Ephesians 1:13-14 - And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal , the promised Holy Spirit , who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Isaiah 9:2

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.

John 12:46

"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."

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.”

Jeremiah 31:15

New International Version

This is what the Lord says:

“A voice is heard in Ramah,

mourning and great weeping,

Rachel weeping for her children

and refusing to be comforted,

because they are no more.”

Micah 5:2

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans of Judah,

out of you will come for me

one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old,

from ancient times.”

Isaiah 9:6

New International Version

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 7:14

New International Version

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

John 20:31

New International Version

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Ephesians 1:7

New Living Translation

7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

1 Peter 1:19-21

New Living Translation

18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. - Ephesians 1:4

We can rest assured in Jesus that we are chosen! God chose you to be has child before he created the world. He has chosen you to be Holy and Blameless in Jesus. Through Jesus he has justified us and made us right with Him. Doesn't it feel good to know that God chose you?

What a blessing to know the the heavenly storehouse has been opened and poured out on you and me in Christ! I hope you will take courage, comfort, peace, and hope in this passage.

SALT AND LIGHT

Matthew 5:13-16; Various

Date: Friday, July 24, 2020

Good evening and welcome to BCCC and our nightly devotional study.

We have been sharing the blessings called the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. Jesus opened his message by blessing the people who had come. It was not uncommon for teachers to do a “shout-out” to some of the important and righteous people who came to hear them speak. But Jesus blessed those who were running on empty and who had endured a lot. His blessing is a joy that springs up in our hearts when we do what is right in God’s eyes and look to him with our faith and trust.

Jesus then goes on to tell the people that they have an important part to play in the world. He tells them that they are salt and light. And of course this message is for us today as well as we have been blessed by Jesus too.

Matthew 5:13 records Jesus saying, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”

There are two important keys Jesus is saying. First, “You are salt”. Salt is used for seasoning and taste and faithful followers of Jesus bring flavor into the world. Salt is used as a preservative to prolong the life of food and faithful followers of Jesus share the abundant and eternal life of Jesus with others. Salt was used for medicinal purposes and the faithful followers of Jesus bring healing power into a sick world. Salt was used as an irritant and, believe me, as a faithful follower of Jesus, I know that there are some who find me irritating! Salt was also used to kill weeds and faithful followers of Jesus try to kill off any of the weeds that might choke out the word planted in the hearts of others.

The second key Jesus says is don’t lose your saltiness. In other words, don’t become ineffective because you stay quiet and inactive in the world. Christians must be a blessing to those around them. By living a life of godliness, the Christian is a blessing to those around them… they are Salt.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us to be a light. He said, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Again there are two important elements. First, “You are light.” Anyone who has got up in the middle of the night will tell you how important light is. It only takes stepping on a lego block or stubbing your toe to let you know you should have turned on the light.

Light is not only used for seeing your path but it also is used for protection from predators, guiding planes and boats in safely, advertisement, growing plants, vitamin D, sleep regulation, sanitation and sterilization, energy source, emotional comfort, and so much more. Without light there would be no life! And the Christian brings all that into the world as reflections of the light of Jesus Christ!

But the second element or key is that we are not to hide the light. We are to let it shine brightly and boldly into the world. So are you ready to let your light shine?

The blessings or beatitudes play into this whole thing. We are blessed to be a blessing to others. Blessings were not meant to be kept but to be shared. So let’s share the blessings we have received from Jesus and be blessings to others today. Let’s be salty salt and bright light to the world!

LET’S PRAY - Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the many blessings that you have brought to us through Jesus Christ. We thank you for giving us abundant life on earth and the hope of eternal life in fellowship with you in heaven. Help us now to be salt and light in this world. Help us to be able to share the blessings you have given to us with others. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN!

“Good night and God bless you.”

A PASSION FOR SUFFERING

Matthew 5:11; Various

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2020

Good evening and welcome to BCCC and our nightly devotional study.

Last night we talked about being persecuted for doing the right thing or righteousness. In the final blessing of the Beatitudes, Jesus takes it one step further. He says, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Mt 5:11). First, he broadens the scope of trouble all the way from simple insults to full out religious attack. Second, He takes it from just doing the right thing to saying, “because of me.” Jesus ties righteousness to believing in him as the Savior, the Son of God, the Christ.

He also goes on to clarify the blessing which is something he hasn’t done in any of the other blessings. He says in Matthew 5:12 - “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Your reward in heaven is great. In other places in the Bible it shares these rewards: crown, new name, white robe, sharing his throne, etc. All these rewards all have to do with eternal fellowship. You are the prized possession of the Lord!

So how should we face this suffering knowing that Jesus is blessing us through it? We should be glad! We should rejoice, praise God, and sing. It reminds me of when the Apostles were beaten and told by the Sanhedrin not to teach about Jesus anymore. Acts 5:41 says, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”

It reminds me of Paul and Silas who had been beaten, thrown into prison, and shackled. They proclaimed praises to God and were singing… yes, singing! I often wonder what I would have done in their case… probably crying quietly in a corner. But they were rejoining in this account in Acts 16:16-40 and because of their faith, the jailer, his family, and others became believers in Jesus Christ. What a blessing!

Peter wrote about suffering from the perspective of a man who was changed by Jesus and being persecuted for following him. He wrote, “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God” (1 Pe 4:1-2). The Greek word interpreted as suffering is πάσχω - paschó (pas’-kho) from which we get our word “passion”. It is a painful experience that often leads to great passion - an ethusiasm driven by love for Jesus.

Peter also reminds us that we are not alone in our suffering. In 1 Peter 5:8-9 he writes: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

There are at least two applications for us in verse 9 alone. The first application is that we can find encouragement and strength in this “fellowship of suffering.” Since we are not alone we don’t need to run off to a cave and have a pity party because we think we are the only ones being faithful and facing persecution for it. We can rise to the occasion, dust ourselves off, praise God, and get back to work.

The second application is that we should be praying hard for others. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:3-5, “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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. I often find that when I am praying for other people who are suffering it takes my mind off of my own suffering. Sometimes my suffering seems so small compared to what other people are dealing with…. as the old saying goes, “I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet” (Helen Keller).

LET’S PRAY - Dear Father of mercies, We praise you for you are the God of all comfort. We look forward to the day when we are in heaven above and you will wipe every tear from our eyes. We ask for you to strengthen us now. Be with those of our brothers and sisters who are persecuted and suffer for your name. Give us the strength to be faithful to the end. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN!

“Good night and God bless you.”

Matthew 5:10; Various

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Good evening and welcome to BCCC and our nightly devotional study.

None of us like to go through trials or tribulation especially where our faith is tested. We don’t really like problems of any kind. It’s one thing to go through trouble because you did something wrong or you made a mistake but it is another thing completely when we are unjustly persecuted for doing the right thing. When we stand up for what is right and get knocked down we wonder if it is worth it. We maybe tempted the next time to let it ride. We may begin to ignore injustice all together.

The eighth blessing is a little justice for those who stand up for what is right. This Beatitude is found in Matthew 5:10, where Jesus says, Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This is talking about people who are persecuted for doing the right thing.

There are those who stand up for what is social right like Erin Brockovich or Malala Yousafzai. It is always good to have people who stand up for the right thing. But this verse is not talking about them necessarily. It’s talking about people who are doing the right thing in God’s eyes, not in the world’s eyes. You see, society is constantly changing it’s mind about what is right and wrong. But God’s idea of what is right and wrong is eternal. It never changes. It is the same no matter what is the time or the date, no matter what people group is involved, no matter where on the globe or beyond, and no matter what the trend of social thought might be at the time. God’s idea of righteousness is absolute, never wavering, and good forever.

The word interpreted as persecution in our Bible comes from the Greek word διώκω- diókó (dee-o’-ko). It literally is a hunting term meaning that someone is actively pursuing you with an earnest intent and desire to do you bodily harm or kill you. In other words most of our small and petty problems with others don’t really qualify as persecution.

A few years ago, I read the book called Jesus Freaks. It was a powerful book that shared numerous testimonies of people who paid dearly for their faith in Jesus Christ. Many died for their faith. I was floored by it because I believe that most of us in America have never had to face persecution for doing what is right. Most of us have never feared losing our life our being bodily injured for our faith in Jesus.

In some ways I praise Jesus for this. But in other ways I can see the problems of fat and lazy Christians that have allowed compromise into the church and set up a religion that depends on human efforts and strength rather than depending on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. I find that this leads to churches that focus on entertainment and motivational speaking rather than on true discipleship that comes from living in the Spirit and in the Word. It’s ironic that churches that are persecuted are growing in spite of the danger while churches in America are struggling and dying.

Jesus gives encouragement for those who are putting themselves on the line for their faith. He tells them that theirs is the kingdom of heaven. In other words, they will achieve that divine fellowship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in heaven. They will finally get the justice that they deserve.

I see this beautiful picture in the book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ. When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been (Re 6:9-11). The Lord rewards those who are persecuted to death for their faith with a white robe. They are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This is the same righteousness they stood for when they were on the earth. Now isn’t that something to hang your hat on! Let’s pray.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Dear Sovereign Lord, You are holy and true. You are the judge. So Father, help us to stand firm in your word and in your way. Help us to stand firm in times of trouble. Help us to always be faithful even unto death. Thank you for the righteousness of Jesus who gave his life as an atonement for our sins. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN!

“Good night and God bless you.”

Making Peace

Matthew 5:9; Various

Date: Friday, July 17, 2020

Good evening and welcome to BCCC and our nightly devotional study.

When I look in the world today, more than ever, I know that we need peace. It’s bad enough that there are wars going on but add to that covert actions, terrorism, political and civic unrest and you have a real mess. Throw in gang wars, cartel assaults, riots, and violent protest and you’ve got a world that is tearing itself apart by the seams.

The seventh blessing addresses this. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Jesus pronounced this and the other blessings on the crowd who assembled to hear him speak during the Sermon on the Mount. These blessings or “Beatitudes” bring a spiritual joy from God into our hearts and floods them with His joy and love that should overflow to others. This joy is not dependent on circumstances or happenings but it flows from deep down in our hearts.

Jesus came to bring peace. Our very sin and impurity keeps us from having a relationship with God. Our rebellion and stubborn hearts have declared war on God. Jesus is the peacemaker who came to pay the ransom for sins. He signed the ultimate peace treaty between God and man with his blood that he shed for us on Calvary. He finalized this peace treaty with a triumphant entry, his return from the grave.

The angels proclaimed this peace treaty in great splendor as they filled the skies on the day Jesus was born. They sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:14).

Jesus came to bring peace between men and God. But this message also brought unrest in families, in the synagogues and temple, in the political courts across the land. This is because there are always those who reject this message and try to destroy those who proclaim it. Ultimate peace and rest on the earth won’t come until the end… in the kingdom of heaven.

But the peace that Jesus brings also has a way of calming our hearts and minds (Ph 4:7). When you know you have peace with God other things don’t seem to bother you as much. There just a dot in the scheme of all eternity… not worth the worry. Jesus said, “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” and “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn 14:27; 16:33).

But in this blessing Jesus takes that a bit further. Because we have received peace with God through Jesus Christ, He wants us to take that peace to others too. Jesus wants us to declare the good news of peace to others throughout the earth.

In the ancient days, the good news of peace was delivered by runner who would have to carry the message over all kinds of terrain to bring the message. The apostle Paul shares this allusion when he states, “As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” in Romans 10. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. The peace treaty is for everyone who will accept it.

But beside sharing the good news of peace with others we are supposed to do everything within our power to live at peace with others without compromising our faith. (Ro 12:18; 1 Co 7:15; 2 Co 13:11; 1 Tm 2:2; He 12:14).

Sometimes that means getting between to people who are waging war against each other and helping them to reconcile. In this world of conflict, you are Christ Ambassador, helping others to live in peace too.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Dear God of peace, Our world is in chaos and turmoil. People just can’t seem to get along. Help us to be your ambassadors of peace bringing the good news message of Jesus Christ to others. Help us to live at peace with those around us. Thank you for the peace that we have found in Jesus. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN!

“Good night and God bless you.”

Relatively Pure?

Matthew 5:8; Various

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2020

Good evening and welcome to BCCC and our nightly devotional study.

The blessings from the Sermon on the Mount or “Beatitudes” are blessings that Jesus pronounced on the crowd who assembled to hear him speak. Can you image what a blessing from the Christ would be like? I don’t know that I feel worthy… and I’m not. I should be asking God to bless Jesus. But Jesus asked for God to show his favor on us. These blessing bring a spiritual joy that comes from God into our hearts and floods them with His joy and love that should overflow to others

Tonight we are on our sixth blessing. Matthew 5:8 says, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. I would like to see God. I would like to have a fellowship with him like Adam and Eve had when they walked with God in the garden of Eden. Walking together is a very intimate way to get to know each other. As we walk we share our thoughts on life and can get personal with each other. I like that idea.

But in this passage, Jesus is concerned with the condition of my heart. And that is a condition we see throughout the Bible. In 1 Samuel 16:7 we see that God accepts David and rejects Eliab because of the condition of the heart. Constantly God refers to the Israelites as having a hard and rebellious heart. In Ezekiel 36:26, God goes as far as wanting to give them a heart transplant. He said, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

And let’s face it. He would have too. God doesn’t want a heart that is preocuppied with other matters and priorities. He wants a heart that is pure for him. And what’s that about anyway? On my best day I struggle to keep my heart in line… let alone pure.

In today culture we often think of purity in percentages. Ivory soap used to claim to be 99.44% pure soap. And do you know what I think about when I hear that? What’s the other .56% that is unpure soap? You can buy hamburger that is 70% pure lean beef. But I don’t even want to think of the other 30% unpure… fat, connective tissue, and whatever else they throw in the grinder… gross.

Jesus wants people who are pure of heart. The aim of Jesus Christ is not to reform the manners of society, but to change the hearts of sinners like you and me. In the Sermon on the Mount he says things like “You have heard it said… but I say.” The problem is that you and I see a sign that says “Don’t go over this line” so we go up as close to the line as we can get without going over… some might even dip a toe or two over the line. But Jesus says, “Don’t even get close to the line… stay over here.”

The heart is what you are, in the secrecy of your thought and feeling, when nobody knows but God. And what you are at the invisible root matters as much to God as what your are at the visible branch. So the heart is utterly crucial to Jesus. What we are in the deep, private recesses of our lives is what he cares about most. Jesus did not come into the world simply because we have some bad habits that need to be broken. He came into the world because we have such dirty hearts that need to be purified.

So how can we, the imperfection, gaze on the face of perfection. We do so through the grace of Jesus. Jesus is the face of God. He calls us to purify our hearts through him. We give him our impure, dirty heart and he gives us a new one of flesh and spirit. Our heads hang low in shame but when he puts a new heart in us he grabs our chin and pulls it up… “look at me.”

In John 14:7 Jesus told the disciples that they know the Father and have seen him. Philip said, “Show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” But Jesus replied, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

Do you want to see the Father? Do you want to have fellowship with Him? Do you want to walk and talk with God… be with him in his heavenly realm? Look to Jesus. Let him give you a new heart…a pure heart.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Dear God Almighty, You are pure and holy and I am a sinful. I my best day I am not good enough. Thank you for helping me see you through your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the purity that comes in knowing him. In Jesus name. AMEN!

“Good night and God bless you.”