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU!

WHY NOT ACCEPT GOD’S OFFER NOW?

A GOD WHO BEGS?

By Kingsley Baehr

The God of the Bible is portrayed as the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe, Who has no beginning and no end, and Who knows everything and is everywhere.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.” – Isaiah 40:28

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. Colossians 1:16,17

And yet, [would you believe it?] the Bible presents this same God as a God Who begs or pleads. “No way!” you say. Just look at this.

‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.
Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die...?’ Ezekiel 33:11

“Therefore also now,” says the LORD, “turn to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repents of the evil.” Joel 2:12,13

This is what the LORD of hosts says; “Turn to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will turn to you,” says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 1:3

“And why should I turn to Him from my own way of life?” you ask.

Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6,7

But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, patient and abundant in mercy and truth. Psalm 86:15

“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from [them]. Hosea 14:4

And finally, how is this awesome God able, with justice, to have mercy on us, par-don us, be compassionate and gracious to us, heal our backsliding, love us, and turn His righteous anger away from us? Because He sent Jesus His Son to take our punish-ment upon Himself, to die for us, and to conquer death for us in order to give us eternal life. How will you respond to this God Who is begging you to turn back to Him?

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him [Jesus] the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all... 1 Tim. 2:5,6

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

FEBRUARY, the BIRTHDAY MONTH

By Kingsley Baehr

February is the Big Birthday Month in the Baehr/Hendry families.
My mother-in-law’s, an uncle’s, and a cousin’s are all on the 1st.
My mother’s is on the 2nd. My own is on the 5th.
Two cousins’ and a niece’s are all on the 10th.
Abraham Lincoln’s is on the 12th. One cousin’s is on the 15th.
A grandmother’s was on the 17th. A grandaunt’s was on the 18th.
George Washington’s is on the 22nd.
Charles Lindbergh’s is somewhere in there.
In fact, all great people are born in February! [Spoken like a true Februarian!]

Do you know your birth date?
Of course you do! Almost everybody does! It is an important date in our lives.
It began our physical lives lived separately from our mothers’ wombs.

But do you know your spiritual birth date?
Do you even have one?
Have you been born again?
Was there ever a time when you received a new eternal life,
because you invited the Spirit of God to come to live in you
through faith in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ,
when he died in your place, and rose triumphant over death
so that He could offer you eternal life?

Which birthday is more important?
The one that imparts physical life ending in death?
Or the one that gives spiritual life which never ends?

If you have never had a spiritual birthday, today [in February no less!] would be an excellent day to be born again. (2 Corinthians 6:2) How?
CONFESS that you are a sinner whose sins have offended the holy God Who created you, and that you deserve nothing less than death. (Romans 3:23)
ADMIT that you are helpless to earn your own eternal life because your sins have separated you from the God Who alone gives life. (Isaiah 59:2)
RECEIVE as a gift from God eternal life, which the Lord Jesus Christ paid for and bought with His bloody death in your place as your Substitute. (Romans 6:23)

OLD NEWS—GOOD NEWS!

By Kingsley Baehr

Definition: NEWS = material worthy of being reported
We have just celebrated this old NEWS, first announced by an angel, that is forever good NEWS—

“Do not be afraid! Listen, I bring you glorious NEWS of great joy
which is for all the people. This very day, in David’s town, a SAVIOR has been born for you. He is CHRIST, the LORD.” [Luke 2:10,11]

But is He your personal SAVIOR?
Have you done personal business with JESUS CHRIST or does He mean nothing to you?

“If a man is in CHRIST, he becomes a NEW person altogether the past is finished and gone, everything has become fresh and NEW. All this is GOD’S doing, for He has reconciled us to Himself through JESUS CHRIST.” [2 Corinthians 5:17,18a]

JESUS CHRIST is the only One Who tells you that salvation and eternal life are only by faith; you cannot work your way into favor with GOD by obeying the law.
“... we are free to serve GOD, not in the old obedience to the letter of the Law, but in a NEW way, in the SPIRIT.” [Romans 7:6b]

We live in an old world, corrupted and dying because of the rebellion of the human race against its CREATOR. But that CREATOR has promised that it will not always be this way.

“Then He Who is seated upon the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things NEW!’ And He added, ‘Write this down, for My words are true and to be trusted.’ Then He said to me, ‘I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the BEGINNING and the END.’” [Revelation 21:5,6a]

Whether you will be part of the “all things NEW” is totally dependent on whether you want to become “a NEW person altogether” in CHRIST. It is up to you.
What will you do with JESUS CHRIST?

Perfect Gift

By Kingsley Baehr

The wages of sin is death,
but the GIFT of GOD is
ETERNAL LIFE
through
JESUS CHRIST our LORD!

In spite of all the attempts these days to substitute “holidays” for "Christmas", we still use these “holidays” to give gifts to each other.
All the mercantile establishments which have banned any and all displays of Christ’s name,
and all schools which have outlawed the use of the “J” word in their “holiday concerts”,
and all government agencies which have removed creches from their property—
all of them are banking on Christmas for boosting gift-giving sales and providing an extended vacation from workdays.

Selfishness and greed are riding high!
What a wonderful society we have become!
IT WAS GOD’S GIFT OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST,
AND THROUGH HIS SON,
ETERNAL LIFE
which started the whole idea
of a season for gift-giving.

“Every good and perfect GIFT is from above, coming down from the FATHERof the heavenly lights, WHO does not change like shifting shadows. HE chose to give us birth through the WORD OF TRUTH...” – James 1:17,18a
“For it is by grace you have been saved through FAITH—and this [FAITH] is not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of GOD—...” – Ephesians 2:8
[Jesus said] “I GIVE them ETERNAL LIFE, and they shall never perish.” – John 10:28a
When a true gift is given, it is motivated by love, and if it is refused, it is a severe insult to the giver.
Have you accepted GOD’S GIFT of eternal life through HIS SON JESUS CHRIST?
Or are you insulting the GOD who gave you your existence in the first place?
Think!

“Now may the LORD OF PEACE HIMSELF GIVE you peace at all times and in every way. The LORD be with all of you.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Satan is a sniper!

BY KINGSLEY BAEHR

Here is the evidence compiled by Jesus Christ Himself which has posi-tively identified Satan as the sniper who has been the inveterate enemy of the human race from the beginning of history:
  1. He is a master of disguise:
    1. As a serpent - Genesis 3:1
    2. As an angel of light - 2 Corinthians 11:14
  2. He is a master of deception: Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:7,8
  3. He has a number of aliases:
    1. Accuser - Rev. 12:10
    2. God of this age - 2 Corinthians 4:4
    3. Prince of the power of the air - Ephesians 2:2
    4. Lucifer - Luke 10:18
  4. He is a murderer of people's souls: John 8:44
  5. He is like a devouring lion: 1 Peter 5:8
  6. He has powerful weapons:
    1. Lies - John 8:44
    2. Fiery arrows - Ephesians 6:16
    3. Clever devices - 2 Corinthians 2:11
    4. Temptations to sin - Genesis 3:1-7
  7. He like to think he is God: Isaiah 14:20-20
  8. He will be brought to justice and punished forever: Revelation 20:1-3,10
JESUS IS THE SAVIOR! - Read through the Gospel of John and you will discover that:
  1. He never used disguises.
  2. He is the truth.
  3. He has many wonderful titles.
  4. He is the Savior of people's souls.
  5. He is the Lamb of God Who died for you.
  6. His weapons against Satan are invincible.
  7. He is God.
  8. He will be the Judge of every human being,dead or alive.
Are you allied with Satan or the Savior? There is no neutral ground. If you think there is, Satan has deceived you.
    MAKE YOUR PEACE WITH THE SAVIOR TODAY!